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The holiday season is just around the corner, and you know what that means: It’s time to get your nails ready for all the parties, gatherings, and celebrations. Whether you want to go for something classic and elegant, or something fun and festive, there’s a nail trend for you. Here are some of the best holiday nails idea for 2024, inspired by the latest runway shows, celebrity looks, and expert tips.
01 | Shiny Chrome Stars
If you want to add some sparkle and shine to your nails, try this trendy look that features silver chrome stars on a black French manicure. This look is edgy and glamorous, perfect for a night out or a New Year’s Eve bash.
To achieve this look, you’ll need a black nail polish, a silver chrome polish, and a star-shaped stencil or sticker. Apply the black polish to the tips of your nails, creating a thin line across the edge. Then, use the stencil or sticker to create a star shape on each nail, and fill it in with the silver chrome polish. Finish with a clear top coat to seal in the design.
02 | Layered Glitters
Another way to add some festive flair to your nails is to layer different glitter polishes over a base color. This creates a multidimensional effect that catches the light and adds some texture to your nails. You can choose any base color you like, but some of the best combinations for the holidays are red and gold, green and silver, or navy and holographic.
To create this look, apply one or two coats of your base color, and let it dry completely. Then, apply a thin coat of your glitter polish over it, making sure to cover the entire nail. You can use chunky glitters, fine shimmers, or even holographic polishes for this step. Finish with a clear top coat to smooth out the surface and add some shine.
03 | Moody Aura
If you’re looking for something more artistic and creative, try this look that features contrasting colors and shapes on each nail. This look is inspired by the aura nails seen at Christopher John Rogers spring 2024 show, where manicurist Jin Soon Choi used different shades of green, blue, purple, and pink to create abstract designs on each nail.
To recreate this look, you’ll need several nail polish colors in different tones and finishes, such as matte, metallic, or glossy. You’ll also need some nail art brushes or dotting tools to create the shapes. Start by applying a base coat to protect your nails, and then apply one coat of your chosen base color. Then, use your brushes or dotting tools to create different shapes on each nail, using different colors for each shape. You can create circles, triangles, squares, lines, dots, or anything else you like. The key is to make each nail different and unique. Finish with a clear top coat to seal in the design.
04 | Sugar-Plum Sheers
If you prefer something more subtle and sophisticated, try this look that features a sheer pink polish with a super-shiny finish. This look is inspired by the nails seen at Michael Kors spring 2024 show, where manicurist Deborah Lippmann used a slightly pink polish with a gel-like shine to create a natural but polished look.
To achieve this look, you’ll need a sheer pink polish with a glossy finish, such as Essie Gel Couture in Inside Scoop ($14). Apply one or two coats of the polish to your nails, depending on how opaque you want it to be. Then, apply a clear top coat to add some extra shine and durability.
05 | Crystal Tips
If you want to go all out for the holidays, try this look that features tiny rhinestones on your nails and fingertips. This look is inspired by the nails seen at Sandy Liang spring 2024 show, where manicurist Elle Gerstein used clear crystals to adorn the nails and fingers of the models.
To create this look, you’ll need some clear rhinestones in different sizes, a clear nail polish, and some nail glue. Apply one coat of clear polish to your nails, and let it dry slightly. Then, use a pair of tweezers to pick up a rhinestone, and dab some nail glue on the back of it. Place it on the tip of your nail, and press gently to secure it. Repeat with different sizes of rhinestones until you cover the entire tip of your nail. You can also apply some rhinestones to your fingers, using the same method. Finish with another coat of clear polish to seal in the crystals.
06 | Denim Blue
If you’re a fan of Taylor Swift, you might want to try this look that features a deep navy blue polish on your nails. This look is inspired by the nails that Swift wore at the Jets-Chiefs game in October 2023, where she matched her manicure to her denim jacket and blue-themed outfit.
To get this look, you’ll need a dark blue polish with a creamy finish, such as CND Vinylux in Midnight Flight ($8). Apply two coats of the polish to your nails, and let it dry completely. Then, apply a clear top coat to add some shine and protection.
07 | Pale Shimmer
If you like a little glimmer with your winter manicure, try this look that features a pale pink polish with a metallic or pearl finish. This look is inspired by the nails seen at PatBo, Christian Siriano, and LaPointe spring 2024 shows, where manicurists used different shades of pink with a shimmery finish to create a feminine and festive look.
To achieve this look, you’ll need a pale pink polish with a metallic or pearl finish, such as Paintbox On The Verge ($28). Apply two coats of the polish to your nails, and let it dry completely. Then, apply a clear top coat to add some shine and smoothness.
