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?

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 a cotton ball. Then, cover your glittery nail(s) with the acetone-soaked cotton before wrapping it 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]

Touch of shimmer

Adding just a touch of glitter down the centre of the nail gives the appearance of longer nails, instantly.

[3]

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.

[4]

Glitter flecks

Or why not add a few statement glitter flecks to your ring finger?

[5]

Taste the rainbow

As glitter nail polish has a thicker consistency, why not try blending multiple colours together.

[6]

Heartbreaker

Regardless of your relationship status right now, these love nails are downright adorable.

[7]

Baby blues

Mix and match your polish textures, like this manicure which incorporates cream, metallic, and glitter.

[8]

Accent nails

It doesn’t all have to be about the ring finger, as this accent ombre manicure proves.

[9]

Festive shimmer

Can’t wait for Christmas? Get in the festive spirit with a red and gold glitter mani.

[10]

Neon nights

You don’t always have to associate glitter with Christmas. Switch up your colours for your most summery manicure yet.

[11]

Earn your stripes

Spice up your regular polish nude manicure with a glitter stripe in the centre.

[12]

Ice queen

Sliver glitter + nude polish = our fave combo.

[13]

Rosé pink

Elongating the glitter tips on one side gives this French manicure a modern edge.

[14]

Ruby slippers

For nails that rival Dorothy’s ruby slippers, apply three to four coats of a chunk dark pink glitter polish.

[15]

Mermaid’s tale

Layer a coat of glitter over a duo-chrome base for nails that look like they belong to Ariel.

[16]

Dark side

Vamp up your nails with a deep glitter shade.

[17]

In the stars

A celestial vibe is super chic and subtle.

[18]

Holidays are coming

Tbh we’d wear this colour combo all year round.

[19]

Glitter rainbow

The glitter just adds a lil something more to this rainbow, does it?

[20]

Disco nails

Follow the call of the disco ball with this manicure.

Via Cosmopolitan UK