12 Beautiful Nail Colors You'll Want to Show Off All Winter Long
From dark, wintry colors to rich, shimmery jewel tones.
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It's that time of year again — winter is upon us. And there's no better accessory to pair with your new chunky knit than a chic, mod mani peeking out from your sleeves. Though we'll take any excuse to get our nails done, painting nails with a polish also serves a purpose: When it comes to nails in the winter, it's actually better not to go bare.
"Nails tend to peel and crack more in the winter, so wearing polish actually helps guard them from the conditions," says Marcy L. Street, M.D., founder and medical director of Doctor's Approach Dermatology in Okemos, MI. Of course, don't forget to take care of your cuticles and hands: Stash a hand cream with thick emollients in your purse or at your desk to smooth on throughout the day.
But wearing nail polish isn't just a preventative measure in the winter. It's also a fun way to show off your personality and embrace current trends. "Winter is the time for darker, warmer colors. Warm reddish browns are very popular right now," says Eunice Park, Research and Development Manager from Aprés Nail. "Burgundy is also a classic winter color you can't go wrong with." And with more than 20.1 million views on TikTok, the emerging peekaboo nail trend is also set to take off this winter (the trend was also seen during New York Fashion Week). "The peekaboo look has one color/design on the bottom of the nail and another color/design on the top," Park adds.
Looking for more ways to keep your fingertips in top shape this winter? Check out our guides to the best cuticle oils and festive holiday nail art ideas.
If a daring, dark hue is your go-to, we suggest making a glimmering statement in green this season with an elegant, earthy shade from this GH Beauty Lab test-winning OPI lacquer. It'll match the wintry pine trees perfectly!
A fresh neutral is a seasonal staple: Like a classic cashmere pullover, you can never go wrong with a stunning taupe. This GH Beauty Lab test winner transitions well from fall to winter, matching any cozy sweater.
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel The School for Good and Evil in The Storian
An icy, shimmery blue is perfect for a day of ice skating or any winter activity. "I'm currently loving metallics for winter," says licensed manicurist Hannah Lee. "If you want to go for an ice queen aesthetic, a metallic blue or silver fits perfectly." Try this shade from GH Beauty Award winner Sally Hansen Miracle Gel.
Both Park and Lee note that warm terracotta shades are in right now. The rich reddish brown is a great transition color from fall to winter and is reminiscent of warm desserts (think pie, caramel and more!).
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Can't Beet Royalty
The perfect pairing to chilly weather? A glass of red wine. Have a glass or let it inspire your winter nail color (or both!). The velvety smooth finish of this merlot red shade will look great for the whole winter season.
essie Nail Polish in Rocky Rose
Just like a rose flower, a traditional warm red shade never goes out of season. Liven up the gray, gloomy days of winter with this glossy red-orange polish. These warm reddish shades are in this season and another great transition shade from fall to winter.
NAILS INC. Plant Power Nail Polish in Swear By Salutation
Vampy oxblood is a moody color to swipe on when the days start getting shorter. Similar to a cranberry color, it's perfect for the holiday season. Plus, this plant-based formula is something you can feel good about having on your nails.
No matter what NYE will look like this year, you can bring the party with you thanks to gilded nails. This sandy gold looks good on any skin tone, and even better with a glass of your favorite champagne or sparkling wine in hand.
Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Nail Enamel in Silky Negligee
Make a statement at all your holiday festivities with this glimmering metallic silver polish that reminds us of a shining holiday ornament or a NYE disco ball. This festive shade will match any outfit, taking you from day to night.
essie Nail Lacquer in Ballet Slippers
Essie's iconic sheer blush shade is always a good option, but especially this winter, when sheer nudes and pinks will continue to reign. Paint on a few coats for a more opaque finish, if that's more your style.
OPI Nail Lacquer in Leonardo’s Model Color
Perfect for the holiday season, this twinkly purple hue is gorgeous for any occasion. Deep jewel tones like this one are in right now. This polish exudes moody, cozy vibes ideal for anything from a quiet night in or a sparkly fun-filled night out.
butter LONDON Nail Lacquer in Royal Appointment
A beauty truth: you can never go wrong with soft, subtle pink nails. During a busy holiday season, the benefit of having a manicure that matches anything cannot be understated. Plus, Butter London's Patent Shine 10x formula lives up to its name, giving nails salon-worthy shine.
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