Holiday nails that aren't just red glitter

Red glitter has had a good run. And if it's your thing, wear it proudly. But if you want something that feels a little more you this December, there are better options that still look festive in every photo.

Here are the holiday looks we'd book, and when to book them.

Black cherry

The grown-up red. Black cherry is a deep red with a hint of brown and black, so it looks rich and glossy rather than bright. It's the one shade that works for the office party, Christmas dinner and New Year's Eve without a change in between.

Try it with: a short almond shape and a high-shine top coat. Add a matching chrome if you want it to glow by candlelight.

Velvet cat eye

Cat eye is magnetic gel that creates a band of light inside the nail. The "velvet" version spreads that shimmer over the whole nail, so it looks like crushed velvet. In burgundy, plum or forest green, it's the most festive finish you can wear without a single speck of glitter.

Forest green

Deep green is the colour of the season. Christmas tree, obviously, but it also looks chic in January, which is not something you can say about candy-cane red.

Chocolate and gold

A glossy espresso brown with a tiny gold detail: a thin line near the cuticle, a dot, or a gold micro French on one or two nails. It's warm, unexpected and very easy to wear with holiday knits.

Fine shimmer, not chunky glitter

If you want sparkle, go fine. Delicate shimmer and pearly finishes catch the light without looking like a craft project, and they remove much more easily too. A sheer pink with a fine gold shimmer is a lovely option for anyone who doesn't usually wear colour.

Pearl for New Year's

For the countdown, try an iridescent pearl over a milky base. It looks like champagne, goes with silver or gold, and carries you straight into January when you're over the dark colours.

The red French

If you love red but want it to feel fresh, try a thin red tip on a sheer nude. It's festive, it's elegant, and it grows out much more quietly than a full red nail.

When to book

December fills up fast, and weekend spots before Christmas go first. A few tips:

• Book early. As soon as you know your party dates, pick a time. You can always move it.
• Aim for three to seven days before your event. The manicure is fresh, and any small issue has time to be fixed.
• Travelling or hosting? Choose BIAB or gel over regular polish. They're much more likely to last through cooking, wrapping and suitcases.
• Don't forget your toes. Holiday shoes and hotel pools both count. A Shellac pedicure in a matching or neutral shade lasts for weeks.

Find your time and book online at Etobicoke, North York or Aurora. Happy holidays from all of us at Luxify.

— The Luxify Nails team