The Best Nail Collections of the Holiday Season

The holiday season is already upon us. Time for tinsel, bows and of course, new manis! The beginning of each season brings the anticipation of what new shades will be taking over the department store shelves. We’ve rounded up some of the latest and greatest holiday polishes of the season and found some common themes  – gemstones and lots of sparkle! Check out our choices to find your holiday nail inspiration! Tell us, which polishes are you dying to try?

Le Metier de Beaute Holiday Collection

Aside from the scarlet red, Le Metier de Beaute’s holiday collection “Ken Claus” (pictured above) is anything but ordinary. This collection steers away from the typical greens and golds of holiday and goes for a striking copper or a hybrid silver-gray-blue. The collection also includes a gem inspired purple. Because of the company’s reputation for unique shades and long lasting polish (no chips for three weeks!), the collections don’t last long in stores. They hit shelves in November so purchase quickly!

Ken Claus; $32, neiman marcus stores and neimanmarcus.com

CND “The Look” Fall/Winter 2011 Collection

Holiday manis don’t get any simpler than with CND “The Look” Fall/Winter 2011 Collection. This collection includes two gemstone colors and a sparkle topcoat that creates great versatility. Like most polishes this year, Midnight Sapphire and Dark Amethyst  paint an edgy feel because of their deep tones. Add Sheer 24K Sparkle, a simple gold glitter, or wear alone to add that holiday sparkle. Three polishes, four mani options – sounds like a great stocking stuffer to me!

The Look: Fall/Winter 2011; $29, cnd.com

Essie’s Winter Collection

I don’t think it’s possible to have a nail collection round-up without mentioning the queen of polish – Essie. Essie’s Winter 2011 Collection  is no exception to Essie’s legacy of innovative shades. Essie’s Winter 2011 Collection includes the perfect blend of deep wintery shades as well as neutrals to add a classic background to holiday headbands and glitter shadows. With names like “Cocktail Bling,” “School of Hard Rocks,” and “Bangle Jangle” it is apparent that each polish is inspired by gemstones and jewels. Essie Weingarten told InStyle.com that she found inspiration for the collection when she found an old jewelry chest.

Essie’s Winter 2011 Collection; $8 each, or $24.99 for the whole collection.

Now for a Little Mani Accessory Bling!

Who said essential manicure tools can’t be just as fun as the polish? Well, they obviously haven’t taken a look at the nail files by Mont Bleu. Made of high quality Czech glass and decorated with Swarovski crystals, these blinged out files are fun and functional. Although they are a little on the pricey side, they prove their worth against the standard emery files with a life span of years and a filing job that leaves your nails smoother, improving polish adhesion and reducing chipping. I recently tested Snowflake (pictured on right), part of the Luxury Collection. Isn’t it just perfect for the holiday season? Sometimes, a little pampering goes a long way. Trust me, your nails will thank you. Happy Holiday shopping!

Snowflake Luxury Glass Nail File; $19, design-glassware.com