20 Reasons Why We’re Obsessed With Glitter Nails Year-Round

Top Glitter Nail Trends to Know

Before we dive into our favorite designs, let’s talk about the glitter nail trends you’ll be seeing everywhere right now. Think of it as your cheat sheet before you hit “book” on your next nail appointment or press “confirm order” on all your DIY glitter nail art supplies. From minimalistic shimmer to full-on sparkle, these are the looks dominating manis this season:

• Glitter French Tips: A modern twist on the classic French manicure—subtle, chic, and perfect if you love a minimalist vibe with a little edge.

• Ombré Glitter: Fade your sparkle from tip to base (or reverse it!) for a mani that feels effortlessly cool.

• Accent Nail Sparkle: Not ready for all-over glitter? Choose one or two nails to highlight—it’s low-commitment, high-impact.

• Chunky vs. Fine Glitter: Chunky glitter brings drama, while fine shimmer gives that “your nails but sparklier” finish.

• Seasonal Shades: Switch it up—try icy silvers or moody jewel tones in winter, pastel shimmers in spring, bold brights in summer, and cozy metallics in fall.

The Best Glitter Nail Designs for Every Season

1. Glitter Galaxy Nail Art

Channel your inner cosmic queen with this dramatic set. First, paint your nails with a deep black gel polish. Once cured, rub on a purple chrome powder for that otherworldly sheen, then top with a clear glitter top coat. The layered sparkle mimics a star-filled sky—you’ll basically have the galaxy at your fingertips.

2. Patchwork Sparkle Nails

Who says you have to pick just one design? This nail design combines all the cutest things—think red-and-green plaid, a deer motif, and a sage-green glitter nail with a star. Each finger feels like its own little statement piece. To DIY, choose three to four patterns or shades you’re obsessed with and let each nail shine differently (bonus points if you mix textures like glitter and matte). Or, take this inspo pic to your manicurist and have fun creating a unique look together. 

3. Making Waves Glitter Nails

We’re calling it: this is the mani of the summer. With wavy pops of fuchsia, turquoise, orange, and purple dancing across your nails, it’s bold, playful, and pool-party ready. Start with a nude or sheer base, then grab a fine nail art brush (or even a toothpick in a pinch) to paint your squiggles. Add glitter accents in silver or gold for extra sparkle, finish with a glossy top coat, and just wait for the compliments to roll in.

4. Subtle Shimmer Nail Art

Not into full-on bling? Totally fair. Minimalists, meet your match: a sheer nude-pink nail polish with just a kiss of sparkle. It’s classy, low-key, but still catches the light in the prettiest way. DIY it by brushing on one to two coats of your go-to nude pink, then layer a fine glitter topper. Seal it with a glossy top coat for that “my nails but better” vibe.

5. Sparkle Season Nails

Jaw. On. The. Floor. This set is the definition of “can’t stop staring.” To recreate at home, hunt down the most dazzling multi-tonal glitter nail polish you can find—look for flecks of pink, gold, and silver. Apply two solid coats, finish with a clear top coat, and prepare to spend the rest of the day waving your hands around in every type of lighting.

6. Pink Confetti Glitter Nails

Think of this one as funfetti cake, but for your nails. Start with a nude base coat, then swipe on a clear polish packed with colorful glitter confetti. The result? Sweet, playful, and effortlessly fun.

7. Gold Glitter Ombré Nails

This is chic, simple, and so wearable. Begin with a nude-pink base, then use a small brush (or even a makeup sponge) to dab a gold glitter polish from the tip downward, fading as you go for a gradient effect. Lock it in with a glossy top coat for salon-worthy results at home.

8. Pop of Burgundy Glitter Nail Design

Holiday glam, made DIY. Start with a nude base coat, then brush sparkles onto the upper half of each nail. Next, grab a fine detailing brush and a rich burgundy polish to draw a curved French tip. Seal it with a glossy top coat, and you’ve got festive nails that look far more complicated than they are.

9. Mermaid Magic Glitter Nail Design

Summer nails, but make it glittery. Apply a turquoise glitter to one half of your nail and a purple glitter to the other, blending where they meet for an ombré, underwater vibe. Want to go extra? Add a full glitter accent nail, a hand-painted mermaid tail, or pearl gems. The more detail, the more magical.

10. Go for the Gold Glitter Nail Art

Warning: These nails are a whole moment. Start with a nude base like you would for a French manicure. Then load up the tips with gold glitter polish. Before your top coat dries, press on chunky gold nail gems until your fingertips look like treasure. Finish with clear polish to lock it all in.

