10 Best Glitter Nail Polishes 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed

O.P.I is a world leader in the professional nail care industry, and their iconic nail lacquers are super rich, long-lasting, and chip-resistant — which is a godsend if wearing nail polish is your default!

Their Shine Bright range has so many contenders, but the Bling It On! limited edition nail polish had to be our number one choice. The icy blue shade is subtly shimmery and, when combined with different sized flecks of holographic glitter, you get a stunning effect that's perfect for any celebration.

If you love the diamond look, but with an added edge, why not opt for Essie's In Stones Glitter nail polish? With a combination of small and large metallic flecks, this polish is perfect for creating disco-ball nails fit for Studio 54.

Essie nail polishes come in a wide and exciting range of colours, but as far as their glitter polishes are concerned, this is our absolute favourite. Do a single sweep for a subtle sparkle that's suitable for day to day wear, or layer up to shine bright like a diamond!

You may have noticed that we've adorned this list with more than one Barry M polish. That's because this brand is particularly prolific at creating fabulous glitter nail varnishes fit for all sorts of soirees. From their range of sparkly shades, we've gone for the Masquerade Nail Paint for full-on poppin' party nails.

It may surprise you to learn that it's made using a clear base, and it's actually the density of the glitter that creates the blue-black effect in the bottle. Packed full of teal, pink, purple and gold glitter, a few coats creates a seriously intense result!

It's no wonder that Nail Polish Attitude in Bronze by My Mood is described as "everyday power dressing for nails." This long-wear polish dries rapidly, and the brilliant colour and intricate shine will make you feel like a total boss - it may even have you reaching for the red lippy to finish off the look!

It's a little more expensive than some other drugstore brands, but its quality is more comparable that of a salon brand like O.P.I. It comes in a tactile bottle, which makes it just as much fun to apply as it is to wear!

Barry M is the go-to guru when it comes to party-worthy talons and we just love their Fortune Teller Topcoat. Jam-packed with large holographic shards, this polish gives your nails a rainbow effect that changes with the light (or maybe your mood).

Get ready for glamorous, iridescent nails that are sure to get you noticed, whether you just apply a quick sweep or decide to go all out. After all, wearing glittery nails is all about having fun, right?

Rimmel are no strangers to great nails, and they have really come through with their 60 Seconds Glitter nail polish! Available in a wide range of shades, "FAB!" pink is our favourite as it's just as suited to a night out, as it is everyday wear.

Boasting up to 10 days of flawless wear with a drying time of only 60 seconds, it's a fabulous choice for busy bees (or anyone who doesn't like waiting). Plus, the glitter effect can be layered up from a subtle shimmer to full-on glitz, depending on how many coats you apply.

Wanting to find that perfect accessory to make your party outfit sparkle that little bit more? Look no further! Essie are the experts when it comes to glitter polish, and their Let's Party Red Shimmer nail polish is not only a classic choice but an absolutely gorgeous one too!

This red shimmer polish is ideal for a wedding, birthday or Christmas party. Ultra-feminine, it's a grown-up take on glitter nail polish that just happens to be long lasting and chip-resistant too! 

Rimmel's Mermaid Fin Super-Shine Nail Polish is somewhere between a glitter and a shimmer lacquer. For those who have tried plenty of glitter polishes already, or who simply want something a little different, this two-tone effect has major mermaid vibes. Perfect for adding some sparkle and pizazz to an outfit!

Made using tiny flecks of colourful glitter, the result is a smooth, pearlescent look. As part of Rimmel's 60 Seconds range, it can also last for up to 10 days, for high-impact colour on the move!

In the world of glittery nails, there are few things better than a polish that creates a diamond effect, and this is truly the one to do it! Made using a clear polish base, it is bursting with tiny flecks of silver glitter for an opulent precious stone finish.

The long-lasting and high-quality paint, applied with a slim application brush, produces a smooth and glossy result, while the microscopic air pockets to allow nails to breathe. The only downside is that it's only available in a very small bottle, making it rather expensive for the size.

The Super Gel Glitter Top Coat by Rimmel is designed to add some edginess to your manicure, while delivering gel-like gloss and shine. Made to be worn over their Super Gel polish, the glitter finish topcoat magnifies the colour beneath for vibrant and exciting nails.

There's no base coat needed, just sweep on your polish then add this over the top. Unfortunately, as this polish comes in a black opaque bottle, it's not possible to see the glittery effect before buying. That's why we advise using it only as a top coat, as you're unlikely to achieve an intense result.