Just because it’s Christmas, doesn’t automatically mean you have to have elves adorning your fingertips. If you prefer to make a statement with colour rather than delicate designs, try picking a palette of shades that will give a nice nod to the festive season while being evergreen enough to also see you through to the new year. Working with ombre designs and gradients is a chic way to step into the season and better still, the baubles hanging on your Christmas tree are the perfect place to find some inspiration. When it comes to shades, metallics will always look festive and chic.
Fans of a solid block colour can’t go wrong with a classic festive red. The Gel Bottle’s Bloodgood is a deep claret shade which looks elegant and seasonally appropriate at the same time, while Essie’s Gel Couture Polish in Lady in Red is a bright and bold true red that will suit all skin tones. Fans of a French manicure shouldn’t feel left out in the cold this December – check out The Gel Bottle’s new Snow Angel, a frosted white shot through with sparkle that serves as a Christmassy update on traditional white tips.
To keep your nails intact throughout the festive season, no matter how many parties are on the agenda, make sure you’re using cuticle oil. “I always suggest incorporating it into your skincare routine so you don’t forget,” adds Wood. One final tip, especially if you’re on hosting duty this Christmas: “If you’re cleaning the house before everyone arrives, always wear gloves – and don’t use your nails to open things like cans or boxes, as it’s always a disaster.”
