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The glitter polish trend is back with a twist this party season

All the trimmings: glitter cuticles backstage at Rodarte's SS17 catwalk show
All the trimmings: glitter cuticles backstage at Rodarte's SS17 catwalk show

News flash: glitter is everywhere this Christmas.

While it’s unlikely this information will prove a revelation to anyone — glitter, after all, comes with the tinsel-strewn territory — it seems that the nail world still has a few surprises up its sleeve when it comes to the sparkly stuff.

Witness glitter cuticles. No doubt music to the ears of unicorn-believers and messy DIY manicurists alike, gilding the edges of your nails are a thing this party season. It also offers definitive proof of what we’ve long suspected — that there is nothing that can’t be improved with the addition of a bit of sparkle.

At Rodarte’s spring/summer 17 show in New York, manicurist Traceylee pioneered the look by painting a coat of Morgan Taylor’s pale New School Nude on nails before drawing a fine line of Glitter & Gold polish around the cuticle (£10.95 each).

She described it as “cuticle jewellery”, which is a good office Christmas party ice-breaker if ever we heard one. Coupled with the low chipping risk and its ability to mask slapdash paint jobs, this is one would-be daft idea that may actually be well worth a go.

Dior’s Nail Liner
Dior’s Nail Liner

For starters, you’ll need the right kit. If you’re sold on the technique and want to invest in a tailor-made tool, Dior’s Nail Liner is the way to go (£20.50). Limited edition for Christmas, it features a clear varnish formula that is strewn with gold, silver and platinum micro-particles and a super-skinny brush to make precise application a doddle.

Nails Inc’s festive campaign also showcases its take on the trend, this time with cherry-red polish finished with a supersized sequin lacquer outline on the inner edge of the nail, rather than on the skin.

Book into one of the brand’s nail bars to give it a try or, if you’re going freestyle, it may be wise also to invest in the brand’s SOS Duo Pen, which includes a corrector pen at one end to tidy up any glitter slips and a vitamin E oil pen on the other to ensure healthy, well-nourished cuticles (£20).

Of course, the beauty of this technique is that is can also be achieved using any craft shop shimmer and a clear varnish. Simply paint on a thin line — The Body Shop’s metal-tipped Nail Art Pen (£5) is useful if the brush is too bulky — and follow with a sprinkling of glitter. Disco Dust’s Biodegradable Chunky Mix Glitter is ideal and comes in gold, silver or “unicorn” pink (£12). Wait until it’s completely dry before gently cleaning away the excess with a fan brush and sealing with a topcoat.

Nailed it.