Winter is the perfect time to experiment with new nail polish colors and amp up your manicure game. From bold and bright hues to moody blues and cozy earthy tones, there are endless options to choose from. To help narrow down your choices, we've compiled a list of the 20 best winter nail polish colors to try this season. Read on for our top picks and styling tips to match any outfit!
Top Trending Winter Nail Polish Colors for 2021
This year, winter nail polish trends are all about earthy tones, metallics, and unexpected shades like mustard yellow and olive green. For a fresh and trendy look, try Essie's "Into the A-Bliss" or OPI's "Olive for Pearls!" Both of these colors are perfect for the winter season and go well with a variety of outfits.
In addition to these trendy colors, nail art is also becoming increasingly popular this winter season. From simple designs like polka dots and stripes to more intricate designs like snowflakes and winter landscapes, there are endless possibilities to express your creativity on your nails. Consider adding some nail art to your next manicure for a unique and personalized touch.
Classic Winter Nail Polish Shades You Can't Go Wrong With
If you prefer to stick to timeless shades, you can't go wrong with a classic red, nude, or dark burgundy. We recommend Chanel's "Pirate" for a bold and sophisticated red that's perfect for the holiday season, or OPI's "Lincoln Park At Midnight" for a deep, rich burgundy that complements any winter outfit.
However, if you're feeling adventurous and want to try something new, consider a metallic or glitter polish. Essie's "Rock at the Top" is a stunning gold glitter that adds a festive touch to any manicure, while Sally Hansen's "Penny Talk" is a metallic copper shade that's perfect for a cozy night in by the fire.
The Perfect Shades of Red for Your Winter Manicure
Red is a classic winter nail color that never goes out of style. For a bold and vibrant look, try Zoya's "Elodie" or Butter London's "Ruby Murray." If you prefer a more subtle and muted red, you'll love OPI's "Bubble Bath" or Sally Hansen's "Saddle Up." These shades are perfect for any occasion, from cozy nights in to holiday parties.
When choosing a red nail polish for winter, it's important to consider your skin tone. If you have fair skin, opt for a cool-toned red like Essie's "Lollipop" or China Glaze's "Ruby Pumps." If you have medium or olive skin, warm-toned reds like Deborah Lippmann's "Lady is a Tramp" or NARS' "Jungle Red" will complement your skin tone beautifully. And if you have dark skin, go for a deep, rich red like OPI's "Malaga Wine" or Essie's "Wicked." Remember, there's a perfect shade of red for everyone!
Moody Blues: The Best Blue Nail Polish Colors for Winter
Blue is another popular winter nail color that can be both moody and calming. For a deep and rich blue, try Essie's "After School Boy Blazer" or OPI's "Russian Navy." If you prefer a lighter blue, go for Sally Hansen's "Pacific Blue" or China Glaze's "Frostbite." These colors are perfect for adding a pop of color to your winter outfit.
But did you know that blue nail polish can also have a psychological effect on your mood? According to color psychology, blue is associated with feelings of calmness, serenity, and relaxation. So, if you're feeling stressed during the winter months, painting your nails with a calming blue shade might just do the trick.
Additionally, blue nail polish can be a great way to show support for a cause. For example, the "Light It Up Blue" campaign encourages people to wear blue during the month of April to raise awareness for autism. By painting your nails blue, you can show your support for this important cause and start a conversation about autism awareness.
Get Glam: Sparkly Nail Polish Shades for Your Holiday Look
Nothing says holiday season like glitter and sparkle! For a glamorous manicure, try OPI's "Let's Be Friends!" or Essie's "Twinkle in Time." These shades are perfect for a festive holiday look, and can be paired with any outfit for a touch of sparkle.
If you're looking for a more subtle sparkle, consider trying a metallic shade like Sally Hansen's "Penny Talk" or Zoya's "Tawny." These shades add a touch of shimmer without being too over-the-top. Plus, they can easily transition from a holiday party to a more formal event.
Earthy Tones: Best Brown and Taupe Nail Polishes for Winter
If you're looking for a more subdued and subtle winter nail color, earthy tones like brown and taupe are perfect choices. Try Zoya's "Spencer" or Essie's "Playing Koi" for a warm and cozy look that's perfect for the winter season.
In addition to their cozy and warm appearance, earthy tones like brown and taupe are also versatile and can complement a variety of outfits. They pair well with neutral colors like black, white, and gray, as well as with bolder colors like red and green. Plus, they are a great alternative to traditional holiday colors like red and green, making them a unique and stylish choice for the winter season.
