Try out some festive nail art in preparation for holiday gatherings, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and other events. Even if you’re only attending a few intimate gatherings this year, now is the perfect chance to spruce up your tips with some holiday-inspired nail art. I’ve compiled the top five current nail art tendencies for your perusal.
1. Velvet Nails
Velvet nails, the cat’s eye, and magnetic gels are several names for the same nail art trend, including applying sparkling polish with a magnet. Director of Beauty for R29, Sara Tan, visited Mimi at the Hermosa Beach Lou’s Beauty Bar for a Japanese gel manicure. To get this look, the client chooses a base colour like green for green nails, and the artist holds a magnet to the gel, lifting the sparkle to reveal a velour-like texture.
In 2022 the most popular nail trend will not be a specific colour but a special finish that can be used with any colour. Chrome nails, cat-eye nails, and now velvet nails all have the same luxurious, familiar feel as regular manicures. Still, they give the impression that they are composed of a different material. It’s a simple technique to make even the plainest colours look more sophisticated, and the optical illusions may stand on their own as a form of nail art. While velvet nails may look difficult, they are rather easy to replicate at home (and without the help of a nail technician).
Using a matte top coat over a metallic manicure or nail polish that gives a fuzzy look when in touch with a magnet are two ways to achieve the velvet effect; another is to use flocking powder or dip powder without a top coat. Polish remover, pushies, clippers, and files are not just standard fare for each manicure but crucial for a flawless application and a long manicure’s lifespan (and the delicate nails beneath). You may achieve the most natural effect by using a magnet and powder. The powder will not only look like velvet, but it will feel like velvet, too. The beauty of the velvet nail trend is there are so many various degrees and designs that it becomes personal.
2. Red half-moon nails
The red half-moon manicure, made famous by Dita von Teese, is now having a moment. Cat Quinn, a beauty guru, attributes much of the recent fad boom to the media. Olivia Wilde’s character in Don’t Worry, Darling sports a red half-moon manicure. Similar clothing can be seen in Taylor Swift in her ‘Bejeweled’ music video. In both plays, von Tesse had a small role.
If you want to give it a shot: You can see the natural curve of your cuticle development on a naked nail, so use a little brush to outline that shape, and then fill in the rest of your nail with polish. The end effect is uncluttered but timeless in its elegance.
3. Glass Nails
Korean culture is the origin of the global ‘glass nail’ fad. This gel manicure features broken glass effects achieved using foils. The foil has to be applied one piece at a time, much like a mosaic, but the end product is incredibly detailed. One of my most well-received manicures ever!
It’s no secret that Korean beauty has influenced the World for quite some time. It’s no surprise that inspired by the East’s next-level skin care routines (including “glass skin” and “cloudless skin”) and breathtaking nail looks being shared daily, we’re trying all in our power to imitate these ultra-effective, undeniably-chic beauty trends here in the West. All of a sudden, we’ve developed an obsession with glass fingernails. Glass nails can seem like anything from an abstract work of art to a beautifully made stained-glass window, depending on the design of the improvised shatter.
4. Moonlight Nails
The ‘moonlight manicure is steadily gaining popularity. The essential look is a white nail with a pearly gloss. Brown Girl Hands creator Hannah Harris models the latest manicure trend, a press-on manicure using Glamnetic Reusable Press-On Nails in Moonlight. A white pearlescent gel or dip powder would work well for this style in the salon. You can use white polish with a shimmer top coat at home.
5. Gold Leaf Detailing
Nail art with delicate metal accents is possible by using gold foil instead of appliqués or glitter paint. You can give it a shot at home by painting your nails a base colour, then applying a transparent top coat and carefully placing individual pieces of foil on your nails using tweezers. Use a second clear coat application to ensure the foil is completely protected.
One of the most glamorous hues, gold certainly commands attention. You can find a gold nail polish with a texture and design that works with your preferred nail shape and length, whether you want understated details or dazzling flash. The best part about experimenting with metallic gold is the varied texture options on offer. Gold leaf can create an aged, vintage look, while chunky glitter conveys a Christmas party atmosphere.
Closing Remarks
Nothing beats wrapping your hands around a warm beverage during the winter holidays, and a Christmas manicure takes that cosiness to a new level. Images of sugary whites, small snowflakes, peppermint swirls, Fair Isle patterns, and wintry scenes come to mind.
