How to Quit Your Job and Become a Nail Artist

A good manicure can make you feel like you’re the ultimate #GirlBoss. And if you’re one of the chosen few who is skilled enough to DIY her own mani, consider yourself lucky. But there’s no reason you should let your talent go to waste. If your friends are always texting you to design their digits for big events, then you may be perfect for a career as a nail artist. To give you some guidance on making manis for a living, we talked to Instagram star Ashley Crowe aka AstroWifey aka the creator of Tipsy Zine, the nail artist’s bible.

Like many of us, Ashley first fell in love with nail art in high school — the more creative, the better. While the look du jour back then included long square nails, Ashley found herself gravitating toward the more dramatic designs, such as nail piercings and embedded elements, like mylar and dollar bills.

“Fusing my appreciation for nail art and my hobby of replicating paintings, I decided to try nail art one day and the rest was really history,” she explains. “I would study [Jean-Michel] Basquiat paintings and try to scale it down to the nail.” After high school, Ashley attended nail school to obtain her certification so she could pay her way through college but quickly realized she wanted to pursue nail art as a full-time career. “My favorite part of being a nail artist is the people I meet. You get to know your clients really well and meet people you may have never crossed paths with ordinarily,” she says. “In return you learn a lot of unique and interesting things about people.”

THE TIPS

1. To thine own self be true. Sure, it’s easy to replicate another artist’s work, but you’ll gain more credibility and recognition for rocking your own designs. “You can pull inspiration from anywhere — your clients, your surroundings, artwork and other artists,” says Ashley. “I try to stay true to myself as an artist. It’s important to be fair in business and be open to connections and experiences.”

2. Hit the books… err, the web. Always one for #WomenSupportingWomen, Ashley recommends following fellow nail artists Nail Swag and Britney TOKYO who have teamed together to offer courses dubbed Tokyo Swag. “I think the best way to understand nail culture would be to ask a more experienced nail artist to see if she can mentor you,” suggests Ashley. Other artists offering courses include Nunis Nails, Lauren Wireman of Wildflowers Nail or Gina Silvestro. Adding a membership to Neiru.me, which offers tutorials in Japanese nail art, is well worth the investment.

3. Patience is a virtue. Even Beyoncé wasn’t an overnight success, so you shouldn’t expect your career to take off without some hard work and persistence as well. “Building clientele can be tricky, but if you’re consistent, use social media and offer great services, within a year you should have a pretty steady client list,” Ashley says. “Stay true to your style and always continue to educate yourself.”

Want to follow Ashley’s handiwork (pun intended)? Check her out on Instagram at @astrowifey and @tipsyzine.

What passion would you like to see covered in our Quit Your Day Job series? Let us know in the comments!

(Photos via Ashley Crowe)

I can go absolutely feral on Pinterest, pinning things left and right. There's just so much to look a, bringing all sorts of inspiration to my digital front door, from vintage fashion pieces to eclectic interiors. Within the endless sea of pinnable content, nail inspo is the main ingredient in my Pinterest mix. I see so many different designs and colors just begging to be shared and saved for later. Below, find the best spring nail designs floating around on my Pinterest boards to inspire your spring or summer manicure, and one super smart way to perfect your French tips at home.

Aura Nails

Auras are the colors you radiate in the world based on your overall vibes and energy. Taylor Swift's aura may or may not be moonstone, but what's yours? Use your nails to express yourself in a new way with these aura nail designs.

Pink Aura Nails

Aura nails start from the center of the nail, beaming outward in all directions to create just that: an aura. This trend can take on any color scheme for the coolest looks.

Purple Aura Nails with Stars

It's obvious that we adore aura nails. The trend can be translated into any color palette, which is why we love this purple take.

Tiny Silver French Tips on Neutral Aura Nails

Take on French tips with a twist! This style lines the top of the nails with a little sliver of metallic silver, and can pair with any nail color you please! This gorgeous example delicately paints over subtle aura nails.

Multicolor Aura Nails with Gems

Like our queen Taylor Swift said, "Best believe I'm still bejeweled." And with these nails, you'll be bejeweled, too. This look combines French tips, aura nails, and decorative gems to create a vibrant look fit for spring and summer.

