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15 Christmas Nail Ideas To Dress Up Your Manicure

Studs, crystals and glitter galore!

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'For most people, the end of year season is the time to be playful with your manicures and adopt a "no-rules" approach,' session manicurist Jess Ciesco tells ELLE UK. Especially when it's all grey and snowy outside, having a set of freshly-done nails complete with all the trimmings is a sure way to brighten up the day. Plus, with parties abound, there'll be plenty of opportunities to show off your handiwork to your adoring public.

If the idea of having 'Christmas nails' conjures up images of cheesy Santa hat nail art and varying takes on green, red and gold, think again. Ciesco is a big fan of navy blue, forest green and chrome finishes. 'These are gorgeous rich tones and are a great backdrop for nail art. They also work to complement all winter wardrobes from tartan and chunky knits, to sequins,' explains Ciesco. Glitter is always on the menu too, of course. 'Natural or opaque colours with glitter French tips are a chic nod to the festive season. It suits all nail shapes from soft square to stiletto.' Modern nail polish 'toppers' have also made nail art much more accessible. Nail artist Iram Shelton recommends OPI's Pop The Baubles. 'It's a beautiful chunky gold and silver glitter. I use it to create an ombré tip or apply onto the centre of my nails,' says Shelton.

This season's runways served us plenty of Christmas nail art inspiration that are both merry-making and ultra-cool. There's something here for every level of expertise; whether you're a novice who can only manage sticking on some pre-glued crystals, or a steady-handed pro who's ready to go all Michelangelo on your tips. Or you know, screenshot this list and take it to your next salon appointment and let the pros do their work.

15 party-ready nail art ideas to try this festive season

Kim Shui

christmas nail art ideas
Filippo Fortis + Imaxtree

Diamantes are always a great idea. Take cues from Kim Shui's AW22 show and scatter them onto an ombre, snowy-white base.

Essie Nail Colour in Blanc

Nail Colour in Blanc

Essie Nail Colour in Blanc

£9 at Boots
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Markarian

christmas nail art ideas
Gregory Scaffidi + Imaxtree

Bring on the razzle dazzle with spellbinding, silver glitter. Even better when paired with a dramatic headpiece a la Markarian.

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Orly Nail Polish in Holy Holo!

Nail Polish in Holy Holo!

Orly Nail Polish in Holy Holo!

Credit: .

Bibhu Mohapatra

christmas nail art ideas
Matteo Valle + Imaxtree

Can't commit to a full-on glittery set? Opt for one feature nail instead. A complementary colour way such as blush pink and gold is festive, yet oh-so-chic.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color in Go For Gold

Insta-Dri Nail Color in Go For Gold

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color in Go For Gold

Credit: .
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Claudia Li

christmas nail art ideas
Matteo Valle + Imaxtree

Set against glossy, jet black polish, dahlia motifs make for an unexpectedly cool nail art design. Intricate and guaranteed to be a conversation starter.

nails inc. Gel Effect Nail Varnish in Black Taxi

Gel Effect Nail Varnish in Black Taxi

nails inc. Gel Effect Nail Varnish in Black Taxi

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Fashion East

christmas nail art ideas
Filippo Fortis + Imaxtree

Switch up summer's cyclamen pink for something a little softer this cosy season. Faux raindrops optional, but very much recommended.

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Mavala Nail Color Cream in Candy Floss

Nail Color Cream in Candy Floss

Mavala Nail Color Cream in Candy Floss

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Bronx Banco

christmas nail art ideas
Gregory Scaffidi + Imaxtree

A gilded white manicure brings on the shine without going over the top. Simply sweep molten metallic polish diagonally across your nails for fingertips quite literally dripping in gold.

CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Get That Gold

Vinylux Nail Polish in Get That Gold

CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Get That Gold

Now 18% Off
Credit: .
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Fe Noel

christmas nail art ideas
Matteo Valle + Imaxtree

Diffused, iridescent silver tips are a chic take on more traditional metallics and an easy, totally doable way to get into nail art.

Nailberry L'Oxygene Nail Lacquer in Silver Lining

L'Oxygene Nail Lacquer in Silver Lining

Nailberry L'Oxygene Nail Lacquer in Silver Lining

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Sandy Liang

christmas nail art ideas
Gregory Scaffidi + Imaxtree

Give your classic French manicure a seasonal update with a single bow painted on each hand. It's the gift that keeps on giving...

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Nails. Inc French Mani Hack

French Mani Hack

Nails. Inc French Mani Hack

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Adeam

christmas nail art ideas
Filippo Fortis + Imaxtree

Dress up a nude manicure with a scattering of light-catching crystals.

Mylee Be Jewelled Nail Art Kit

Be Jewelled Nail Art Kit

Mylee Be Jewelled Nail Art Kit

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Batsheva

christmas nail art ideas
Matteo Valle + Imaxtree

Can't wait for spring? This mint and pink floral design is a refreshing departure from moody winter hues and looks oh-so-pretty.

Le Mini Macaron Mini Nail Stickers - Le Petit Jardin Floral Edition

Mini Nail Stickers - Le Petit Jardin Floral Edition

Le Mini Macaron Mini Nail Stickers - Le Petit Jardin Floral Edition

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