Best celeb nail-spiration

Looking for inspiration for your next manicure? From being something of a teen trend, nail art has come a long way, with celebrities taking to creative nails with a vengeance. We’re seeing it everywhere, from on stage to the red carpet. We scoured paparazzi shots, stalked Instagram profiles and hashed every tag to bring you the best of celebrity nail art. From simple (relatively) colour jobs to rhinestone-d and blinged out pieces of art – we’ve got it all right here. But first, here’s what you need to have before you start painting.

Your toolkit

You can’t really beat having a celebrity manicurist at your beck and call, but since we’re not that lucky, these are a few basics you can stock up on to do your nails at home.

• A crystal nail file (Try Leighton Denny or Sephora)

• A fine ‘0’ paint brush

• Nail glue

• Nail wraps (Sally Hansen and L’Oréal Paris have some great designs)

• Tiny crystals, stick-ons, metallic studs

• Glitter powder

• And, of course, a large collection of nail colours

Now that you’re ready with your toolkit, click through our gallery for inspiration.

Alexa Chung

Alexa Chung, the face of Nails Inc, shows off the latest nail looks for the brand on her Instagram. Find more of her on Nails Inc’s official Instagram feed.

Photograph: Instagram.com/chungalexa

Beyoncé

What else would Queen Bey get, but metallic nails with gold and white crowns on them?

Photograph: Instagram.com/beyonce

Georgia May Jagger

Love sushi? Wear it on your nails! We’re in love with Georgia Jagger’s fun new mani.

Photograph: Instagram.com/georgiamayjagger

Alexa Chung

Alexa Chung, the face of Nails Inc, shows off the latest nail looks for the brand on her Instagram. Find more of her on Nails Inc’s official Instagram feed.

Photograph: Instagram.com/nailsinc

Lily Allen

Nail art made with cutouts from a $100 note? YES! Lily Allen’s Instagram is full of inspiration for the nail art fanatic – from a gorgeous rainbow tie-dye pattern to rhinestone-embellished pink digits.

Photograph: Instagram.com/lilyallen

Jennifer Lopez

The newest on our ‘to follow’ list is celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik, who happens to be the person behind JLo’s amazing nails at almost every event. From the Brazil-themed ones for FIFA to the Japanese cartoon-inspired monogrammed nails, we love them all.

Photograph: Instagram.com/tombachik

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba showed off this cute one for Valentine’s Day. We heart.

Photograph: Instagram.com/jessicaalba

Jennifer Lopez

The newest on our ‘to follow’ list is celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik, who happens to be the person behind JLo’s amazing nails at almost every event. From the Brazil-themed ones for FIFA to the Japanese cartoon-inspired monogrammed nails, we love them all.

Photograph: Instagram.com/tombachik

Snoop Dogg

Snoop didn't want to get left behind and got himself a monotone man-icure. We don't know if a lot of guys are going to pick up on this trend (and we’re kinda hoping they don’t).

Photograph: Instagram.com/snoopdogg

Lily Allen

Nail art made with cutouts from a $100 note? YES! Lily Allen’s Instagram is full of inspiration for the nail art fanatic – from a gorgeous rainbow tie-dye pattern to rhinestone-embellished pink digits.

Photograph: Instagram.com/lilyallen

Lily Allen

Nail art made with cutouts from a $100 note? YES! Lily Allen’s Instagram is full of inspiration for the nail art fanatic – from a gorgeous rainbow tie-dye pattern to rhinestone-embellished pink digits.

Photograph: Instagram.com/lilyallen

Jennifer Lopez

The newest on our ‘to follow’ list is celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik, who happens to be the person behind JLo’s amazing nails at almost every event. From the Brazil-themed ones for FIFA to the Japanese cartoon-inspired monogrammed nails, we love them all.

Photograph: Instagram.com/tombachik

Lily Allen

Nail art made with cutouts from a $100 note? YES! Lily Allen’s Instagram is full of inspiration for the nail art fanatic – from a gorgeous rainbow tie-dye pattern to rhinestone-embellished pink digits.

Photograph: Instagram.com/lilyallen

Lily Allen

Nail art made with cutouts from a $100 note? YES! Lily Allen’s Instagram is full of inspiration for the nail art fanatic – from a gorgeous rainbow tie-dye pattern to rhinestone-embellished pink digits.

Photograph: Instagram.com/lilyallen

Rita Ora

Holy nail art, Batman! Rita Ora’s nail art for the Grammy’s is one of our favourites, just for the sheer kookiness of it.

Photograph: Instagram.com/ritaora