20+ Glitter Nail Art Ideas to Make Your Manicure Sparkle
Shine bright like a diamond.
Glitter might make you think back to doing crafts in elementary school, but glitter nails can be surprisingly sophisticated. A little sparkle is really all you need to glam up an otherwise dull manicure, or to take your nail art to the next level.
Glitter Overlay Nails
Gold glitter overlay and metallic tips make a French manicure sparkle. You can do this with just about any color — just make sure the tone of both finishes matches if you want that monochrome look.
Simple Striped Nails
The simplest way to upgrade a plain mani is with a few gold glitter stripes! We love how each one is oriented differently on the individual nails, which totally modernizes the look.
Brilliant Buff Nails
Just because you're keeping your manicure neutral doesn't mean it needs to be boring. Sparkly shades in taupes and nudes look elegant and glamorous at the same time. Use Essie Luxeffects Top Coat in "Set in Stones" ($7, amazon.com) for the glitter effect.
Metallic Reverse French Nails
A modern twist on the traditional French mani, this metallic design puts the contrasting secondary color at the moon of your nail instead of the tip. The best part: It only takes three steps to accomplish.
Glitter Gradient Nails
If you have a hard time making each nail look the same, this ombre design is perfect for you. Since it's not supposed to be totally precise, your nails can vary without it looking unintentional.
Under the Sea Nails
Bring out your inner Ariel with a shimmering turquoise like ILNP Holographic Nail Polish in "Music Box" ($10, amazon.com) and rope design that's oh-so-perfect for nautical imagery lovers.
Here Comes the Bride Nails
Got a bridal shower to go to? Try bride-and-groom nail art that as sparkly as it is impressive.
Popcorn-Studded Nails
We think this movie theater-inspired mani is an Oscar-worthy work of art.
Dual Accent Nails
Why pick just one accent nail when you can do two? Use Gracefulvara Glitter Nail Striping Tape ($3, amazon.com) or a steady hand for this delicate white and gold arrangement.
Wacky Dotted Nails
If you aren't ready to take on complicated nail art, this design is an easy way to fake an impressive manicure without all of the hard work.
Dripping Gold Nails
Start with a thicker coat of glitter polish near the tip of your nail and gently swoop it toward your cuticles to get this purposely-messy (and oh-so chic) look.
Triangular Nails
Like a half moon or a reverse French, use tape to mark off where you'll paint your glitter polish. Go for unconventional color combos — this uses a warm pink and muted green — so it really stands out.
Beam Me Up Nails
These may look like nail decals, but Maria from So Nailicious is actually wearing two coats of silver holographic polish like the Color Club Holographic Hues Nail Polish in "Harp on It" ($12, amazon.com) for a funky, multi-dimensional look.
Gilded Moon Nails
Add a glossy teal to a bright gold polish to create this always-popular mani style that flips your typical French upside down.
Subtle Shimmer Nails
Simply swipe on a few layers of your favorite glitter polish to give new life to a boring or chipping mani. Instant glamour!
Glimmering Geometric Nails
With a little patience (and a lot of time), you too can achieve this mermaid-inspired manicure from Katy at Nailed It. The decals look like fish scales!
Perfect Pyramid Nails
This requires a diligent hand and plenty of patience, but the payoff is a delicate, glittering pyramid. Use big, bold pieces of glitter like these from Nicole's Diary ($12, amazon.com) for maximum impact.
Glitter Galaxy Nails
This may look like it would take hours to replicate, but it's actually just a 30-minute process that involves using several different shades.
Blue Moon Nails
Bright, glossy polish layered with a shimmery green like ILNP Holographic Sheer Jelly Nail Polish in "Hide and Seek" ($10, amazon.com) is a match made in heaven.
Puttin' on the Glitz Nails
Double the glitter, double the fun. Pick contrasting colors for a dramatic effect or similar shades for a subtler look.
Sam's enthusiasm for makeup is only rivaled by their love of all things relating to cats. In their spare time, they enjoy watching scary movies, putting avocado on everything, and seeing how many shades of the rainbow they can dye their hair before 30.
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