20 Sparkly Nail Ideas, From Subtle Shimmer to All-Out Glitter (2024)

20 Sparkly Nail Ideas, From Subtle Shimmer to All-Out Glitter (1)

When it comes to manicures, sparkles know no season, shimmering in heat and snow alike. They're downright fun and festive, perfect for celebrating year-round joy. That said, we can't deny they feel particularly appropriate come the holiday season. The shimmer and shine go perfectly with a glass (or two) or champagne and an equally sparkly outfit.

With the end of the year—and all of the parties that come with it—in mind, we scoured our feeds for the best sparkly nail inspo. Scroll on for 20 shimmering nail ideas that bring the spirit of the season to your fingertips.

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Opalescent Sparkle

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Keep things light and bright with a subtle gradient of milky opalescent shades. We love how each polish has a slightly different duo-chrome effect—it really creates a sense of movement in the manicure.

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Icy Moss

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To nail this Christmas tree-esque look, you'll need two polishes: a base shade and a magnetic topper. Here, nail artist Melanie Graves opted for green velvet over a solid black base.

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Turquoise Sparkle

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Equally fit for the beach and the snow, this shimmery turquoise is the perfect unexpected shade for the festive season. Look for a polish with silver sparkles for that touch of magic.

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Hot-Pink Rockstar Sparkle

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We cannot stop thinking about this rockstar manicure. The hot pink—with its densely packed, opaque glitter—has such stunning visual texture. Top the look with a few gems and star nail stickers to add to the cool-girl vibes.

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Silver Bursts Sparkle

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Take star power to the max with an opaque silver glitter polish topped with pink starbursts. Those gems in the center are the perfect finishing touch.

Brown Jelly Sparkle

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Jelly manicures are always a good idea—that nearly see-through effect is just so alluring. This darker brown shade is perfect for the colder months.

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Black and White Sparkle

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We love how this mani evokes fresh snowfall on a dark winter night. The stark black paired with a slightly sheer white sparkle is flawless.

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Subtle Sparkle

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If you're more of a mani minimalist, stick with a shimmering sheer wash of color in a white or neutral tone. That way, you can still indulge in a little sparkle and fun without going uncharacteristically bold.

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Electric Purple Sparkle

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Another bold color choice we've been loving, electric purple is fun year-round. Keep it chic and simple with a glittery polish, or go more sumptuous with a magnetic purple velvet.

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Pink & Silver Chunky Sparkle

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Chunkier sparkles feel youthful and energetic—but, in a solid color on an almond-shaped nail, still decidedly grown-up.

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Baby Blue Butterfly Sparkle

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Sparkles are always a showstopper, but they don't have to be the only nail art. We love this butterfly design—it feels especially meaningful going into a new year full of opportunities and possibilities.

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Negative Space Green Sparkle

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There's a reason everyone loves a negative space design: It instantly elevates any mani. We love the contrast between the bold sparkly green and the nude nail seen here.

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Neutral Gradient Sparkle

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We like to call this neutral-ish. The gradient of neutral-toned sparkles creates a visually interesting mani that seriously brings the fun.

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Pink and Bronze Sparkle

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We love the warm vibe of this color combo. It's cozy and seasonally appropriate. If you DIY this one, opt for gold glitter—either in the polish or as a top coat—to keep that energy.

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Green French Sparkle

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We love this almost subdued shade of green—it's a great option for dressing up a French manicure. And that silver detailing couldn't be chicer.

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Jewel-Toned Sparkle

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Jewel tones and winter go together like hot chocolate and marshmallows. This shimmery Skittle approach (with citrine, emerald, and amethyst) puts a party-ready spin on the look.

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Silver on Black Sparkle

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Black nails are bold, sophisticated, and perfect for those extra-cold months. We love the contrast the silver sparkles add to this set.

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Sparkly Ombré French

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There's something kind of... Glamorous Grinch about this sparkling ombré French manicure. (And we kind of love it?)

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Barbie Pink Sparkle

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A perfect Barbie pink will always be a classic—and a healthy dose of sparkle and shine just amps up the fun.

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Intergalactic Velvet

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Nail artist Dayanna Sapiens mixed and layered shimmery magnetic polishes to create this manicure. The resulting look is truly out of this world.