Sparkly Alternatives to the French Manicure

If you’re so over cliché white-tipped French manis and nude polish colors then we have just the solution - forgo the conventional pastel polishes and add a little glitter to those fingers. Whether it’s your big day, or an ordinary Monday, your nails deserve a little sparkle this summer.

1. SPARKLED FRENCH MANICURE

image via oneillgirls.com

Bored of your French manicure? Swap the white tips with some glitter. You’ll need clear nail polish and the glitter polish of your choice. First, apply the clear base coat to all your nails. After it’s dried, apply the glitter to just the tips of your nails. Lucky for you, glitter nail polish won’t show an imperfect manicure. If you’re feeling like a perfectionist, apply clear tape over your nail but leave the tips exposed so you can have a straight line. Last, apply the top coat of your choice. I would recommend my personal favorite, Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Glitter Polish / Clear Coat / Top Coat

2. 18K NAILS

image via thebeautydepartment.com

Remember the 2014 crackle top coat trend? Here’s the summer update look. Since crackle top-coat seems a bit gaudy for wedding season, we used Zoya’s 18K top coat to bring some additional sparkle to your fingers. Paint your nails any pastel color (we like Essie’s Fiji), and simply use the 18K as top coat. Voila!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

A pastel polish / Zoya Gilty Real 18k Gold Top Coat-Limited Edition

3. OMBRE SPARKLED TIPS

image via laurendall.tumblr.com

Although it doesn't look it, this is one of the easier bridal-ready manicures. Pick your polish (we like Butter London’s Fiver for summertime) and sprinkle glitter or excess eye shadow on the tips of your nails on the semi-wet polish. Fix up the excess glitter with a Q-tip and then apply the top coat!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Base Polish / Glitter Eye Shadow

So there you have it! Next time when you're reaching for your go-to shade at the salon, try to think of these unconventional styles and tricks. Ever tried a stand out manicure? Leave us a comment with your favorite style and polish!