Love it or hate it, but it's undeniable that glitter has a certain je ne sais quoi. Maybe it's the way little flecks of glitter reflect light, reminiscent to the way diamonds sparkle. Maybe it's because glitter can turn anything into a disco ball, which translates directly into having a good time. Maybe it's because glitter can turn the most boring and plain things into something glamorous and expensive. Whatever it is, glitter is the answer for anything and any occasion.
With all of that being said, this pretty much makes glitter the go-to look for anyone looking to dress up their nails.
While glitter can be added on top of any regular nail polish, applying glitter nail polish is a little different than stroking on some regular run-of-the-mill polish. To make sure the most glitter gets on the nail bed, a trick is to apply the glitter polish directly onto the edge of a makeup sponge, and then dab the sponge right onto the nail. This way, the sponge soaks up most of the clear nail polish and leaves behind the glitter. (To make sure glitter polish doesn't end up on cuticles, try using liquid latex, which peels right off.)
Getting glitter polish off is a whole other story. Instead of resorting to scraping off the glitter polish while watching Netflix, cover each nail with a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover. Then secure with aluminum foil or a hair elastic, kind of the way gel nails are removed. Give it a few minutes, then the glitter will wipe right off.
Now that we've covered the basics, let's glitter it up with the following 30 manicures that'll serve as some serious #nailspiration.
Geometric Glitter
Not only are we digging the color scheme with this glitter manicure, but the geometric style lets each nail sparkle in a unique way.
Criss-cross
This criss-cross glitter manicure has just the right amount of sparkle.
Glitter Ombre
We adore the glitter ombre effect of this manicure, and how it begins at the cuticle.
Just a Hint of Glitter
This manicure has just the slightest hint of glitter on the fourth nail, perfect for anyone who wants a bit of sparkle without going overboard.
Half and Half
This glitter manicure is super chic, thanks to the contrasting black and gold. It's perfect for the person who can't totally commit to a full hand of glitter.
Best of Both Worlds
Can't decide between smaller, more delicate flecks of glitter or big flecks of glitter à la a disco ball? This glitter nail look has the best of both worlds. Just check out how the flashy gold nails accent the more subtle black nails.
Half-moon
This half-moon effect, made with a glitter and a border of another color is super unique and just sparkly enough.
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Just the Tip
These glitter-tipped nails are gorgeous and subtle!
Retro Vibes
The large circles of glitter make these glitter nails look fun and retro, like something Twiggy would approve of.
Snow-inspired
This glitter manicure makes us think of a snow-covered Narnia, thanks to the silver sparkles.
Rose Gold Glitter
Rose gold and glitter? Yes, yes, yes! We love how this glitter mani is offset with a white background.
Simple Stripes
Looking for something more low-key, but still want some sparkle? Try this simple striped look — it's super easy to DIY!
Rosy
For the person who wants their nails to look as extra as possible, this glitter manicure, which has rose accents, is perfect.
Festive AF
These red and silver glitter nails are incredibly festive thanks the different-sized flecks of glitter. Plus, with the sponge technique, this is super easy to achieve.
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Extra, Extra
These glitter nails are perfect for the kind of person who wants their manicure to outshine the ball in Times Square.
Delicate Stripes
These thin stripes of glitter are so delicate and whimsical.
Silver vs. Gold
Can't decide between silver and gold? Take a note from this glitter manicure and rock both.
Glam Squad
Is it the deep maroon color or the glittery gold that makes this glitter manicure look so luxe?
Ice Queen-Approved
These silver-tipped glitter nails are what an Ice Queen would rock. (Or so we think.)
Chevron
We can't decide if the chevron nail or the glitter nail takes the glam cake in this manicure's case.
Color-blocking
We love the color-blocking effect of this glitter manicure.
Sparkles galore
Don't choose between rhinestones or glitter for this manicure. People'll need sunglasses with this mani around.
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Delicate Flowers
We love this gold and red manicure, which features glitter nails and delicate glitter flowers.
Abstract Nails
Using the glitter to create an abstract art-inspired look is pure artistic genius.
Sweet and Simple
These red and glitter nails are sweet and simple, but still eye-catching.
Matte
These dark teal matte nails are topped off with a wintry glitter snowflake.
Flecks of Gold
Just a little bit of gold glitter truly does go a long way, as seen on these glitter nails.
Holographic
Go big or go home. These sparkly holographic nails take glitter nails to the next level.
Dark and Mysterious
Want something a little darker than pale pink or silver glitter? Try these dark glitter nails, which have a pretty green stripe diagonally across them.
Midnight Blue
The dark blue nail polish makes this glitter nail manicure look sophisticated and festive.
