8 Best Glitter Nail Polishes, Handpicked by Experts
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Shiny, lustrous nails have dominated the beauty world in recent years, largely due to Hailey Bieber's iconic glazed-doughnut era and the expertise of her go-to nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt. That signature glossy sheen sparked a wave of nail trends like chrome finishes, jelly-glaze effects, and pearlescent polishes. This season, however, glitter nail polish is taking center stage — and it's more versatile than ever.
The catch? Not all glitter formulations are created equal. The best options go beyond just sparkle, offering smooth application, quick-drying formulas, and chip-resistant, long-lasting wear. With a range of choices, from traditional lacquers that you can find at the drugstore to gel-based formulas that deliver a salon-quality finish, there's a glitter polish for everyone.
To narrow it down, professionals and beauty editors carefully evaluated and reviewed the most popular options on the market. Standout features like texture, durability, and vibrant glitter payoff were looked at, ensuring these picks deliver on both style and staying power.
Whether it's a subtle shimmer layered over an opaque base color or a bold, full-coverage glitter moment, ahead, check out the best glitter nail polishes available. According to the professionals, these polishes are worth your money and will elevate any manicure this season.
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Best Overall Glitter Nail Polish:
Essie Original Nail Polish in Summit Of Style ($10)
This glitter polish checks all the boxes with its smooth, chunk-free application, long-lasting wear, and budget-friendly price. The glitter is mixed in a clear polish, making it a versatile option to wear solo for a more subtle sparkle or layered over a base color for extra dimension. The formulation includes two different-sized glitters, ensuring maximum shine and an eye-catching finish.
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Best Multi-Color Glitter Nail Polish:
OPI Nail Lacquer in I Cancer-tainly Shine ($12)
"This has been a favorite of mine lately. I used this on Demi Lovato for her Met Gala look this year with a chrome powder on top — I was obsessed! The multicolor holographic glitter makes 'I Cancer-tainly Shine' nail art in a bottle, which is always a benefit for me when working with celebrities." — Natalie Minerva, nail artist
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Best Glitter Gel Nail Polish:
DND in Full Moon #002 ($12)
"One of my favorite glitter polishes is DND Gel 'Full Moon #002' from the Diva collection. I love how versatile it is, it's perfect when used in a French tip design or as a full-color manicure. The shade is great for all skin tones because it isn't too silver or too white." — Lauren Ortega, nail artist
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Best Metallic Glitter Nail Polish:
Olive & June in Sundance Shimmer ($9)
You can skip the second coat with this opaque polish from Olive & June, which combines a metallic-like effect with a shimmery finish. The wide fan brush and ultra-smooth formula ensure easy application and an even better result as it dries.
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Best Holographic Glitter Nail Polish:
Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Holo-Glow in Lustrous Lilac ($8)
"I love Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Holo-Glow collection. Holographic nail shades are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. It's actually very easy to apply and looks great on any length. The fine glitter in this collection is absolutely stunning. It creates a subtle, shimmering effect that's both elegant and festive." — Naomi Yasuda, nail artist
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Longest-Lasting Glitter Nail Polish:
Dazzle Dry Mini Kit 4-Step System in Shooting Star ($38)
This four-step system — featuring a nail prep, top and base coat, and a warm, sheer silver glitter polish — is the secret to achieving salon-worthy nails at home. The formula air dries completely in under five minutes, delivering a rock-hard manicure that lasts over a week without chipping.
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Best Sheer Glitter Nail Polish:
Peacci in Jane's Jewels ($13)
"[I love this] sheer pink with gold flecks. I actually used this on Jessica Chastain for this year's Emmy's." — Julie Kandalec, nail artist and PS Council member
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Most Reflective Glitter Nail Polish:
Aprés x Hello Kitty Flash Glitter Gel Couleur Set in Until ($18)
"'Until' from the Aprés x Hello Kitty Flash Glitter Gel Couleur Set gives you the best glitter for the holidays." — Sojin Oh, nail artist
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Siena Gagliano is a New York-based beauty editor and writer specializing in digital features, trend stories, and shopping roundups. Her work has also appeared in Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Bustle, Marie Claire, and Women's Health.