47 Delighted Grins: A Smiley Face Nail Art Extravaganza

You must have heard of the saying ‘finding happiness in the little things’. Oh yes, it is a common saying that can be applied to nails. 

When it comes to nails, beautiful designs are available for every event – from classical manicures to epic nail designs, nail art has significantly evolved into masterpieces!

Venturing into unique nail designs is always recommended, and there is nothing more unusual with the smiley face nails. Colorful and filled with character, they are the perfect designs for summer.

CreatIng Smiley Face Nails

The first step to creating a smiley face using traditional nail polish is choosing a design.

There are numerous smiley face options below to choose from. Next is to get the necessary tools depending on the design. 

Here are some of the essentials you might need: 

• metal pushback tool
• Cuticle nippers
• Nail file 
• Clippers 
• Nail cleaning brush
• Polish remover
• Clear top coat
• Primary nail polish
• Stick on smiley faces, and 
• Brush 

Start by removing all the old nail polish using acetone. Clean and file the nails to nails to ensure that the nail bed is excellent.

Buff the surface after pushing back and curing all cuticles. Apply a cuticle cream before letting it set in for a few minutes. Wipe off the nail bed and ensure it is free from all oils before applying the nail polish. 

Apply a clear base coat if the nail bed had previously been damaged, protecting it from further damage.

However, it is optional. It also ensures that other polish layers applied last longer while maintaining the new look. After drying, use a colored coat of your choice before letting it dry. 

Paint the smiley face using the metal dotting tool – the nail polish brush is too thick for detailed work. If any mistakes are made, use a nail polish remover, then try again. 

Move it carefully for a stick-on smiley face until the finished look looks great. If the results are satisfactory, seal with a top coat and let it dry before taking on other tasks. 

Before you get started

• Before you start, make sure your nails are clean and trimmed. A smooth canvas ensures better results.
• Apply a clear base coat to protect your nails and create a smooth surface for the nail art.
• Pick cheerful colors for your smiley faces. Yellow for the base is a classic choice, but feel free to get creative with other vibrant shades.
• Grab a fine nail art brush or a toothpick to create precise details. You’ll need it to draw those cute smiles!
• Decide where you want your smiley faces. They can be on each nail or just an accent on a few. Consistency is key.

Are you wondering what kind of smiley face nails to wear? Here are some fantastic designs to choose from that are definitely going to be a hit. 

1. Sine In Smile Smiley Face Nail

Image by @lizzywade via Instagram

Smiley faces can come in different colors. In this case, the Smiley face is in black and white.

A nude base color matching the palms is applied before the shiny Smiley faces to make it pop.

However, the design is simple and can be worn in a professional setting since it only applies to two fingers in each hand.

Going for a stick-on box profile will make for a uniform look and an excellent finish.

2. Different Moods Smiley Face Nail

Image by @nailninjaminneapolis via Instagram

Yellow Smiley face nail polish is an excellent choice for nail polish design. The design is carefully distributed on all nail designs.

There are different sizes of smiley faces to make it stand out. The application of the nail polishes is on a natural nail bed.

Stick on smiley faces are placed carefully, each hand matching the other.

RELATED: 50+ CLEAR NAIL DESIGNS FOR ANY AESTHETIC

3. Trippy Times Smiley Face Nail

Image by @gleauxologist via Instagram

Extra big smiley faces for a trippy effect are an excellent option for nail designs. Clear nail polish is the primary color, starting with short, well-manicured nails.

Start with stick-on yellow smiley faces carefully placed on each nail to cover the whole nail bed to achieve this look.

Add extra smiley faces to the existing smiles with a black nail pen. The designs do not have to be straight…some could even be upside down.

Add the top coat only after it is completely dry.

4. Alternating Yellow Smiley Face Nail

Image by @b_bynico via Instagram

Alternating yellow smiley faces consist of yellow and brown nail polish as a base color.

To further break down the monotony of the brown, small smiley faces are on the tip of each brown nail making the design dotted with yellow.

For a uniform box profile, finish by considering putting on short stick-on nails to help the finished look become attractive but also last longer. 

