Glitter polish is the perfect choice for a long-lasting and celebratory manicure.

• A glittery manicure is the perfect way to keep a little glitz and glamour at your fingertips.

• From all-over washes of glitter and shimmery French tips to glittering accent nails galore, a glittery nail look introduces a bit of whimsy to your everyday.

• Explore 35 glitter nail ideas.

As we move through the dark and cold days of winter, a glittery manicure is the perfect way to keep a little glitz and glamour at your fingertips. From New Year’s Eve parties to cozy nights at home, a glittery nail look injects a bit of whimsy into your day-to-day.

“Sparkle polishes are an instant mood booster; they catch the light and give nails this dynamic, captivating quality,” says nail artist Marnae Orton. “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

• Marnae Orton is a senior nail artist and educator at Nailsaloon.
• Julie Kandalec is a celebrity manicurist whose clients include Emily Blunt and Camila Cabello.
• Rita Remark is a nail artist and global lead educator at Essie.

Rhinestone French

@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.”

Gray Glitter

@missbellatracey

This cool-toned gray gets a hit of warmth from red-reflecting shimmer. It’s the perfect neutral look with a hit of excitement.

Baby Blue

@djlacquerdiary

Icy pastels are made even more magical when glitter is introduced. This stunning look features a stunning cool-toned baby blue.

Navy

@djlacquerdiary

Shimmer adds so much depth to this deep navy hue. It looks like starlight glimmering off of the ocean.

Chrome French

@ nailsbyshantal

Chrome French tips are made even more special with the addition of gems. We love the alternating hues of pink, purple, and blue.

Aubergine

@djlacquerdiary

This deep aubergine stuns with the addition of a pink-ish shimmer. It’s equal parts moody and girly.

Pretty Mix

@sansungnails

Why pick one shade of glitter when you can wear 10? This look features a different sparkly hue on each finger.

Funky Waves

@lolo.nailedit

These funky chocolate brown waves are a playful spin on a neutral nail.

Solid Glitter

@ claudia_hrnandez

A glitter top coat can go over any color, but it’s extra charming atop a jewel-toned blue.

Unicorn Skittle

@ claudia_hrnandez

This mani features five different colors all united through their glittery finish.

Glitter French

@ claudia_hrnandez

Combine two nail trends in one: a French manicure 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

@ natalieminervanails

This vertical gradient look is so chic. A chrome coat adds subtle sparkle, perfect for those who want a simpler 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,” says Orton. “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.”

Chocolate Ombré

@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. “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.

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,” says Orton. “What I love about this design is you can wear it for any season.”

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 gradient that fades from purple to fuchsia to silver.

Star Studded

@nailsbymaki.nyc

A star-studded manicure is always show-stopping, but even more so when they’re multi-colored and glittery.

Dripping Gold

@disseynails

For those who prefer a more subtle sparkle, try an ombré gold tip over a neutral base.

Party Tips

@ disseynails

These multicolored glitter tips are perfect for a party or celebration. 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 complement 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 with a fresh coat of white and add glitter on top!

Barbie

@ mypowdernaildesigns

For a Barbie-inspired manicure, try alternating glitter and hot pink French tips.

Magnetic Sparkle

@marnaenaenails

These magnetic cat-eye 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 involves painting slivers of glitter along the edges of the nails.

Mix N Match

@melanated.mani

This manicure features so many different fun colors and textures, including pink glitter, gold cat-eye polish, milky cream, perwinkle ombré, and deep mahogany.

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!