Glitter Nail Designs For A Polished Manicure

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Glitter is the perfect way to spice up any nail design and make it instantly festive.

And while a glitter manicure seems the most popular around the holiday season, that doesn’t mean it needs to be just confined to a few months of the year.  

Thanks to their touch of sparkle, these nails are perfect for all special occasions or if you are looking to jazz up any manicure. 

Glitter Nail Designs

The design options are endless, especially when you factor in the numerous glitter nail polish colors, textures, and glitter types to choose from.

There are overlays, which the the glitter accents suspended in a neutral sheer base to paint over an existing color. There are 3D textures with large, chunky glitters.

The beauty of glitter lies it its ability to transform any basic nail look from beautiful to glamourous with one coat.

Scroll below to find inspo for your next glitter nail designs. 

Glitter French Tips

While glitter is a high impact look, some may want a more subtle look. A glitter gradient design is the perfect way to up your nail game without an all over glitter look. 

Start with a clear nude base color and follow up with the gold glitter, silver or rainbow glitter polish of your choice, painting only halfway up your nail.

Thanks to the transparent nature of glitter polishes, it will naturally create a bit of a dispersed fade. 

There are nails that are perfect for those who prefer a clean approach to glitter nail art designs. Add a tiny bit of sparkle to tips and apply a top coat. 

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Glittery Waves

Whether it to be a holographic glitter design or a minimal swirls , the intricate designs of wavy glittery nails work for long or short nails.

Besides looking cool, part of the appeal of glitter swirl nails is the fact that they’re so versatile and adaptable. Looking for a unique style during the festive season, try glitter waves.

Maybe you are looking for a colorful glitter look for a party? – the abstract nails are a show-stopper. 

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Instagram @pop_polished
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Instagram @heymichellelee

Glittery Sheen

Sheer sparkle nails lean into the glittery nail aesthetic in a classy way, while still offering a look that’s wearable, approachable and totally dreamy.  

Glitter is scattered across nails to bring the party, but since this is a pared-back approach, it’s made to feel modern and elevated by keeping the base more bare. 

They make a high-shimmer statement with minimal effort. The beauty of glitter lies in its ability to transform any nail look from beautiful to glamorous.

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Instagram @insta.nails
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Instagram @pop_polished
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Instagram @bees.knees.nails

Reversed Glitter

Looking for an everyday look that isn’t a full coverage glitter nail?

Invert the glitter fade from the base of the nail to the top.

The reversed gradient effect makes a classic French manicure pop even more. A little bit of sparkle and shine can bring joy to any outfit or occasion. 

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Instagram @_bettynails_
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Instagram @vilunailart

Glitter Lines

Lines of glitter strategically placed around the nail is such a statement — and an effortless one, at that.

The best part about these less-conventional nail looks are that they’re easier for everyone to achieve, as they don’t follow a single set rule in regards to the trend.

Short on time?- these glitter designs are easy to do at home for an eye-catching look. 

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Instagram @shimmernailsuk

Disco Ball

All glitters are fair game—including chunkier sparkles that might not create as subtle of a fade but will definitely achieve a bold statement.  

These manicures are inspired by the glittery disco ball itself.  Disco nails are a pretty literal interpretation of disco balls, featuring a twinkling glitter statement involving assorted chunky glitter pieces.

Talk about so much glitter. 

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Instagram @sohotrightnail
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IG @mrkate
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Instagram @nailsbyyuki

Holiday Glitter

Nails are such an essential part of any look, especially during the holiday season.

There is no better way to ring in the holidays with the glitz and glam of cute glitter nails. It doesn’t get more festive than a mashup of symbols of the season.

Holiday colors such as red and green, and elements of the holiday season, such as snowflakes come to mind.

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Instagram @by.lucyrose
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Instagram @staci_nailed_it

Minimalist Shine

All you need are the tiniest touch of spark to make your nails pop.

Best of all, it’s super simple to create. Just a hint of glitter is all you need on natural nails or nude nails.

Just pick the glitter nail polishes of your choice and use a dotting tool to create evenly dispersed dots on each nail. 

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Accent Nail

For a more understated look, add a coat of glitter to an accent nail. Sometimes all it takes is one or two accent nails to create a picture-perfect manicure.

Let the glitter accent take center stage with nude or light pink nails.  

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