Nail Colors You’ll Love This Winter
By: Aaron Royce
Baby, it’s cold outside — so what better to pass the winter than a fun holiday manicure? Since most nail salons are closed, there’s never been a better time to break out your favorite polishes and DIY it. Painting fresh coats of sparkly, matte or metallic polishes is the best way to revamp your nails for the season — and even try something new. We’ve rounded up the prettiest, most popular colors that are trending in the colder months to give you some extra nail inspiration.
Whether they complement your outfits or make their own statements, these are the best and brightest new colors to consider when picking your next polishes. We nailed them down to our seven favorites, from shimmery purple to icy blue. The next time you’re pondering which color to pick from the glossy bottles at your favorite beauty counter or pharmacy, keep an eye out for these colors. Your nails will thank you!
Yellow
What better way to kick off the new year than with a vibrant color? This hue has us dreaming of sunshine and New York City’s classic taxis — and did we mention it’s one of Pantone’s colors of the year? Alternate your nails with a metallic or glitter polish, and you have a manicure that will cure any winter blues! Of course, sparkly versions of the color are also perfect to bring your nails some charming cheer.
Sephora Collection ‘Yellow Car’ nail polish, $5; sephora.com
Rose Gold
One of the more uncommon tones of the season, rose gold has emerged as a charming contender for our favorite metallic manicure. Though we love the hue in deep metals and mattes, the fiercest and most fabulous way to wear it is with a heavy dose of sparkle.
ORLY ‘Inexhaustible Charm’ nail polish, $10; orlybeauty.com
Bubblegum Pink
We’re always thinking pink here at Making it in Manhattan, so of course we were thrilled to discover the bubblegum hue trending right now. Of course, after being spotted on trendsetters like Dua Lipa and Kylie Jenner, the color was destined to blow up. Matte shades are sure to make for a sweet nail look, though a classic gloss polish will always look sharp.
Adesse New York, ‘Gershwin’ gel nail polish, $18; adesseny.com
Pale Blue
This frosty shade went to the top of our manicure wishlists this season! Just one look at icy blues conjures memories of sparkling snowfalls, icicles and snowflakes. We love alternating it with white polish, layering atop a silver shade for a frosted look, or simply painting a couple of coats onto our nails for a style that’s polished and winter-ready.
Essie ‘Love At Frost Sight’ nail polish, $9; essie.com
Deep Green
Like blue, green is one of our favorite nail colors to wear in the wintertime. However, we’re especially crushing on deep greens this season — and can you blame us? The hue is a lovely complement to any outfit while reflecting the jewel tones of a classic staple color.
OPI ‘Up, Up & Away Message’ nail polish, $13; opi.com
Metallic Gold
What’s more magical than metallics? Gold isn’t just perfect for dreamy decor or your favorite earrings — it also makes for a dreamy manicure. We love alternating this tone with glossy greens or blues for a classic, sharp look. If you want to wear it in a more feminine and unusual way, try a clear nail with golden tips for a true Midas touch.
Chanel 'Chaîne D’Or’ nail color, $28; chanel.com
Purple
Purple is one of our favorite shades in the winter months, especially as it’s grown as a popular color for every type of trinket and bauble you could imagine this time of year. One of our favorites? A shimmery polish that’s glittery and alluring. A sheer gel polish is your best bet for styling this color, which we recommend wearing on its own — or with glittery tips, in true Sugar Plum Fairy fashion.
Deborah Lippmann ‘I Put A Spell On You’ gel polish, $20; deborahlippmann.com