Lunar New Year is almost upon us. The season of renewal is here to remind us of the things that matter most. Reunion dinners with family—birth-given or chosen—bring to mind the importance of unity and respect. The endless feasting signals hope, prosperity and abundance for the new year. And with the mighty horse as the focus of this year’s LNY celebrations, we’re reminded to embrace life and its challenges with unabashed confidence and vitality.
Make no mistake, confidence does indeed come from within. But as they say, when you look good, you feel good. So this year, up your manicure game with these LNY-themed nails that will ring in the festive spirit, from the outside in.
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In the eyes of the modern woman, culture is celebrated and not tucked away. No longer are we setting aside important traditions and customs in favour of Western sensibilities. Instead, in 2026, we are reclaiming the strength and depth that comes with embracing our roots. Motifs traditionally associated with LNY are making their mark this year more than ever before. Jade pendants take shape—literally—in the form of 3D elements, cherry blossoms are delicately hand-painted, and koi are given a new lease of life through intricate water-colour renditions.
To be sure, contemporary interpretations of these symbolic elements are still going strong. Cat eye treatments are here to stay—in a wide array of colours, might we add. Plus, French tips are making a strong return to the nail game, especially when dolled up with gold detailing and elegant water lilies.
Ahead, derive some inspiration for your last-minute LNY nails this year. From bold horse illustrations to modern, artistic takes on traditional colours, the possibilities are endless.
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Fishtail fluidity
Ushering a year of good fortune and luck has been made simple this year, thanks to the return of the koi motif. The carp—loaded with historic symbolism—springs to action on the talons this year with swishing tails and pastel water-colour tips.
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More and more
Floral motifs are a classic for the Lunar New Year but up the ante this year with hand-sculpted stone pendants and abstract red brushstrokes for dimension. Pair that with a dizzying array of cherry blossoms and your artsy manicure is complete.
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Giddy up
If fortune favours the bold, then let your talons run wild in honour of the Fire Horse this year. Spirited flames and fiery sparkles further embolden this year’s most daring motif, while sure-handed florals balance out the suite with a soft grace.
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Sparks fly
For a more abstract take on firecrackers and sparklers, use a deep, sparkling blue as your night sky, before creating your very own fireworks with splashes of gold and red.
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A lily a day
A symbol of honour and elegance, lilies are one of the most distinct flowers from Chinese cultures and faiths. No wonder, then, that this set evokes that same feeling—just this time, with a hint of cat eye sparkle.
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Jade flourish
A symbol of prosperity, health and protection, jade is one of the most beloved stones in Asian cultures. Naturally, then, this festive season is prime time to place the precious stone front and centre, especially when paired with soft rippling lakes, texturised with 3D gel.
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An ode to Japan
Lean into the classically-Japanese colour combination of red, gold and black. In keeping with traditional art from the region, jazz things up with hand-drawn florals and a textured gold dotting technique.
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Bamboo glam
Green may feel like an unexpected choice for the Lunar New Year, but this bamboo-filled set is a meaningful homage to the humble shoot. Here, the bamboo—an enduring symbol of resilience and integrity in many Asian cultures—is dressed up with tiny gold shimmers and a soft yellow-tinted cat eye effect for a captivating finish.
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In good shape
For a modern twist on the classic red-and-gold, employ the shapely form of geometric art. For a refined take that serves to impress long after Lunar New Year is over, dust your talons off with a duo-chromatic red, and allow the clean, parallel lines to steal the spotlight.
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Heavenly bodies
Add some sparkle to your festive look this year with these starry talons. Don’t be afraid to lean into more unconventional hues for this—the playful personality of the stars will shine bright, no matter what.
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Icy spring
If you’re still thawing from the winter chill, lean into the icy spirit with a blue-grey base. Unconventional yet still elegant and soft, this hue brings to mind a silver lake in Hangzhou. Only this rendition is adorned with small white flowers and dainty ribbons.
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Water lily lovin'
Who says florals can’t be full of mystique? Water lilies, the ultimate symbol of peace and rebirth, are given a healthy dose of the avant-garde, through striking black marbling and soft, romantic lines.
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Seeing red
Those living by a ‘less is more’ mantra can lean into pure red nails this year, where a smooth bed of blue-toned red can act as the perfect base for edgy silver embellishments. It’s a double-edged win too—with heart embellishments that’s primed for the 14th.
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Green machine
Jade, emerald and teal may not immediately spring to mind when considering Lunar New Year nails, but consider this your sign to try something new. After all, a new season calls for a new you.
