In Need of a New Year's Eve Manicure? These Eight Eye-Catching Designs are Perfect for Ringing in 2026
Bedazzled Nails
· CosmopolitanThe saying should really be: New Year, New Nails. I love New Year's Eve for all its festive colors, metallic finishes, and glittery touches, and the manicures this time of year capture that same exciting energy.
When it comes to a New Year's Eve manicure, there are so many fun ways to incorporate shine and sparkle into the designs. From gemstone accents to chrome effects, the right New Year's mani instantly feels like a fresh start—perfect for celebration and ringing in joy for the year ahead. Even a small pop of shimmer or a playful winter nail color elevates any manicure look, making your fingers feel like a tiny, wearable party.
Whether you’re counting down with friends, toasting some champagne, or manifesting a kiss under some confetti, these New Year's manis will set the tone for an exciting year ahead. Ahead, the best New Year’s nails for any 2026 festivity.
@overglowedit
samrosenails
NYE is the best time to go all out with a glitzy outfit and, naturally, a glitzy manicure. I love these gem-emblazoned nails for the extra celebratory vibes. These nails look like the floor at 12:01 when all the confetti and streamers have dropped and the excitement for the new year is ripe in the air. You can even do them yourself with a plain base coat and some press-on jewels.
Dirty Martini Nails
@overglowedit
@nailsbyzola
If you're headed to a fancy party with even fancier cocktails—or those are the vibes you want to bring to your couch—for NYE, a dirty martini nail is the way to go. Paint the entire nail in an olive green colorway, or go for a small accent a là Hailey Bieber (pictured above). Because how fun is it to carry around a dirty martini in your dirty martini-themed hands?
Disco Confetti Nails
@rachel.messick
Chillhouse
This checkered design creates a 3D, textured effect, and as soon as I saw these, I immediately thought they were the perfect festive party nails. The shimmering sparkles look like a light-bouncing disco ball, aka a New Year’s Eve icon (besides your midnight kiss, of course).
Textured Silver Nails
@chummy.nails
@vanityprojects
You can't have New Year's without some metallic decor, and this mani looks like a mini NYE party in nail art form. A sculptural nail moment is unique and chic, and this silver finish is the perfect way to transition from the holidays into early January.
Mirror Nails
@nailsbyzola
@nailsbyzola
The new year is all about being reflective, am I right? I love these mirrored nails (that literally reflect) to symbolize hitting refresh, and they go with just about any NYE party theme out there. They feel like a clean, shiny reset every time you look down.
Multicolor Glitter Nails
@sansungnails
@cirquecolors
I love a bright and vibrant mani for NYE to manifest positivity for the year ahead, and these glittery nails do just that. They match any shiny outfit, plus, this is super simple to DIY with some colorful polish and a glitter top coat.
Chrome Nails
@nailsbyzola
@dndgel
If you want something simple but still party-ready, chrome nails are perfect for NYE. This silver cat-eye finish catches the light and has a sparkling champagne-esque finish, perfect for toasting with when the clock strikes midnight.
Aura Nails
@nailsby_hal
@nailartbyqueenie
Aura nails are perfect for channeling all the good energy you want going into 2026 (because we definitely need it after 2025). Just choose your favorite shades, and the soft, blended halo effect creates the most effortless mani.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the nail-obsessed assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan. She basically tracks nail trends for a living, and you'll never find her with a chipped manicure. She spent hours researching and scrolling to find the best New Year's manicures for 2026.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.