Multicolor Nails

Picking a polish at the salon can be quite a dilemma. There are just too many good colors to choose from! So...why not choose them all? Here are some of our favorite daring designs that feature more than one color.

Muted Multicolor Nails

Multicolor nails are a unique style you can rock any time of the year. Use more muted colors like this example for fall, and then brighten things up once summer rolls around. Pastels are perfect for multicolor nails for this spring!

Multicolor Star Nails

This nail look presents gorgeous color pairs and spiky stars for a one-of-a-kind mani. The best part? You can buy them as press-on nails to wear year-round!

Multicolor Chrome Nails

Chrome is everywhere these days, but we're not complaining. This look takes multicolor nails and chrome-ifies them for a palette that'll turn heads.

French Tips

This mani may seem like a played-out classic, but we can't get enough of these stylish spins on the French tip! Plus, we've got a hot hack on how to get the perfect French tip without stepping foot in the salon...

Colorful Ombré French Tips

Combine your French tip faves with a subtle gradient for a softer payoff. This example paints a dainty stripe across the nail to distinguish the tips, but that part can be optional if you're already an ombré expert. Go with one hue, or bask in more of a multicolor look.

Silver Chrome French Tips

Chrome polish puts a shiny spin on your spring mani. This look uses silver, but you can use any hue to recreate these French tips.

Purple Chrome French Tips

Make some noise for more chrome! This example is doused in a purple chrome polish to craft the best French tip.

Striped Tips on Matte Nails

TBH we thought matte nails were so 2015, but this look totally changed our minds. This style works with any color combo you can think of, so you can coordinate with the seasons or even your current mood.

A Genius Hack For French Tip Nails

Paying for French tips at the salon? Couldn't be us. Take on this super easy nail hack at home using a makeup sponge and any of your favorite polishes! You can go micro like this example does, or press the sponge further on your nails for a full-fledged French tip.

Fun Nail Art

Statement nail art stays on our minds these days. From delicate designs to playful patterns, these unique takes on nail art are a fun way to stand out in a crowd.

Heart-Shaped Nail Art

We're suckers for heart-shaped anything, so heart-shaped nails are definitely on our manicure roster this season. Step away from the typical French tip, and flaunt this flirty shape.

Marbled Nail Polish

This marbled nail look takes us back to the days when dipped, swirled nails were all the craze. For a total throwback nail look, pull inspo from this tie-dye-esque example.

Layered Neon Colors

If nailscapes could be lived in, we'd immediately move into this one. The bubbles of vibrant color are a quirky way to coat your nails, and we're here for this absolutely eye-catching example.

Outer Space Nails

These outer space nails use dainty aura designs and stars to form a wearable galaxy that you can show off any time. Paint them over a clear coat, or experiment with other colored bases for the background.

Nude Jelly Nails

Think lip gloss nails, but with a hint of shimmer. These jelly-like nails sport a more neutral nude color, so you can make a statement without having to worry about matching your nails to your outfits.

Squiggly Lines

Get playful with your nails this season and freehand some joyful squiggles in different colors. We love this example because the colors flawlessly feel like spring.

Cherry Mocha Nail Color

You don't always have to wear a look full of intricate nail art. Sometimes one color is enough to make a statement, and this cherry mocha shade proves it.

Spiral Nail Art

Put onlookers in a hypnotic trance with these spiral nails. Well, an actual trance may not be the best idea, but they'll be captivated for sure.

Eclectic Multicolor Gradients

This color palette is truly showstopping. We love how this nail look translates the multicolor trend into simple three-tone gradients for a unique mani.

Rainbow Pastel Gradient Nails

In case you haven't caught on yet, we're all about rainbows and multicolors when it comes to pinning nail inspo. This gradient manicure is springtime's ultimate companion because it's painted in pastels!

Wavy Lines with Sparkle Nail Art

Y2K vibes come to life in this nail look full of wavy lines and glittery colors! Use a pink and green palette for your mani to up your nostalgia game even more.

Chartreuse Jelly-Metallic Nails

We love the transparent look that metallic jelly nails bring. If you wanna go bigger than the nude look above, the sunny shade of chartreuse is a trending color we have to hop on for our springtime nails.