Bold and Bright: Vibrant Nail Polish Colors to Stand Out this Season
If you're feeling adventurous and want to stand out from the crowd, try a bold and vibrant nail color. We recommend China Glaze's "Sunset Seeker" for a bright and sunny orange, or OPI's "Suzi Needs a Loch-Smith" for a bold and electric green. These colors are perfect for making a statement and showing off your unique style.
But if you prefer a more subtle approach, you can still add a pop of color to your nails with pastel shades. Essie's "Ballet Slippers" is a classic and elegant light pink, while Sally Hansen's "Mellow Yellow" is a soft and delicate yellow. These colors are perfect for a more understated look, while still adding a touch of fun and playfulness to your nails.
The Best Metallic Nail Polishes for a Festive Look
Metallic nail polishes are perfect for adding a touch of glitz and glam to your winter manicure. Try China Glaze's "Don't Be Shallow" or Nails Inc.'s "Mayfair Lane" for a metallic pink that's perfect for the holiday season. Or, go for OPI's "Tell Me About It Stud" or Smith & Cult's "1972" for a metallic red that's sure to turn heads.
If you're looking for a more unique metallic shade, consider Essie's "No Place Like Chrome" for a silver chrome finish or ILNP's "Mega" for a holographic effect. For a more subtle metallic look, try Zoya's "Tawny" or Butter London's "Champers" for a metallic nude that's perfect for any occasion.
Cozy Up with These Warm-Toned Winter Nail Polishes
For a cozy and warming winter manicure, go for warm-toned nail polishes like burgundy, orange, and brown. Try Essie's "Say It Ain't Soho" or OPI's "Lincoln Park After Dark" for a deep and rich burgundy, or China Glaze's "Sun's Up, Top Down" for a warm and sunny orange.
But don't be afraid to mix it up with some unexpected warm tones, like mustard yellow or burnt sienna. These colors can add a unique and playful touch to your winter nail look. Consider trying Zoya's "Avery" for a mustard yellow or Butter London's "Tea & Toast" for a rich burnt sienna.
The Best Neutral Nail Polishes to Match Any Outfit
If you're looking for a chic and versatile winter nail color, you can't go wrong with a neutral shade. We recommend OPI's "Bubble Bath" for a subtle and muted pink, or Butter London's "Yummy Mummy" for a classic nude. These colors are perfect for any occasion and match well with any outfit.
Neutral nail polishes are not only versatile, but they also have the added benefit of being low-maintenance. Unlike bold or bright colors, chips and imperfections are less noticeable with neutral shades. Additionally, neutral nails are a great option for those who work in conservative environments or for those who prefer a more understated look. So, whether you're dressing up for a special occasion or just running errands, a neutral nail polish is a great choice.
Chic and Sophisticated: Gray and Black Winter Nail Polishes
Gray and black are classic winter nail colors that are both chic and sophisticated. Try Butter London's "British Racing Green" for a deep and rich black that's perfect for the winter season, or Zoya's "Dove" for a sleek and modern gray. These colors are perfect for adding a touch of edginess to your winter outfits.
In addition to Butter London and Zoya, there are many other brands that offer a wide range of gray and black winter nail polishes. Some popular options include Essie's "Smokin' Hot" and OPI's "Black Onyx". When choosing a winter nail polish, consider the finish as well. Matte finishes can give a more edgy look, while metallic or glitter finishes can add some sparkle to your winter look. Don't be afraid to experiment with different shades and finishes to find the perfect winter nail polish for you!
Effortlessly Elegant: Nude Nail Polishes for Every Skin Tone
Nude nail polishes are timeless and elegant, and are perfect for every skin tone. Try Deborah Lippmann's "Naked" for a subtle and muted nude, or Essie's "Topless & Barefoot" for a warmer and more summery nude. These shades are perfect for any occasion and complement any outfit.
Not only are nude nail polishes versatile, but they also have the added benefit of making your nails appear longer and more polished. For a more dramatic look, try a nude polish with a hint of shimmer, like OPI's "Champagne for Breakfast."
When applying nude nail polish, it's important to choose a shade that matches your skin tone. If you have fair skin, opt for a pink-toned nude, while those with medium skin tones should go for a beige or peachy nude. Darker skin tones can pull off a range of nude shades, from caramel to mocha.
How to Choose the Right Winter Nail Polish Color for Your Skin Tone
Choosing the right winter nail polish color for your skin tone is important to ensure that your manicure looks natural and complementary. For fair skin, go for cool and light shades like pastel pink or icy blue. If you have medium skin, warm and earthy tones like mauve or burgundy are perfect choices. For dark skin, bold and bright colors like electric blue or neon pink can really make a statement.