5. Purple Smiley Face Nail

Image by @r.c.beautyx via Instagram

The color purple is a standard smiley face nail polish option for people looking for a more casual look.

Start with a simple coat of clear polish before applying a nude color. From similar stick-on picks, the chosen purple smiley faces stick ons of similar size.

There are some stick-ons cut into two and are placed on the nail in which the other smiley face is set much higher. Replication is done on both hands for a more uniform yet formal look.

RELATED: 51 Stunning Black Ombré Nails Design and Ideas To Try Out

6. Mini Smiles Smiley Face Nail

Image by @bykatiebeauty via Instagram

Most smiley faces are usually proportionally sized to the size of each fingernail. However, the mini smiley faces are available to give something unique and different.

It is easy to pack as many as possible into one fingernail with its small size. To avoid overcrowding the look, go with clear polish as the base color on well-manicured nails.

7. Colorful Smile Smiley Face Nail

Image by @naildbyaz via Instagram

Smiley face nail polishes are trendy and colorful in combination with other polishes. The fingernail chosen on both sides is similar when placing the smiley faces.

Other mismatched yet matching on each hand nail designs include the star, all-seeing eye, moon, and others.

Because of the different techniques, it takes some time to get it right. Application on a nude color base is perfect for rectifying and making the color pop once complete.

8. Positive Vibes Smiley Face Nail

Image by @nailsxhilary via Instagram

Sometimes the most straightforward design is the most beautiful. In this look, thin clear nail polish is applied to the base of the medium-length nails.

Using a metal dotting tool, the green polish makes smiley faces on all nail beds before finishing with a clear top coat. Although simple, the design is outstanding in that it shows positive vibes.

9. Golden Smile Smiley Face Nail

Image by @allnailswelcome via Instagram

A golden smile look is achieved in several steps. A clear base is applied and dried before a pink nail polish is used on the natural nail bed.

A metal dotting tool is dipped in black nail polish to get the preliminary design of the smiley face.

Afterward, golden nail polish is carefully applied in thin strips to get the finished golden smile. Other nails have a black star design with a golden finish.

10. Light Smile Smiley Face Nail

Image by @kikinails___ via Instagram

Smiley face designs also come in different stick-on colors. In this case, keeping the nail bed simple will make the smiley faces stick out.

The nails are well-trimmed short of ensuring the base is uniform. Different color stick-ons are unique and of similar size.

Depending on the size of the nail bed, each has one and a half or two and a half stick-on designs, each of different colors. A clear top coat ensures the stick-ons do not peel after water contact.

RELATED: Best Nail Shape To Slim Down Wide Fingers

11. Choco Smile Smiley Face Nail

Image by @gossipandgloss via Instagram

Blue and choco nail design is already outstanding on its own. In this case, each nail has a different design, with the pinkie finger going with a simple blue polish.

The ring finger boasts of a grayish nude polish with a brown swirl, and the middle finger is brown and polka-dotted with dark brown.

The index finger incorporates all colors in smiley faces with some on top of each other. Careful application will make sure that the design does not get bulky. The thumb has a blue polish with a brown swirl on it.

12. Smiling Is Everything Smiley Face Nail

Image by @klawsbykaysh via Instagram

Stick-on gives a little more space to work with since it’s raised and longer. The design incorporates different designs in which only the ring finger has smiley faces.

Others include the googly eye, the infinity circle, and the love stick-ons. To avoid overwhelming the look, the base color is nude.

13. Different colors Pure smiles Smiley Face Nail

Image by @modaboutnails via Instagram

Different color bases are used to achieve this look. Although both colors are blue, they cannot be different as one is baby blue while the other is dark blue.

However, gel nail polish is used in this case to get the thick glossy finish. Application has to be careful as when curing, the stick on needs to be held down with the clear top polish.

The yellow smiley faces are drawn to give the look a little more character on some nails.

14. Confused Smile Smiley Face Nail

Image by @nailed.beautyroom via Instagram

The confused smiley face look is professionally done and best worn during summer or for colorful events.

