Whether it’s for a special occasion or just an ordinary day in need of a little sparkle, glitter nails are the perfect way to add some eye-catching charm to your look. Whether you’re heading to a glamorous party or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, a glitter manicure instantly adds a touch of magic to your style (and not to mention, lifts your mood). Nail artist Marnae Orton says, “Sparkle polishes are an instant mood booster; they catch the light and give nails this dynamic, captivating quality.” She adds, “I love how versatile sparkle polishes are. Whether I’m doing a full glitter look or just adding a hint of sparkle, they add that ‘wow’ factor that clients love—especially when they see that glitter shift under the light.”
Nail artist Rita Remark also appreciates the versatility of glitter and shimmer. “You can use these finishes to dress up your favorite neutral and it will still go with everything—but still add something a little extra. It’s like nail art with less effort,” she says.
From subtle shimmer to bold sparkle, below, we’ve rounded up our favorite glitter manicures—perfect for adding a bit of glow and glamor to any season or occasion, because glitter truly never goes out of style.
Meet the expert
Funky Waves
@lolo.nailedit
These funky chocolate brown waves are a playful spin on a neutral nail. This look was done with staticnails Salem and cirquecolors Nectar.
Corner Sparkle
@hands_ofgrace
Another option for those who want to channel the glitter vibes but in a more subtle way: try painting a small amount of glitter on the corners of two nails. “Pairing dark rich red with lux gold glitter is a very classic holiday look. I love how simple yet effective this design is. Another great thing is, you can repeat this with any color and it will still seem fresh.” says Orton.
Solid Glitter
A glitter top coat can go over any color, but it’s extra charming atop a jewel-toned blue.
Unicorn Ombre
This mani features 5 different colors for each nail going from light to dark shades from pinky to thumb nail. “An ombré nail design will turn heads anytime of the year, but icing it out with some glitter will take it to the next level.” says Orton.
Glitter French
Combine two nail trends in one: a french mani with glitter polish. You can either paint the entire nail bed in sheer glitter or just keep the tips glittery. “Sparkle polishes make nail art so much fun! I can go from a subtle shimmer to a bold, glittery statement just by layering.” says Orton.
Pink Fantasy
This vertical gradient look is so chic. A chrome coat adds subtle sparkle, perfect for those who want a more simple look while still staying on trend.
Sugar French
@merlin_nails
These tips look like they were dipped in sugar. They make the perfect frosted winter French. “Sugaring is a technique where we sprinkle the glitter over the top coat then cure. It gives the glitter a more raw and textured look. I love how the glitter really gets to shine, giving the French a more lavish look.” says Orton.
Chocolate Ombre
@lolo.nailedit
This mani is all about the browns, going from light brown to dark brown from finger to finger. Adding the glitter on top is a fun nod to the festive season.
Inverted
@lolo.nailedit
To achieve this look, simply leave out the cuticle area and paint in glitter for a super fun contrast. “The half moon manicure has been around since the 1930’s and I’m always happy to see it still going strong. What I love about this design is you can wear it for any season.” says Orton.
Outline French
@lolo.nailedit
This fun twist on a french manicure features a tip outlined in black and filled in with glitter.
Care Bear Coated
@lolo.nailedit
Sparkling pink, purple, and blue basecoats are offset with abstract shapes for a playful, care bear-inspired manicure.
Three Toned Gradient
@lolo.nailedit
Go nuts with glitter and do a two-toned gradient. This look was done with @ilnp‘s Ring Bearer, Bouquet Toss, and First Dance.
Star Studded
@nailsbymaki.nyc
A star-studded manicure is always show-stopping, but even more so when they’re multi-colored and glittery.
Subtle Golden
@disseynails
For those who prefer a more subtle sparkle, try an ombre gold tip over a neutral base.
Added Rhinestone
@disseynails
This is the complete glitter mani featuring not only a glitter and chrome base, but added 3d layer of rhinestones. “It’s like jewelry: can be sprinkled on the tips for a soft flash, or layered like necklaces, with different tones and mixed metals. ” says celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec. “There’s a glitter for everyone at any stage in their life.”
Party Tips
These multicolor glitter tips are perfect for a party or celebration, especially if you are the birthday girl. It looks like confetti at the tips of your fingers.
Sparkle Top Coat
@danaturenails
This subtle manicure features a pop of color with some added sparkle. Simply paint a french manicure with any color of your choosing, and add glitter as a top coat.
Solid Silver Sparkle
@thenailsaloon
For a bolder look, try all over glitter. “There’s no such thing as too much glitter. Using a platinum white glitter is a great way to compliment the snowy season aesthetic.” says Orton.
Snow Day
@enamelle
This mani really mimics fresh snow in the morning with the light beautifully adding the perfect sparkle. Paint your nails a fresh coat of white and add glitter on top!
Barbie
For a Barbie-inspired manicure, try alternating glitter and hot pink French tips.
Magnetic Sparkle
@marnaenaenails
These magnetic nails are trending right now, and for good reason. They are so cool and really know how to turn heads. They capture the light so perfectly and add a fun sparkle to your everyday.
Disco
@marnaenaenails
This manicure looks super detailed and intricate but it can be done DIY. A thick glitter polish will get the job done.
Literal Sparkle
@gelsbybry
If you want to channel glitter nails without overdoing it on the actual glitter, this manicure is for you. Simply add sparkle art to mimic glitter for a more subtle take.
Abstract Square Cut
@gelsbybry
Another fun more subtle glitter design is incorporating glitter in a small way. Think: in the corner, on the tips, and on the cuticle.
Mix N Match
@melanated.mani
This manicure implements so many different fun colors and textures. One nail is painted with a pink glitter, one with a gold more metallic like finish, and gradient and solids for the others.
Diamond Red
@melanated.mani
This look is definitely meant to turn heads. First the sexy red color is to die for but with the added touch of the diamond shaped tips? No brainer.
Two Toned Tips
@melanated.mani
To get this look, simply cut your nails down in a round shape, paint a neutral base and divide the tips in half. Paint one side in red (or another color of your choosing) and the other side another hue. Add glitter on top and there you go!
Cris Cross
@melanated.mani
Glitter goes a long way so by simply adding a thin stroke across the nail beds, you have just created a super cool look.
Double Tips
@thehangedit
Put a unique spin on your glitter nails by adding an outlined French tip in a dark hue.
Vertical 50/50
@missbellatracey
Simply choose two of your favorite glitter polishes, divide your nails in half vertically, and you have yourself a super cool looking manicure that looks a lot more challenging than it is!
