a hand with gold rings and nude and gold glitter nails with ombre design

Gold glitter nails are a nail art staple, especially at the holidays (hi, New Year’s Eve) or for special occasions like weddings–and gradient glitter designs just have a magical effect. Twinkly lights, confetti, fairy dust–whatever these cascading sparkles make you think of, one thing’s for sure: they just feel festive.

a hand with gold glitter nail polish on the thumb

For an extra delicate look, opt for a finer glitter polish. How dramatic you go is up to you, and yes, these gold glitter nails are super simple to recreate. Ready to add a little sparkle? See how to get party-worthy nails ahead–even if you’re staying home! (Why not?)

Gold Glitter Nails

Supplies:

  • Sheer nail polish
  • Gold glitter nail polish or whatever color you like)
  • Thin nail brush tool
  • Gel-like top coat

Instructions:

a hand with folded with no nail polish 

Step 1: Make sure you have a clean, dry manicure.

Tip: If you have oily nail beds or have excess oil from lotion use a Qtip dipped in alcohol and remove excess oil from the nail bed. This will help prolong your manicure. 

a hand with nude nails and clear nail polish and gold rings

Step 2: Apply a thin coat of your favorite sheer nude polish, like Chanel Ballerina or Essie Sheer Fantasy.

nude nails with gold glitter tips

Step 3: Apply a medium size amount of glitter polish to the tops of your nails, like ORLY Untouchable Decadence.

Tip: It might be easier to do one nail at a time, this way your polish doesn’t dry. 

a hand with gold rings and nude and gold glitter nails

Step 4: Using a thin brush tool, drag the glitter down to the middle of your nail. Gently press the remainder glitter down to the base of your nail.

Tips:

  • If you need to reapply for the glitter to the tip of your nail do so. This will give a more intense gradient look.
  • It is always better to drag less glitter down the nail than more. You can always add more glitter, but if you add too much you might have to start over. 
  •  If your polish has more liquid than glitter. Apply the polish to a piece of aluminum foil and drag the glitter off the liquid using a thin brush tool, then apply to the nail. 
a folded hand with gold glitter gradient nails

Step 5: Apply a gel-like top coat like Seche Vive.

Did you try this sparkly mani? Show us your gold glitter nails on Instagram @Lulus using #lovelulus–and shop New styles for the year ahead!

This post was published in February 2020 and has been updated with new content. Additional copy by Rachel Aschenbrand-Robinson.