30 Glitter Nail Designs That Feel Chic and Elevated (2024)

30 Glitter Nail Designs That Feel Chic and Elevated (1)

No one can resist a glittery nail. While that may be a firm stance to take, we're positive even the biggest minimalist manicure lovers can't help but do a double take at a sparkly finish. While we're clearing things up, let's tackle another antiquated notion: Glitter is for grown-ups, so don't let anyone tell you otherwise. And while glitter nails are especially popular around the holidays thanks to their glitz and glam, they can absolutely be worn all year-round. Lucky for us, there's just as many ways to wear glitter on your fingertips as there are weeks in a year.

"Do consider different types of glitter polish," says Zoya's creative director Rebecca Isa. "There are overlays, which have the glitter suspended in a shear base for you to paint over an existing color. There are textures which create a 3d effect. Then there are full coverage glitters which are meant to be worn on their own. Each of these types of glitter polish can be used to create beautiful effects in the nail."

Whether it's an ever-so-slight sparkle or a full-on bedazzlement, glitter nails will always have a place in our hearts and on our Instagram feed. Ahead, you'll find 30 elevated glitter nail designs you'll want to copy along with expert insight on how to really sparkle.

Meet the Experts

Rebecca Isa is the Creative Director atZoya.
Galdina Jimenez is the North America Education Manager forOPI.

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Silver Glitter Drip

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Made with ultra-fine silver glitter juxtaposed against bare nails, this manicure is dripping in modern style. See? Minimalism and glitter can mix.

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Glitter Gradient

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"The full coverage, mirrored, glitter nail is a fantastic look that anyone can wear, it seems to be popular this year," notes Isa. We love how this glittery gradient completely eradicates the need to pick just one glistening shade.

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Sequined Confetti

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Why stop at fine glitter when you can incorporate chunky sequins into the mix, too? This rainbow mani not only proves that, it gives us major Lisa Frank vibes in the process.

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Gradient Glitter Cuticles

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Glitter nails stand out most when they're against bare-looking nail beds. Just look at these silver, pink, and gold-lined cuticles if you don't believe us.

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Moody Cuticles

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We may not always feel quite so sparkly, but that doesn't mean we have to dull our shine. For a darker iteration of the above, these moody cuticles deliver. We love how the added depth is balanced by the short length of the nails.

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Glittery Blast

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The best thing about this design is that it's literally impossible to mess up. An abstract swipe of glitter anywhere on the nails makes it work, but this one looks like a blast from a confetti cannon and we wouldn't have it any other way.

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Holographic Disco Ball

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A glistening base and chunky holographic overlay—what more could our disco-diva souls ask for? "A pro tip for glitter application for full coverage use a clean makeup sponge to apply the glitter rather than using the brush from the bottle which would require more layers and may become too thick," advises Jimenez. "Apply the lacquer to the sponge and then press onto the nail. Repeat for full coverage, then topcoat to make the glitter really sparkle."

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Shining Stars

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Who knew a single glitter star on each bare nail could make such an obsessed-over manicure? Trust us: If you opt for this nail look, you'll be drowning in likes.

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Art Deco French Manicure

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Get the best of both the traditional and trendy nail worlds by opting for a glittery negative-space tip on your next French manicure. The glitzy framework lends a luxe Art Deco feel to the classic staple.

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Champagne Glitter Swoops

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This is a classic French manicure with a subtle twist. If you look closely, you can see the gradual swoop that adds a uniqueness that makes this glitter feel fresh."Champagne nails are trending right now and using a glitter lacquer that includes shimmer will give you this effect like OPI Nature Strong in the shade 'Glowing Place,'" says Jimenez.

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Glitter Waves

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Silver, black, and gold glitter make quite a splash—just look at this wavy negative-space manicure.

Byrdie Tip

"Don’t forget to roll your polish before you apply, glitter can be prone to separation,"advises Isa.

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Glitter Dots

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When you copy this confetti-inspired glitter polka-dot manicure, your nails will be the life of the party. Best of all, it's super simple to create. Just pick the glitter nail polishes of your choice and use a dotting tool to create evenly dispersed dots on each nail. Finish with a high-shine topcoat et voilà.

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Glistening Brushstrokes

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For a more diffused appearance (and easier DIY technique), opt for these sporadic brushstrokes of sparkly goodness.

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Sparkly Half Moons

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Here we have two nail trends wrapped into one. First, ultra-fine glitter half-moons at the nail base; and second, slim black tips to offer a modern take on the classic French manicure.

3D Chrome

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These chromatic beauties are certified showstoppers. Since foils can be tricky to work with, you might want to enlist a pro manicurist's help when trying to copy this look.

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Glitter Lines

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Minimalists will love this simple take dreamed up by nail mastermind Alicia Torello. A single line of gold glitter smack-dab in the center of your nail is such a statement—and an effortless one, at that.

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Pearlescent Sheen

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Hello, you magical unicorn. These ultra-fine iridescent glitter nails will make you feel straight out of a fairy tale.

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Soft Ombre Glow

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Iridescent polish was practically made for a soft ombre manicure like this. We love the warm faded glow it creates. "The way you wear your glitter is up to you!" says Jimenez. "For a subtle look try an ombre either from the tip of the nail or raining down from the cuticle. For a more dramatic look apply to the entire nail."

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Silver and Gold Checkerboard

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This checkerboard matrix is a lesson in mixed metals done right. "Glitter nails are so much fun but can be a bit tricky when removing," notes Jimenez. "I recommend 'soaking' the lacquer off. Use foil, cotton pads, and lacquer remover. Saturate the cotton with remover and place on the nail, then wrap with the foil to secure. Soak for about 3-5 minutes and the glitter should easily wipe off."

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Graphic Layers

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Double up with champagne sparkle for this chic take on the classic French mani. It's a toned-down version of the trend that's work- and play-appropriate.

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Shimmery Overlay

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Looking to perfect this shimmering veil effect? Isa walks us through achieving a pro-like glitter overlay: "Start with your favorite base color, then apply any of our toppers, finish with high density top-coat like our Naked Manicure ultra-glossy, depending on the size of the glitter you may need two coats."

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Small Glitter Bombs

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Feast your eyes on these fab nails fit for a diva. You have no choice but to be happy every time you look down at your nails and see this next-level design.

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Minimalist Accent

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Sometimes just a hint of glitter is all you need. These short nails prove that the tiniest touch of sparkle is all you need to make a jewel-toned base pop.

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Glitter Halo

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If it's not a green glitter halo, we don't want it. This luxe negative-space nail art is as alluring as it gets. Of course, you could swap out the green for another glittery hue, but why would you want to?

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Color-blocked Chevron

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Channel your inner Wonder Woman with what Paintbox calls superhero swoops. This sapphire shade plays so well with glitter.

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Gold-Dipped Tips

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When looking at this mani, our first thought was party-on-top nails, which is an accurate depiction once you take note of the gradient effect of the falling glitter. We'll call it the Midas-touch mani.

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Stardust Tips

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Glitter tips, but make it celestial. These sparkles look like a cosmic star-fall with the addition of those star-shaped accents.

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Soaring Sparkles

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Now, flip it and reverse it. These glittery cuticles show no half moon in sight. Just pure, glittery goodness levitating from the base of each nail.

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Glittery Pop Art

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Are nail-gasms a thing? If so, this line formulation is giving us one. "Geometric shapes always look great in a glitter finish," adds Isa.

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Rainbow French Tips

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"I love a glitter French Tip or iridescent glitters over a shear base," says Isa. Same. These full-spectrum tips were a knockout to begin with, but the glittery finish kicks the whole manicure up a notch.

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