Mismatched Seashell Mermaid Nails

If you're all about embellishments, these seashell nails are for you. Mismatched styles are also an interesting way to keep your nails fresh and unique to you.

Dark Gradient Nails

Want to embrace colored nails, but aren't ready for the electric hues? Take your gradient manicure and paint with darker shades for a look that's still colorful, but not overly distracting.

Wavy Lines with Star Embellishments

These adorable nails are embellished with a pistachio green polish, then topped off with tiny star and moon details. We're obsessed with the silver additions that would pair perfectly with silver jewelry.

Outlined Nails

Outline your nail shape using a fine brush. Dip into one or a range of hues to perfect the look! Colors with more contrast will really make them pop!

Coral Orange Chrome Nail Color

Coral orange is a beautiful shade that works for your nails any time of year. This example coats the color in chrome, giving a cool, new vibe to this bright color. Need this on our nails ASAP!

Navy Blue Jelly Nails

These navy nails are like a deep sea of color. They're also jelly-like and metallic to create dimension that we can't take our eyes off of.

Wavy Line Details

Get your hands on a tiny brush to craft wavy line decorations on a few or all of your nails! This look is easily recreated with the colors of your choice.

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Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via The Hang Edit. This post has been updated.

Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively just premiered their new movie Another Simple Favor at the 2025 SXSW Festival (you can stream it on Prime Video May 1), and aside from buzz about the movie itself, the internet is going wild for one simple reason. Anna Kendrick got a little sassy when asked what it was like to reunite with Blake for the film, and while the drama surrounding Blake's It Ends With Us legal battle didn't delay the movie, social media users can't stop talking about Anna's reaction.

Here's what Anna Kendrick said about working with Blake Lively on Another Simple Favor.

Anna Kendrick's comments about Blake Lively just went viral.

@entertainmenttonight Anna Kendrick arrives to the premiere of 'Another Simple Favor' at SXSW. #annakendrick#blakelively#anothersimplefavor♬ original sound - Entertainment Tonight

While greeting fans at the movie premiere, Anna was asked what it meant to be working with Blake again, to which Anna doesn't even stop. She just responds, "Oh, you know."

"'Oh you know' are the exact words I say when someone asks me how I am and I am barely hanging on," one TikTok user jokes in the comments, while another speculates, "I think she hates the hate Blake is getting and how the media is out to get click bait from her about it."

@varietymagazine How is the release of "Another Simple Favor" being affected by everything going on in the world? Anna Kendrick: "Why, what happened? I did ayahuasca and the last year of my life is just gone." #SXSW♬ original sound - Variety

The actress was also asked about "everything going on" (undoubtedly alluding to the It Ends With Us drama), to which Anna responded, "Why, what happened? I did ayahuasca and the last year of my life is just gone."

Anna is known for her sense of humor, and TikTok users commented saying this "was a phenomenal answer" and that she's "effortlessly funny."

Anna opened up about reuniting with Blake for the sequel, telling People in October 2024 that getting cast members from the first A Simple Favor back together again was "a little bit like riding a bike."

"She lives on the East Coast, I live on the West Coast, so we don't get to see each other often," she says. "But it was lovely, and I think that those characters have such weird chemistry that it's so fun to just get the gang back together."

And when someone tweeted that Blake Lively was "terrified to walk the carpet" and Anna Kendrick was "pissed and never wants to work with her again," director Paul Feig retweeted with a simple, "Um … you’re wrong." And I'll take his word for it.

Check out why Blake Lively's Another Simple Favor Trailer Is All About “Revenge”

Almond nails? Never heard of her. Square nails are back in a big way, baby! The nail shape was spotted countless times on the 2024 Grammys red carpet earlier this year, with stars like Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Janelle Monáe, and Ice Spice rocking it in their own unique way. Taylor Swift even wore a set of glittery-peachy-pink square nails to a Chiefs game last month, which really sold me on trying out the trend for myself.

As opposed to coffin nails that taper at the tips, square nails boast parallel edges as you approach flat ends. Where you might find duller, more rounded edges on the popular squoval nails, square nails have sharp edges.