Each nail has a different color polish and a different nail design with medium-length nails.

Although each is jammed into one look, the flawless design makes it stand out. Each nail gives a simple look when considered independently, with the combination making for a masterpiece.

RELATED: 31 Best Matte Nail Designs 

15. Happy Blossom Smiley Face Nail

Image by @nails_by_rach_w_ via Instagram

Blossom pink flowers are a happy nail design. Adding a bit of color is excellent, with the nail bed colored in a pink nail color to add to its overall character.

The other nail colors have a mixture of swirls with yellow, blue, orange, and blue as their primary colors.

Index fingers have a simple white and orange flower design, leaving the middle finger with a big smiley face.

16. Neon Smiley Face Nail

Image by @hailiernails via Instagram

Neon nails can never go wrong. Neon-green nails stand out even in the dark. However, having different colored smiley faces make it excellent nightlife wear.

The base color in the stick-on nail is colorless to ensure that the blend is not lost in the colors. Each nail has one or two smiley faces to add a bit of color.

17. Have A Happy Situation Smiley Face Nail

Image by @mrs._claws via Instagram

The happy situation design is a fantastic teen choice option. Prepare the nail bed and choose different colors for the other nails to get the look.

Instead of stick-on smiley faces, stick on yellow stickers and draw the smiley faces. The point is to have different smiles to show an overall happy situation.

Depending on the location and size of a fingernail, some have one, one and a half, or two happy faces.

Quick guide

• Start with clean, trimmed nails. Apply a clear base coat for protection.
• Opt for a vibrant color as your base. Yellow is a classic choice for smiley faces, but feel free to get creative.
• Decide where you want the smiles—either on each nail or as an accent on a few.
• Use a contrasting color to outline a circular shape for the smiley face. It helps you maintain control over the shape.
• Carefully draw the smile using the same contrasting color. Experiment with different smile shapes—big grins, shy smiles, or winks!

18. Glossy Smiley Face Nail

Image by @tinadoesmynails via Instagram

Rocking the oval shape is considered courageous – this nail design requires a lot of care.

The glossy smiley face is exceptionally unique, with long nude nails that come with smiley faces, making it a great choice.

You can either have stick-on or acrylics for a more professional look. Apply a nude nail polish before putting on the smiley faces.

The smiley faces are random, and it is a personal choice that gets the most due to the length of the nail.

RELATED: 32 Unforgettably Stylish Blue Ombre Nails 

19. Happy And Moody Smiley Face Nail

Image by @Holliday gets via Instagram

Not all smiley faces need to be smiling, and the happy and moody smiley face nails depict precisely that.

Each nail has a different polish to give the nail base a little colorful finish. The smiley faces are drawn with a black polish using a small dotting tool.

The number of smiley faces depends on the nail size, with the smallest having the least and the thumb or middle finger having the most.

20. Pink Smiley Shades Smiley Face Nail

Image by @sararose.nails via Instagram

The pink shades of smiley faces are a different contrast to the commonly known yellow ones.

However, the distinction is only possible due to the white base nail polish used. With the different shades of pink smiley faces, the smiley faces are all painted black.

RELATED: 34 Irresistible Rose Gold Nail Looks

21. Cherry Smile Smiley Face Nail

Image by @beth.j.beauty via Instagram

Bright-colored nail designs are often linked to fruits. With smiley faces linked to bananas or tomatoes, adding a cherry design will make for an excellent complimentary design.

However, the design goes a step further and has a bridge design with the little finger having a polka dot design.

22. Mix Of Colors Smiley Face Nail

Image by @lexi.loves.nails via Instagram

Choose a vibrant contrast of colors to draw your smiling faces to make them stand out. The pastel tones are ideal for spring and summer and may instantly improve your overall outfit. 

23. Floral Beauty Smiley Face Nail

Image by @Allison via Instagram

This daisy-style manicure with a smiley face in place of the seeds is adorable. This is a great nail design if you like florals in your manicure. 

24. Multicolored Smiley Face Nail

Image by @nailsandbeautybymiax via Instagram

The varied hues in the smiley are everything you want in a lively smiling face manicure design.

