Geode Nail Art Is All Over Instagram, and It’s So Easy to DIY

Before you default to your usual French tips or classic red polish for your next manicure, there’s a new nail-art trend you should know about: geode nails. A sophisticated evolution from the marble-effect nail-art trend that has dominated the past few years, geode nails incorporate artistic patterns and a hint of gold for a stunning finish. The best bit? They couldn’t be easier to re-create at home. 

Much like crystals, geodes are natural rock formations that are believed to hold different energies able to assist with balancing moods and calming stress, as well as providing a focus for meditation. While geode nail art isn’t quite the real deal, we like to think they can embody some of their natural healing powers nonetheless.

Taking inspiration from semiprecious stones such as amethyst and rose quartz, geode nail art replicates the banding and coloration found in the natural rock formation by using different shades from the same color palette painted in squiggly, smokelike lines. To finish, a light trace of gold or metallic details along the main bands elevates the look and gives it that classic geode finish. 

All you need to create the look at home is a fine-tipped brush and a couple of nail polish colors. Paint your base layer as normal and, while it’s still wet, draw squiggly lines on top, using a different color. Blend out some of the lines so they are not so fine, or swirl and mix the two polishes together until your get the look you want. Let nails dry and clean your brush before adding in the gold accents to keep them crisp.

For full coverage of your chosen geode color, like nail artist and creator Isabel May did, use your brush to keep swirling and blending the polish into your base coat, making sure to cover the entire nail bed rather than one section.

Once you’ve nailed the basics of the application, the possibilities are endless. We love minimal nails with dainty gold-outlined geode windows like nail artist Mikki Gulley created, as well as the way Instagram nail artist Boheme Beauty paired geode windows with a gold reverse French manicure. 

For those who are feeling confident, you could also try geode tips à la nail artist Nia Ho, who chose a luxurious amber hue against a soft, milky nude base coat. 

Or you could try Nia’s negative-space look, where she painted geode-like rings onto otherwise naked nails in alternate shades of green and gold—stunning!  

For more nail art inspiration, check out these cute Valentine’s Day designs, as well as the tip-and-mix nail trend that’s taking over Instagram.