Party season has officially begun! Whether you’re already curating a festive schedule to be reckoned with or scouting out the coziest New Year’s Day pajamas, this time of the year can be as stressful as it is fun.
Marking the occasion with an excellent festive manicure is a simple way to treat yourself and ensure your fingertips are season appropriate. There are so many options when it comes to designs: Go all out and enjoy the spirit of the season, adorn your nails with tiny trails of tinsel, or delicate snowflakes. For the base we like warm shades—think gingerbread and spice. If you’re not sure you want to commit to full kitsch, limiting the Christmas nail design to one nail or just the tips is a good way of incorporating a little festive cheer. Candy canes, Santa hats, and mistletoe garlands are all great places to start.
Here are some of our favorite Christmas nail designs to try now!
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If you’re in the mood for something a little less obviously festive, chrome is still enjoying a moment. To mix it up a bit, forget going for an all-over glaze, and instead use it as an accent, whether it’s on the tips, half-moons or as a spray of twinkling stars. Play with pops of glitter or pretty placement of gemstones for more of a modern, textural take on something traditional. “I love doing glitter French tips as it lasts over the holiday period, without looking overly ‘festive’ by the time it gets to New Year,” says The Gel Bottle manicurist Becky Wood, “As the French grows out it’s not as noticeable, so you get the most out of your set,” she adds.
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To keep your nails intact throughout the festive season, no matter how many parties are on the agenda, make sure you’re using cuticle oil. “I always suggest incorporating it into your skin-care routine so you don’t forget,” adds Wood. One final tip, especially if you’re on hosting duty this Christmas: “If you’re cleaning the house before everyone arrives, always wear gloves–and don’t use your nails to open things like cans or boxes, as it’s always a disaster.”