22 Cute and Festive 4th of July Nails for 2026 You’ll Want to Wear All Summer

Is it just me, or does the week before the Fourth always spark this sudden obsession with finding the perfect red, white, and blue manicure? There’s something about that particular stretch of summer — the heat finally settling in, the smell of sunscreen and charcoal, the anticipation of fireworks — that makes me want my nails to feel like a celebration. And this year, 4th of July nails for 2026 are hitting differently. The designs have gotten more elevated, more wearable, and honestly more beautiful than ever.

Whether you’re looking for something bold and patriotic or subtle enough to carry into August, there’s a version for every skin tone and nail length. I’ve been bookmarking 4th of July nail designs, patriotic nail ideas, red white and blue nails, and Independence Day manicures for weeks now — and the range this season is genuinely exciting. From chrome finishes to soft ombré fades and minimalist flag accents, these looks work on almond shapes, short squares, coffin nails, and everything in between.

Let’s get into the designs I genuinely think will dominate Pinterest boards this season.

Stars and Stripes Statement Nails With Cozy Vibes

The first thing I noticed about this set is how it takes the American flag and literally translates it across different nails — two navy nails covered in white stars, one nail with red and white vertical stripes, one with scattered blue stars on a nude base, and a solid red accent. It reads like a deconstructed flag spread across your hand, which is such a clever approach to 4th of July nail ideas. The almond shape keeps everything elegant, and the cozy sweater setting reminds me that patriotic nails aren’t just for the beach — they’re for those cooler summer evenings too. CUTE and IDEAS at their finest.

For the star details, nail stickers from Valentino Beauty Pure or hand-painted five-point stars with a detail brush both work beautifully. The stripe nail looks best when you alternate tape placement and cure between layers — patience is everything here. I’ve learned from watching backstage nail tutorials that slightly imperfect stars actually look more charming than overly precise ones, so don’t stress perfection.

There’s something about wearing these while curled up with a sparkler and a blanket that captures the whole spirit of Independence Day — celebratory but comfortable. That’s the balance.

Matte Red and Blue Ombré Almond Nails

This one feels like the quiet luxury version of patriotic nails. Instead of loud graphics or glitter overload, the faded red-to-blue ombré in a matte finish creates something much softer and more modern. The pink base bleeds into a powder blue center before transitioning to deeper coral at the tips — or reversing — giving each nail a slightly different gradient personality. The matte texture makes the colors look almost chalky and diffused, like a watercolor painted across your hands. SOFT and TRENDING describe this perfectly.

Achieving this ombré requires a makeup sponge technique — dab your gel colors onto a cosmetic sponge and press it onto the nail in a rolling motion. I’ve learned that using a matte top coat from Gelish or Born Pretty completely transforms the finish and hides any sponge texture imperfections. Refinery29 called matte patriotic nails one of the most wearable trends for summer, and I completely agree. This is the summer ombré nail look for anyone who wants festive without flashy.

It reminds me of a faded denim jacket and cotton candy clouds at dusk. Patriotic energy that whispers instead of shouts — and somehow that’s even more powerful.

Retro Cherry and Checkerboard Nails With Playful Energy

Okay, this one instantly made me think of roadside diners, cherry soda, and those tiny summer towns that go all out for Independence Day. The combination of pink bases, cherry art, blue-and-white checkerboard accents, and oversized floral details feels RETRO in the best possible way. These aren’t your typical patriotic nails, which honestly makes them even cooler. The mix of patterns — swirls, fruits, checks, flowers — across both hands creates a maximalist collage that somehow still feels cohesive because of the shared red-pink-blue palette.

For the cherry details, a small dotting tool and a thin liner brush are essential. Daily Charme makes incredible nail art gel paints in the exact shades you’d need here. The checkerboard pattern looks intimidating but is actually just alternating squares with a small flat brush — cure between rows for clean edges. I’ve seen this mixed-art approach trending heavily among nail artists featured in Allure’s summer beauty roundups, and it’s the kind of set that gets hundreds of saves on Pinterest.

There’s something about wearing cherries and checkerboard on your nails that makes the whole summer feel more playful. It’s giving county-fair-meets-fashion-week, and I’m here for every second of it.

