Listen up – if you’re still doing basic solid colors, we need to have a serious chat. Black and blue nail combos are literally everywhere right now, and damn, do they serve looks that scream “I have my life together even when I absolutely don’t.”
We’ve all been there – staring at our crusty, chipped nails thinking we need something that’s edgy enough for our night out but sophisticated enough for that work presentation (because adulting is hard, and our nails shouldn’t be).
Well, honey, black and blue is about to become your new obsession.
This color combo hits different – it’s moody, mysterious, and gives off that perfect “don’t mess with me but also please notice how gorgeous my hands are” energy.
I’m about to drop 21 black and blue nail ideas that are so stunning, your friends will literally be sliding into your DMs asking for your nail tech’s info.
From subtle gradients that whisper elegance to bold designs that absolutely shout main character energy, these looks are about to have you booking your next appointment before you even finish reading this post.
Trust me on this one – your cuticles are about to thank me later.
21 BLACK AND BLUE NAIL IDEAS
1. Midnight Ocean Ombré (That Looks Like You Dipped Your Nails in Liquid Starlight)
Picture this: Hands gracefully positioned against a velvet midnight blue backdrop, fingers delicately spread to showcase the seamless gradient from deep ocean blue at the cuticles melting into rich black at the tips. The lighting catches the subtle shimmer embedded in the polish, creating an almost ethereal glow that makes each nail look like a tiny piece of the night sky captured in lacquer.
Y’all, I literally gasped when I first saw this trend blow up on my TikTok FYP. This ombré situation is giving me all the mysterious siren vibes, and honestly? It’s perfect for anyone who wants to look effortlessly cool without trying too hard. Celebrities like Billie Eilish and Dua Lipa have been spotted rocking similar gradients, and it’s the kind of manicure that slays whether you’re at a rooftop party or just grabbing coffee (because we serve looks 24/7, periodt).
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: Start with that “Depths of My Soul” navy blue and blend into “Midnight Mischief” black
- Application technique: Use a makeup sponge for the gradient – dampen it slightly and dab, don’t drag (your cuticles will thank me)
- Complementary pairing: Silver jewelry absolutely pops against this combo, especially chunky rings
- Difficulty level: Medium vibes, but honestly? Looks way harder than it actually is – you’ve got this, queen
📸 Picture This: Walking into your ex’s birthday party with these nails and watching everyone’s jaws drop to the floor.
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2. Celestial Swirl (That Screams “I’m Basically a Witch But Make It Fashion”)
Imagine fingers posed against a dark marble surface, each nail featuring hypnotic swirls of deep blue and black that seem to dance together like smoke in the moonlight. The design flows organically across each nail, creating a mesmerizing pattern that looks different from every angle, with tiny silver flecks scattered throughout like distant stars.
This design is for my mystical girlies who want their nails to look like they were painted by the universe itself. I’m talking about those witchy, ethereal vibes that make people think you definitely know something they don’t (spoiler alert: you do, and it’s how to have bomb nails). This is perfect for anyone with that mysterious energy – think Stevie Nicks meets modern goth goddess.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: Mix “Cosmic Storm” blue with “Shadow Realm” black for that perfect swirl
- Application technique: Use a thin brush or toothpick while polish is still wet – embrace the chaos, it’s meant to look organic
- Complementary pairing: Layer on those mystical rings and let your hands tell a story
- Difficulty level: Easy AF once you stop trying to make it perfect (imperfection is the whole vibe here)
📸 Picture This: Scrolling through your phone at 2 AM and catching your reflection – even your late-night doom-scrolling looks aesthetic.
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3. Geometric Lightning (That Says “I Have Taste AND I’m Not Afraid to Show It”)
Hands positioned against a sleek black acrylic backdrop, showcasing sharp, angular lines that zigzag across each nail like modern art lightning bolts. The precision of the electric blue lines against the matte black base creates a striking contrast that’s both edgy and sophisticated, catching the light with every gesture.
Okay, can we talk about how this geometric situation is literally giving me life? This is for my perfectionist queens who love clean lines and sharp angles – it’s architectural, it’s modern, and it’s giving “I definitely have my Pinterest boards organized by color scheme.” This design absolutely slays in corporate settings but also hits different at art gallery openings.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: Matte “Void” black base with electric “Neon Storm” blue for those lightning strikes
- Application technique: Striping tape is your best friend here – measure twice, paint once (trust the process)
- Complementary pairing: Minimalist silver jewelry or go bold with geometric statement pieces
- Difficulty level: Requires patience but the payoff is chef’s kiss – meditation through nail art
📸 Picture This: Taking notes in that boring meeting and everyone’s eyes are on your hands instead of the presentation.
