It’s hard to believe that 2024 is coming to a close soon. But with every ending comes a new beginning that deserves to be celebrated in style. By now, you’ve probably planned your holiday outfits and equally festive makeup looks. Maybe you’ve found the perfect sequin dress to wear with a smoky eye or a gorgeous gown that will make a red lip pop. But regardless of your vibe, no look is complete without a fresh set of New Year’s nails.
If there’s one thing this year taught us, it’s that there’s a manicure out there that will suit every style. Sparkling designs and metallic polish are go-to looks for the holidays, but you don’t have to bedazzle your nails to be festive. There are plenty of party-ready options to choose from. Minimalists, for example, can lean into delicate nail art and soft ombré styles. Those who love a bold look can embrace full-on bling with a disco ball-inspired manicure.
Ahead, TZR gathered the best looks to inspire your New Year’s Eve manicure. Whether you opt for a classic color or a shimmering shade, these beauties are the perfect accessory for ringing in 2025.
Bedazzled Tips
Dress up a classic French manicure by accenting your white tips with a slew of colorful rhinestones and crystals. Keep your base neutral so the jewels really sparkle.
Martini Nails
Take a cue from Hailey Bieber’s birthday martini nails and pay homage to the cocktail you’ll be sipping on all night long. If you want to take the look for a spin for New Year’s Eve, manicurist Zola Ganzorigt used an off-white shade as Bieber’s base then added hand-painted olives to a few of her nails.
Half & Half
If a full-on glitter manicure feels a little too over-the-top for your taste, try painting half of your nails and leaving the other section nude. You’ll still get all the sparkle you’re after without stepping out of your comfort zone.
Midnight Black Tips
Coined “midnight black tips” by nail artist Betina Goldstein, her design is a perfect New Year’s nail look for anyone who likes to stick to subtle manicures. Taking inspiration from the night sky, she used black glitter polish to create a slim French tip on a glossy black base.
Bring On The Bling
How much glitter is too much glitter on New Year’s Eve? The limit doesn’t exist. So if you’re a maximalist, go all out and top off your sequin dress, silver heels, and sparkly clutch with a dazzling manicure. This one features rhintestones scattered on a sheer silver glitter base.
Holographic
No doubt about it, chrome manicures remained popular in 2024. From Hailey Bieber’s glazed donut nails to Jennifer Lopez’s vanilla set, the glistening finish was one of the year’s most beloved trends. Luckily, it shows no signs of slowing down. So why not kick off 2025 with this holographic lilac look? The foil-like coating gives the soft purple hue a new-age feel that’s party-ready and cool.
Metallic Accents
Think of this contemporary nail design as an accessory to your look. Like a delicate necklace or glittering tennis bracelet, it has all the right elements for New Year’s Eve. The baby pink jelly polish is sophisticated yet natural, and the artsy metallic pieces add a subtle elegance that will turn more than a few heads throughout the evening.
Mocha Mousse Chrome
Pantone’s 2025 color of the year, Mocha Mousse, is great for holiday manicures. Take a cue from this stylish chrome set. It features a rich brown expertly blended with chrome and a chic almond shape. The final look is particularly eye-catching for winter and will seamlessly fit with any outfit.
Invisible French Manicure
You don’t have to go overboard with glitter to get a stunning New Year’s Eve manicure. If you’ve enjoyed the minimalist looks of 2024, consider this your go-to design. It uses a thin strip of gold polish to update the classic French and add a bit of sparkle. To get the full effect, opt for long almond extensions that will enhance the iconic curve.
Pearl Nails
Oyster nails have become a chic alternative to a classic nude nail. While this trend featured some maximalist elements, the pearly hue is the perfect shade for manicure minimalists. In this look, the color gives the nails a glistening effect. The simplicity has a timeless appeal that’s great for the evening — no matter where the night takes you.
Liquid Gold
Take your manicure to the next level with this gilded look. The high-shine finish and liquid-like appearance give the simple gold hue an expensive feel. Even better? The simple effect is a great fit for short and natural nails.
Strawberries & Champagne
‘Tis the season for bubbly. With this ombré set, you’ll be the talk of the evening. At first glance, it may seem simple, but thanks to the ombré technique, there’s more than meets the eye. It flawlessly blends champagne, rosé, and berry hues for a delicious-looking manicure.
Cross Hatch Nail Art
Want to make a statement that’s bold, artistic, and unexpected? Look no further than this alluring manicure. The natural nail is decorated with a white cross-hatch design that is striking on its own. But the cherry on top is the rhinestones, delicately placed at each intersection for a truly dazzling finish.
Blue Aura Nails
Get ready to see blue nail looks everywhere. As one of the top winter colors, the dreamy hue is the ultimate trendy choice for NYE. Instead of opting for a solid manicure, consider trying this cool aura style. The mélange of shades ranges from pastel to chrome, and radiates main character energy.
Disco Nails
Sparkles are synonymous with the holidays. But if glitter isn’t your thing, this disco confetti manicure is the next best thing. The bubblegum pink shade oozes fun party vibes and reflects the light for an alluring effect. It’s the epitome of a festive and show-stopping look.
This article was originally published on Dec. 18, 2023