Geometric manis in monochrome and bright designs dominated the runways in late 2014 and set the beauty world ablaze. Here’s what you need to achieve this on-trend look this Valentine’s Day:

Before you even think of trying out this trend, your nails need to be in tip-top condition. We recommend treating your nails with a ridge filler to ensure a smooth surface, like Inglot Ridge Filler (R 125 at Inglot stores and counters):

A nail brush is essential to fix any smudges. We love Essence Nail Art Designer Set, which includes a brush and sponges (R 36.95 at Dis-Chem).

Here are 3 ultra-easy tutorials to get you inspired:

1. Skinny tip mani

This quirky take on the French mani requires only a nail brush and a steady hand.

1. Apply two coats of ridge filler to bare nails and allow to dry completely.
2.Take a nail brush and draw a skinny line along the tip of your nails in a polish of your choice: monochrome and brights work equally well.
3.Finish off with a glossy top coat.

We recommend O.P.I. Nail Polish in Lincoln Park After Dark (R 135 for 5ml). This deep purple almost-black shade is the height of sophistication.

2. Slanted tip mani

Another take on the French mani that is just a tad trickier than the skinny tip.

1. Paint your nails with two coats of ridge filler. Allow to dry completely.

2. Cut a small strip of masking tape big enough to cover your entire nail. Press the tape against your hand a few times to reduce the intensity of the stickiness.

3. Press the tape against your nail at an angle, making sure it runs from the bottom to the top corner of the nail. Press it down to ensure there is no gap between the tape and your nail.

4.Paint the bare nail peeking through with a polish of your choice.

5. Use upward strokes to prevent the polish from leaking under the tape.

6. Peel the tape off before the polish dries.

7. Repeat this process to paint diagonal lines on all of your nails.

8. After the polish has dried, finish off with a clear top coat.

We recommend NSI In Touch Nail Polish in Hot Pink Peony (R 35 for 5ml). With the slanted tip mani, go big or go home!

3. Half-moon mani

For this chic, retro look, all you need is a sheet of paper hole reinforcement stickers and a nail brush to get gorgeous results:

1. Paint your nails with two coats of ridge filler. Allow to dry completely.

2. Place a paper hole reinforcement at the top of your nail, covering about 25% of the nail. Press each corner of the sticker down at the cuticle.

3. Paint each nail with one coat of the polish of your choice.

4. Paint each nail with a second coat and immediately peel off the sticker. If the line isn’t as crisp as you’d like, don’t stress!

5. Dip a nail brush in nail polish remover and wiggle it around the curve of the half-moon until the line is clean.

6. Seal it with a top coat and you’re good to go!

We recommend Essie Nail Varnish in Wrapped In Rubies. The half-moon mani is at its most elegant in a deep, classic red.

BB beauties, which negative space mani trend are YOU keen to try out?