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4. Velvet Night Marble (That’s Basically Luxury in Nail Form)
Delicate fingers rest against plush navy velvet fabric, each nail displaying intricate marble patterns where inky black veins wind through deep sapphire blue like precious stone. The finish has a subtle matte quality that makes the design look incredibly expensive and tactile, as if each nail were carved from actual marble.
This marble moment is for those of us who want our nails to look like they cost more than our rent (even though we definitely DIY’d them at 11 PM on a Sunday). It’s giving expensive taste on a budget, and honestly? The luxury vibes are immaculate. This is perfect for anyone who wants to feel bougie while eating ramen – we contain multitudes, okay?
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: “Royal Depths” blue swirled with “Obsidian Dreams” black
- Application technique: Use plastic wrap or a feather to create natural-looking veining patterns
- Complementary pairing: Gold jewelry creates that perfect rich contrast against the cool tones
- Difficulty level: Easier than it looks – nature is chaotic, so embrace the randomness
📸 Picture This: Holding your morning coffee and feeling like you’re living in a luxury hotel lobby instead of your tiny apartment.
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5. Galaxy Gradient (That Makes You Look Like You Literally Have the Universe at Your Fingertips)
Hands gracefully positioned against a star-filled night sky backdrop, fingers spread to reveal nails that shimmer with cosmic depth. Each nail displays a breathtaking gradient from deep space black to brilliant nebula blue, with holographic glitter scattered throughout that catches the light like distant galaxies.
Y’all, this galaxy moment is sending me straight to outer space – in the best way possible. This is for my dreamers, my space nerds, my “I definitely believe in aliens” girlies who want their nails to reflect the infinite possibilities of the universe. It’s mystical, it’s dreamy, and it photographs like absolute magic under any lighting.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: Layer “Black Hole” with “Nebula Blue” and finish with holographic topcoat
- Application technique: Sponge technique for the gradient, then add fine glitter while slightly tacky
- Complementary pairing: Celestial jewelry – moons, stars, the whole cosmic collection
- Difficulty level: Moderate, but the wow factor makes every second worth it
📸 Picture This: Reaching for your phone to take a selfie and realizing your nails look better than any filter.
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6. Storm Cloud French Tips (That Turn the Classic French Mani on Its Head)
Elegant hands positioned against a stormy sky photograph, showcasing a modern twist on French tips where traditional white is replaced with dramatic storm cloud patterns. The tips fade from deep blue to black with wispy, cloud-like textures that seem to move across each nail.
This is what happens when the classic French tip gets a goth makeover, and honestly? I’m here for this entire mood. It’s sophisticated enough for your corporate job but edgy enough for weekend adventures. This design is perfect for anyone who’s tired of basic French tips but still wants that elegant nail shape – evolution, baby!
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: “Clear Sky” base with “Tempest” blue-black tips
- Application technique: Use a small sponge to dab on cloudy texture at the tips
- Complementary pairing: Classic pieces with a twist – think pearl earrings with your leather jacket
- Difficulty level: French tip skills required, but the cloudy texture hides small imperfections
📸 Picture This: Typing an important email and feeling like the main character in your own professional drama series.
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7. Abstract Paint Strokes (That Look Like Modern Art You’d Actually Hang in Your Apartment)
Hands positioned above an artist’s palette scattered with brushes and paint tubes, each nail featuring bold, confident brush strokes in various shades of blue and black. The strokes appear spontaneous yet purposeful, creating an artistic composition across all ten nails that tells a cohesive visual story.
This abstract moment is giving me all the artsy, creative energy I never knew I needed on my nails. It’s perfect for my creative souls, my art gallery hoppers, my “I definitely have strong opinions about which coffee shop has the best aesthetic” friends. This design screams creative confidence and artistic flair.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: Multiple blues from “Cerulean Dreams” to “Midnight Canvas” with “Artist’s Black”
- Application technique: Use actual nail art brushes – embrace the imperfect, artistic strokes
- Complementary pairing: Artistic accessories – geometric earrings, sculptural rings
- Difficulty level: Low pressure, high reward – there’s literally no wrong way to do this
📸 Picture This: Gesturing while telling a story at brunch and everyone’s mesmerized by your hand movements.
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8. Checkerboard Chic (That’s Giving 90s Revival But Make It Elegant)
Fingers positioned against a chess board, showcasing perfectly aligned checkerboard patterns across each nail in sophisticated black and navy blue squares. The precision of the pattern creates a hypnotic optical illusion that’s both retro and timelessly chic.
