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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 denotes the beginning of the Māori New Year. Heralded by the return of the Matariki star cluster - one of the brightest in the world - this impressive celestial event carries immense 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 leave your mani out of 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 striking gel nail looks that effortlessly 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 Australia on model

Paying homage to the celestial beauty of Matariki, this stunning set evokes a sense of grounding and warmth. Rich brown Gel Nail Polish, Stumped, blends brilliantly with glittery Good as Gold for an earthy yet celebratory set - but it’s the dainty 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.

Alchemy Ombre Gel Nail Polish Art

Gelous Alchemy Ombre Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in Australia on model

Sprinkling a little stardust on your mani is the best way to embrace the magic of the Māori New Year. Bringing Matariki’s golden glow to your fingertips, this ombre design blends the mesmerising, glittery fusion of Alchemy Gel Nail Polish with French Kiss to create hundreds of twinkling constellations. Even better, this radiant nail art is super easy to create at home. Make them yours with just a swipe of your Ombre Brush!

LOOKING FOR A TUTORIAL?

To recreate our Alchemy Ombre gel nail art, watch our Youtube tutorial here.

Matariki Magic Gel Nail Polish Art

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

The ultimate Matariki-inspired nail art, this manicure perfectly captures the night sky to mirror the magic of this special time. Written in the stars, create this astral set using our Magnetic Gel Nail Polish, Galaxy Interstellar, and pair it with dazzling starry accents, sweetly painted using a Thin Nail Art Brush or effortlessly applied using our space-themed Nail Art Stickers. Total 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 Australia on model

A softer-hued mani for the pastel lovers, this look gives Matariki’s brilliance a more dreamy feel. Shoot for the stars and bring your stellar vision to life using whimsy pastel Gel Nail Polishes and glowing glitters - Icing on the Cake, Dreamland, Purplexed, Just White and Poppin’ Bottles. Truly 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 Australia on model

Let your gel mani be the guiding light with our radiant Glow in the Dark Top Coat. Whilst perfect for all your late night-early morning Matariki celebrations, with this Special Finish Gel Nail Polish, you'll illuminate the night any time of year. During the day you won’t notice a difference in your manicure, but as the evening sets in, your nails will emit a luminous green-tinged glow reminiscent of the stars scattered across your childhood bedroom ceiling. Simple and sweet, this mani is sure to have you dreaming big.

Chrome Stars Gel Nail Polish Art

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

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

On the lookout for something a little more low-key? Spellbound is the perfect Gel Nail Polish for subtly acknowledging Matariki, and won't look out of place once the celebrations are 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 really can’t go wrong.

Cosmic Energy Gel Nail Polish Art

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

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

Stellar Chrome Tips Gel Nail Polish Art

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

Intergalactic-themed nail art doesn’t mean you have to part ways with your feminine side. Let your gel manicure shine bright with these Pink Mirror Chrome Tips, dusted in celestial confetti using our Fine Glitter Gel Nail Polish, and adorned with sweet 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 Australia on model

A dazzling tribute to Matariki, our Galaxy Hypnotic Gel Nail Polish brings the magnificent universe right to your fingertips. Sprinkled with magenta and gold sparkles, this magical polish allows 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 beautifully complement all the festivities. Mānawatia a Matariki - Happy Māori New Year!

Get your Gel Nail Polish and Gel Manicure Kits now, with free shipping with orders over $100 to Australia including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and more! We also ship throughout New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Europe and the rest of the world.

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