VIA @BEAUTYWORKSBYAMY/INSTAGRAM, VIA @JINSOON/INSTAGRAMFrom barely there to all-out bling, dress up your nails with a fabulous New Year’s Eve manicure!
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New Year’s Eve is practically around the corner, and after the 12 months we’ve had, it’s time to let loose on the biggest party night of the year.
Whether you plan on celebrating in an exotic location, at a fun New Year’s Eve party— or from the comfort of your couch— your New Year’s nails should look perfect as you get ready to wave buh-bye to the year that was. Up the glam factor and pair with one of these pretty and festive New Year’s Eve makeup ideas, as well as some chic, affordable jewelry.
Silver-tipped nails
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For your New Year’s nails, update the classic French manicure with a bit of silvery bling. Start with barely-there polish all over your nails. After the base layer dries, use a thicker silver color to paint just the tips of the nails. Once it dries, follow with sheer polish with silvery or iridescent glitter bits all over nails. When you post your final look to Instagram, have these New Year’s captions at the ready.
Shaken not stirred manicure
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If you love the elegance of James Bond movies, you might fall for this cute olive-inspired mani. Use a (what else?) olive-colored nail polish as a base coat. Apply two coats and then wait until your nails are dry before painting on random red circles. Top with an extra shiny topcoat. Now you’re ready to play one of these New Year’s games.
Diamond and black double French manicure
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This chic look for New Year’s nails is surprisingly simple to achieve since any mistakes you make with the silver tip you can easily cover with a black crescent design. Start with sheer pink nails. Carefully paint on a thin silver semi-circle just over the tips of your nails. After the design dries, follow with an even thinner semi-circle in pure black or choose a color that matches your dress—or your mood! Use these tips to make your nail polish last longer.
Gold leaf nails
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Who says gray has to be boring? Apply two coats of a medium gray shade and wait until nails are nearly dry. Dip a thin brush into gold nail polish and draw a curved line down the side of two nails. Draw slightly curved lines coming out of the “stem” until you’re satisfied with the leafy look.
Shop the look:
- Gray Nail Polish
- Gold Nail Polish
- Nail Art Brushes
Reverse French manicure
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Don’t have time to do your nails before the big New Year’s party? This is a really easy solution: Buff and file your nails and use a soft cloth to remove any dust. Use a dark nail polish color or nail pen to dot on a crescent shape just over the base of your nails. Here’s more exciting nail art for inspiration.
Shop the look:
- Nail Buffer
- Black Nail Pen
Easy bling manicure
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This mani only looks complicated. Brush on a sheer base coat to your nails—bonus points if it has a bit of hidden shimmer. Then use a tweezer to apply rhinestones with a sticky back over all 10 fingernails. Don’t forget to condition first with some of the best cuticle oils.
Shop the look:
- Shimmer Nail Polish
- Rhinestones
Holo nails
VIA @STEPHSTONENAILS/INSTAGRAM
Holographic nails seem to be a trend that is here to stay, and they’re perfect for New Year’s nails. You can stick on sheets of holographic nail stickers and be done in minutes—no drying time required. For another quick nail look, check out liquid latex for nails.
Shop the look:
- Nail Polish Strips
Velvet matte manicure
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Sometimes subtle shine is the order of the day…or night. Apply two to three coats of your favorite high-shimmer nail polish—hint: These are the best nail polishes. After nails are dry, apply a matte base coat for an interesting textured effect.
Shop the look:
- Shimmer Nail Polish
- Matte Top Coat
Side shimmer manicure
