We’re not exactly history experts, but we’re guessing when our Founding Fathers decided on red, white, and blue as the country’s defining colors they didn’t do so with the awesome nail art possibilities in mind. Luckily, that combination leaves the door for patriotic polish options wide open. This 4th of July we can’t wait for our fingertips to shine as bright as Thursday night’s fireworks.

Stars & Stripes Manicure

For the nail art novice, may we recommend a patriotic set of nail stickers? We took essie Sleek Stick in Sea Me Shine! and added a little extra 4th of July spirit with a white star. We used a Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen, but a toothpick and a dot of nail polish works just as well. Keep the looked understated and jazz up only an accent nail, or go all out and star every single nail.

Red, White & Blue Manicure

Take your standard red, white, and blue mani and turn it up a notch with a little twinkle. Pairing sheer sparkles over colored lacquer is an easy way to cover all three festive colors. We used Sephora Nail Colour in White Hot and painted essie Luxeffects in Set in Stone on the tip of one finger. The rest got essie Really Red and Pretty by Caren Original in Magic Glitter.

Fireworks Manicure

Get your nails ready for the firework-filled evening ahead with sparklers on your fingertips. Choose a dark base color (we used Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer in Blast of Blue) and paint on the fireworks using a paintbrush and the nail polish colors of your choice.

Which red, white, and blue manicure will you wear this 4th of July? Tell us in the comments!