Photo:
@betina_goldstein
Well, folks, it’s officially winter. Though it feels like we were only just plotting our extra-colorful manicure plans and perfecting our at-home French manicure skills, the time has come to start talking about the shades we’ll be breaking out ahead of the holiday season. It snuck up on us, but trust and believe we stay ready.
There are hues from all over the rainbow popping off, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Considering all that we’ve endured this year, we deserve extra-chipper manicures. From bright-red hues to minimalist glosses and all the shimmery white polishes you’ll need to get ready for blankets of snow, check out the 10 best winter nail colors from the best nail polish brands to try now.
1. Deep Maroon
Chanel
Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in 14 Oiseau De Nuit
$32
You can’t have a classic, winter manicure without doing a deep, wine-colored hue at least once. Not only is this universally-flattering shade a subtle nod to the black cherry nail color that’s been dominating the fashion trend cycle as of late, but it’s also one of the coziest on our list. After our associate director of special projects Kristen Nichols posted about it on Instagram, we were sold.
Essie
Salon-Quality Vegan Nail Polish in Berry Naughty
$14
OPI
Nail Lacquer in Got the Blues for Red
$12
2. Soft Mauve
Orly
The Snuggle Is Real
$11
On the softer side of the aisle lies this beautiful pale purple that’s at once sweet and sophisticated. A deeper play on the dusty-rose hues that gained traction over the summer, this muted lavender evokes the cozy winter feels without falling into the played-out “cold temperatures equal dark colors” trap. There are options available that lean more heavily into purple undertones and ones that read pinker, so there’s a shade to match any and every skin tone.
Essie
Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish in Get a Mauve On
$10
Zoya
Nail Laquer in Madeline
$8
3. Nearly Naked
Chanel
Nail Colour in Boy De Chanel
$32
When Chanel speaks, we listen, and this winter, the beauty arm of the iconic design house is indulging our lower-maintenance beauty routines with almost-clear polish that gives just enough to blur and perfect the nail bed for an effortlessly manicured look. That’s right—barely there polish is officially in. Although this particular offering is indeed marketed toward the male-identifying among us (the buffed-shine nail look has, for some reason, been always been considered a well-groomed guy thing), all gentlefolk alike should feel free to lean into this trend. Sometimes, you just need a little something to clean up the hands without having to do a full color moment. And if you’re concerned about going up against a tiny polish brush, a simple buff and shine work just as well to get the look.
Dior
Base Vernis Protective Nail Care Base
$30
$26
Bare Hands
The Dry Gloss Manicure Kit.
$42
$32
4. Vintage Emerald
OPI
Nail Lacquer in Stay Off the Lawn!!
$11
Emerald green has always signified opulence, and what better time to lean into the abundant vibe than winter? Shades of green, from muted matcha to neon slime, have been bubbling up in both the fashion and beauty worlds all year, but the impending cold season has marked a shift to the deeper end of the green spectrum. It’s one of those colors that works just as well in a buttery, opaque finish or in a shimmery one if you want a little extra holiday cheer. Non-cheesy Christmas manicures, here we come.
Essie
Nail Polish in Off Tropic
$10
Hermès
Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in Vert Ecossais
$55
5. Runway Red
Gucci
Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish in 25* Goldie Red
$35
Red nail polish will always be in style, and this winter is no different. But it’s not the orangey-red of summer or the tawny red of fall that’s taking off now—it’s the classic, fire-engine red you’d see adorning the fingers of ’90s supermodels. It’s always a good choice.
OPI
Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red
$12
Nailtopia
Bio-Sourced, Chip Free Nail Lacquer in Don’t Kill My Vibe
$10
6. Washed Gray
Sundays
Non-Toxic Nail Polish in Cloud Gray
$18
Rain clouds have entered the chat. Another color moment we’re seeing is this washed gray that has an ever-so-slight blue tinge to it. It conjures cold days and soft blankets without being dark or depressing. Expect to see it all over.
Essie
Nail Polish in Press Pause
$11
Chanel
Longwear Nail Color in 152 Muse
$32
7. Chocolate Mousse
Essie
Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish in Take the Espresso
$10
This deep-cocoa iteration of fall’s It nail color shows no signs of letting up as we enter winter. Of all the brown shades that have been popping throughout autumn, it’s this deep brown that’s invited to the holiday season. It’s the perfect warmed-up substitute for black, which can sometimes read stark or lifeless.
Olive and June
Nail Polish in CN
$9
8. Winter White
Sally Hansen
Good, Kind, Pure Vegan Nail Colour in White Tea
$10
I don’t know who still needs to hear this, but white nail polish never goes out of style. For winter, though, creamy, opaque shades are best, as are snowy, pearlescent, and shimmery ones that give a little boost of cheer.
OPI
Infinite Shine Nail Polish in Funny Bunny
$14
Peacci
Nail Polish in Snow Queen
$13
9. Champagne Pop
CND
Vinylux Longwear Metallic Nail Polish in Bellini
$11
Welcome winter with the crushed-diamond effect of this pale gold–and-beige love child. Whether it’s tinted more yellow or leans into the rose-gold territory, you really can’t go wrong.
Zoya
Nail Lacquer in Beth
$8
OPI
Nature Strong in Intentions Are Rose Gold
$9
10. Metallic Earth Tones
Habit Cosmetics
Non-Toxic + Vegan Nail Polish in 21 Nefertiti
$12
‘Tis the season for shimmer, but for those who prefer to get the look without going full glitter, consider a metallic tone like this to add a vibrant yet chic element to your beauty wardrobe. From bronzy tones to metallic khaki and any other high-beam neutral you can imagine, this look is perfect for winter.
Sally Hansen
Color Therapy Nail Color in Therapewter
$5
Chanel
Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in 157 Phenix
$32
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
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