Of all the nights feted to be really, really good fun, New Year’s Eve is probably the one most of us have been let down by. Historically, it’s been too hyped up, too tiring at the end of a month of socialising, and just too damn expensive.
I’m not saying New Year’s Eve nails will solve all or even any of that – but they might act as a pick-me-up. Which is half the battle won; much like getting ready with friends often being the best bit of a night out, planning something a bit different for your makeup, hair, and nails *might* just give you the buzz of excitement you need to meet the night.
More on nails:
- I’ve perfected the art of a DIY gel manicure and will never go to the salon again
- 10 winter nail art ideas for the colder months
- Forget glazed doughnut manicures, cat eye nails are the next big thing
- The best celebrity nails from 2022, from Hailey Bieber to JLo
Overall, my single beauty rule is that there are no rules: do what makes you feel good, feel like you.
But I am going to push that aside for this single evening and say that your New Year’s Eve nails should be a bit more exciting than your usual – even if that just means a clear gloss amplified with glitter.
Here are some ideas:
Get wavy
Before the January blues set in, indulge in the last of the party season sparkle with this glitter wave manicure. Start with a nude base and with a thin nail art brush, add a squiggle in your chosen glitter shade and let dry before moving on to the next one.
Emerald chrome
If you don’t have time to get a new set of nails between Christmas and NYE, these green chrome tips are the perfect design for seeing you through both. Add on some tiny gems and pearls for an on-trend 3D effect.
Lunar New Year red
If you’ll be celebrating the Chinese New Year in January, this pearlescent red French manicure with golden star detailing is a gorgeous way to include the colours associated with good fortune and wealth into your nail art.
Set in (gem)stone
Haven’t got the patience for intricate nail art but want a manicure that turns heads? This is the design for you; simply paint with a nude polish and glue on some mini gems for a neat but eye-catching look.
Pink glitterball
Glitter is basically a requirement of NYE, no? Go ’00s and opt for a hot pink glitter for a Paris Hilton-worthy mani.
Exquisite emerald
There’s just something that feels so right about wearing jewel tones on New Year’s Eve, and you can’t get much better than this emerald tip manicure with a bejewelled accent nail.
Holographic haze
Go holographic and mesmerise with these short square nails that prove you don’t need to go long to create a statement look.
Pearl accents
For the chicest little detail, add a pearl to a glossy nail.
French tips, with a twist
Take a classic French manicure, and switch up the end colour. This in red looks festive, but fresh.
Subtle gold chrome
Keep it subtle, keep it classy, and do chrome casually.
Metallic edges
If a coloured tip doesn’t do it for you, how about a metallic? Apply it either as a line of colour or with little details, like these gold dots.
Celestial nails
Add stars or moons to a plain or multicoloured base to jazz your nails up.
Full Metal
Fully silver nails: always an excellent move. Make sure you add a glossy top coat to keep them super shiny.
Glitter overload
More more more glitter is how to achieve this one. Add stars or details to smaller particles for the best finish.
Animal print
Wear it on your body and on your nails for max effect.
Golden roses
If you want something ornate, try these gold nails with tiny roses etched in.
Starry nights
These nails are ideal for both Christmas and New Year, so make the most of them!
Diamante numbers
2023 details, anyone? Just add diamanté’s over glitter and you’re good to go.
Shattered gold
Break up your clear polish with gold foil for a twinkly effect.
Frosted
Keep this fresh by sticking to pastels and clustering the shimmer around the base of the nails.
Hologram stars
To mimic this look, concentrate the glitter on the tip and then let the stars and a few glitter particles trail off into the centre of the nail.
Gold fingers
Ask for chrome powder to get this super high shine.
Multicoloured Glitter
Disco ball nails anyone? Add a bit of intrigue by mixing the glitter colours up.
Hologram lengths
Edgy? Yes. Fun? Unquestionably.
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