Posted by Tran Khue
on June 23, 2025
We’ve got a fresh batch of nail inspo packed with lines, swirls, and waves that turn simple manicures into something unforgettable. These nail designs play with color, texture, and shimmer in pleasing ways. It’s wild how a few curves and strokes can totally transform a set!
Nail Design with Lines, Swirls, and Waves
Lines, Swirls, or Waves? All of Them!
We aren’t sure what to call this curvy design but it sure sparkles! It’s painted with LDS liner art gel on Lavis Mirror Cat Eye polish. Can you imagine how it would look if the effects were reversed? What colors would you use underneath the mirror polish swirls?
If you love glitter, browse our extensive cat eye polish collection and stock up while the sales are on!
LAVIS Mirror Cat Eye Gel - Universal Cat Eye Collection
LDS Line Art Gel
Ombre Swirls and Bubbles
Bet you’ve never seen shimmery rainbow seaweed like this! The tiny bubbles give it an underwater vibe despite the sheer pink base. Maybe it’s an ocean in another world!
The artist explained that she used wet blending as she “lazy gradiented the swirls”. Using the chunky glitter was advantageous because the flakes blurred the blending lines.
Cosmic Cat Eye Ripples in Space and Time
How can you create cosmic 3D cat eye waves like this? Watch the video on our Instagram to find out. The artist used Lavis Super Black as the base to make the cat eye color even more stunning. It’s hypnotic how the magnet manipulates the polish to concentrate the glitter. Then the wavy texture comes from a bit of non-sticky builder gel in a jar. It fills us with ideas to watch the artist sculpt the gel with a silicone tool before applying the glossy top coat.
LAVIS Cat Eyes CE16 - 08 - Gel Polish 0.5 oz - Double Vision Collection
Plaid Is Never Plain
Forgetting trying to hand paint straight lines. Try one of our handy sticker stencils instead. It simplifies painting perfect stripes, and you can use it on more than one fingertip.
First, apply the base coat and cat eye polish, then use the magnet to focus the shimmer. Then place the stencil and brush the opaque polish over top. It’s just that easy!
When you do plaid nail art with cat eye polish, it’s never plain. Even if you only use one shade, it feels like more because of the way the light hits it.
LAVIS Cat Eyes CE15 - 07 - Gel Polish 0.5 oz - Fangtastic Collection
Hidden Roses
Did you ever play with one of those scratch boards covered in black wax? When you use a tool to scrape off the covering, it reveals a colorful design underneath. That’s exactly how this nail design with swirls was created. The artist described it as mysterious, magnetic, multi-chromatic, and mesmerizing how the cat eye rose blooms beneath the deep black.
They applied a patchwork of multiple cat eye shades from the Lavis Double Vision Collection. After those cured, they brushed on the Lavis Super Black gel, a pigment-packed extra opaque polish, then drew the lines in the wet polish with a silicone tool before curing. Check out the video to enjoy the full effect.
Silicone Sculpting Dual Pen Set - 5 Pcs
Summer Buttermilk Nails
Buttermilk nails have been trending recently. It’s such a perky color that’s ideal for spring and summer. Can you see how the edges have either a thin line of goldenrod or pale yellow polish? It’s that little extra touch that takes it to the next level.
Blooming Colors
What’s the most straightforward way to swirl colors in wavy designs? Professionals use blooming gel, an innovative product that magically disperses pigment. You can let it work on its own or guide the results with a brush or tool. It’s handy for ombre nail art, too.
After you apply and cure the base coat and bottom shade, brush on a layer of blooming gel. Leave it wet add a drop of polish. The color will start to dissolve and spread out. Once you’re pleased with how it looks, cure that layer and continue. You can add more than one hue at once to mix them together.
LAVIS Blooming Gel
Scientifically Abstract BIAB Manicure
This fun manicure with all sorts of swirls and waves reminds us of an illustration in a science textbook. We especially appreciate how the squiggles start out thin and build in size, bringing them to life. When you’re drawing lines for nail art, remember little tricks like these: varying the thickness and adding shadows or volume for 3D effects.
Speaking of texture, the artist here used builder gel to do a BIAB manicure. As you know, the gel doesn’t have to be removed completely as it can be backfilled. How would you propose managing the design at that point?
LAVIS Builder Gel In The Bottle (ver 2) - 00 Clear - Gel Polish 0.5oz
Rosé and Platinum Curves
There’s something about the silvery curves on these satiny rose nails that feels so luxurious. It brings to mind expensive wine. However, the shape of the French tips also makes us think of ballet shoes. It’s fun when nail art inspires so many connections!
Are you a natural at free-handing designs or do you use tools to assist you? When you’re working with chrome in precise lines, it can get messy. That’s when Lavis Chrome Matte top coat comes to the rescue. It’s a no-white gel that keeps chrome powder from sticking where it’s not supposed to.
LAVIS Chrome Matte Top - 0.5 oz
Right Down the Lines
Here’s a labor of love done with a lot of patience. It takes the French tips concept to a whole new level. Plus, it feels like an Indigenous-inspired design that’s sure to start conversations. What do you think about it? Would you have continued the stripes to the cuticle? What colors might you use?
Conclusion
We hope these nail designs with lines, swirls, and waves inspire you to try something new on your next set. Tiny details can make an enormous difference, turning an ordinary manicure into a memorable masterpiece.
We’re here to help you reach all your nail goals and still stay in budget. Shop our store for the trendiest new colors and effects plus helpful tools and essential supplies.
