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...
1
'60s holographic
@TheHangEdit is one of our favourite nail accounts on Instagram and we love this holo take on her signature style.
2
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Touch of shimmer
Adding just a touch of glitter down the centre of the nail gives the appearance of longer nails, instantly.
4
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
Stay in line
Try something a little more intricate like this ultra-precise glitter look.
6
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
8
Skinny dip
This ombre nude and silver glitter makes the perfect wedding manicure.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
Gilded roses
Not only is this manicure by @nailgalnat beautiful, but it's also proof that more is most definitely more.
10
Glitter flecks
Or why not add a few statement glitter flecks to your ring finger?
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
Cute cuticles
Just a tiny flash of glitter along the cuticle line gives a nude manicure a touch of sparkle.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
Taste the rainbow
As glitter nail polish has a thicker consistency, why not try blending multiple colours together.
14
Heartbreaker
Regardless of your relationship status right now, these love nails are downright adorable.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
Glitter blocking
If you're scared of full on glitter, incorporate accents into your nail designs like this one.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17
Baby blues
Mix and match your polish textures, like this manicure which incorporates cream, metallic and glitter.
18
Accent nails
It doesn't all have to be about the ring finger, as this accent ombre manicure proves.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
Standout squares
We love the uniqueness of this glitter placement design, definitely one worth booking an appointment for.
20
Neon nights
You don't always have to associate glitter with Christmas. Switch up your colours for your most summery manicure yet.