The holidays are here, with Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve blowing in like a snowstorm of fun. Whether your nails are short or long, we’ve got ideas for everyone, from the skilled home manicurist to the first-timer, to give you easy, festive designFor the holiday season, here are some tips from nail experts.
Here are some ideas and tips from the pros to decorate your nails in glitter, holly, and other fun designs to celebrate this season.
“Glitter and confetti are always a festive go-to for the holiday season. An ombré glitter is fun and easy to achieve by dabbing the brush from the tip of the nail up towards the cuticle,”explains Jessica Tong-Ahn, Smith & Cult nail art. “This step can be repeated until you get the desired opacity at the tip and gradient up toward the cuticle.”
Smith & Cult
Smith & Cult Nail Polish Lacquer A Little Lovely ($12.60; originally $18 amazon.com)
This highly pigmented glittery nail varnish delivers a brilliant shine and smooth coverage.
All that glitters is gold with this highly-rated, super-sparkly polish that’s also available in silver.
This sheer glitter is meant to be worn on top of another shade, making executing the ombré style easier.
OPI
Darlene Sritapan is the education and capability manager for nail brand OPI. “A modern twist on a French tip with red nail art is sure to stand the test of time,”She explains. You can use a gloss tip to a matte nail, black-red nail, or a red tip to a glittery nail.
This classic red should probably be in everyone’s polish collection, and it’s the perfect base for an updated holiday French mani.
We love this cheerful, cherry color from Sundays, our editor’s favorite non-toxic brand.
Smith & Cult
Tong-Ahn says that even if you prefer to keep your nails shorter, you can still have fun. “Short nails can always be complemented with a dalmatian print, that’s my fave go-to, nude with a black spot,”The artist explains. “It goes with everything. I also always love a leopard print for short nails, it also goes with everything.”
Smith & Cult Nail Polish Bang the Dream ($18). smithandcult.com)
To create a stylish leopard- or dalmatian design, use a nail detail brush or the tip of an old pin to dip it in this dark color.
This base color by Essie can be used with many skin tones and can be topped with cute details.
Olive & June Nail Polish HD ($8; target.com)
This white is highly rated and can be used as a base for a dalmatian-print or dot with red, green, or polish for a festive holiday look.
Sally Hansen insta-Dri Nail Colour Buff and Tumble ($4.99 target.com)
Another nude base in a darker tone, this highly-rated color is beige. It dries quickly so you can get out and party.
Smith & Cult Nail Polish, Shattered Souls ($18). amazon.com)
Do you want to be in the trend for this season? Tong-Ahn is all sparkles and silver. “I’m feeling melting precious metals, metallic and wet looks for the holiday winter 2021.”
This disco polish will make your look pop! “holiday go-to”Team says Tong Ahn, and we agree it will sparkle up any style.
Get a dark metallic look with the famous shoe and skip the red bottoms designer. Your toes will be so stunning if they peek out of your most expensive heels!
This set will give you pretty holiday nails. It includes almost everything you need for different styles and designs.
Tweexy Wearable Nail Polish Holder Ring ($9.99; amazon.com)
Not sure you’ve got the steadiest hand? This polish holder makes it easier to get the polish from the bottle — it holds all bottle sizes — to your nail.
Oblique Head French Tip Nail Brush ($6.99; amazon.com)
For detailed designs or French tips, you’re going to need a nail brush, and this highly-rated one will do the trick, says Tong-Ahn. “Definitely try using a striper brush for these types of designs and check out my Instagram for some fun how-to videos,”She says.
OPI Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish Base Coat & Top Coat Duo ($22.50; ulta.com)
Don’t forget a primer and top coat! OPI’s OPI duo is highly-rated and can be used to extend the life span of your mani.
Mario Badescu Special Hand cream with Vitamin E ($8. nordstrom.com)
A manicure is only as good as the cuticles and skin that are dry. This thick, moisturizing cream will keep you looking great.
