Photography via Instagram/@sallyhansenca
15 Holiday Nail Polishes That Aren’t Red
By
Lauren Hazlewood
Date December 6, 2018
Yes Virginia, it is possible to have festive nails without resorting to predictable red. For editorial manicurist Madeline Poole, the best alternative is anything that glitters. “Try a slight sheer sparkle or shimmer,” she says. Poole—who is Global Colour Ambassador of Sally Hansen—suggests a festive silver option from the brand called ‘Make it N-ice’. “It can be barely visible or more heavy-handed depending on how many coats you apply,” she says.
And while sparkly nails are pretty much synonymous with the holidays, Poole definitely has her preferences. “Personally, I like all one-colour glitters and I like the flecks to be pretty big and circular.” These larger, sequin-like bits can add a cool and modern edge, differentiating your manicure from the norm. When it comes to achieving the look, we also like the shade ‘Glass Souls’ from Smith & Cult.
For something a little more subdued, Poole recommends adding a clear matte topcoat to any glitter or metallic polish for a velvety finish. But sparkle or not, there are tons of options among this season’s holiday offerings. From an icy blue that’s the perfect combo of subtle and statement, to a forest green shimmer that gives off a purple and navy duo-chrome, check out our 15 favourite polishes for party season below.
We love how unique this shade is, mixing deep army greens with olive-toned golds.
Embrace gem tones this season with a metallic sapphire.
This magenta is a nice alternative to a classic red.
This subtle silver sparkle can be built it up to the opacity you like best.
This cocoa-coloured polish is a great warm neutral for winter.
This is a perfect example of what Poole loves in a glitter polish: chunky flecks all in the same colour family.
This pure marigold shade will bring sunshine to any winter blues.
Substitute your go-to nude for this wintry blue-grey.
Match your nails to your glass with this soft champagne gold.
If you’re usually drawn to deep burgundy reds, switch things up with this dark purple.
This shimmering rust is the cooler older sister of the traditional holiday red.
This is another option that uses chunky glitter, this time with a plethora of colours.
15 Festive Polishes
Just the Way You Arctic
($12, Essie)
This is halfway between lilac and grey and is an understated way to incorporate colour.
Push out of your comfort zone with this stunning jewel-toned teal.
15 Festive Polishes
Dreams Need Clara-fication
($13, O.P.I)
If you can look past any Frozen connotations, this is a lovely icy glacial blue.
![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://fashionmagazine.com/beauty-grooming/15-holiday-nail-polishes-arent-red/&title=15 Holiday Nail Polishes That Aren’t Red&picture=https://fashionmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/44513613_252971328906368_4099517348370012923_n.jpg&description=Yes Virginia, it is possible to have festive nails without resorting to predictable red. For editorial manicurist Madeline Poole, the best alternative is anything that glitters. "Try a slight sheer sparkle or shimmer," she says. Poole—who is Global Colour Ambassador of Sally Hansen—suggests a festive silver option from the brand called 'Make it N-ice'. "It can be barely visible or more heavy-handed depending on how many coats you apply," she says.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqk7OvtBtBO/
And while sparkly nails are pretty much synonymous with the holidays, Poole definitely has her preferences. "Personally, I like all one-colour glitters and I like the flecks to be pretty big and circular." These larger, sequin-like bits can add a cool and modern edge, differentiating your manicure from the norm. When it comes to achieving the look, we also like the shade 'Glass Souls' from Smith & Cult.
For something a little more subdued, Poole recommends adding a clear matte topcoat to any glitter or metallic polish for a velvety finish. But sparkle or not, there are tons of options among this season's holiday offerings. From an icy blue that's the perfect combo of subtle and statement, to a forest green shimmer that gives off a purple and navy duo-chrome, check out our 15 favourite polishes for party season below.
[gallery columns="5" ids="363332,363344,363348,363342,363338,363341,363340,363339,363330,363331,363337,363334,363336,363343,363335"]
){kind=link}