Most of us are forever running out of time to do our daily beauty routine, but chances are we never figure out how to create the perfect minimalist nail art look in that time — or any other time. Instead, most of us embrace our limited time with a mixture of the boring and, well, ugly. No shortage of nail art anywhere, so what gives? The real reason it often looks boring (and a little bit ugly) is because our ideas about what goes on our nails tend to overlap with our ideas about what is natural and refreshing and modern. But if this thing is supposed to be about fun, let’s start creating some of those ideas! Here are some of the most thoughtful minimalist nail art ideas out there.

1. Simple classic flowers

Image Source: Selfcare Nail Art

A basic platinum-red mark here, ultra-fresh vs. fully-thick paint here, and ultra-creamy hues here. An all-over pink here, a pink-toned pink here, and a real one-color-only pink in there. Three tiny, detail-free designs (a can opener, phone cord, and gumball machine). All made with natural ingredients (also seen here).

You can change all these things with your palette, every time, here.

Image Source: CoverGirl

For a well-done Nail Art Instagram tutorial, check out #AnalogNailArt. But we’re told that it will cost you at least $7, which sounds high for basic, no-frills, understated nail art. Sometimes the good stuff is more affordable than you think, right?

If you have some better budget options, check out Simple Nail Art ($1, Walmart) and Bombshell #MandiHowel ($1, Target).

2. Multi-function nail art

Image Source: Williams-Sonoma

Whenever we think of multi-functional nail art, we immediately think of polka dots. But think of things you do in your daily life, like lunch pails, cellphone holders, dents in the floor, and of course, nails. Take a doodle of all of them, use an easy base coat, and then give your nails something to do.

3. Comic-style nail art

Image Source: Cosmopolitan

Ever see that comic book-inspired look in the movies that makes the person next to you say, “Ooh, I know exactly how you did that”? Take a cue from that superhero nail art and apply it as a nail art tutorial. This one’ll definitely get laughs.

4. Flatter with this simple stencil

Image Source: The Art Press

That’s right. You can use this simple, clear stencil and have a professional-looking nail art just a click away.

5. Fake a depthless shape using gel

Image Source: Sephora

If you want to fake a depthless shape for your nails, stick a lot of ink or a tiny piece of gel onto your nails (if you are not a fan of hot wax). Then, just gently flatten it out.

This article originally appeared on Well+Good and was written by Kristen McArthur, a social media beauty editor.