With the party season in full swing, the right nail polish provides the ultimate finishing touch to every outfit. Dazzling metallics are very popular this season and guaranteed to fill you with festive cheer.

For the nail novice, the subtle hint of liquid gold and silver in Nails Inc’s Noel Street, £11 (nailsinc.com) is the perfect introduction to the art of shimmer. OPI’s My Private Jet, £10.50 (lenawhite.co.uk) is a luxuriously dark glistening grey that exudes evening sophistication.

Seasoned sparkle pros will love Dior’s Vernis in Exquis, £17.50 (0207 2160216) an extravagant gold, dusted with an even deeper gold powder. Seeing red but haven’t yet stumbled upon the perfect shade? Look no further; YSL’s La Laque in Sublime Red, £16.50 (yslbeauty.co.uk), is a beautifully rich, indulgent scarlet.

For those on a budget, however, Rimmel’s 60 Second Nail Polish in Red Carpet, £3.69 (boots.com) is not only purse-friendly but ideal if you need to revamp your nails en route to those Christmas drinks.

If neither metallics nor reds take your fancy and you prefer an understated nail, darker hues may be the traditional option but are far from dull. Endless Night from NARS, £13.50 (narscosmetics.co.uk) is a glossy black cherry and Revlon’s Nail Enamel in Plum Attraction £6.49 (boots.com) is a deep sumptuous purple.