You can choose any color combination if you’re creating this manicure at home. The horizontal line on the end of the smile adds detail, but you can skip it if you’re doing it yourself. 

Did you know?

Smiling face nail art has been around for much longer than you might think. The concept of painting faces on nails dates back to ancient China, where women would use gum Arabic, beeswax, and egg whites to create colorful and intricate designs on their nails. These early nail artists often depicted flowers, landscapes, and, yes, even tiny smiling faces!

25. Trippy Smiley Face Nail

Image by @mynailgirl_emily via Instagram

Rock some crazy smiling face nails to get jazzy with your nail game! These trippy designs will make you smile from ear to ear while adding a splash of color and individuality to any ensemble. With this fun and trendy trend, you may spread some good vibes!

26. Subtle Colors & Geometric Patterns Smiley Face Nail

Image by @tamaminails via Instagram

This nail design combines subtle colors and geometric patterns to create a unique, eye-catching look.

The star of the show is a charming smiley face nail featured on one finger, exuding a playful and cheerful vibe.

Surrounding it, intricate checks and swirling patterns in contrasting black and white add a touch of sophistication and visual interest.

The soft mint background provides a calming backdrop that complements the lively smiley face.

While mint is the suggested base color, you can personalize this design with your favorite shades, like purple or red, for a personalized and captivating manicure to brighten your day.

27. Colorful Smiley Face Nail

Image by @the_ys_studio via Instagram

These enchanting short nails exude playful charm with their striking emerald green base.

The accent nails add a burst of vibrancy, painted in a captivating and lively assortment of colors.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the classic yellow smiley face motif, adorning each accent nail.

This delightful juxtaposition of an elegant green backdrop with the timeless simplicity of smiley faces creates a visually appealing and joyful masterpiece.

These nails are a perfect blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them an ideal choice for those who want to showcase their fun-loving spirit with style and flair.

28. Pink & Yellow Smiley Face Nail

Image by @beauty.at.rubys via Instagram

When you’re pondering over the perfect color pairing for your yellow smiley face nail design, pink emerges as a delightful choice.

While various shades of pink work harmoniously, lighter hues amplify the vibrancy of the yellow, making it stand out.

The juxtaposition of these cheerful colors creates a playful and eye-catching nail art.

Each nail adorned with a charming yellow smiley face against a backdrop of soft or pastel pink exudes a sense of whimsy and positivity, making this combination an ideal choice for spreading joy and smiles through your nails.

It’s a fun and expressive nail art choice that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day.

29. Glossy Smiley Face Nail

Image by @nails_by_liberty via Instagram

The glossy smiley face nail design offers a playful yet chic look. This design involves creating smiley face motifs using shiny transparent nail polish.

You can hand-paint these charming smiles or opt for smiley face stickers for a quick and flawless result.

The key is to ensure the motifs are securely positioned, giving the appearance of professional nail art.

The transparent topcoat enhances the shine and provides a protective layer.

This minimalist and trendy design adds a touch of whimsy to your nails, making them an eye-catching conversation starter while maintaining a polished and elegant finish.

30. Halloween Smiley Face Nail

Image by @artbetweenthelines via Instagram

These Halloween smiley face nails offer a playful twist on the spooky season.

With a trippy and colorful blend, they strike the perfect balance between cute and quirky for a unique Halloween nail art idea.

These funky smiley faces bring fun to your nails, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a more lighthearted and cheerful approach to Halloween.

The extraordinary mix of colors creates an eye-catching and appealing look, ensuring your nails stand out at any Halloween gathering.

Embrace the unconventional and let your nails express your Halloween spirit with these smiley-face masterpieces.

31. X Smiley Face Nail

Image by @get.nailed.by.brie via Instagram

The “X Smiley Face” nails offer a playful twist on a classic look. Set in a vibrant yellow base, these nails feature charming smiley face emojis, adding a whimsical touch to your manicure.

What sets them apart is the intricate swirly pattern in a deeper, contrasting color palette that complements the yellow beautifully.

The swirls alone are captivating, but combined with the cheerful smiley faces, they infuse personality and character into the design.

