Eschew the obvious nail art this season (huge chunks of glitter, candy-cane stripes, Drake wearing a Santa hat) and go for something just as festive (and that you don’t have to remove before going to the office). How? Geometric shapes and jewel tones. “They’re luxe and very glam without looking like you’re headed to a princess party,” says Leeanne Colley, celebrity manicurist and owner of Tips Nail Bar in Toronto.

The number one mistake people make when going for a manicure is waiting until they get to the salon to show the manicurist what they want. “You can take screenshots when you see nail art you love and show us during your appointment, but if it’s something that looks more advanced, let us know upon booking so we set aside the appropriate amount of time,” says Colley. The below looks, which were designed exclusively for ELLE Canada by Tips, take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes to achieve.

To get similar looks at home, try the below shades. 

 

null

1. CND Vinylux Weekly Polish in Leather Satchel ($12.50), at cnd.com. 2. OPI Nail Lacquer in CIA = Color Is Awesome ($12.50), at chatters.ca. 3. Sally Hansen Color Therapy in Glow with the Flow ($11.95), at drugstores and mass-market retailers. 4. Quo by Orly Color Amp’d in Best Dressed ($11), at shoppersdrugmart.ca. 5. Ceramic Glaze in Little Black Dress ($9), at shoppersdrugmart.ca. 6. Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Modern Love ($20), at sephora.com. 7. Essie All Eyes on Nudes ($10), at drugstores and mass-market retailers.