11. All About Brown Glitter Nails

Brown nails are trending hard—and this set proves why. Paint your ring finger with two coats of chocolate brown, your pinky with two coats of gold glitter, then go classic with brown French tips on the rest. To tie it all together, brush a clear golden glitter polish from the base of your nails upward in a soft gradient. Cozy and chic.

12. Pretty in Pink Glitter Nails

This look screams “main character”. Start with neutral polish as your base, then add glittery pink French tips to your ring and middle fingers. For the rest, go full sparkle with two to three coats of pink glitter polish. Seal with a shiny top coat and watch them glow.

13. Shimmery Spring Floral Nails

Perfect for warmer days, this look pairs soft sparkle with floral details. Apply a nude base, then layer a sheer sparkly blue polish on the top half of each nail. Use blue polish to draw a curved French tip. Grab a fine brush to paint dainty blue and white flowers on top, then seal it with a top coat for a fresh and flirty look.

14. Bring the Romance Glitter Nail Design

If Valentine’s Day had a signature mani, this would be it. These pink cherry-glitter nails balance romantic and playful perfectly. Start with a pink base, layer on your favorite glitter polish, then add hearts and sparkly gems. 

15. All for Autumn Glitter Nails

Brown tones meet cozy nail art. Paint your pinky, middle, and ring fingers with a neutral brown polish. For your thumb and ring finger, start with a nude base and use a detail brush to draw mini autumn leaves. Finish with flecks of gold glitter to pull the whole seasonal vibe together.

16. Midnight Magic Glitter Nails

It doesn’t need to be spooky season for this witchy-meets-glam manicure by creator Vivian W to capture our spirits. We love the use of silver and charcoal glitter polish scattered over nails and concentrated at the tip for a sparkling ombré effect—and with mini white moons and stars, it’s the perfect mani for countless magical nights. (Want inspo for Halloween? Check out our spookiest nail looks!)

17. Fallen Snow Glitter Nail Design

We’re obsessed with this glitter manicure for two reasons. First, it’s like a winter wonderland snowglobe on your fingers (and giving us all the cozy, snowy vibes). Second, it’s so easy to recreate, and chances are you already own everything you need. Check out the tutorial above from manicurist Hannah Lee to see for yourself.

18. Glitter Holographic Hues

On the complete other end of the glitter nail design spectrum lives this holographic dream from editorial nail artist Steph Stone—and we’re here for it. Start with a couple coats of glittery silver as a base, then layer on some rainbow foils to get this color-shifting look.

19. Shimmery Shooting Star Nail Art

Stone does it again with the glitter looks. The trick to this multidimensional design is layering different shapes and weights of sparkly polish. Start with a small silver glitter, add a coat or two of something a bit chunkier, and even glue on a few shimmery star rhinestones, like Stone did here.

20. Blush Pink Glitter Nails

Manicurist Vanessa Montoya knows how to use glitter sparingly. While airbrushed tips and graphic lines are the star of the show on most of the nails, bold flecks of gold complement the other designs perfectly.

Tips for Long-Lasting Glitter Nails

• Start with a solid base coat. This not only protects your natural nails from staining but also gives your nail polish something to grip onto (aka less chipping).

• Layer strategically. Two thin coats of glitter polish will last longer than one thick, gloopy coat. Plus, it dries faster and is less likely to peel.

• Seal the deal. Always finish with a strong top coat, and you can even reapply every two to three days to refresh the shine and add extra protection.

• Glitter polish hack. If you’re DIY-ing, try the sponge method—dab glitter nail polish onto a makeup sponge, then press it onto your nail. It soaks up excess clear base and packs on the glitter for maximum payoff.

• Hands off. Glitter nails can be tough, but picking or peeling when they start to wear will damage your nails. When you’re ready for removal, soak cotton pads in acetone, wrap them around your nails with foil, and let them sit for 10 minutes before gently wiping away.

Our Final Thoughts

So, are you officially convinced that glitter nails deserve a spot in your rotation year-round? From barely-there shimmers to full-on gem-studded tips, there’s a sparkle for every mood, outfit, and season. Consider this your sign to go for the glitter—whether you’re booking your next salon appointment or DIY-ing at home. Want even more sparkle? Head to the IPSY Shop for all the glitter makeup your routine’s been missing.