These nails strike the perfect balance between trendy and fun, making them a standout choice for those who want a stylish and delightfully unique manicure.

32. Different Designs Smiley Face Nail

Image by @tamaminails via Instagram

This is an excellent approach to commemorate the happy summer season.

It’s not just your imagination; studies have shown that people are more comfortable in the summer than in the winter due to increased serotonin levels induced by the Sun’s beams.

It only seems fair to incorporate summer motifs into your manicure and continue to experience a surge in happy hormones by reminiscing about the warm season every time you look at your hands. 

33. An Easy Twist Smiley Face Nail

Image by @itsgrlnails via Instagram

The horizontal-line eyes with a curved smile are a simpler version of the circular emojis, making them suitable for beginners to easily DIY smiley face nails.

This is one of those manicure ideas that is simple to execute at home yet looks professional.

Use the proper colors and a steady hand to create this design with as much beauty as seen below. 

34. Bold Outlines Smiley Face Nail

Image by @veronailtips_ via Instagram

These bold outline smiley face nails are a delightful and compact take on nail art that’s sure to bring joy.

Featuring a minimalist yet expressive design, these nails showcase cheerful smiley faces with striking black outlines on a neutral or vibrant background.

The simplicity of these designs adds a touch of whimsy to your manicure while maintaining a clean and modern look.

Whether you prefer short and sassy nails or long and expressive ones, these smiley face nails are fun and inspirational, radiating positivity and style with every glance.

35. Cute Almond Smiley Face Nail

Image by @thenailtechorg via Instagram

Indulge in the ultimate expression of cuteness with these almond-shaped nails adorned with an adorable smiley face in the center.

This chic manicure features daisy-inspired accents that radiate a playful charm.

The beauty of this design lies in its versatility; you can personalize it with your favorite color combinations to match your unique style and mood.

Whether you choose soft pastels for a subtle look or vibrant hues for a bold statement, these cute almond smiley face nails are a delightful way to showcase your creativity and spread joy through your fingertips.

36. Black And White Smiley Face Nail

Image by @still___london via Instagram

The black and white smiley face nail design is a minimalistic yet charming choice for enthusiasts.

With its simple, timeless appeal, this design is effortlessly achieved using readily available stickers.

A bold, black, smiley face on a white background creates a striking contrast that instantly catches the eye.

This design encapsulates the essence of joy and positivity, making it suitable for various occasions.

Whether you’re a nail art novice or simply seeking a quick and easy manicure option, this black and white smiley face design is a delightful choice that adds a touch of whimsy and cheerfulness to your nails.

37. Short Yet Aesthetic Smiley Face Nail

Image by @manisbyannie via Instagram

This captivating smiley face nail design combines creativity with simplicity.

Against a transparent backdrop, each nail flaunts a unique emoji, expressing a spectrum of emotions.

The vibrant colors you choose allow you to customize these adorable smiley faces, reflecting your personality and feelings.

This charming nail art effortlessly brings a touch of playfulness and individuality to your fingertips, ensuring your style is as unique and cheerful as the emojis themselves. It’s a delightful way to showcase your mood and creativity, one smile at a time.

38. Stiletto  Smiley Face Nail

Image by @polishedbycarrissa via Instagram

Stiletto-shaped nails, renowned for their elongated and fierce silhouette, provide an expansive canvas for intricate designs.

Incorporating many patterns, like the charming smiley face, offers a captivating channel for artistic expression within your manicure.

The juxtaposition of the slender stiletto form and the cheerful smiley faces creates a beautiful, edgy, playful contrast.

While these smiley face acrylic nails undoubtedly radiate creativity, it’s advisable to seek professional application due to the vulnerability of longer nails to chipping.

This ensures the enchanting design remains flawlessly vibrant, reflecting your individuality and style with every gesture.

39. Basic  Smiley Face Nail

Image by @_millimac via Instagram

Minimal, elegant, and downright charming, this smiley face nail design is simple and lovely.

