Is there anything quite as summer-appropriate than picky bits? Can’t be bothered sweating over the stove in the evening – stick some olives, cheese, cocktail sausages, whatever takes your fancy on a board and call it macaroni. Unsurprisingly, the beauty bunch have taken this British summertime fave and turned it into a manicure. That’s right – picky bits nails are summer’s new tasty manicure trend.
“People are really into food-themed nails right now because they’re fun, playful and super nostalgic,” says nail artist Nina. “Whether it’s fruit, desserts, or a picnic vibe, they’re cute, colourful and look great in photos. It’s a fun way to get creative and not take things too seriously.”
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If you want to throw yourself a little picnic on your nails – featuring your favourite picky bits – more is more. A clash of colours, textures, shapes and sizes, some of the sets we’ve seen feature delicious looking seafood, fresh fruit, pastries and charcuterie boards with spreads of meats and cheeses. Creating a delicious spread herself, Nina posted a set featuring wine, cheese, a baguette and picnic basket – complete with blue gingham French tips and a few friendly insects crashing the party.
Before you write this trend off as above your pay grade, Nina’s miniature scene can be easily replicated at home. “I printed a classic blue picnic pattern onto water decal paper – it’s best to have a high quality colour printer,” she says. “I sealed it with clear acrylic varnish and let it dry completely. Since the pattern was a bit translucent, I did a base of French tips using Nude Attitude by Nailboo.” It’s not available in the UK, but we also love Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Stay Toasty as an alternative.
Once you’ve got your blanket detail cut out and set in place, now the fun begins – adding your cute nail stickers. While Nina chose US brand Deco Beauty for her nails, The Manucurist also has plenty of sticker sets that would work too. “Experiment and have fun with it,” she suggests. “Sometimes my nails end up a little too busy, but that’s totally fine. Nails are a form of self-expression so they don’t have to be perfect!”
To give you some inspiration for summer’s newest nail trend, here are some of our fave picky bits nails.