Classic Americana Almond Nails With Mixed Patriotic Art

I keep coming back to this kind of manicure every single year because it just works. The combination of solid cherry-red nails, navy blue with white stars, and a nude base with red and white stripes feels like the quintessential 4th of July nail look — but the almond shape and glossy finish elevate it beyond anything costume-like. There’s also something about how the blue French tip accent nail ties the whole set together without overwhelming the hand. This is CLASSIC and HOT at the same time, which is honestly hard to pull off with patriotic themes.

For this look, I’d recommend starting with OPI’s “Big Apple Red” for those solid nails and layering Olive & June’s navy shade for the star accent. A thin striping brush — or even a fine-tip nail art pen from Daily Charme — makes those stripes achievable at home. I’ve learned that curing each stripe individually under an LED lamp prevents bleeding between colors, which is everything when you’re working with white over nude.

There’s something about seeing this set against a steering wheel on a sunny afternoon that just screams summer freedom. It reminds me of windows down, radio up, driving to a lake house with the whole weekend stretching ahead.

Autumn-Toned Multi-Color Square Nails With Quiet Warmth

Now this version takes a totally different direction — and I love that. While most people associate the Fourth with primary reds and blues, this muted palette of burnt orange, dusty blue, warm gray, and cream proves that patriotic energy can be interpreted through NEUTRAL and SOFT tones. The square shape keeps things modern and editorial, and the multi-color approach feels intentional rather than random. If you’re someone who wants festive nails that won’t clash with your everyday wardrobe into late summer, this is your set.

I’ve been seeing nail artists on Allure recommend mixing Essie’s “Chinchilly” with deeper blue-grays for this kind of tonal variety. The trick is keeping all the shades within the same saturation level so nothing pops too aggressively. A good top coat — Gelish’s “Top It Off” is my go-to — gives that creamy, almost ceramic finish you see here. These would pair beautifully with gold jewelry, which is why I think they work so well for those summer nail color ideas that carry you from barbecues to brunch.

Honestly, this set feels like watching the sunset from a rooftop. It’s quiet celebration — no fireworks needed.

Minimalist Wavy Lines in Red White and Blue

There’s something about single-line nail art that feels so fresh right now. Instead of filling the entire nail with color, these delicate wavy lines in red, white, and blue over a sheer nude base create movement without heaviness. It’s giving TRENDING and PRETTY simultaneously — the kind of manicure that makes people lean in and ask “who did your nails?” The almond shape here elongates the fingers beautifully, and the randomness of the wave placement keeps it from looking too calculated.

For achieving these clean lines, a gel liner brush from Born Pretty or a striping tape guide works wonders. I’ve learned that using gel paint rather than regular polish gives you more control over the thickness and prevents those annoying skips mid-line. Refinery29 featured a similar minimalist patriotic look last summer, and honestly it’s only gotten more popular since. Start with Aprés’ sheer nude builder gel as your base for that clean milky canvas.

It feels like ribbons caught in a summer breeze. This is the kind of 4th of July nail design that doesn’t scream “holiday” but definitely whispers it — and that subtlety is everything.

Bold Beach Day Nails With Alternating Patriotic Colors

The first thing I noticed about this set is how unapologetically fun it is. Each nail painted a different solid shade — deep red, navy blue, bright white, cherry red, light blue — creates this playful, almost candy-like effect that looks incredible against a beach backdrop. This is CUTE nail art at its most approachable because there’s literally no intricate technique required. Just great colors and confidence. These work especially well on shorter nails and look stunning on tan skin when the contrast really pops.

Olive & June’s summer collections always have the perfect primary shades for this kind of look. Their “BEB” red and a crisp navy would be my starting point. The key — and this is something I’ve learned the hard way — is doing three thin coats rather than two thick ones so the color stays vibrant without bubbling. For anyone exploring short nail ideas for summer 2026, this proves you don’t need length to make a statement.

It reminds me of popsicles melting too fast and sand between your toes and not caring about anything except the next wave. Summer bottled onto your fingertips.

Patriotic French Tips With Delicate Star Accents

I keep coming back to French tip variations because they’re the perfect balance between classic and current — and this patriotic version absolutely nails it. The tips are layered in red, white, and blue stripes, creating this tiny flag detail at the edge of each nail while leaving the base clean and nude. Then there’s that one accent nail with scattered blue dots and a sparkle star that adds just enough whimsy. It’s CLASSY and DESIGNS-focused without trying too hard.

