With party season in full swing, my Saved folder on Instagram is rapidly filling up with manicure inspiration for the season ahead, and I've noticed one classic look that's trending right now: glitter nails. Yes, while dark chrome and burgundy still look set to be classic winter staples, the coolest girls are dressing up their nails with sparkly polishes, glitter French tips and pops of shimmer. And I'm not mad about it. After all, while glitter nails may seem obvious, they're a classic for a reason...
Still need some convincing? While glitter nails might conjure images of 7-year-old you at a birthday party, this nail trend is surprisingly wearable. In fact, from minimalist hints of shimmer to full-frontal sparkle, there are so many ways to embrace twinkly nails. Ahead, I've pulled together some of my favourite glitter nail looks right now and the polishes you'll need to re-create them at home.
1. Negative-Space Shimmer
The grown-up way to wear glitter? With a negative-space manicure, of course.
Placing the glitter polish at the sides of the nails rather than the tips gives this mani a modern feel.
Keeping the bottom of the nail bare means that mixing and matching your polishes at the tip doesn't feel too much.
Subtle gold glitter tips look sparkly and fun.
Get the look:
Prep your nails for glitter with this clear base coat.
The perfect subtle sparkle.
Expect mega glitz and sparkle from this Essie classic.
Nails Inc. make some of the best glitter polishes we've tried.
2. Full-Frontal Glitter
There's nothing like an opaque slick of glitter nail polish to put an instant smile on my face. It looks so good and surprisingly chic in the sunlight.
Why not opt for just one glitter-adorned nail if a full manicure feels too much?
The glitzier, the better. Look out for nail polishes with a chunky texture for an embellished glitter nail effect.
Glitter isn't just about the silvers and glitters, you know. This holographic glitter nail look screams the '90s to me. So fun.
Get the look:
Gold is basically a neutral, right?
This dark glittery brown is ideal for winter.
Looking for chunky glitter? Look no further.
Exactly what party season calls for.
3. Nail-Art Sparkle
With salons reopening, nail art is having a huge resurgence in popularity, and glitter nails are up front and centre as one of the biggest trends. From sheer sparkly bases to intricate metallic designs, glitter adds both colour and texture to summer nail looks.
This reverse French tip look is so cute, and the glitter colour possibilities are endless.
You have to look closely to spot that this simple nail design is created using a sparkling silver polish. It looks so beautiful when it catches the light.
This psychedelic, '70s-inspired manicure teams a two-tone glitter base with a bold flower design layered on top.
Get the look:
Barry M's glitter polishes are both affordable and long-lasting.
If you have an exact shade in mind, chances are Mavala will have it.
This polish has a subtle shimmer, almost chrome-like finish.
It may be fiddly to apply, but this loose chunky glitter will look amazing.
4. Tinsel Tips
This has to be one of my favourite ways to wear glitter nails—just a sprinkling of sparkle at the very tips as a subtle homage to the trend.
This neat, rose gold tipped French manicure looks so chic.
These golden tips prove that glitter can really shine in the right light.
A subtle dusting of sparkle at the tips of this glossy manicure will look good even as your nails grow out.
Get the look:
This gold glitter polish will be a staple in your kit.
I love the combination of gold and pink in this polish.
For those who love their neutrals—brown with a hint of sparkle.
Dior's take on glitter polish is proof that the trend really can look chic and sophisticated.
This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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