The turn of the clock has been swift as of late—pivoting from the holiday mood of the year-end, right into the productive adrenaline that grips us all in the first few weeks of January. But the festivities are far from being over, with the Year of the Rabbit already on the horizon. And whilst the Lunar New Year weekend is a prosperous affair dedicated to beckoning in a season of luck and fresh beginnings, the celebrations also serve as a sweet hour of indulgence for the soul. From the spectacular array of sumptuous treats to the age-old tradition of copping a new wardrobe item to slip into on the first day of the Chinese New Year, the festive season is a perfect excuse to give ourselves to some degree of unnecessary extravagance.
As you attempt to strike a balance between appeasing the family’s preference for some form of modesty and your own personal sartorial preferences, we’re here to remind you of the other locale in which you might be able to freely express yourself with ease: your talons. Preparing yourself for the vivacious season calls for an equally bold switch-up on your tips. Think auspicious colours such as red, gold and silver, or more inventive creations that revolve around the rabbit zodiac this CNY.
And in a beauty world where nail artists have manicured up their own cacophonous designs to emulate and the convenient myriad of intricate press-ons, this is hardly the tallest order. If we now have you entertaining the thought of a refreshed manicure for the new year, fret not for we wouldn’t leave you without any visual inspo to take to the salon yourself. After all, is there any better opportunity than the onset of a festive weekend to pen in time for an appointment? Peruse our top design picks for that fresh set of CNY nails this year, all below.
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A nod to spring
Give the auspicious colours of red and orange a youthful twist by transforming the colour match into a look that pays ode to the season of spring. Where the romance of small, dainty flowers adds a playful touch.
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The classic red
Sometimes all you need for the Lunar New Year is a classic red manicure—with a spot of gold.
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Gucci's got game
Take delight in @sansungnails‘s adaptation of Gucci Beauty’s floral casings—that perfectly tie in with the fortuitous harmony and fresh attitude of the new year.
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Year of The Rabbit
Announce it loud and proud—with your all-new set of nails surrounding the adorable zodiac animal.
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Right on theme
From a bold red base hue to the auspicious, wealth-bringing motif of the koi fish, there would be no better time to adopt this CNY set of nails.
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Amber blobs (or oranges, if you'd like)
If you’re the type to steer clear of the traditional red hue, head straight for a metaphorical rendition of an otherwise festive motif: the mandarin oranges. Via protruding amber blobs, @nailsinurcoffin achieves a chrome nail look that just might add some flavour to your CNY fit.
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An auspicious pairing
The red-gold agenda is a returning favourite for good reason. Come the new year, these are the colours believed to bring in good fortune, prosperity, joy and wealth—so why not?
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Mandarin orange, but make it abstract
Should you find yourself leaning towards more contemporary, simple options—see @overglowedit‘s use of negative space to create an abstract look for the festive hue.
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Bunnies, only
Fully dedicate yourself to the zodiac of the year—with a minimalist take on the bunny form.
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Metallic diva
Should red and gold not be your pairing of choice, look to the modern-day update of red and silver instead. Via simple metallic embellishments, the alternative colour match definitively adds a subtle edge to your overall look.
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From the new year to Valentine's Day
With how close all the festivities are this year, you might be looking for one to take you through both the Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day. To that, we’ll say opt for a simpler look: like a classic pairing of graduated pink and red streaks.
