All hail the Year Of The Nail. Talon preening products are outselling lipsticks for the first time, according to recent figures from Superdrug.

So far, nail beauty buys have clawed their way 37% higher on sales over this time last year, with no signs of slowing down.

“Nail varnish is the new lipstick,” says Sara Wolverson, Superdrug’s director of beauty.

“This year we’ve seen nail glitters and tattoos become must-haves, as well as nail art pens and crystal nail gems. Previously, to get this high fashion look you would have to visit a manicurist. Now it’s easy to get the look at home for a fraction of the price.”

With DIY manicures becoming the nation’s top beauty pleasure, the news means the competition for best dressed nails is on! Party season is approaching and nude nails just won’t cut it.

It’s time to get festively flamboyant with the latest trends. From metallic sparkle to matte black, there’s a look for your fingertips to flaunt this season.

• Matchy-matchy

Sparked by the prim Forties trend, it’s all the rage for your nail polish to mirror your lip colour – especially in classic shades like pillar box red. Take the trend one step further with your wardrobe.

“There’s a return to ladylike styling achieved by matching your nail colour to your clothing and accessories,” explains Louise Brown, nail expert for John Carne salon.

“No longer the reserve of the pearls and twinset crowd – it was a hot new micro-trend at Gucci.”

• Special effects

Infused with iron powder particles, you simply paint on the polish and hover the lid magnet over each freshly-polished nail. And voila, the iron gravitates towards the magnet, giving an iridescent effect that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.

“Magnetic polish is the biggest and most exciting product launch in Nails Inc’s history and a fantastic trend for the party season – you can create an amazing nail effect in minutes,” explains Nails Inc’s Thea Green.

Meanwhile, Andrea Fulerton is the queen of talking-point talons with her range of For Your Nails Only Flick Stripe and Glitter, Gold Nail Studs and Nail Tattoos.

• Jewellery box

Take your lead from the catwalks, awash with deep emerald, ruby and amethyst hues. Avoid the pointy claw look and give your colour statement appeal by keeping your nails short and richly pigmented.

Ramp up the glamour by choosing jewel tones in shimmering metallics. “Gorgeous antiqued hues in metallics are the easiest way to add a party feel to your look,” says Lizzie Dawson, Topshop make-up senior designer.

“Paint two coats for an intense metal look finish or tip on the ends for the ultimate updated Christmas French manicure.”

• Festive theme

Nails combining metallics, glitter and gemstones are a popular twinkling trend.

Superdrug’s winter best-seller is Barry M’s Nail Effects Foil (£3.99), which bestows its users with an opulent metallic leaf effect in gold, silver or purple.

You can also vamp up your favourite shade with a sparkle makeover via a top coat.

“Nothing says Christmas quite like glitter,” says Adam Slee, Rimmel London’s nail expert.

“Add some sparkle to your nails with a glitter top coat. You can wear one layer for a hint of glamour or build it up for a more dramatic look.”

Don’t forget to bling up your toes too. Nails Inc is offering a Ruby Crystal Pedicure using around 500 Swarovski crystals, expertly applied for £120!

• Matte attack

This trend is all about contrasts, playing one type of finish off another, like glossy lips versus matte nails or shimmering talons against velvety stained lips.

To go one step further, clash textures on your nails. Mavala nail ambassador Jenni Draper suggests: “Create statement nails by using a matte top coat such as Mavala Color-Matt (£10.25) to create different textures and effects.

“Use over a glossy painted nail on the free edge or on the half moons to create a two-texture French manicure, or paint the nail half matte to create a 2D effect on the nail.”

Tried & Tested

• Elemis Renew & Resculpt, from £70 for 75 minutes, available at HeavenV spas at Virgin Active Health Clubs nationwide (www.heavenv.co.uk). No membership necessary.

Buy it now

Kiehl’s have collaborated with contemporary artist Jeff Koons for their limited edition Creme de Corps Holiday Collection. Priced from £27 to £50 for the gold bottle topper at Kiehl’s stockists nationwide and online at www.kiehls.co.uk

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