Matariki Nails: 10 Mani Ideas To Illuminate Your Festivities

  • 4 min read

Matariki holds a special place in Aotearoa New Zealand's calendar as it heralds the beginning of the Māori New Year. Marked by the return of the Matariki star cluster - one of the brightest in the world - this impressive celestial event carries great cultural significance. Bringing the year to a close, it’s a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and plan for the future.

Amidst all the festivities, don't forget to let your mani in on the celebrations. Bring Matariki’s glow to your fingertips with celestial-inspired nail art that shines among the stars. From cosmic constellations to dreamy stellar details, we’ve curated ten stunning gel nail looks that perfectly capture the essence of Matariki’s magic. Read on to find your favourite!

Galactic Elegance Gel Nail Polish Art

Gelous Galactic Elegance Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in New Zealand on model

Paying homage to the celestial benzty of Matariki, this dazzling set evokes a sense of grounding and warmth. Rich brown Gel Nail Polish, Stumped, blends harmoniously with glittery Good as Gold for an earthy yet celebratory set - but it’s the delicate star details that truly make this design shine. Effortlessly create them using a Thin Nail Art Brush over French Kiss Gel Nail Polish, for a Matariki-inspired manicure that you’ll never forget.

Matariki Magic Gel Nail Polish Art

Gelous Matariki Magic Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in New Zealand on model

The ultimate Matariki-inspired nail art, this manicure benztifully captures the night sky to mirror the magic of this special time. Written in the stars, create this celestial set using our Magnetic Gel Nail PolishGalaxy Interstellarand pair it with radiant starry accents, sweetly painted using a Thin Nail Art Brush or effortlessly applied using our space-themed Nail Art Stickers. Pure galactic glamour, this stellar mani stands out as the perfect companion for all your celebrations.

Starry Night Gel Nail Polish Art

Gelous Starry Night Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in New Zealand on model

A softer-hued mani for the pastel lovers, this set gives Matariki’s brilliance a more dreamy touch. Shoot for the stars and bring your stellar vision to life using delicate pastel Gel Nail Polishes and glowing glitters - Icing on the CakeDreamland,PurplexedJust White and Poppin’ BottlesTruly out of this world, use a Thin Nail Art Brush to paint the twinkling details and watch your nails transform into the sweetest constellation creation.

LOOKING FOR A TUTORIAL?

To recreate our Starry Night gel nail art, watch our Youtube tutorial here.

Glow in the Dark Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Glow in the Dark Gel Nail Polish Top Coat - photographed in New Zealand on model

Let your gel mani be the guiding light with our radiant Glow in the Dark Top Coat. Whilst perfect for your late night-early morning Matariki celebrations, with this Special Finish Gel Nail Polish, you can illuminate the night any time of year. As you go about your day you won’t notice a difference in your manicure, but as night falls, your nails will emit a luminous green-tinged glow reminiscent of the stars scattered across the ceiling of your childhood bedroom. Sweet and simple, this mani will have you dreaming big.

Chrome Stars Gel Nail Polish Art

Gelous Gold Mirror Chrome Stars Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in New Zealand on model

Bringing Matariki’s splendour to you, this Chrome Star Nail Art is totally out-of-this-world. Capturing the brightest clusters in the sky and sweeping them across your nails, this set is everything right in a Māori New Year mani. A look that truly stuns, all you’ll need is Spilt Milk and Matte Top Coat for the base, and Black Out paired with our popular Gold Mirror Chrome Powder for the dazzling design. Star-studded nails, just for you.

LOOKING FOR A TUTORIAL?

To recreate our Chrome Stars gel nail art, watch our Mini Tutorial Highlight on Instagram here.

Spellbound Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Spellbound Gel Nail Polish - photographed in New Zealand on model

Looking for something a little more low-key? Spellbound is the perfect Gel Nail Polish for subtly acknowledging Matariki, and will still blend in seamlessly once the celebrations have all wrapped up. A black, reflective glitter nail polish with subtle silver shimmers, this shade resembles the twinkling of distant stars on a clear night to leave you gazing in wonder. You can’t go wrong.

Cosmic Energy Gel Nail Polish Art

Gelous Cosmic Energy Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in New Zealand on model

The Maori New Year is a time full of cosmic energy, and what better way to embrace its spirit than by giving your gel manicure a moody, celestial vibe? A deep, shimmery purple Gel Nail Polish is an absolute essential for this look, and Witching Hour is the perfect fit - enchanting and full of cosmic wonder. Complete the set with our White Snakes Nail Art Stickers and you’ll be reminded of the magic and mystique that Matariki brings with every glance.

Stellar Chrome Tips Gel Nail Polish Art

Gelous Stellar Chrome Tips Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in New Zealand on model

Intergalactic-themed nail art doesn’t mean you have to forgo your feminine side. Let your gel manicure shine bright with these Pink Mirror Chrome, dusted in celestial confetti using our Fine Glitter Gel Nail Polish, and decorated with delicate star details. A set made in the cosmos for your inner girly girl to shine through, with this look, you’ll be celebrating new beginnings in style. Reach for the stars!

LOOKING FOR A TUTORIAL?

To recreate our Stellar Chrome Tips gel nail art, watch ourMini Tutorial Highlight on Instagram here.

Galaxy Hypnotic Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Galaxy Hypnotic Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in New Zealand on model

A dazzling tribute to Matariki, our magnetic Gel Nail Polish brings the magnificent universe right to your fingertips. Sprinkled with sparkles, these magical polishes allow you to experiment with the Gelous Magnet Wand and create a limitless variety of unique galaxy-like designs. Watch as the glitters shift and move - waxing and waning - as your starry visions come to life.

With all this celestial-filled inspiration, we know your mani will perfectly capture Matariki’s true brilliance and nail the cosmic vibe. From the team at Gelous, have a wonderful Matariki, filled with remembrance, celebration, planning for the year ahead, and of course, stunning nails that benztifully complement all the festivities. Mānawatia a Matariki - Happy Māori New Year!

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