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Holiday mani? Last-minute Christmas nails for under $10
Procrastinator's rejoice! From nail wraps to fast-drying polishes, here's everything you need for a festive manicure without the time — or the cost — of a salon
Last week on the internet, searches for Christmas nail art were soaring — it seems everyone at their local nail place was seeking inspiration for the best holiday nail designs 2023. In fact, according to TikTok's "nail math" trend, December 14th was the perfect day to get your salon manicure in time to both show it off at parties and have it last through New Year's Eve.
Dealswin Christmas Press-On Nails for Short Nails
TailaiMei Christmas Nail decals, 15 sheets
Fukidog Christmas Cartoon Press-On Nails
Swekke Full Cover White Glitter Press-On Nails
Elk Deer Design Press-on Nails Medium
Snowflake and Stripe Medium Christmas Press-on Nails
Ocouyvd Christmas Press-On French Tip Nails
Best for Short Nails
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish in That's A Blazing!
If you feel you've missed that deadline by a mile, don't fret. I — and I suspect many moms like me — have too. Truth is, once you reach a certain age, sometimes you're just too busy decking the halls to deck yourself out. If your nails are looking ragged like mine are and there's little chance you're going to make it to the salon between now and Christmas Eve which is [checks watch] three days from now, there's still time to spruce (no pun!) things up. Right now on Amazon, you can invest in some ho ho holiday nail cheer that's a little more scaled back and a lot less expensive than a trip to the nail technician.
Whether you choose easy-apply decals, quick-drying polish or more elaborate press-on styles, each of the following Christmas nail treatments is self drying or self-adhesive (or comes with glue "stickers,") meaning there's no need for an expensive at-home UV light machine or an arduous night trying to apply runny nail glue. Each press-on design arrives in multiple shapes and sizes so you don't have to worry about finding the right fit. And the decals come in dozens of tiny or full-nail shapes giving you loads of festive options. Alternatively, you can go the old-school route: I found a reliable red polish that dries in a flash.
Are these nail solutions salon quality? Not necessarily. But they're quality enough to take you through a least a day or two of bustle, they'll arrive in time for the big holiday (from Amazon, with Prime shipping) and ring in at under $10, no gratuity required.
The 8 Best Last-Minute Christmas Manicures
These easy press-on nails come with 24 pieces in 12 different sizes so you're sure to find the right fit. They're made for short nails and come with a file and a removal stick.
Should you decide you don't want the rigid feel of a press-on, these decals are even simpler solution for a last-minute nail glow up. They come with 15 mix and max sheets in an array of colors and patterns (think: tartan plains, snowflakes, a cute Santa's head) and you simply stick them on the way you would a stick and them file them into the shape you like. Bonus: the smaller sizes are great for kids.
There are a range of Grinchcore styles to choose from here (and several for long, long nails) though I may be partial to this pink option, which feels somewhat unexpected.
One reviewer calls this subtle, pretty version: "The best nail brand I've tried! I had these on for almost a month… obsessed!!!"
This Rudolph-inspired style has a somewhat sweet, traditional look but the design itself is not at all cloying.
These candy-cane nails look about as professional as fake at-home nails get. They're self-adhesive, glossy, highly festive and the almond shape is cool too.
If you're looking for a slightly longer style, the French tip in this charming press-on French manicure is actually the backdrop for a series of wintry snowdrift scenes — the effect is clever over too cutesy.
Old-school polish but make it fast drying! More than 9,000 5-star reviewers love this Sally Hansen nail lacquer for its pretty, hyper-pigmented colors (like this sexy classic red), glossy high-shine and most of all, it's ease of use — it dries in seconds. "I cannot believe how fast this dries," says one. "It's perfect if you're like me and are always doing their nails last minute / in a rush."
