Party Nails

Party nail ideas worth copying

Party nails work when they read from across a room. A dark base under a bright glitter topper, one accent nail covered in studs, or a splash of metallic polish all give that effect without hours of detail work. If you're dressing for a specific event, such as New Year's Eve, a birthday or a pool party, start with the colors of the occasion and add one element that sparkles.

• Layer glitter toppers over solid black or another deep shade so every fleck shows. More ideas are in the glitter nails gallery.
• Try a splatter: make a small puddle of metallic polish, dip a straw in it and blow it across a dry base color. Tape around your fingers first, because it gets messy.
• Press studs or rhinestones into wet top coat on a single accent nail, then add top coat around their edges.
• For a summer or pool party, bright shades stand out, so look through neon nails for color ideas.

Keeping party nails intact through the night

Glitter and splatter both leave a textured surface, so finish with a thick, glossy top coat to smooth it out and protect the design. Let each layer dry before adding the next; a design that's still soft underneath dents easily. Studs hold better when the top coat goes around their edges, not only underneath them.

Questions people ask

What nails should you get for a party?

Match the event and your outfit: glitter and metallics for evenings and New Year's, brights for summer parties, one sparkly accent nail if you want something quieter. To see a shade on a hand before you commit, use try it on.

Can a salon do party nail art?

Yes. Most salons can do glitter, accent nails and studs, and many offer the look in gel polish. Find one through nail salons near you.