9 Birthday Nail Ideas to Ring In Your New Year

I’ve never been someone who gets their nails done regularly for the typical reasons of time, energy and money. But every year, when my birthday comes around, I get that itch to get a new set—and I know I’m not alone. Whether your birthday plans include an extravagant dinner at a fancy five-star restaurant or just a cozy night in with your loved ones, having birthday nails to match your party vibe is sure to be the best gift you can buy yourself. Ahead, we’ve rounded up some nail inspiration from iconic nail atelier Vanity Projects to get you started on planning your birthday manicure.

The Best Birthday Nail Ideas

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Divine Feminine

If you want to channel your inner goddess for your birthday, look no further than these divine feminine-inspired nails by Vanity Projects artist Ama. With hand-painted emblems like the sacred heart, gothic crosses and more, these birthday nails scream “woman in charge.”

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Favorite Things

The great thing about hand-painted nail designs is that they’re fully customizable, like this adorable set by Vanity Projects artist Andrea. In this intricate yet subtle birthday nail style, you can feature teeny-tiny illustrations of your favorite things, like this client’s blue bows, sardines, cherries and more.

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Mirrorball

Whether you’re just a huge Swiftie or you have a 70s-themed party coming up to celebrate your big day, these mirrorball nails by Andrea are the perfect birthday nails for you. Plus, you can choose any color for the non-textured nails, making them another customizable style.

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Fit for a Queen

If you’re a little bit extra like me, you might want a birthday manicure that turns heads, and this fit-for-a-queen style by Vanity Projects artist Kelly is guaranteed to do the trick. It’s garnished with 3D crystals, rhinestones and gems for the ultimate birthday mani.

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Birthday Cake

Why reserve birthday cake for dessert on your special day when you can wear it on your nails for the whole month? This style by Kelly combines super sweet 3D and hand-painted images of treats like cupcakes and strawberries and highlights the birthday baddie’s new age, too.

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Classic Chrome

One thing about chrome is that it never goes out of style, whether you like a simple bubble bath pink or a vibrant, electric purple like this style by Vanity Projects artist Laysa. Pick your favorite color, add a shiny chrome top cover and you have a style worthy of a party.

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Sweet Treats

If you like the idea of a manicure that’s so sweet you’ll want to take a bite, this style by Vanity Projects artist Manami is a great option, featuring textured, 3D moldings of classic desserts with holographic stickers and gems.

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A ‘Tini’ Bit Older

Move over, Cosmopolitans! The new It-girl drink is definitely the dirty martini, and these “tini bit older” nails by Manami are the perfect way to bring that trendy energy into your birthday manicure.

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Birthday Star

On your birthday, you’re the star, so let your nails reflect that with a set like this one by Vanity Projects artist Marina. Plus, you can play around with color schemes to make it totally you.