This is where a good French tip guide or skinny brush from Daily Charme becomes essential. Layer the white stripe first, cure it, then add blue, cure again, and finish with red on top. Allure’s nail editor mentioned this “stacked stripe” technique last spring and it’s become my favorite way to get precision without tape. For the star, a small dotting tool dipped in white gel paint creates that four-point sparkle effortlessly. If you love the summer French tip nail ideas for 2026, this patriotic twist belongs in your saved folder.

There’s something about how clean this looks against a cozy backdrop that makes it feel equally appropriate for a Fourth of July dinner party or a casual Tuesday. Versatility is underrated.

Fourth of July Gel Nails With Stars Stripes and Glitter

This one feels like the most “classic Fourth of July” set in the best possible way. Solid red nails, red and white vertical stripes, a silver glitter accent, and a navy nail with white stars — it’s everything you’d want from Independence Day nails without a single element feeling overdone. The oval shape softens the bold graphics and keeps the overall look feminine rather than costumey. I love how the silver glitter nail acts as a bridge between the red and blue, almost like sparklers connecting the whole celebration. This is HOT and GLITTERY in a way that works on every skin tone.

For that silver glitter finish, Gelish’s “Water Field” or DND’s silver chrome gel creates that dense sparkle without chunky texture. I’ve learned that pressing glitter gel onto the nail in a patting motion rather than brushing it gives you more even coverage and prevents bald spots. The stripes work best with a thin liner brush — nail artist Emi Matsuda often demonstrates this technique on Allure’s social channels with stunning precision.

Honestly, this manicure tastes like cold lemonade at a backyard barbecue. It’s the set you get when you want everyone at the party to notice your hands.

Sunset Almond Nails With Stars and Stripe Accents

There’s something about seeing patriotic nails against a tropical sunset that makes the whole look feel elevated. This set takes the classic combination — red nails, a blue star accent, and a diagonal red-white-blue stripe nail — and gives it that golden-hour glamour. The almond shape is elongated and elegant, the red is deeply saturated, and the star nail uses oversized white stars on navy that feel almost graphic-design-level clean. LONG and INSPO perfectly describe what’s happening here.

I’d reach for OPI’s “Cajun Shrimp” or their classic “Big Apple Red” for this particular shade of red — it’s warm enough to catch golden light beautifully. The stripe accent nail requires a steady hand or thin tape guides, and curing between each color keeps the lines razor sharp. For anyone planning vacation nails or a summer acrylic nail design, this set photographs like a dream and holds up beautifully with a proper gel top coat.

It feels like the kind of nails you notice while someone’s holding a cocktail at a rooftop party, the sunset bleeding orange behind them. Pure summer main-character energy.

Chrome Stiletto Nails in Metallic Red Silver and Blue

Now this version takes 4th of July nails into futuristic territory. The chrome finish on these stiletto-shaped nails — alternating between deep metallic red, mirror silver, and electric blue — creates something that looks almost sculptural. Each nail reflects light differently, creating this liquid-metal effect that’s absolutely mesmerizing. This is HOT and LONG in the most dramatic way possible, and honestly if you’re going to go bold for the Fourth, this is how you do it. The pointed stiletto shape adds edge and makes the chrome finish even more reflective.

Chrome powder application is the key here — you’ll need a no-wipe gel top coat cured completely, then buff the chrome powder (from Born Pretty or Daily Charme) onto the surface with a silicone applicator or eyeshadow brush. I’ve learned that the smoother your base layers, the more mirror-like the chrome finish will be. Seal with another layer of gel top coat to prevent chipping. This is the kind of summer nail inspo that stops people in their tracks.

It feels like wearing fireworks on your fingertips. Not the soft sparkly kind — the bold, exploding, sky-filling kind that makes everyone look up.

Milky White Almond Nails With Subtle Flag Accent

There’s something about this set that feels like the most sophisticated interpretation of 4th of July nails I’ve ever seen. Four nails in a creamy, milky white with that gorgeous jelly-like sheen — and then one single nail with a tiny, delicate American flag detail near the tip. That’s it. That’s the whole design. And it’s CLASSY in a way that makes you realize you don’t need to cover every nail in stars and stripes to make a patriotic statement. The almond shape and the luminous finish give this an almost bridal quality.