08 | Pop of Red
If you want to go for something classic and timeless, you can’t go wrong with a red manicure. Red is the ultimate holiday color, and it looks great on any nail shape and length. You can choose any shade of red you like, from bright cherry to deep burgundy, but one of the most popular trends for 2023 is the red French manicure. This look is inspired by the nails seen at Alice + Olivia spring 2024 show, where manicurists used a cherry red polish to create a thin line across the edge of the nails.
To create this look, you’ll need a red polish with a creamy finish, such as Sundays No.16 ($18). Apply a base coat to your nails, and let it dry completely. Then, use a thin nail art brush or a striping tape to create a thin line across the tip of your nail, using the red polish. Make sure the line is even and smooth, and fill in any gaps with more polish if needed. Finish with a clear top coat to seal in the design.
09 | Holiday Plaid
If you want to add some pattern and texture to your nails, try this look that features a plaid design in holiday colors. This look is inspired by the nails seen at Moschino fall 2023 show, where manicurists used red, green, black, and white polishes to create a tartan pattern on the nails.
To create this look, you’ll need four nail polish colors in red, green, black, and white, such as OPI Big Apple Red, OPI Suzi – The First Lady of Nails, OPI Black Onyx, and OPI Alpine Snow ($11 each). You’ll also need some nail art brushes or striping tapes to create the lines. Start by applying a base coat to your nails, and let it dry completely. Then, apply two coats of your base color, either red or green, depending on your preference. Let it dry completely.
Then, use your brushes or tapes to create thin horizontal and vertical lines on each nail, using the black polish. Make sure the lines are evenly spaced and parallel. Let it dry slightly. Then, use your brushes or tapes to create thinner horizontal and vertical lines on each nail, using the white polish. Make sure the lines are perpendicular to the black ones, and create small squares where they intersect. Let it dry completely. Finish with a clear top coat to seal in the design.
10 | Snowy White
If you want to keep it simple and elegant, try this look that features a snowy white polish on your nails. This look is inspired by the nails seen at Carolina Herrera fall 2023 show, where manicurists used a crisp white polish to create a clean and chic look.
To achieve this look, you’ll need a white polish with a creamy finish, such as Essie Blanc ($9). Apply two coats of the polish to your nails, and let it dry completely. Then, apply a clear top coat to add some shine and protection.
Tips for Perfect Festive Manicure
How to make your holiday manicure last longer
Make sure to prep your nails properly before applying any polish. Use a nail file to shape your nails, and buff them gently to smooth out any ridges or bumps. Use a cuticle pusher or remover to push back or trim any excess cuticles. Use a nail cleanser or acetone to remove any oil or dirt from your nails.
How to avoid any smudges or chips
Make sure to apply thin and even coats of polish, and let each coat dry completely before applying the next one. Use a base coat and a top coat to protect your nails and enhance the color and shine of your manicure. The base coat also helps to prevent staining, especially when using darker colors. The top coat adds durability and a glossy finish, ensuring your nails look salon-perfect for longer.
- When applying polish, start from the center of the nail and work your way outwards. This technique ensures even coverage and reduces the chances of polish pooling around the edges.
- For intricate designs or when using glitter and rhinestones, a pair of fine-tip tweezers or a dotting tool can be invaluable. They allow for more precise placement and control, making your nail art look more professional.
- Finally, give your nails enough time to dry. Rushing this process can lead to smudges or dents. If you’re in a hurry, a quick-dry top coat or a few drops of nail drying oil can speed up drying time without compromising the quality of your manicure.
With these top 10 trendy nail arts and tips for a perfect festive manicure, you’re all set to dazzle this holiday season. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of a red French manicure or the bold statement of black nail polish, these styles are sure to turn heads and make your festive moments even more memorable.
Embrace the spirit of the holidays with your nail art, and don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with different designs and colors. Remember, your nails are an extension of your personality and style, so let them shine bright this holiday season!
FAQ
Q: How long does a holiday manicure last?
A: It depends on several factors, such as the quality of the polish, the type of top coat, and how well you take care of your nails. Generally speaking, a regular polish manicure can last up to a week, while a gel polish manicure can last up to two weeks.
Q: How do I remove glitter polish from my nails?
A: Glitter polish can be tricky to remove because it tends to stick to the nails more than regular polish. One way to remove it is to soak a cotton pad in acetone-based nail polish remover, wrap it around your nail, and secure it with aluminum foil. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then gently slide it off along with the glitter.
Q: What are some nail trends for spring 2024?
A: According to the latest runway shows and celebrity manicurists, some of the nail trends for spring 2024 are pastel colors, floral designs, geometric shapes, pearl accents, and negative space.
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