We’re going all-out festive for Christmas 2021 – and of course, that includes your nails! We’ve rounded up some of our fave nail art for the season, for every ability. And the best part? They make the most of this year’s Christmas nail polish sets from Nails.INC. Plus a few extra cult classics along the way…

From simple shades to more artistic creations, this round-up comes from 4 super-talented content creators: @matteabout_nails, @glowhappiness_beauty, @abrowngirlrecommends and @manicured_byhh – make sure you’re following them on Instagram to see more of their work!

Wrapped in red and gold

We’ll start with a simpler – but undoubtedly festive – look. The two most traditional shades: red and gold! Create these shimmering cuffs that hug the cuticle using a slim nail art brush – you’ll need a steady hand!

You will need: Noel Street from Sweet Nail Candy, Show Up In Shoreditch

Jess Ciesco, @matteabout_nails

Rainbow Baubles

Now comes ALL of the colour. If you’re a fan of the more nostalgic, eclectic tree theme with baubles of every shade and style, then let your nails follow suit. Mix and match – we’ve chosen some of our brightest Plant Power polishes, all topped off with a light layer of glitter from our new light-up nail topper. Twinkle all the way…

You will need: Back To Life, Everyday Self Care, Mindfulness Mantra, Just Avoca-do It, Show Up In Shoreditch, Be Merry And Bright

Jess Ciesco, @matteabout_nails

Candy Cane Lane

Nothing could be sweeter, right? If you’d rather opt for something different to full-coverage colour, then experiment with tips! Create a natural base for all the candy shades, then you can easily create the tips using our patented non-drip brush. Use a slim nail art brush if you need to neaten up, then use that same slim brush to paint the sugary-sweet candy canes.

You will need: Back To Life, Sweet Nail Candy

Aamirah, @abrowngirlrecommends

Starry Night

One of our fave Christmas motifs! Make your nails the star of your look with this simple shimmering style. With one or two coats of Back To Life as your soft pink base, paint the golden stars over the top (you’ll need a slim brush for this too). They’re perfectly festive, but they’ll last into the New Year too!

You will need: Back To Life, Show Up In Shoreditch

Jess Ciesco, @matteabout_nails

Tonal Tips

When you want to tone it down or you’re not a fan of all the rich colour, go neutral instead! The 3 Gel Effect nail polishes in our trio are the perfect shades for this look, so mix and match – even add a little gold leaf if you’re feeling fancy!

You will need: The Nails.INC Express

Aamirah, @abrowngirlrecommends

Gingerbread Man-i

In the same tonal zone – what’s sweet, spicy and brown all over? This teeny, tiny, adorable gingerbread man of course! It’s the easy way to nod to the season with just one feature nail (in this case, your ring finger). Use all of the gingerbread-scented shades in our Nail Spice set to create it!

You will need: Back To Life, Nail Spice, Free Time Is Me Time

Jess Ciesco, @matteabout_nails

Festive Feels

When we think of Christmas, we think of these shades. All the tones of red, and a little bit of gold. The more glitter, the better! This look brings them all together in one, and we can’t get enough. Use a slim brush to outline the shapes, or freehand it with our non-drip brush in every polish.

You will need: Our Boots Spice As Nice set, which has sadly sold out. To recreate, use: Victoria, Tate, Santa Monica Beach

Aamirah, @abrowngirlrecommends

Tree-mendous Mani

What’s Christmas without the tree?! Of course we had to include this design – the symbol of the season! For the more patient artist, this one is truly worth it. Start with a nude base and paint the feature nail with a slim brush, using soft diagonal strokes working outwards from a point. Add some extra glitter if you want to – the answer should always be yes!

You will need: London Court, Mother Earth's Calling, Free Time Is Me Time, Santa Monica Beach

Hannah Holland, @manicured_byhh