It's also important to consider the occasion when choosing a winter nail polish color. If you're attending a formal event, classic shades like deep red or navy blue are always a safe bet. For a more casual look, you can experiment with glittery or metallic shades. Additionally, don't forget to take into account your personal style and preferences. If you love bold and daring colors, don't be afraid to try out unconventional shades like emerald green or burnt orange.
Long-Lasting Winter Nail Polish Brands You Need to Know About
Winter can be tough on your nails, so it's important to choose a long-lasting nail polish brand that can withstand the harsh winter weather. Some of our favorite long-lasting brands include OPI, Essie, and Butter London, all of which offer a wide range of winter nail colors.
In addition to these popular brands, there are also some lesser-known but equally impressive options to consider. Zoya, for example, offers a long-lasting formula that is free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene. Another great option is Deborah Lippmann, which offers a gel-like finish without the need for a UV lamp.
When it comes to choosing a winter nail color, there are a few trends to keep in mind. Dark, moody shades like deep burgundy and navy blue are always popular during the colder months. However, this year, we're also seeing a lot of metallic shades, like silver and gold, as well as bright, bold colors like hot pink and electric blue.
DIY at Home: Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Winter Manicure
If you prefer to do your nails at home, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to perfect your winter manicure. First, make sure to use a base coat to protect your nails and prevent staining. Second, apply two or three thin coats of nail polish instead of one thick coat to prevent chipping. Finally, finish off your manicure with a top coat to add shine and protect your polish.
Another tip for a perfect winter manicure is to use a cuticle oil or cream to keep your cuticles moisturized. The cold, dry air of winter can cause your cuticles to become dry and cracked, which can ruin the overall look of your manicure. Additionally, consider using a nail file to shape your nails before applying polish. This will help to create a smooth surface for the polish to adhere to and prevent any rough edges from snagging on clothing or other objects.
Matching Your Nails to Your Outfit: Styling Tips for Winter Nails
Matching your nails to your outfit is a great way to complete your look and add a pop of color or texture. For example, you can try matching your nail polish to your scarf or hat for a coordinated and polished look. Alternatively, you can choose a contrasting color or metallic finish to add some drama to your outfit.
When it comes to winter nails, there are a few trends to keep in mind. Dark, rich colors like burgundy, navy, and forest green are always popular choices. You can also try a matte finish for a sophisticated look, or add some sparkle with glitter or metallic accents.
Don't forget to take care of your nails during the winter months, as the cold weather can be harsh on your skin and nails. Moisturize your hands and cuticles regularly, and consider using a strengthening nail polish or treatment to prevent breakage. With these tips, you can rock stylish and healthy winter nails all season long!
From Work to Play: Versatile Winter Nail Polish Colors for Any Occasion
If you're looking for a versatile winter nail color that can go from work to play, try shades like OPI's "Bubble Bath" or Essie's "Ballet Slippers." These colors are subtle and elegant, making them perfect for the office, but can also be dressed up with a glitter top coat for a night out.
Another great option for a versatile winter nail color is a deep burgundy or wine shade, such as Sally Hansen's "Wine Not" or Zoya's "Veronica." These colors are still professional enough for the workplace, but also add a touch of sophistication and glamour for a night out or special event.
If you're feeling bold and want to make a statement, try a metallic or shimmery nail polish like China Glaze's "Glistening Snow" or Deborah Lippmann's "Good Girl Gone Bad." These colors are perfect for holiday parties or a night out with friends, and can add a fun and festive touch to any outfit.
How to Mix and Match Different Winter Nail Polish Colors in One Look
Mixing and matching different winter nail polish colors is a great way to create a unique and personalized manicure. You can try alternating different shades on each nail, or creating patterns like polka dots or stripes. Just make sure to choose colors that complement each other and don't clash.
Another tip for mixing and matching winter nail polish colors is to consider the occasion or event you will be attending. For a formal event, you may want to stick to classic colors like red or nude, while for a casual outing, you can experiment with bolder and brighter shades. Additionally, you can add some sparkle or glitter to your nails to make them stand out even more during the winter season.
Celebrity-Inspired Winter Nail Polish Color Trends
Celebrities are often at the forefront of fashion and beauty trends, so it's no surprise that they're also inspiring some popular winter nail polish color trends. This season, we're seeing a lot of deep and moody shades like dark green and navy blue, as well as unexpected pops of color like mustard yellow and bright orange. Some celebrities who are embracing these winter nail trends include Solange Knowles, Kylie Jenner, and Bella Hadid.
From classic shades to trendy colors, there are endless options to choose from when it comes to winter nail polish. Use our list of top picks and styling tips to find your perfect winter manicure!