It’s perfect for those who appreciate subtlety with a touch of playfulness. Achieving this look is a breeze, whether you opt for stickers or wield a steady hand with a toothbrush.

A soft, pastel background sets the stage, and atop it, a delicate smiley face graces a single nail.

The eyes are two dainty dots, and the smile is a graceful curve. This design radiates positivity and pairs beautifully with any outfit, making it a delightful choice for a touch of whimsy in your nail art repertoire.

40. Different Avatars Smiley Face Nail

Image by @laurawoo.studio via Instagram

If you want to add even more color and imagination to your manicure, use a different color on each nail and make sure the smiley emoji is done differently.

On the other hand, for a very bright nail idea, you can add five additional various colors. 

41. Quirky One Smiley Face Nail

Image by @leannehaycock_ via Instagram

This quirky smiley face nail art isn’t your typical cute design. It’s for those who want a distinctive and fun touch to their manicure.

A unique, offbeat smiley face adds loads of character to your nails, making it perfect for both women and men who appreciate a bit of personality in their nail art.

42. Pink & Orange Smiley Face Nail

Image by @antonianailartistry via Instagram

Embrace the playful spirit of summer beach days with pink and orange smiley face nails. This spirited color fusion exudes fun and vibrancy.

Featuring intricate smiley face designs, this manicure can be challenging, making professional help a wise choice for a flawless recreation. Get ready to show off your cheerful, sunny nails!

43. Acrylic Smiley Face Nail

Image by @naileditbeauty via Instagram

Elevate your style with these Purple French tip nails adorned with cheerful smiley faces and delicate floral patterns on the tips.

This playful design adds a touch of happiness to a minimalistic nail look, creating a delightful and expressive statement at your fingertips.

44. Hearts + Smiles + Florals Smiley Face Nail

Image by @bysarahnailartist via Instagram

This smiley face nail design combines hearts, smiles, and florals in a delightful purple and white palette.

It’s a cheerful and elegant manicure that captures the essence of joy and beauty, making it perfect for expressing a lighthearted style.

Keep in mind

• Ensure your nails are clean, trimmed, and shaped to your liking before starting the design.
• Apply a clear base coat to protect your nails and create a smooth surface for the nail art.
• Choose vibrant and cheerful colors for your smiley faces. Consider a bright background color like yellow for an extra pop.
• Have a fine nail art brush or a toothpick on hand for precise detailing. You’ll need it for drawing those cute smiles.
• Decide where you want the smiley faces—whether on all nails or as accents. Consistency in placement can enhance the overall look.

45. Soft Colors Smiley Face Nail

Image by @veromerciernails via Instagram

This smiley face nail design features soft shades and distinct motifs on each nail. Using harmonious colors preserves its unique charm and creativity.

Each nail tells a story with a cheerful smile, making it a delightful and expressive manicure that’s sure to brighten your day.

46. Cloud Motifs  Smiley Face Nail

Image by @_millimac via Instagram

Swap the traditional round smiley face for cloud motifs on your nails. This playful twist adds a winsome charm to your nail art.

Embrace the unique and lighthearted vibe of cloud-inspired smileys for a delightful and imaginative manicure that’s sure to make you smile every time you look at your nails!

47. Mint Green & Yellow Smiley Face Nail

Image by @oliviabynature via Instagram

Who said smiley face nails had to be bold? Embrace a softer side with tranquil mint green and sunny yellow smiley faces.

These mellow hues harmonize beautifully, offering a relaxed and cheerful vibe. You can also experiment with pastels like lilac, peach, light grey, lavender, and pale pink to create unique smiley face nail art.

Numerous tools are used to achieve the finished look, and professionals can do it easier and help you cut the expenses of buying each independently.

Experimenting with different nail arts, such as smiley faces with stripes, flowers, and abstract art, is a creative way to have fun nails.

You can also incorporate traditional looks to have more than simple smiley faces. Go all out and choose smiley faces that are misshaped and even of different moods to mimic human emotion. 

When selecting nail art, consider personal preferences and situations as a form of self-expression.

The best part is that nail art allows expressing yourself in places with restricted dress codes, even in the smallest of ways.

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