Okay, but can we discuss how this checkerboard situation is serving major vintage vibes with a modern twist? This is for my pattern-loving queens who aren’t afraid of a little visual drama. It’s giving chess master meets fashion icon, and honestly? The precision required makes you feel like a nail art genius.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: Classic “Chess Master” black with “Royal Game” navy blue
- Application technique: Striping tape in both directions – patience is key, but so worth it
- Complementary pairing: Structured accessories – think clean-lined jewelry and tailored pieces
- Difficulty level: Time-consuming but straightforward – perfect Netflix binge project
📸 Picture This: Playing chess in a coffee shop and your opponent is too distracted by your nails to focus on the game.
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9. Watercolor Dreams (That Look Like You Dipped Your Nails in Liquid Poetry)
Delicate hands rest against watercolor paper scattered with paint brushes, each nail showcasing soft, dreamy washes of blue and black that blend together like watercolor paintings. The colors seem to flow and merge organically, creating an ethereal, artistic effect that’s both soothing and captivating.
This watercolor vibe is for my soft romantics who want their nails to look like they belong in a poetry book. It’s dreamy, it’s artistic, and it gives off those “I definitely have a secret garden somewhere” vibes. Perfect for anyone who loves that effortless, artistic aesthetic that looks complicated but feels peaceful.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: Translucent “Watercolor Blue” layered with “Ink Wash” black
- Application technique: Apply polish with a damp brush for that soft, blended effect
- Complementary pairing: Delicate, flowing jewelry – think chain bracelets and flowing rings
- Difficulty level: Surprisingly forgiving – the beauty is in the organic, imperfect blending
📸 Picture This: Writing in your journal at a cute café and feeling like the protagonist in an indie film.
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10. Electric Current (That Literally Looks Like Lightning is Running Through Your Nails)
Hands positioned against a dark background with subtle blue lighting, each nail featuring jagged electric lines that seem to pulse with energy. The electric blue lines branch and fork across the black base like captured lightning, creating a dynamic, high-energy design that seems to move in the light.
This electric situation is giving me all the high-energy, “I definitely have three espressos in my system” vibes, and I am absolutely living for it. It’s perfect for my high-energy queens who want nails that match their unstoppable personality. This design literally radiates power and confidence.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: Deep “Power Grid” black with electric “Voltage” blue
- Application technique: Use thin brushes to create jagged, branching lines – think natural lightning patterns
- Complementary pairing: Edgy accessories with clean lines – industrial jewelry works perfectly
- Difficulty level: Medium – requires a steady hand but the imperfect energy lines add to the aesthetic
📸 Picture This: Dancing at your friend’s party and your nails are literally catching every strobe light.
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11. Negative Space Waves (That Prove Sometimes Less Really is More)
Minimalist hands positioned against white marble, showcasing elegant wave patterns where strategic negative space creates flowing lines across each nail. The design uses the natural nail as part of the art, with black and blue waves that seem to ebb and flow across the nail bed.
This negative space moment is for my minimalist queens who understand that sometimes the most powerful statement is knowing when to leave space. It’s sophisticated, it’s modern, and it’s giving “I have excellent taste and the restraint to show it.” Perfect for anyone who loves clean, architectural design.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: “Ocean Current” blue with “Deep Tide” black, letting natural nail show through
- Application technique: Use curved striping tape to create perfect wave shapes
- Complementary pairing: Minimalist jewelry – let the nails be the statement piece
- Difficulty level: Requires precision with tape placement, but the clean result is chef’s kiss
📸 Picture This: Holding your morning matcha latte and feeling like you stepped out of a design magazine.
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12. Gothic Lace (That’s Giving Dark Romance Main Character Energy)
Hands elegantly positioned against black lace fabric, each nail featuring intricate lace-like patterns in deep blue against a black base. The designs mimic the delicate, ornate patterns of vintage lace, creating a romantic yet gothic aesthetic that’s both feminine and mysterious.
This gothic lace situation is serving major dark academia vibes, and honestly? I’m obsessed. It’s for my romantic goths, my vintage lovers, my “I definitely have a collection of antique books” girlies who want nails that tell a story. This design is poetry written in polish.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: Matte “Gothic Romance” black with “Midnight Lace” blue
- Application technique: Use lace stamping plates or freehand with dotting tools for intricate patterns
- Complementary pairing: Vintage-inspired jewelry – ornate rings and delicate chains
- Difficulty level: Detail-oriented but meditative – perfect for a cozy evening project
📸 Picture This: Reading poetry in a dimly lit bookstore and feeling like you belong in a Tim Burton film.