Here’s everything you need to know about the square nails trend, including tips on how to do them yourself, how to maintain a healthy square mani, plus some fun nail art ideas to inspire your next trip to the nail salon! 💅

The Origins Of Square Nails

Photo by Neilson Barnard / Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Ice Spice at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards

Just like most of today's fashion and beauty trends, the revival of square nails draws direct inspiration from the 90s.

Square nails were popularized by Black and Latinx communities back then, with women of color typically donning long, square-shaped nail extensions – often with elaborate decoration – as a vehicle of self-expression.

Photo by Shaun Botterill / Getty Images

Sha'Carri Richardson after the Women's 200m Final at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023

Though now widely admired for their intricacy and artistry, these nails weren’t always positively received, especially if they were connected to communities of color.

Even as recently as 2021, the nail style has been publicly criticized: track athlete Sha’Carri Richardson’s long, decorative square nails drew unwarranted disapproval from critics commenting on her character and skill after she was barred from the Olympics for failing a drug test – despite being the fastest woman in the world.

No matter how you wear square nails, acknowledging their origins is undeniably important considering Black and Brown communities have historically been scrutinized and miscredited for the trend.

How To Get Square Nails

Photo by Eddy Chen / HBO

Alexa Demie as Maddy Perez in season 2 of Euphoria

To achieve square nails at home, you’ll want to start with a sturdy nail file. Square nails are mostly defined by tips with 90-degree angles, which you can easily translate to any nail length using a good-quality file.

Short to medium-length natural nails might be easier to work with if you’re aiming for square nails with your at-home manicure, but you should be aware of snags or tears from the sharper sides, says Sally Hansen Global Partner, Sigourney Nuñez.

"Short square nails are always going to be the most manageable, but you need to watch out for the corners," Nuñez says. "The edges can get stuck on things, like your hair or clothes, if you’re just not used to that shape and they can unintentionally break. On the flip side, a long square nail is really the perfect canvas for nail art."

Breakage is also a slight concern with longer natural nails since they’re more prone to chipping and splitting throughout everyday wear. To eliminate this, ensure you’re conditioning your nails with cuticle oil and strengthenerwhere it’s needed.

Press-on nails and tipsare another great option for achieving square nails at home. You can buy them ready-to-go in a square shape, and adjusting the length to your liking is a very simple process!

"I think a fun, and non-committal way to try a new nail shape, like square nails, is by trying press-ons," Nuñez says. "They can last as little as one night or up to two weeks depending on the application. This can give you a good sense of whether or not the shape and length suits your lifestyle and signature look.

No matter the length of your nails, any kind of square nails provide ample surface area for cool and creative nail art. From stripes to dots, and metallics to mattes, let these ideas for square nails guide you to experiment with your next mani!

Square Nail Designs You'll Wanna Wear ASAP

Black French Tips

Make a bold statement with black French tips! These are super simple, but pull off a very classy vibe.

Rainbow Aura

These square nails are beaming with color. The electric green, blue, pink, and orange are so lovely for wearing during warmer months.

Spring Palette

Mismatched nails are super adorable, and you can customize the colors you use based on your outfit or the season! These pastels are just perfect for spring.

Colorful Gradient

Anyone can pull of gradient nails. The soft, yet vibrant color palette of these square nails is sure to turn some heads.

Retro Swirls

Tap into some retro 70s influence for your square nail designs with multicolored swirls like these!

Angel + Devil

Using contrasting nail colors on opposite hands can work wonders! This opposing mani is boosted by the angel + devil theme, along with eye-catching metallic decals.

Image via Sally Hansen

Behind the scenes at the LoveShackFancy show during New York Fashion Week 2024

Baby Pink

Use Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish in 'Silk is...' to achieve the coquette mani of your dreams! Light pink is such a great shade for embracing all things feminine, and the square nail shape will only amplify the elegance.

Floral Gems

A pack of small nail gems can go a long way in helping you secure a cute mani. These tiny blooms are super cute for springtime, and even cuter when placed onto square nails.

