40 Cool Acrylic Nail Ideas No Matter the Season or Occasion

From minimalist negative space manis to statement appliqués.

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updated Dec 12, 2019

In a world where gel manicures seem to reign supreme, you may have forgotten about their equally, if not more so, long-lasting cousin, acrylics. Acrylic manicures are renowned for their rock-solid durability and extra length, both of which allow for some pretty eye-catching nail art.

Not sure what you'd want besides a solid coat of color? Allow us to lend you a hand. Ahead you'll find 40 cool acrylic nail ideas that are sure to turn heads no matter the season or occasion. We have a funny feeling you'll find more than a few you'll want to keep tabs on for your bi-weekly manicures in the weeks and months to come.

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Cow Print

If you've yet to try your hand (er, fingers) at the cow print nail art trend, now's your chance. Lucky for you, when working with acrylics your manicurist will be able to create even more dots and spots to make a can't-miss style statement.

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Sunset Acrylic Nails

The multi-hued ombré manicure has been incredibly popular this year and it's shown no sign of slowing down. To get in on the look while it's still topping the nail art charts, consider this acrylic sunset manicure as your inspiration.

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Rose Quartz Acrylic Nails

Prefer slightly shorter, more neutral nails? These almond-shaped rose quartz nails will give you all the good vibes.

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Confetti Tip Acrylic Nails

If you love the classic nature of a French manicure but crave the bold allure of a modern nail art lewk, look no further than this confetti concoction. With clear nail beds and bedazzled tips, you'll be able to mask grow-out for weeks on end.

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Marbled Acrylic Nails

Sometimes things really are as simple as black and white. Case in point: these gorgeous black and white marble nails.

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Barbie Pink Acrylic Nails

If you're a Barbie girl in a Barbie world, you likely already have your manicurist on speed dial over these swoon-worthy clear pink glitter nails. The acrylic design creates a see-through allure that simply can't be overlooked.

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Tennis Ball Yellow Acrylic Nails

Another must of the moment? All things neon. Here, the owner of these fresh acrylics keeps it classic with tennis ball yellow tips. And, hi, we're in love.

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Matte Mismatch Acrylic Nails

Glossy nails are the norm, so when we see a stunning matte set, we stan. As is the case with these autumnal acrylics that have a way of fitting for winter, spring, and summer as well.

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Rainbow Drip Nails

The drip is real. We love this modern take on your classic French with rainbow color and paint drip detail.

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Pink Ombré Acrylic Nails

ICYMI, pink ombré nails are the modern take on French manicures. If you want to test out the look, bring this acrylic beauty as inspo.

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Butterfly Acrylic Nails

Butterflies remind us of all things bella—Bella Hadid and a beautiful life, that is. If you're about the fluttery, flirty look, consider copying this set by celebrity manicurist Chaun P. Legend.

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Cherry Acrylic Tips

All-American and avant-garde, these clear acrylic nails are quite literally the cherry on top of a perfect mani. If you don't love the summery delight, consider swapping them for berries, coconuts, or your favorite citrus fruit.

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Short Acrylic Nails

Metallic, glossy, and fading from one color to another—what more could you want? Perhaps more space to show off the transition? Luckily, new, longer lengths are possible with acrylics.

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Hot and Cold Acrylic Nails

There are mismatched rainbow nails and then there are these game-changing hot and cold acrylics. With a hand of cool blues and greens and another of hot pinks and reds, we can't help but have all the feels.

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Jelly Acrylic Nails

While these acrylics are longer than long, the idea remains the same: You simply can't go wrong with the jelly nail art trend. Whether you wear it in a coffin, square, almond, or squoval shape, you're sure to fall in love with the unique nail look.

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Short Ombré Acrylic Nails

Prefer conservatively short nails? We don't blame you. They certainly make it easier to button pants and text. But, even if you love shorter lengths, adding an acrylic layer can help make nails sturdier for a clean-cut mani that lasts.

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Sage Acrylic Nails

You sage your apartment, so why not sage your nails? These pale green matte acrylics make our crystal-loving hearts skip a beat.

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Boss Lady Acrylic Nails

Mantras and the way you speak to yourself make a big difference. Remind yourself of your greatness with these bossy acrylics from Legend.