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13. Shattered Glass Effect (That Makes Your Nails Look Like Expensive Art Installations)
Fingers positioned against a sleek black surface with dramatic lighting, each nail displaying a stunning shattered glass effect where holographic pieces seem to float within layers of black and blue polish. The light catches each “shard” differently, creating a mesmerizing three-dimensional effect.
Y’all, this shattered glass moment is literally making me question reality – in the best possible way. It’s giving modern art gallery, expensive installation piece, “I definitely know something about contemporary design” energy. This is for my avant-garde queens who want nails that start conversations.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: “Broken Dreams” black base with “Sapphire Shards” blue and holographic topcoat
- Application technique: Layer cellophane or special glass nail foils between polish layers
- Complementary pairing: Geometric, modern jewelry that echoes the angular aesthetic
- Difficulty level: Advanced technique, but the wow factor is absolutely worth the learning curve
📸 Picture This: Reaching for your drink at a rooftop party and watching people’s eyes widen at your nails.
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14. Constellation Map (That Literally Puts the Stars in Your Hands)
Hands gracefully positioned against a star chart, each nail featuring delicate constellation patterns connected by thin lines in silver, creating a celestial map across all ten nails. The black and blue base mimics deep space while tiny star details seem to twinkle in the light.
This constellation moment is for my astrology girlies, my stargazers, my “I definitely check my horoscope daily” friends who want to carry the universe with them. It’s mystical, it’s romantic, and it gives off major “I have secrets written in the stars” energy.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: “Deep Space” black fading to “Cosmic Blue” with silver star details
- Application technique: Use dotting tools and thin brushes to create authentic constellation patterns
- Complementary pairing: Celestial jewelry – star and moon motifs work perfectly
- Difficulty level: Requires patience for detail work, but each star is worth the effort
📸 Picture This: Pointing out actual constellations on a clear night and your nails literally match the sky.
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15. Fluid Art Flow (That Looks Like Your Nails Are Literally Alive and Moving)
Hands positioned above a fluid art canvas, each nail showcasing flowing, organic patterns where black and blue seem to move and dance together like living liquid. The colors blend and separate in natural, unpredictable ways that create a sense of movement and life.
This fluid art situation is giving me all the satisfying, organic vibes that my soul desperately needs. It’s perfect for my go-with-the-flow queens who understand that the best things in life happen when you stop trying to control everything. This design is pure zen in nail form.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: “Liquid Midnight” black with “Flowing Tide” blue
- Application technique: Drop polish onto nail and tilt to create natural flow patterns
- Complementary pairing: Organic, flowing jewelry – pieces that echo natural movement
- Difficulty level: Low stress, high reward – let physics do the work
📸 Picture This: Scrolling through your phone during your lunch break and getting lost in your own nail art.
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16. Tribal Geometric (That Honors Ancient Patterns with Modern Flair)
Hands positioned against traditional textile patterns, each nail featuring bold, geometric designs inspired by tribal art. The black and blue patterns create strong, symmetrical designs that feel both ancient and contemporary, with precise lines and meaningful symbolism.
This tribal geometric moment is for my culture-appreciating queens who understand that the most beautiful designs have stories behind them. It’s respectful, it’s powerful, and it gives off major “I definitely have a passport full of stamps” energy. This design carries history in every line.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: “Sacred Black” with “Tribal Blue” in meaningful pattern combinations
- Application technique: Use fine brushes and study traditional patterns for authentic inspiration
- Complementary pairing: Cultural jewelry and accessories that honor the design inspiration
- Difficulty level: Requires research and respect for cultural significance – beauty with meaning
📸 Picture This: Traveling to a new city and your nails perfectly complement the local art scene.
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17. Mirror Chrome Accent (That Literally Reflects Your Fabulous Personality)
Hands positioned to catch dramatic lighting, showcasing a stunning combination where most nails feature matte black and blue designs while accent nails shine with perfect mirror chrome finish. The contrast between matte and mirror creates a luxurious, high-fashion aesthetic.
This mirror chrome accent is serving major luxury vibes, and honestly? I feel like I need to upgrade my entire wardrobe just to match these nails. It’s perfect for my glamorous queens who understand that sometimes you need that one element that takes everything from beautiful to absolutely stunning.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: Matte “Velvet Night” black and blue with “Liquid Mercury” chrome accents
- Application technique: Perfect base coat essential for chrome – no streaks allowed
- Complementary pairing: Mix of matte and metallic accessories to echo the nail contrast
- Difficulty level: Chrome requires practice, but the payoff is pure luxury
📸 Picture This: Taking a mirror selfie and your nails literally become part of the reflection.
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18. Storm Front Gradient (That Captures the Drama of an Approaching Storm)
Hands positioned against a dramatic storm cloud background, each nail displaying a moody gradient that captures the intensity of storm clouds. The colors shift from light blue to deep navy to black, creating the sense of an approaching storm system across all ten nails.
