18 French Skittle Nail Ideas We Want to Copy Stat

Close up of a French Skittle manicure in muted hues — @disseynails / Instagram

The French manicure is easily one of the most classic nail looks of all time. But as much as we love the original nude-and-white mani, these days, our feeds are filled with creative variations on the design. And we can't lie: They have us swooning.

One such take is the French Skittle. Swapping out the traditional white tips for multiple colors (sometimes with many hues on one nail), we're nothing short of obsessed with the trend. Knowing that you likely will be, too, we rounded up over a dozen French Skittle nail ideas to demonstrate the many ways you can transform the classic nail art. Scroll on for more.

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Color-Block French Skittle Manicure

Colorblock French Skittle Nails - Byrdie French Skittle Nails — @overglowedit / Instagram

How fun is this vivid color-block French Skittle mani? It was created using the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel x Keith Haring Collection. (FYI: The shades are sold individually on Amazon. Just search Sally Hansen x Keith Haring, and they'll pop up. For example, here's the gorgeous papaya orange hue Colour Instinct, $12.)

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High-Contrast French Skittle Nails

If you prefer to coat your entire nail in a vibrant hue, here's another high-contrast color block option. To DIY this look, paint on your base, let it dry, then use the Orly Half Moon Nail Guides ($6) to section off your tips. Paint them in with your chosen polish and finish with a top coat.

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Rainbow Cloud French Skittle Nails

For a more artistic approach to the French Skittle nail look, consider a rainbow ombré effect dotted with fluffy white clouds. To complete the look, seal it in with a matte top coat.

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Spring French Skittle Nails

Here's another way to rock the color-block French Skittle look. This bright, pastel palette has us dreaming of spring. Nail artist Brittney Ellen created the look using Nash + Pino 10-Free Vegan Nail Lacquer ($16) in Lemon Drop, Inhale, Spill the Mint Tea, Melon-nin, and Ladies Love Cosmos.

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Emoji French Skittle Nails

Emoji nails are another au courant mani trend, and we love how this set combines the look with the French Skittle aesthetic. Talk about a head-turning manicure.

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Outlined French Skittle Nails

If you love a high-contrast nail look but want to stick to a single color palette per nail, this double French set proves it looks beautiful. Unless you have a super steady hand, though, this is one nail look you'll want a pro's help to recreate.

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Abstract French Skittle Nails

For a more abstract French Skittle mani, check out this diagonal-accented nail look. We love how the negative-space set features a chic, almost milky base.

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Shimmery French Skittle Nails

Shimmer French Skittle Nails - Byrdie French Skittle Nails — @melanated.mani / Instagram

We love a shimmery nail look, so of course, this iridescent French Skittle mani stopped us in our tracks. It was created using the Cirque Colors Surfer's Crush Collection ($99).

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Neon French Skittle Nails

Neon Gradient French Skittle Nails - Byrdie French Skittle Nails — @amyle.nails / Instagram

You don't have to have long nails to rock a French Skittle nail look. Just look how pretty this neon nail art looks on short, square nails.

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Polka Dot French Skittle Nails

There's no wrong way to do a French Skittle manicure. Clean, curved tips might be the most classic approach, but we love the look of this side-by-side apex color infusion (and how the dots give it an almost pop-art allure). To create the look, use a fine-lining nail art brush to paint on each side color. Then, use a dotting tool to accent each side in a contrasting hue.

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Fall French Skittle Nails

Seeking a cozy, colorful fall French mani? Here you have it. To recreate such clean, crisp edges, make sure you have a short-bristled nail art brush on hand. We love the Olive & June Clean Up Brush ($8).

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Pastel French Skittle Nails

More spring-coded, color-block French Skittle inspo, coming your way! Ellen created this look using Lights Lacquer Nail Polish ($11) in the shades Order Up, Easy as Pie, '52 Chevy, Juke Box Baby, Frenchy, and Banana Split.

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Mushroom French Skittle Nails

We love a fun nail design, and this mushroom French Skittle look has to be one of the most playful we've seen yet. No doubt, it will require the skills of a pro nail artist to recreate.

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Muted French Skittle Nails

November French Skittle Nails - Byrdie French Skittle Nails — @disseynails / Instagram

Colorblock French Skittle nails don't have to be in vivid and pastel shades. Here's a more muted, autumn-toned version—and it looks just as pretty.

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Teal and Pink French Skittle Nails

For a '90s-inspired nail look, consider this magenta, white, and teal French Skittle nail look. Back in the day, these three colors dominated the fashion scene and fast-food restaurants alike. Taco Bell, anyone?

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Opal French Skittle Nails

This opal-based French Skittle mani is perfect for the holidays. To nail the shimmery finish, use Lights Lacquer Nail Polish ($11) in the shade Frostbite.

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Moody Neutral French Skittle Nails

Autumn French Skittle nails work with neutral bases, too. As for us, we're staring at the chartreuse middle nail, dreaming of all the manis you could create with it.

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