10 Nail Designs To Wow Your Aunties This CNY

By Allison Kong on 14 Jan 2025

Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and we all know what that means—family gatherings, feasting on pineapple tarts, and endless questions from your aunties about your life updates. But hey, why not flip the script this year and let your nails do all the talking? We’ve got 10 gorgeous nail designs that are perfect for wowing your relatives (and maybe dodging some awkward questions too). Get ready to slay your reunion look with these pretty CNY nails!

Burgundy & Gold Nails

Photo from 小鱼泡泡 via 小红书

You can’t go wrong with red and gold for CNY! For a clean and simple look, try dark burgundy nails with gold French tips. They’re chic, classy, and scream elegance without being too much.
Cute 3D Nails with Tanghulu Vibes

Photo from dz via 小红书

Here’s a sweet twist on red nails! Go for a glittery silver base with a 3D bow and tanghulu details. It’s fun, playful, and super cute!
Snake Nails for the Year of the Snake

Photo from 半糖西柚 via 小红书

Let’s not skip the snake theme for CNY! Rock red French tips and a 3D snake design with gemstones to really stand out. Not into 3D? A cat-eye effect with a snake motif works too—super cool either way.
Nude Nails with a Glittery Snake Twist

Photo from 火柿子 via 小红书

Want something simple but festive? Go for a nude base with glittery snake details and matching glitter French tips. It’s lowkey but still super cute for CNY.
Hope You Get Rich

Photo from 不吃米饭不行 via 小红书

CNY is all about wishing for wealth, so why not show it off on your nails? Whether you are playing a game of mahjong with your friends, or receiving angpaos from your relatives, this playful design is perfect for manifesting your huat ah! Plus, if you don’t know what to say to your relatives, just flash your nails and let them do the talking.
Pretty Goldfish Nails

Photo from Emmaabo via 小红书

This one’s for the minimalist babes! Keep it simple with a nude base, gold French tips, and a red line separating the nail from the nail bed. Add a subtle goldfish design to nail that nian nian you yu vibe.
Jade Marble Nails

Photo from @beyounail_natalie via Instagram

Not feeling red? Try this jade-inspired marble design! It’s elegant, unique, and still gives off CNY vibes without going overboard.
Blue Floral Nails with a Chinese Twist

Photo from 爱美甲的小仙女 via 小红书

If blue is your thing, check this out! Add ancient Chinese-inspired blue flowers for a design that’s both super elegant and a bit different from the usual CNY look.
Elegant Blue Jade & Butterfly Nails

Photo from MIAO喵小姐-手绘穿戴甲 via 小红书

Take blue nails up a notch with a stunning 3D look! Think blue jade details, a mini handheld fan, a crystal-like butterfly, and pearls. It’s such a dreamy and detailed vibe.
Dark & Edgy Nails with a Y2K Feel

Photo from 林林喔 via 小红书

For those who love darker nails, try a cat-eye glitter grey with leopard prints—it’s giving total Y2K vibes. Or go for a brown base with soft brown leaves and a hint of poker card prints for something unique and chic.