For that milky base, Aprés Gel-X tips in “Chloe” or Valentino Beauty Pure’s sheer white builder gel creates the perfect translucent-but-opaque canvas. The flag detail is so small that a thin liner brush or even a tiny nail sticker works beautifully — and the restraint is what makes it special. I’ve noticed more and more people requesting this “quiet patriotic” approach at salons, and it aligns perfectly with the minimalist nail movement Allure has been tracking.

Honestly, this is the manicure for someone who loves celebrating but hates being loud about it. It’s like wearing a tiny flag pin on a white linen dress — understated elegance that says everything without saying much at all.

Abstract Patriotic Swirl Art on Square Nails

I keep coming back to abstract nail art because it lets you be patriotic without being literal — and this set absolutely delivers. Bold swirls of navy, red, and white cascade across square-shaped nails in an almost painterly way, with white stars and sparkle details scattered throughout like confetti frozen in motion. The square shape gives each nail more surface area for the art to breathe, and the mix of solid navy nails with abstract nude-base designs creates visual rhythm across both hands. DESIGNS and IDEAS merge beautifully here.

This level of nail art typically requires a gel paint palette and multiple thin brushes for the flowing lines. I’d recommend Born Pretty’s nail art gel set for the pigment density you need in those swirls. The trick I’ve learned is to cure after completing each major color layer so nothing smudges when you add the next element. If abstract feels intimidating at home, many salons offer this style — just show your technician the reference image and specify gel for longevity.

It feels like someone captured a flag waving in the wind and turned it into art. Not a photograph — a painting. And that distinction makes all the difference.

Dreamy Gradient Nails With Sparkle Stars in Blue and Pink

This one feels like a fairytale version of Fourth of July nails. One hand in gradient blues with white sparkle stars, the other in gradient pinks with the same star motif — it’s like the sky at different times during a fireworks show. The almond shape and the smooth ombré transition from light to dark create this ethereal, almost celestial quality that makes the whole set feel more magical than patriotic in the traditional sense. PINK and PRETTY don’t even begin to cover how dreamy this looks.

The gradient effect here uses a sponge-dabbing technique with multiple blue or pink shades blended at the cuticle line and tip. Those sparkle stars can be achieved with a thin brush and white gel paint — just create four-point stars with a quick flick motion at each cardinal point. Essie’s “Bikini So Teeny” layered with “Lapiz of Luxury” creates that particular blue gradient beautifully. For anyone exploring short summer nails 2026 inspo, this gradient technique works just as well on shorter lengths.

There’s something about having one blue hand and one pink hand that feels like holding the whole twilight sky. It’s celebration made gentle.

Cheerful Light Blue and Red Nails With Star Details

The first thing I noticed about this set is how cheerful and approachable it feels. The light cornflower blue paired with cherry red — plus accent nails featuring scattered stars and vertical stripes — creates something that reads “summer celebration” without taking itself too seriously. The oval shape and medium length make this incredibly wearable for everyday life, and the slightly lighter blue (rather than deep navy) gives the whole thing a younger, fresher energy. CUTE and INSPO perfectly capture the vibe.

For this particular blue, I’d reach for Essie’s “Suggestive and Sultry” or OPI’s “Can’t Find My Czechbook” — that soft periwinkle-cornflower family that’s been dominating summer June nail color ideas. The star accent nail uses a clear or nude base with hand-painted stars in red and blue — a dotting tool pressed and dragged slightly creates that starburst shape. I’ve learned that mixing your accent nails asymmetrically (stars on one hand, stripes on the other) looks more intentional than matching them perfectly.

It reminds me of hydrangeas in a mason jar and red gingham tablecloths and that specific happiness that only exists on summer holiday weekends. Light and lovely.

Sheer Gradient Nails With Glitter for a Subtle Celebration

There’s something about this set that whispers “Fourth of July” so softly you almost miss it — and that’s exactly what makes it beautiful. Sheer nude bases with the faintest blush of red on some tips and blue on others, all dusted with iridescent glitter flakes that catch the light like tiny fireworks. The short, natural length and rounded shape make this the most understated patriotic manicure I’ve seen this season. SOFT and NEUTRAL vibes for anyone who wants to participate without being obvious about it.

