40 glitter nail designs you're going to want to screenshot
The removal process is totally worth it.
For nails that shine brighter than Bellatrix's vault at Gringotts, you have to go with glitter. Sure, it will take you approximately 2 hours and 457 cotton pads to remove, but the struggle is most definitely worth it. Why? Because glitter nail polish is the easiest way to add some detail to your everyday manicure. Whether it's adding just a touch of sparkle to the tips, or a bit of shimmer to the cuticles, there are hundreds of different ways to wear the glitter trend.
Fancy brightening up a nude manicure? Why not try adding just a stripe of pink glitter down the centre of the nail? Check out London Nail Salon, Townhouse, if you need a little inspiration, they are masters when it comes to minimal (but magical) nail art.
Or if you want to get a little more experimental, be sure to follow Nail Artist, Betina Goldstein, her Instagram feed is packed with so many beautiful and minimal ideas (it's nail art gold, people).
We jest about glitter nails being a pain to remove but, in all honesty, it’s pretty simple. Just grab a wooden cuticle pusher, tin foil, acetone nail polish remover and a few bits of cotton ball. Then, cover your glittery nail(s) with the acetone-soaked cotton before wrapping with a bit of tin foil. Wait about ten minutes and then that should have loosened the polish enough to allow you to wipe it off, if not gently scratch off the rest with the wooden cuticle pusher. Don't be tempted to use a metal one as it will scratch your nail bed.
Still need a little more convincing? Whether you're looking for acrylic, polish, gel, or nail art inspiration, here's our edit of the very best glitter nail designs...
'60s holographic
@TheHangEdit is one of our favourite nail accounts on Instagram and we love this holo take on her signature style.
Gold rush
If you're based in NYC we're incredibly jealous that you have Paint Box Nails on your doorstep. If you're planning a trip to the big apple, make sure you book in for this all over glitter moment.
Touch of shimmer
Adding just a touch of glitter down the centre of the nail gives the appearance of longer nails, instantly.
Make like Dua
You might not have got a Brits invite, but that doesn't mean you can't recreate Dua Lipa's iconic nails which were painted by Michelle Humphrey.
Stay in line
Try something a little more intricate like this ultra-precise glitter look.
Fairy dust
If you can't face the removal process, make like Spa Nails in Teddington and add just a hint of iridescent glitter to give it that magic touch.
Skinny dip
This ombre nude and silver glitter makes the perfect wedding manicure.
Gilded roses
Not only is this manicure by @nailgalnat beautiful, but it's also proof that more is most definitely more.
Glitter flecks
Or why not add a few statement glitter flecks to your ring finger?
Cute cuticles
Just a tiny flash of glitter along the cuticle line gives a nude manicure a touch of sparkle.
Taste the rainbow
As glitter nail polish has a thicker consistency, why not try blending multiple colours together.
Heartbreaker
Regardless of your relationship status right now, these love nails are downright adorable.
Glitter blocking
If you're scared of full on glitter, incorporate accents into your nail designs like this one.
Baby blues
Mix and match your polish textures, like this manicure which incorporates cream, metallic and glitter.
Accent nails
It doesn't all have to be about the ring finger, as this accent ombre manicure proves.
Standout squares
We love the uniqueness of this glitter placement design, definitely one worth booking an appointment for.
Neon nights
You don't always have to associate glitter with Christmas. Switch up your colours for your most summery manicure yet.
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the former Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
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