26 Ways to Rock Negative Space Nails

Maureen Luyun
Nov 09, 2014

One of this year’s biggest runway trends was negative space nail art, which are manicures where your un-colored nail peeps through bold lacquers like cutouts in clothes, and we — along with every other minimalist style fan — fell hard for the less-is-way-more look. From complex cutouts to simple half moon-icures, the possibilities are endless to spruce up a basic paint job into strokes of genius. Keep scrolling for 26 negative space nails looks that are guaranteed to get positive feedback!

1. Metallic Mashup: At first glance, it seems like a basic B&W, but a splash of silver amps up this striped mani. (via Sprinkles in Springs)

2. Geometric Neutrals: Start with a neutral base mid-nail and layer on blocks of color. We love this soothing palette. (via The Fashion Medley)

3. Dotted Digits: This is hands down the simplest mani of the group. Let’s just say that we’ll never underestimate the power of a single dot again. (via The Fashion Medley)

4. Jewel-Toned Matte: Alternating chevrons in jewel tones with a matte top coat to add texture — this royal look rules them all. (via Polish Hound)

5. Slanted French Tip: For a French manicure with a twist, paint a slanted black line on the tip. For the final touch, add your fave midi rings into the mix! (via Popsugar Beauty)

6. Jagged Jade: Just like an everyday V-neck tee, this earthy green shade looks great on everybody — and the gold-fanged accents take this mani to the next level. (via Julep)

7. Wave on Wave: Layer one coat of polish over all your nails and use a dotting tool to create a squiggly line down the nail by wiping away the nail polish, revealing the nail bed. (via Style Bistro)

8. Half-Moon French on French: Talk about a ripple effect! This meta mani will have you seeing double if you stare at it long enough. (via Madeline Poole)

9. Pastel Plaid: We have a feeling Cher Horowitz would rock this colorful mani in a heartbeat. Think it’s too tough to DIY? As if! (via Teen Vogue)

10. Thin Set: A super sleek take on the French manicure, get this whisper-thin design on your digits by carefully outlining the tip of your nail. (via Byrdie)

11. Gold Outline: Jazz up your nearly bare nails with glittery tips and half-moons. Rest assured that this manicure is suitable for even the fanciest black tie affairs. (via Style Vanity)

12. Pastel Color Blocks: Swipe on color blocks and highlight the negative space in black. What can we say? Less is so much more. (via Beautylish)

13. Standout Spaces: Black outlines add structure to the dove gray and yellow pastel accents, which make this look ultra modern. (via Maoya)

14. Moon Cycle: This alternating moon cut-out mani was spotted at the Charlotte Ronson Spring 2015 show at New York Fashion Week — and it’s soon to be spotted on every employee at Brit + Co. (via Beauty Editor)

15. High Gloss: These red tips with lipstick pink accents have the sheen of classic lip colors. Get the full effect with a high-shine top coat. (via Madeline Poole)

16. Black and White: Combine multiple negative techniques — chevron, keyhole, and Pacman — in any color combo for a mani that keeps ’em guessing, though black and white do just fine. (via Sonialicious)

17. Watch Out: Yup, these evil eyes are indeed watchin’ out for you. At last, a minimalist mani with some cheeky personality. (via What We Are Wearing)

28. Dotty Daisies: Use a dotting tool and thin nail brush to grow a garden of flowers on your nail beds. We’ll keep this one bookmarked for Spring. (via Divine Caroline)

19. To a T: Next to the dot mani, crossing Ts have never been easier. Dip a thin nail art brush in basic white polish, swipe two lines and you’re set! (via Alicia Torello)

20. Gilded Lines: These gold stripes look like midi rings that inched their way up to our nails. It’s not stopping us from layering them on anyway! (via Alicia Torello)

21. Summer Sunrise: The gold accent on this look works for all seasons. Change out your base color for a deeper shade during fall and winter. (via Popsugar)

22. White Stripes: This brings us back to the school days when we’d paint our nails with White Out (eek!), but we could never get sleek lines with that funky wedge. Use a thin nail brush to swipe simple lines for a not-so-basic manicure. (via Lili Ngyuen)

23. Denim on Denim: It’s no secret how much we love chambray around here. Now you can get the classic jean-tastic look on your nails with this denim textured polish, in shades of blue of course. (via Lucky)

24. Hollow Hearts: This sugar-sweet look isn’t for the faint of heart. But once you’ve achieved the look, it’s hard not to fall in love with the results. (via Lili Nguyen)

25. Tropical Lilies: We can hear the ukulele singing and grass skirts swaying. This mani takes us away on a mental vacay, and we’ll definitely be bringing this out come summer. (via Lili Nguyen)

26. Karl Lagerfield: Um, how adorbs is this designer digit doppelganger?! Search for a selfie (of yourself or your fav style icon) and get creative with a minimalist mini-portrait. Très chic! (via Madeline Poole)

Which look(s) are you going to try? Tag us at @BritandCo in your Instagram nail selfie!

Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

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

This post has been updated.

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

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Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

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