Valentino Beauty Pure’s sheer jelly gels are perfect for this transparent-tinted effect — layer one coat for the barely-there color, then add iridescent foil flakes or holographic glitter from Daily Charme on top. Cure and seal with a glossy top coat for that wet, glassy finish. I’ve noticed that Refinery29’s editors consistently gravitate toward this “almost invisible” nail trend, and it works especially well on short gel nails for summer when you want something low-maintenance but still seasonal.

It feels like looking at fireworks through a frosted glass — everything soft and diffused and dreamy. Celebration for the minimalist at heart.

Elaborate Firework Nail Art With Glitter and Waves

This one is for the person who wants their nails to BE the fireworks show. Elaborate bursting patterns in red, white, and blue radiate across each nail like actual pyrotechnics, with silver glitter waves and scattered stars adding layers of dimension. Navy bases alternate with nude canvases to give each firework design its own stage. The almond shape and medium length provide the perfect amount of surface area for this level of detail. GLITTERY and DESIGNS at their absolute peak.

This is salon-level art — a skilled nail technician using gel paints, a fine detail brush, and incredible patience creates those radiating burst patterns. If you’re attempting at home, start with the silver glitter wave using Born Pretty’s glitter gel, then add the colored bursts with thin lines radiating from a central point. Each element should be cured separately. I’ve learned from following professional nail artists that the “less pressure on the brush” trick creates thinner, more elegant lines for firework rays.

There’s something about wearing literal fireworks on your hands that makes the actual show feel like an extension of you. Bold? Absolutely. Worth it? Every single second of detail work.

Chrome Stars on Silver Stiletto Nails With Flag Accents

Now this version takes patriotic nails into pure editorial territory. Silver chrome stiletto nails with bold blue star cutouts — plus one or two accent nails painted as a full American flag — create something that belongs in a fashion campaign. The mirror-finish chrome reflects everything around it while the matte blue stars create this incredible textural contrast. This is LONG and TRENDING in the most high-fashion interpretation of Independence Day nails I’ve encountered this year.

Chrome powder in silver (from Daily Charme’s collection) buffed over a no-wipe top coat creates that mirror base. The stars are then painted on top with a dark blue gel paint and a steady hand — or you can use star-shaped nail vinyls for crisp edges. I’ve learned that applying a thin layer of base coat over the chrome before painting the stars helps the blue adhere without slipping. For the flag accent nails, traditional striping technique works beautifully against the chrome backdrop.

It feels like wearing armor made of moonlight and patriotism. Not subtle, not trying to be — and that confidence is what makes it magnetic.

Café Patriotic Nails With Star and Stripe Mix

I keep coming back to this set because of how perfectly it captures a specific summer moment — holding an iced drink on a sunny patio, nails catching the light, everything feeling easy and celebratory. The combination of solid red, navy with a white star, red and white stripes, and a sheer nude nail creates variety without chaos. The almond shape and medium length feel effortlessly chic, and the fact that each nail tells a different part of the patriotic story keeps things visually interesting. CUTE and IDEAS come together naturally here.

For this look, the star nail is the focal point — a navy blue base (OPI’s “Yoga-ta Get This Blue” is ideal) with one clean white star painted in the center using a thin liner brush. The stripe nail uses careful tape guides or a steady freehand. I’ve noticed that keeping one nail completely bare or sheer creates breathing room in sets like these, which is a trick Jen Atkin’s nail artist often employs for editorial shoots. These are the kind of summer French nails 2026 that feel effortlessly intentional.

There’s something about patriotic nails and a cold pink drink that makes summer feel specifically, perfectly American. Easy joy in its purest form.

Galaxy Glitter Gradient Nails in Red Gold and Blue

This one feels like fireworks frozen mid-explosion against a night sky. The deep red-to-navy gradient is studded with gold glitter particles that catch light like sparks still airborne, and the silver-to-blue transitions on alternating nails create this celestial dimension that’s absolutely stunning. The stiletto shape amplifies the drama, making each nail look like a tiny universe of celebration. GLITTERY and LONG in the most glamorous possible way — this is the set you wear when you want to be unforgettable.

