12 Adorable DIY Christmas manicures
BY READERS DIGEST
1st Jan 2015 Fashion & Beauty

Beauty lovers listen up, we've got your 12 days of Christmas covered with these adorable, easy to follow, manicure tutorials. Give them a go and show us your results in the comments below!
1. Festive fairy lights
Image via Chalkboard Nails
This tutorial makes clever use of glow in the dark nail polish to create a truly unique manicure.
The blue base coat creates the 'day look', and when the lights go off the tiny bulbs light up for a brilliant 2-in-1 effect.
Read more: 4 Steps to perfect hair and nails
2. Crafty Christmas puddings
Image via The Nailasaurus
We all know that pudding is the best part of Christmas dinner. Show your appreciation with this surprisingly simple look.
Don't forget to finish with a glossy top coat to ensure your design stays in place.
Read more: Indulgent Christmas pudding ice cream recipe
3. Run, run Rudolph
Image via Pshiiit
This manicure uses a nail art pen to add an adorable detail to a classic red polish.
4. A present for your nails
Image via Pshiiit
Some simple tape and a nail pen are the secret to this surprisingly easy manicure idea.
You could paint a present on every finger or choose one accent nail. Why not try making the presents different colours?
Read more: How to wrap Christmas presents perfectly
5. Christmas tree talons
Image via Blue Tape and Nails
Tape is used again in this look to create perfectly pointed Christmas trees.
Once you have your green triangles, you can decorate them however you wish. From a glittery top coat to nail sticker stars, the possibilities are endless.
Read more: How to ethically source your Christmas tree
6. Let it snow!
Image via More
This step-by-step guide is so easy to follow but the results are impressively detailed.
The best part is that it doesn't matter if your nails match or not because all snowflakes are supposed to be unique.
7. Red and green
Image via Huffington Post
If nail art isn't your style, you can still keep your hands looking festive with a red and green colour scheme.
For the best effect, choose just one statement nail to paint a different colour.
8. Deck the Halls
Image via Divine Caroline
If you feel like an extra challenge, this slightly-fiddly detail is as festive as it gets.
Deck your nails with sprigs of holly using a nail art pen, or DIY your own using a cocktail stick.
9. Perfect penguins
Image via She Who Does Nails
Forget Happy Feet, get happy fingers with this adorable manicure.
The simple shape of the penguins makes this a good style for nail art beginners.
10. Shining stars
Image via Nail Side
Nail stamps are a fantastic way to create detailed nail art if you don't have the steady hand to paint freestyle.
Use a strong enough topcoat, and it's the perfect transitional style to see you through to New Year's Eve.
11. Beautiful bubbly
Image via Nail Side
Celebrate in style with this shimmering design that's all about the bubbles!
12. Candy cane claws
Image via Lacq Lustre
This pretty manicure is a sweet twist on the classic red and white stripe look.
Not obviously Christmassy, the small detail is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle look.
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