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The first Monday in May usually gets all the attention online—especially when it comes to anything fashion- and beauty-related. And no matter your opinion on this year’s festivities, there’s no denying that the
Met Gala
always serves some of the best beauty inspo out there. Tyla’s
embellished feather nails
, Naomi Osaka’s
red claw look
, and Emma Chamberlain’s
watercolor masterpiece
—the manicure game was top-tier this year.
But to give everyone some reprieve from Met coverage, I decided to challenge myself to find nail looks outside the storied front steps of the Metropolitan Museum. It wasn't too hard to do (thank the beauty gods), and some of these looks might be the most fun yet. I’ve found the coolest silver and
chrome decals
that every cool girl I know will be rocking this summer. There are plenty of fresh and bright colors that I want for all my
summer nail looks
. There’s even more water droplet nails to confirm my suspicions that we’ve got the new It mani on the horizon. Inspiration, as it turns out, really is everywhere if you look hard enough.
Below are 10 of the best nail looks of the week—non-Met Gala edition.
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Labradorite Metallics
Labradorite Metallics
A photo posted by on
Inspired by her labradorite beetle ring, nail artist
Ivana Ljoljic
created this mesmerizing mix of metallics that shimmers in all the right places. Ljolic uses gold, blue, and
green metal shades
as a base and dresses it up with abstract black lines to elevate the entire mani.
Chanel
Le Vernis - 157 Phénix
Spotted Fashion
Spotted Fashion
A photo posted by on
Nail artist
Stacey Carter
tells
Marie Claire
that the inspiration for this chic
spotted nail
is just trying to make something chicer. “[It] was the
polka dot trend
, but make it fashion forward and artsy,” Carter says. She draws on multi-size black dots on a bare base and added butter yellow along the edges to frame the look.
Glossify
Golden Girl
Liquid Metal
Liquid Metal
A photo posted by on
These nails are just so cool. Created by
Vanity Projects
nail artist
Tomoya
, these raised metal decals look so fluid and abstract, it makes for the perfect liquid metal manicure. Set against a cool-toned turquoise base, the metal detail really pops.
Aprés
Monstera Ball
Silver-Plated
Silver-Plated
A photo posted by on
I’ve come across the coolest
chrome nails
on my feed this week. A mix of pretty silver decals (butterflies, bows, sea shells, and more), this mani created by nail artist
Lola Rudelou
is a modern chrome look that’s a real bold statement.
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OPI
Chrome Clawz
Summer Watermelon
Summer Watermelon
A photo posted by on
I love a beaded moment and nail artist
San Sung Kim
is currently the queen of the beaded mani. This
watermelon
look is so intricate and visually stunning, but also makes for the perfect
summer nail design
.
NAISKA
Naiska Nail Art Rhinestones Set Colorful
Funky Details
Funky Details
A photo posted by on
Nail artist
Annie
mixes creamy muted blues, greens, and purples with cool silver decals for funky mismatched mani that’s really intriguing and stylish.
Atelier Novel
Atelier Novel - Metallic Molding
Droplet French
Droplette French
A photo posted by on
I’ve become a really big fan of droplet nails as of late, and adding this look to my 3D nail design mood board. Celebrity nail artist
Queenie Nguyen
dresses up
brightly-colored French tips
with dots and fun water drop decals to freshen up a classic design.
Manucurist
Ultramarine
Summer Mix
Summer Mix
A photo posted by on
I love a good mix match nail, and this look from nail artist
Chi
at
NDAO Shoreditch
salon is my new go-to this summer. Abstract curves, swirls, and designs with shades of purple,
blues
, yellow, and reds, for something super fun and energetic.
Dazzle Dry
Gratitude
Groovy Drops
Groovy Drops
A photo posted by on
Another win for droplet nails, content creator
Alanna Doherty
sports these adorable multi-colored French nails with a singular water droplet detail. Created by nail artist
Bethany Walker
, these nails are a delightful burst of color that I’ve been desperately seeking to infuse into my normally basic palette.
Chanel
Le Vernis - 135 Immortelle
Spiky Details
Spiky Details
A photo posted by on
For a real avant-garde bold nail, turn

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Source: https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/nails/best-nail-looks-of-the-week-may-4-2026/