Achieving this galaxy effect requires layering: start with your base color (deep red or navy), add a gradient zone with a sponge, then press holographic and gold glitter flakes into the tacky layer before curing. Born Pretty’s “Aurora” glitter collection has exactly the right particle sizes for this scattered-sparkle effect. I’ve learned that applying glitter in the gradient zone rather than all over creates that intentional fading effect that looks professional. Seal everything with two coats of glossy top coat for maximum depth.

It reminds me of standing in a field watching the finale — that moment when the sky is nothing but color and light and sound and you can feel it in your chest. That energy, on your fingertips.

Simple Red and Blue Nails With Firework Art Accents

The first thing I noticed about this set is the restraint. Solid cherry red and deep navy nails do most of the work, while just two accent nails feature delicate firework bursts in red, white, and blue on a nude base. It’s the kind of 4th of July nail design that feels grown-up and polished — festive without being theatrical. The short oval shape and glossy finish make this incredibly wearable for anyone who needs hands-on-deck practicality (literally) during holiday prep. CLASSY and SHORT work together beautifully.

For those firework details, a thin dotting tool creates the central burst point, then thin radiating lines extend outward with a liner brush. Cure between each color (red lines first, then blue, then add dot details) for clean layering. OPI’s “Malaga Wine” level of richness in the red and Essie’s “Midnight Cami” for the navy create that deep, jewel-toned base that photographs beautifully. If you love the idea of short summer nails with festive accents, this approach is endlessly adaptable.

Honestly, this is the set for the person who’s hosting — the one whose hands are arranging sparklers and pouring drinks and lighting candles. Beautiful but practical. Celebration in the details.

Fashion Editorial Patriotic Nails With Graphic Stripes and Stars

This one feels like it belongs in a Vogue spread about American summer style. The alternating nails — red and white horizontal stripes, a single white nail with a navy star, solid matte red, and solid navy — create this incredibly graphic, clean, almost pop-art interpretation of the flag. The rounded square shape and matte finish push it firmly into fashion territory rather than festive-craft territory. PREPPY and TRENDING describe this perfectly, and the way it’s styled against that navy eyeliner creates a complete beauty story.

For that matte finish, apply your colors as usual, cure, then seal with a matte top coat from Gelish or OPI. The star detail is one single five-point star in navy — achievable with a star vinyl sticker for crisp edges or careful freehand with a detail brush. Allure’s beauty team has featured this “graphic Americana” style as one of the most shareable 4th of July looks, and I understand why — it photographs with incredible impact from every angle. For anyone who gravitates toward summer June nail ideas, this editorial approach is fresh and modern.

There’s something about matte patriotic nails that makes the colors feel more like fashion and less like decoration. It’s the same palette everyone uses, but the finish changes everything. Proof that texture is just as important as color.

Delicate Short Gel Nails With Patriotic Fade and Sparkle

There’s something about this set that whispers “Fourth of July” so softly you almost miss it — and that’s exactly what makes it beautiful. Sheer nude bases with the faintest blush of red on some tips and blue on others, all dusted with iridescent glitter flakes that catch the light like tiny fireworks. The short, natural length and rounded shape make this the most understated patriotic manicure I’ve seen this season, and it works gorgeously on fair skin and pale skin tones where the subtle colors glow against lighter complexions. NEUTRAL and SOFT vibes through and through.

For this effect, Valentino Beauty Pure’s sheer tinted builder gels give you that transparent color without opacity. Layer your glitter — holographic flakes from Daily Charme work perfectly — between your color coat and top coat so they’re sealed and smooth to the touch. I’ve learned that less glitter placed deliberately looks far more expensive than heavy glitter applied everywhere. This is the perfect entry point for anyone exploring summer pedicure color ideas who wants a matching set on toes and fingers.

It feels like catching the last bit of sunset reflected in a champagne glass. Celebration so subtle it’s almost private — and that’s the most beautiful kind.

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Whether you’re the person who wants full patriotic fireworks across every nail or someone who’d rather whisper their Fourth of July spirit through a single tiny flag accent, this season proves there’s genuinely no wrong way to celebrate with your manicure. From chrome metallics and abstract swirl art to soft ombré fades and minimalist French tips, the range of 4th of July nails for 2026 feels more inclusive, more creative, and more wearable than any year before. The best part? Almost every design here carries beautifully into the rest of summer — because great nails shouldn’t expire after one weekend. So which version made you screenshot? Which one are you bringing to your nail tech? Whatever you choose, let it feel like you.