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Neutral Shimmer Acrylic Nails

A pale pink ombré manicure topped off with sheer shimmer? Um, yes, please.

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Pearlescent Acrylic Nails

Whether it's your wedding day or you simply love the look of glistening metallic white nails, this pearl manicure deserves a spot in your line-up. It looks gorgeous at any length while being understated yet chatter-worthy.

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Bright Blue Acrylic Nails

I'm blue da ba dee da ba daa. And you will be too if you opt for this cool matte mani.

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Metallic Acrylic Nails

Maybe it's just us, but these metallic almond-shaped nails remind us of all things Sailor Moon. You too? You know what to do.

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Ruby Red Acrylic Nails

Like a bold red lip, these bright red acrylics never go out of style. And since they're short and sweet, you don't have to worry about whether they're work-appropriate on a more conservative job.

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Neon Louis Vuitton Acrylic Nails

We love a designer moment as much as the next person. Mix a classic brand with modern neon and you have yourself a match made in nail heaven.

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Neutral Mismatch Acrylic Nails

Here's another example of how the mismatched nail trend doesn't have to be bold to be note-worthy. With a neutral color palette and minimalist decorations, this manicure is simple and eloquent.

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Wavy Acrylic Nails

Two words: groovy, baby. Especially since these negative space acrylic nails ensure that grow-out will go unnoticed.

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Bandana Acrylic Nails

Nothing's quite as American as a simple red-and-white bandana. So whether you're going to a country concert, love your nation, or simply can't get enough of the print, this detailed acrylic mani is for you.

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Pink Tip Acrylic Nails

Pink tips? Check. Holographic confetti? Check. Need we say more?

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Holographic Butterfly Acrylic Nails

These acrylic ballerina nails might look low-key and neutral but upon closer inspection, you'll notice a swarm of holographic butterflies on the accent fingers. The fluttery details fly under the radar until just the right light hits.

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Oxblood Acrylic Nails

Glittery oxblood makes our autumn-loving hearts all warm and fuzzy. Luckily for us, the rich hue can be worn all year long.

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Black and White Flame Acrylic Nails

One design, two colors. We like the way the artist of this minimalist mani thinks, and we think you will too.

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Pink Starburst Acrylic Nails

Pretty in pink (hot, pastel, neon—you name it). Just consider this another take on the beloved Barbie nail look.

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Bedazzled Acrylic Nails

Neutral nails are pretty and all, but when you add a few gemstones to the mix, you're left with a gorgeous manicure that's that much more stunning. Wouldn't you agree?

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Gold Foil Acrylic Nails

Black and white marble acrylics are made royal with tiny flecks of gold. Meanwhile, we're dreaming about all the ways we can incorporate this must-try nail look into our #OOTDs.

When recreating this look on your own, opt for gold flake appliqués (which stick to your nail polish and are set with top coat) instead of trying to hand-paint the details on your own.

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Ballerina Pink Acrylic Nails

Pink, pointed, and slim—a simple everyday acrylic slay that deserves all the recognition. Just be sure to file your edges to keep your lengths intact.

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Glossy and Matte Acrylic Nails

Can't choose between a glossy or matte finish? You don't have to. With this mani inspo, you can see how stunning pairing the two can be.

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Faux Stiletto Acrylic Nails

If you love the look of stiletto nails but just know you'd snap your tips in an instant, opt for this faux-pointed look. Made with acrylic, this nail look will give the appeal of a sharp point without the risk of breaking your nails moments after getting them done.

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Neon Stiletto Acrylic Nails

Why stop at one type of nail art when you can play with three? Here, we have matte polish paired with delicate designs and glimmering jewels for a nail look fit for a queen (of style, that is).

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Neon Acrylic Nails

Nude and neon seem to go hand-in-hand given the way they balance each other out. Cop this look or pick your own bright hues for a stylish swap you can't go wrong with.

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Glow-in-the-Dark Acrylic Nails

And, if you really want to make a statement, consider getting not only acrylics but acrylics that glow in the dark. And, while you're at it, emblazon them with a note to self as Legend did here.

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