This storm front gradient is giving me all the dramatic, moody vibes that match my perpetual internal weather system (we love a nail that understands our complexity). It’s perfect for anyone who finds beauty in dramatic skies and appreciates the power of natural phenomena.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: “Storm Warning” light blue transitioning through “Thunder Cloud” to “Lightning Strike” black
- Application technique: Multiple gradient layers for realistic storm depth
- Complementary pairing: Weather-inspired accessories – think lightning bolt jewelry
- Difficulty level: Multiple gradient technique requires patience but creates incredible depth
📸 Picture This: Walking through the city before a storm and feeling like you’re part of the dramatic sky.
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19. Holographic Galaxy (That Makes Your Nails Look Like They’re From Another Dimension)
Hands positioned under shifting colored lights, each nail displaying a mesmerizing holographic effect where black and blue shift and change with every movement. The holographic finish creates rainbow flashes within the deep cosmic colors, making the nails appear to hold entire galaxies.
Y’all, this holographic galaxy situation is literally transporting me to another dimension, and I never want to come back. It’s for my otherworldly queens, my “I definitely believe in parallel universes” girlies who want nails that look like they were crafted by aliens (the fashionable kind).
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: “Black Hole” base with “Cosmic Shift” holographic blue topcoat
- Application technique: Multiple thin coats of holo for maximum dimensional effect
- Complementary pairing: Iridescent accessories that shift color like your nails
- Difficulty level: Straightforward application, but prepare for compliment overload
📸 Picture This: Gesturing while telling a story and literally hypnotizing everyone with your hand movements.
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20. Vintage Damask (That Gives Off Old-World Elegance with Modern Edge)
Hands positioned against antique wallpaper, each nail featuring intricate damask patterns in deep blue against black backgrounds. The ornate, baroque-inspired designs create an sense of timeless elegance while maintaining a contemporary Gothic edge.
This vintage damask moment is for my old-soul queens who appreciate the finer things from bygone eras but still want to feel current and relevant. It’s giving “I definitely have impeccable taste in interior design” energy, and honestly? These nails could be hanging in a museum.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: “Baroque Black” with “Royal Damask” blue in intricate patterns
- Application technique: Use stamping plates for perfect damask reproduction
- Complementary pairing: Vintage-inspired jewelry with ornate detailing
- Difficulty level: Stamping technique required, but the elegant result is absolutely worth it
📸 Picture This: Having tea in an elegant hotel lobby and your nails perfectly matching the décor.
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21. Color-Blocking Modern (That Proves Simplicity Can Be the Ultimate Sophistication)
Hands positioned against a modern art installation, each nail featuring clean, geometric color blocks where black and blue meet in perfect, sharp lines. The design is minimalist yet striking, creating a contemporary art piece across all ten nails that feels both bold and refined.
This color-blocking moment is for my modern minimalists who understand that sometimes the most powerful statement is the cleanest execution. It’s architectural, it’s confident, and it’s giving “I definitely have my life together and my nail game reflects that” energy.
How to Style It:
- Polish shade: “Architectural Black” with “Blueprint Blue” in crisp geometric sections
- Application technique: Striping tape for perfect clean lines – precision is everything
- Complementary pairing: Modern, geometric jewelry that echoes the clean aesthetic
- Difficulty level: Requires steady hands and patience, but the sophisticated result speaks volumes
📸 Picture This: Signing important documents and feeling like the CEO of your own fabulous life.
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Final Thoughts
Listen, after going through all 21 of these absolutely stunning black and blue nail ideas, I’m honestly having a hard time picking favorites (but let’s be real, they’re all serving looks that could stop traffic). These color combos prove that you don’t need to follow every single trend to have nails that make people do double-takes – sometimes the most timeless combinations create the most jaw-dropping results.
Whether you’re feeling the mystical galaxy vibes, the geometric precision energy, or that dreamy watercolor aesthetic, the beauty of black and blue is that it adapts to literally every personality and style. You could rock different variations for an entire year and never run out of ways to make this combo feel fresh and exciting.
The confidence boost that comes from having nails this gorgeous is honestly unmatched. When your manicure is this level of perfection, everything else just falls into place – your outfit looks better, your selfies hit different, and you catch yourself admiring your hands way more than socially acceptable (but we’re not judging here).
Which of these black and blue nail ideas are you dying to try first? Drop your fave in the comments below – I’m literally dying to know which design spoke to your soul! And when you recreate any of these looks, you better screenshot that masterpiece and tag me – I need to see your gorgeous hands serving these looks in real life!