Aqua Jelly

Jelly nails are such a captivating texture – just use some sheer gel polish to achieve the see-through look! This blue color feels very aquatic, perfect for wearing all seasons.

Croc French Tips

These crocodile-inspired patterned nails are everything. They look even chicer with the square shape! You can use any color scheme and apply it to this fun look.

Barbie Doll

Live in your very own Barbie world by sporting pinks upon pinks for your next square nail manicure. This design balances out solid + French-tipped nails for a unique take!

Brown + Pink Aura

These square nails are sooo soothing. The best part about this design is that it's easily adaptable for short and long nails alike.

Iced Out

These bling-y square nails boast the perfect combination of metallics, gems, and starry nail art. This mani is truly out of this world!

Citrus Tips

Warm weather couldn't come soon enough, and this bright orange shade is sure to pop against your summer skin.

Multicolor Tips

White tips are tired *yawn*. Give the classic nail design a colorful boost by incorporating all the colors of the rainbow!

Matcha

These green press-on square nails will match your favorite matcha latte!

Are square nails dated?

Square nails are not dated. They're a 90s trend revival that are super cute, easily customizable, and very elegant.

Who should wear square nails?

Everyone should wear square nails! Trying the trend out for yourself is fairly easy, no matter your nail length. As long as you have the tools (or a great nail tech) to file and shape your nails into the square shape, you can wear them. Discover more square nail designs in this post!

Let us know how you're wearing square nail designs in the comments below!

Lead photo by Patrick Smith / Getty Images.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Daylight saving time is finally here so we've been thinking about the cute spring outfits we want to wear. We've already found the most flattering petite jeans to dance into, but now we're setting our sights on plus-size skirts that won't make us look frumpy. If it's not obvious, we firmly reject the idea that someone's height or weight indicates they're unable to dress fashionably — how "outdated!"

Since we know you're looking for curvy-girl approved options, we have the perfect skirts that'll take you from dinner parties to that upcoming spring break trip you're ready for!

Scroll to find the cutest plus-size skirts that'll make you feel like the stylish fashionista you are!

Anthropologie

Anthropologie The Tilda Maxi Slip Skirt

We can always count on a satin skirt to be consistent year-round! Not only are they versatile, but they're flattering for all body types! But this version features a side split that has "girl dinner" etched into every seam. Or you can always wear it during your planned solo date outing!

Lane Bryant

Lane Bryant High-Rise Denim Pencil Skirt

You either hate to see denim skirts coming or you're madly in love with them. Between us, we're in the latter group after seeing Lane Bryant's take on them. The darker wash has an air of spring sophistication about it that makes it workwear-friendly, plus it'll take you to happy hour with your friends!

Pretty Little Thing

Pretty Little Thing Plus Tan Faux Suede Skirt

Got plans to attend an influencer event soon? You'll need a skirt that errs between professional and stylish. Since Pretty Little Thing's "controversial" rebrand, we've been seeing elevated styles that suggest they're catering to an audience that's redefining their idea of fun.

Our verdict for this suede mini number? Yes and yes!

ELOQUII

ELOQUII x Kate Spade NY Stripe Trumpet Skirt

Picture this: You're enjoying a nice trip to a vineyard for wine tasting and have found the perfect field of tulips to frolic in. How cool would it be if you were wearing this gorgeous trumpet skirt and a cute pink cardigan? We say it'll be very cool.

Macy's

And Now This Rhinestone-Embellished Skirt

Slip skirts are everything but boring. For example, look at this rhinestone cutie. It's saying, "I'm ready for a little blind-date action" without being overboard. The last thing you'll want to do this spring is wearing huge sequins on a first date unless your suitor's invited you to a themed party!

Ulla Popken

Von Laden Ribbon Trim Accent Skirt

Live a little this spring and lean into something that feels perfect for Easter. It's a great option to wear to your church's annual picnic because it's reminiscent of the beautiful colors found in nature.

Unique Vintage

Unique Vintage 1940s Plaid Boucle Trumpet Skirt

Do you need another trumpet skirt? No, but we bet you're eyeing this vintage-inspired one anyway. We don't know why, but plaid means a lot to our inner preppy girl and we're sure you feel the same.

