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 @oliveandjune+BYRDIE
Let's be very clear: We love nail art as much as the next person, but we're firm believers that, as pretty as fully outfitted nails can be, you don't always need five done-up designs to make a statement. In fact, sometimes all it takes is one or two accent nails to create a picture-perfect manicure.
Don't believe us? We scoured Instagram for the best accent nails the web has to offer. Ahead, you'll discover dozens of designs that will make you rethink a five-finger nail look. Here's to small details making a big impact.
Twin Heart Accents
We love this double-accent nail situation. Best of all, the matte mani is easy to recreate. Simply paint your nails with sheer nude polish, paint two small black hearts on side-by-side nails, and finish with a matte topcoat.
Black and White
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Accent nails don't have to match on each hand. Instead, choose a color scheme and get creative with your single-nail design.
Daisy Accents
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How pretty are these floral accent nails? If you're swooning over these blooms, you'll be glad to know you can copy them with Olive & June's Loveliest Day Nail Stickers ($8)—just keep in mind that they often sell out, but thankfully, they're regularly restocked.
DIY Daisy
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Can't wait for a restock of the nail stickers? Follow in Olive & June founder Sarah Gibson Tuttle's footsteps and paint DIY yellow-and-white daisies using a toothpick or striping brush.
Butterfly Accents
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While this manicure is a bit of a mash-up, it features a single accent nail with two sparkly butterflies that really bring the look together.
Star Accent
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A colorful French manicure topped off with a single star? We're here for it.
Dotted Florals
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Creating a head-turning nail look is sometimes as simple as getting creative with dots. Case in point: These pale-pink beauties.
Butterfly Flutter
This slim French mani looks picture-perfect with a large butterfly on each middle finger.
Check Ya Later
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This neon nail look really pops thanks to two accent nails in the middle. To recreate the look, use striping tape to quadrant off your nails.
Simple Stripes
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Here's a patriotic manicure that manages to make a statement while being minimalist and easy to recreate.
Bright Stripes
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Nude nails fare especially well with statement designs. Here, the pointer and middle finger don a colorful, '60s-esque design.
Minimalist Tiger Stripes
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If you consider yourself a cool cat, you may want to show your stripes with this minimalist statement design.
Patriotic Nails
Here's another patriotic manicure idea—this time with stars instead of stripes.
Holographic Glitter
Instead of painting all your nails one color, consider switching things up with a pop of holo glitter.
Water Marble Accent
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If you're a fan of both monochrome nail looks and water marble designs, you'll love this nail art idea. Try bringing it to life yourself with our water marble tutorial.
Leopard Accent
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If you look closely, you'll notice that this leopard accent nail features all the colors from the other nails.
Watercolor Accents
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How dreamy are these accent nails? They remind us of ice-dyed tie-dye.
Metal Moment
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Craving a fierce nail look? These color-changing chrome accent nails will do the trick.
Cartoon Accents
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The bright contrast between these accent nails and white nails makes the cartoon design even more eye-catching.
Starry Accents
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These starry nails incorporate the other colors of the manicure for a fully cohesive, but totally bold end look.
Neon Negatives
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Negative-space nail art will never go out of style. Consider this our most recent obsession within the trend.
Colorful Accents
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Bright pastels offer head-turning contrast against the shiny black base of this manicure.
3D Accent
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As much as we dig this 3D nail art, there's no denying that it will require a pro's hand to recreate. Still, it's worthy to add to your list of ideas for next time you head to the nail salon.