@lolo.nailedit / Instagram
When it comes to our nails, were down to try it all. Whether were sticking to the classics— like milky nails— or opting for a bold look— like Baroque nails— its always fun to switch it up. And sometimes, we like to give timeless designs a modern take. Enter: the glitter French manicure.
The design is exactly what it sounds like— French tips with glitter on them. This shimmer can come in the form of chunky rhinestones for a bold effect or micro-glitter for a much more subtle sheen, Whats great about these glitter French designs is that you can customize them to fit your style, nail length, and shape. Not to mention, most of the designs are quite easy to DIY.
One of the easiest ways to visualize what type of nail design you want to ask for at your next nail appointment is by skimming through photos. So, we rounded up 19 of our favorite glitter French manicure ideas to serve as inspiration. From shiny shimmer tips and velvet nails to 3D gems and mismatched designs, theres something for everyone.
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Gunmetal Glitter
@lolo.nailedit
Channel your femme fatale energy through this sophisticated French manicure. The simple design keeps it sleek and elegant, while the gunmetal shade gives it edge.
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Micro Glitter Tips
@aliciatnails
Give your tips a tiny hint of shimmer by using a narrow nail art brush to create super-thin strokes of glitter polish.
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Rainbow Glitter Tips
@lolo.nailedit
Whether youre celebrating pride or simply find joy in colorful shades, this glitter nail art is for you. The French tips retain their classic shape, but instead of white, boast a sparkly rainbow ombré thats sure to catch eyes.
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Chunky Rhinestone Gradient
@ginaedwards_
For an extra dramatic effect, paint your base a strong color and glue on 3D rhinestones, concentrating their density at the tips and creating a gradient.
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Merry Red Glitter
@imarninails
"Sparkly" immediately conjures images of the holiday season, and so does the color red. Needless to say, this glittering ruby set—featuring ombré glitter—is just begging to be photographed around a cup of hot cocoa.
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Square Gilded Tips
@jodiesbeaute
Flattering and easy to wear, short, square nails are as timeless and elegant as French manicures. For a trendy spin on such a classic nail, dip your tips in glittery gold polish. Not exactly a nail artist? Try using a silicone nail stamper.
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Velvet-Dipped French Tips
@swaknails
Velvet manicures are the perfect balance between sumptuous and playful (youve got to admit, waving that magnetic wand over your fingernails is a tiny bit thrilling). Velvet French tips are the perfect way to dip your toe—or should we say finger?—into the trend.
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Pink Starbursts
@phoebesummernails
The mix of gems, decals, and bubblegum pink might sound like a lot, but as this manicure proves, it makes for a chic approach to a sparkly French for the manicure minimalist. Opting for solid-colored tips and strategic nail accessories—instead of sparkly polish—streamlines the look.
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Snowy Blue Tips
@lolo.nailedit
This set is giving "Ill meet you back at the chalet," and were here for it. While the nail artist used polish to create the tiny, glittery dots that function as snowflakes here, Olive & June x e.l.fs Diamond Sparkle Nail Art Gems ($10) are a great shortcut for those who want to emulate this mani.
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Lush Red Velvet
@phoebesummernails
Did we mention how much were loving velvet manicures? Because we are really loving velvet manicures. This lush red variation utilizes French tips—often considered understated—for the accentnails. You have to appreciate a good script flip.
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Gold Foil Fingernails
@paintboxnails
Foiled fingernail tips are truly a look for all seasons. This combo of gold foil tips and pale neutral pink polish would be equally appropriate in the summer and during the holidays.
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Twinkling Silver Nails
@amyle.nails
New Years Eve is just begging for a starry silver mani. With the combination of fine-line detailing and precise ombré glitter placement, you might want to entrust this one with a pro instead of going the DIY route.
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Studded Shiny Mani
@lolo.nailedit
Looking for something a little bit edgier than glittery polish? Try a studded French manicure instead. Take it a step further by opting for dark tips over the traditional white. Try Essies Licorice ($10) for a similar midnight shade.
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The Classic (With a Twist)
@brownluxenails
Another minimalist take on "sparkly," this set adds a subtle, shimmering line down the center of a standard French mani. To replicate, youll need a nail art brush like Orlys Short Detailer Brush ($14).
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Shining Stars
@bhambnails
We love how this set takes the concept of the "accent" nail and extends it to every single nail. This look is totally achievable on your own, too: Just give yourself a standard French manicure, swapping out the white polish for a shimmering ruby red (we like OPIs Rhinestone Red-y, $12). Then, after your pale neutral pink polish has completely dried down, pop on starry nail decals and finish with your top coat.
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Outer Space Set
@disseynails / Instagram
Okay, we know; this is more "sparkly French manicured finger." But we think this look would be just as alluring if you added a few more French tips to the mix. For this spacey set, the nail artist used a trio of Lights Lacquer polishes, including Tuxedo Mask ($11) and City of Stars ($11).
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Holographic Hands
@melanated.mani
Something about holographic nails feels festive, though not in an overly holiday-specific way. While these green French tips might give off Christmas vibes, we think a set like this would be just as striking—and very New Years Eve-y—in a golden shade like Holo Tacos Amber Apathy ($14).
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Bedazzled Gold Tips
@tombachik
Emulate Jennifer Lopezs glam by copying the nail art look celebrity artist Tom Bachik designed for her. We love the gentle gold polish here and how the tiny silver rhinestone creates a subtle, yet dramatic, effect.
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Soft Ombré Glitter Nails
@aliciatnails
For a soft pastel nail look, opt for muted hues in complementary colors. If you want more of a subtle shimmer, use a micro-glitter polish on your tips, but for full-on glitz and glam, opt for lacquers that all contain more shine.