While giving gifts to your loved ones is a cherished, and often exciting, tradition around the holidays, it’s important to remember to treat yourself sometimes, too! Whether your self-care moment is taking yourself on a solo shopping trip, making your favorite meal just because you want to, or taking the time to pamper yourself by actually getting one of the holiday manicures you saved on Pinterest, it’s safe to say you’ve earned that right.
I don’t know about you, but every time I have my nails done I feel just a little bit more put-together—and an extra confidence boost never hurt anybody. There are so many fun nail trends this season, and if having a fresh manicure makes you feel fierce, we encourage you to book that appointment or throw on a holiday movie to keep your littles distracted while you take some much-needed “me” time to do your nails at home. From subtle designs to bold holiday colors, we know something will catch your eye and spark some holiday joy.
If you need some inspiration on what to ask for at the salon or what to try for at home, look no further. Here we’ve compiled a list of the best festive holiday manicures to consider for the holidays.
Subtle But Festive Holiday Manicures
We’re seeing subtle festive designs all over social media this season. Everyone is loving fun details paired with either a barely-noticeable neutral or one solid color—including us. In a time of year when it’s easy to go overboard on things, this is a nice reminder that sometimes less is more.
Festive French Tip
French tips are always a good idea for the minimalistic gal, but if you want to make them extra festive, alternate colors in the Christmas palette we all know and love.
Tiny Trees
We can’t get enough of this incredibly subtle and easy-to-achieve Christmas tree design. If you want ultra-simple, this is the one for you.
Wrapped in Gold
Add a touch of holiday spirit to your red nails by adding a bow accent design to one finger.
Get the Look:
The perfect base coat for your subtle nails. From here, add all the simple but festive design elements you want.
This nail set is exactly what you need to achieve any festive nail look. And with this kit, you’ll be set for the holidays and beyond.
Use these nail art brushes to create the more intricate designs on your nails, like those from the adorable inspiration above.
Winter Hues & Blues
If you want your manicure to encapsulate the whole winter season and not just the holidays, fear not. We’ve got the inspiration you need for a perfect winter-inspired manicure.
A Touch of Blue
As if we couldn’t be more in love with the classic French tip, this is a great look for those wanting a pop of color this holiday season.
The weather outside is (or soon will be) frightful, but your manicure doesn’t have to be! Embrace the winter blues by capturing this stunning shade on your nails.
Silver Stars
We love a holiday manicure that’s also perfect for NYE. With these nails, your fingers will sparkle as much as the celebratory confetti.
Get the Look:
This sparkly silver polish will be sure to complement any shade of blue. We recommend adding this color to your preferred shade of blue to mix it up!
We’re obsessed with deep shades of blue this season, and this color is no exception.
This nail art kit will be key in achieving those dreamy holiday designs. Plus, it comes with silver chrome to add the finishing touch to any look.
Solid Seasonals
You truly can’t go wrong with a solid-colored manicure (less is more, remember?). These colors are seasonally appropriate without being cheesy and will stand out to anyone who sees them. The best part? They’re easy to achieve at home when you don’t have time to head to a nail salon.
Merry Red
We know red nails for the holidays are nothing groundbreaking, but this bright red by Olive and June feels oh-so-right.
Christmas Tree Green
It just makes sense this time of year to opt for a Christmas tree green. We know this polish will be admired even by the Grinches in your life.
Luxurious Mocha Red
For nails the color of your favorite red wine, opt for a deep burgundy shade… and the pour yourself a glass.
Get the Look:
Now’s the perfect time to rock this festive and fun bright red.
Just like a Christmas tree, everyone will adore this green nail polish.
This deep wine color will have you feeling like a million bucks. After all, it’s a color that will never go out of style.
Metallic Holiday Manicures
Ah, metallics. A look that is sleek, timeless, and eye-catching—all in one. This is a great option if you’re someone who wants a pop of color on their nails without the hassle of choosing a design.
Metallic Forest Green
We are obsessed with this festive metallic shade of green that is basically Christmas in a bottle.
Silver Bell Chrome
A perfect option for those who are looking to spice up their nails this season, this silver metallic is bold and stunning.
Burgundy Pearl
This shade is a slightly different route than the traditional red we’re used to, but a color this gorgeous deserves to be worn all season long.
Get the Look:
This metallic green is exactly what you need to draw out the festive element of your manicure.
This sparkly polish with an edge can go straight from the Christmas to NYE!
Just in time for Sagittarius season, we present to you this gorgeous metallic burgundy polish.
Press-On Nails and Stickers
What we love about nail stickers is also what we love about press-on nails: they’re easy and save you time. Let’s face it, we don’t always have hours to spend at a nail salon or even to sit in stillness waiting for our nails to dry at home (though that sure does sound nice). We love these options because even though they don’t usually last as long as an actual manicure, they are easy and incredibly quick to apply, making them a great option to turn to when you’re in a pinch.
Get the Look:
This set from Olive & June has all your Christmas favorites in one! Start with any of the solid colors, add some festive stickers, and you’ve got yourself an Instagram-worthy manicure.
For a gorgeous, intricate manicure, try these simple yet festive silver swirl press-on nails.
Classic. Minimal. Effortless. Everything we could wish for this holiday season.
If you want to go the more subtle route, try this dazzling red French tip from Glamnetic.
