When party season hits, our brains immediately go to make-up, hair and tan. But what about nails? Your party manicure is just as important as lips or lashes, so we’ve got together everything you need for the season ahead.
Pre-party prep
Before we think about getting colour on, let’s look at making sure your nails are tip-top. It’s time to clear things up, starting with the cuticles. A good cuticle remover and pusher, like this set from Orly, will help to clean your nailbeds, working to leave them stain-free and looking healthier. Attending to your cuticles will also help you get a more rounded-looking manicure, without any lumpy edges. Once your cuticles are looking fabulous, shape your nails as desired with a proper manicure kit, to avoid damage and to ensure everything is nice and even.
Next, we’ll be prepping before the party with a good strengthening treatment, like Start to Finish from OPI. Also working as a base coat and top coat, it’s the perfect all rounder for keeping your nails looking great, no matter where the party takes you.
The party looks
When it comes to choosing a colour for your seasonal mani, there’s just so much to choose from. Classics (and it’s no surprise as to why) include hues of reds, orange and gold. The colours of Christmas! Kits like Nails Inc’s Ginger All The Way take the festive spirit in their stride, with a tone to suit every mood. Plus, each polish even smells like gingerbread for a full-on festive feeling. Another one in our stash is OPI’s Celebration collection. With a mix of reds and pinks, it’s a timeless take on seasonal colours, while the holographic, creme and shimmer finishes add a fun edge.
If classic isn’t your thing, why not go for a spectrum of blues? The All is Berry and Bright collection is just that – bright! The cool toned shades not only look great as stand-alone colours, we love them painted one on each finger for an on-trend tonal mani that’ll complete any snow queen’s look.
Channelling your inner dancefloor diva? Then only shimmer and metallic will do, let’s face it. Orly does shine well. The Momentary Wonders Frost collection captures the rich, jewel-like tones of the season while adding a touch of shimmer that’ll catch the light beautifully, while Rage is the perfect way to add a little metallic detail to your look with it’s beautiful rose gold tone.
If you want all the impact of nail art, but without the faff, lets talk about magnetic nail polish. Yep, you heard us. Magnetic. This set from Nails Inc features two metallic formulas that can be manipulated with a magnet to create eye-catching looks. Plus, the gunmetal blue and gold shades are beautiful for this time of year.
The after party
When the final cracker has been pulled, you’re beyond bored of turkey sandwiches and midnight has hit on New Year’s Eve, it’s time to say goodbye to the party nails. Like us, they’re going to be in need of a little TLC after a season of decadence, so arm yourself with OPI’s classic Nail Envy. It works to condition your nails, helping to protect against things like peeling and splits, making it an easy way to get your nails in tip-top shape again. Plus, there’s plenty of chic shades to choose from, so you can still enjoy a touch of colour.
We hope you have a mani-ficent time this party season! For extra nail inspo, check out our virtual shelves for more great tools and formulas.