Torrid

Torrid Retro Swing Skirt

Ella Fitzgerald said it best: "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing." We doubt she was referring to this skirt, but the rules still apply for plus-size clothing.

This is a flattering and comfortable piece that'll keep you cool on days where the temperature's teetering between spring and summer, but we only have one piece of advice: avoid wearing on windy days!

Ashley Stewart

Ashley Stewart Button Embellished Midi Skirt

Stop! According to us, you need this gorgeous embellished skirt that'll get you compliments wherever you go. It almost appears A-line, but the hem stops short of that so you won't feel restricted while walking around.

BloomChic

BloomChic Ditsy Floral Print Skirt

We can still hear Miranda Priestly's chilling voice in our ear, but what's spring fashion without florals? We don't want to know so we're sharing this cute piece with you. Plus, the elastic waist seems like the perfect addition if you're going to a 5-course dinner party.

City Chic

City Chic Kyra Leopard Print Skirt

Leopard print still has its claws in us, but we're not ashamed. It's one of the easiest patterns to style because you wear a cute green, red, or pink top with it to make it spring-friendly. And once you add a nice pair shoes, you'll be ready for all the photo-ops on your upcoming trip!

Ashley Stewart

Ashley Stewart Mermaid Denim Skirt

Did you know all denim skirts aren't created equal? It's something we should be knowledgeable about, but fashion keeps surprising us!

This mermaid-style design's thrown us for a loop in the best way because it's meant to accentuate your figure without making you feel like you have to squeeze into it. After all, there's no fun in that.

Amazon

Moon Wood Pleated Maxi Skirt

You need a willowy skirt that's going to take you from walking around an outdoor festival to dancing non-stop when your favorite performers hit the main stage. Take it from us, you need something as cute and cozy as this pleated maxi skirt.

Target

Universal Thread Eyelet Maxi Skirt

We think our hearts just skipped several beats because this eyelet skirt looks like a princesses dream come true! While that may be a slight exaggeration, the beauty of this piece isn't! It even comes with a matching top!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Trader Joe’s always knows exactly how to get us excited for new products – and this time, it’s rumored that the grocer is bringing back their viral Mini Canvas Tote Bags in four brand-new colors that are all perfect for spring! Speculated to hit stores sometime next month, you’re not going to want to miss this TJ’s drop.

Here’s everything you need to know about the return of Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote Bags for spring 2025.

@traderjoesobsessed

Trader Joe’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed first circulated the rumor that the Mini Canvas Tote Bags are set to return to Trader Joe’s this spring.

“Rumor has it that the pastel mini canvas bags will be here in April. Usually, they do release these on a Wednesday. How excited are you for these colors? I can’t wait to customize them!” the caption reads.

@traderjoesobsessed

It appears there will be four different colorways in this season’s Mini Canvas Tote Bag drop: pink, blue, green, and purple. But they’re not your ordinary pinks, blues, greens, and purples – per the rumors, they’ll come in pastel hues that all look stunning. From carrying your quick grocery hauls to toting each and every picnic essential you’ll need this spring, these bags get it all done in sheer style.

Trader Joe’s

In the past, the Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote Bags have been a limited-time item that garnered plenty of attention from shoppers, even sparking a massivefrenzy inside stores with customers racing to snag their own tote. Some TJ’s locations have also placed a buying limit for bags like these, typically 1 per customer. Based on the reception of the rumors for this year, you’ll likely want to plan when and how you’re going to get your hands on one.

Instagram

Tons of Trader Joe’s fanatics sounded off in the comments of @traderjoesobsessed’s post about the rumors of the Mini Canvas Tote Bags’ return:

“Stoppppp no way!! 😱😱” one person wrote.

‘Yes! These will make great bags for Easter gifts,” another said.

“Looks like I need to buy camping gear cause I'll be in that line before sunrise 🤩,” one more fan commented.

Reddit

In previous years, the Mini Canvas Tote Bags went for $2.99 too $3.99, and we expect this pastel-filled drop to cost about the same.

Reddit

Though there’s no official release date for the mini totes, they’re speculated to hit shelves sometime in April 2025. Stay tuned here for more updates!

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