These Rhinestone Nail Designs Are Made for the Mani Minimalist

Search for “rhinestone nail art ideas” on Pinterest and you might find yourself overwhelmed by a ton of maximalist options (seriously, if you don't believe us, give it a shot). These bejeweled looks are certainly awe-worthy, but if you’re a mani minimalist at heart, you may be looking for more subtle rhinestone inspiration. Think a sheer coat of polish (or not, if you choose to skip it altogether) and your favorite rhinestone nail adhesives.

If less is more to you when it comes to glitzy manis, you’ve come to the right place. Ahead, a breakdown on everything you’ll need to DIY the trend, plus nail art ideas to inspire your own look.

What Do You Need for a Rhinestone Nail Art Look?

To get the minimalist nail yook, you’ll need either a neutral nail polish or a clear coat of polish like Essie Treat Love & Color Polish in Clear. If you’d rather opt for a natural, polish-free nail look, we support that, too. From there, simply pick up your favorite nail rhinestones and get creative with your application. If you purchase nail rhinestones that have an adhesive back, like the Olive & June Diamond Sparkle Nail Art Gems, you don’t need to worry about nail glue. If you prefer to work with gems that require nail glue, consider the KISS Nail Art Rhinestones.

Click through to see some of our favorite rhinestone nail looks, and be warned that you’re going to want to recreate one immediately.

Chic and Oh So Easy

To get the look, simply shape your nails and then apply your nail rhinestones. Adhere the rhinestones to your nails with nail glue, or just press them on if they have an adhesive back, and then take all of the photos.