Something is magical about winter, the air is colder, we wear sweater that makes us feel warmer, and even our beauty choices begin to shine as well. With the new season coming, I am always in need of a manicure that will seem the reflection of the moment: a bit of glitz, a bit of the melancholy, and a great dose of sophistication.
Are you a person that inclines towards deep and wintery shades of nails or a person who adores a playful snowflake pattern? In any case, the projections of 2025-2026 are on personality – dramatic statements that are veiled in silent luxury. The palette of nail design in this season is between glossy wine reds and icy-blue as well as glitter-dusted lilacs. We are going to go through the manicurist fancies which will give your manicure as fresh and fair as the first Monday in the new year.
Frosted French Elegance
The French manicure is also so vintage, particularly when it is adorned with winter accessory, the crystal shine. The version of this season is as though snowflakes to the fingertips: the nails are long, almond-shaped with a milky bottom, sharp white ends and thin gems on them that seem like ice-formations. It is smooth, elegant and totally suited to those intimate candlelit evenings.
To accomplish this effect, I applied a sheer nude base-coat (Essie “Ballet Slippers” never lets me down) and applied a white gel on the tip – but the secretive gem in this case is the metallic leaf-shaped rhinestone decoration. Nail artists such as Tom Bachik the one who works with J.Lo has been stating that this winter is going to be characterized by crystals and the so-called frosted shine and I could not agree better.
Patience is the best tool in case you are doing it at home. Put on the nude base, allow to dry and use a fine brush to outline the white arc. The small stones may be stuck on using tweezers and a small amount of builder gel. So cover that all with a shiny coating of wash over it you know to seal in that ice-queen radiance.
I had this appearance on one of my holiday dinners last week and to tell the truth I received more compliments than my jewelry. It is naughty, yet the glitter is luxurious, a snow-globe fantasy.
Plum Velvet Glam
It is all winter romance, pure and deep plum with creamy beige and a slight tidelicker. I have always thought that dark manicures are the new neutral during cold seasons; they suit all the human skin types and they are always so stylish. This combination of wine and sand colors appears even more bountiful in the evening lights when it is warm.
The closest replica that I like is OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark because of that velvet bottom and Zoya’s Rue because of the lighter accent. The fine line of silver is sufficiently dramatic but does not cross into festality. In case you have a steady hand, then striping tape will keep your line razor-sharp; however, a fine nail brush will otherwise work.
One nail stylist Jin Soon Choi once said, “Contrast makes a manicure seem costly. And she is correct because the juxtaposition of light and dark, matte and shimmer are what make this design stand out.
This combination is as comforting as drinking mulled wine before a fireplace – high-class and cozy. I admire the fact that it can be easily changed into an office style or an evening one. It is the ideal combination of something understated and bold.
Candy Cane Chic
It is impossible to avoid red in winter, and, frankly, one would not want to. This ancient red and white manicure has been transformed in 2025 and has smooth stripes and small bursts of snowflake-inspired detailing. It is fun but not kidlike and this is just the kind of energy that I require during the holidays.
To achieve that bright finish I always turn to Chanel Le Vernis “Rouge Puissant” – a red that does not fade away. The white details are crisp and can be made with the help of a thin nail art brush and a steady hand. You can even use nail vinyls to trace the lines so that you can have that candy-stripe perfection.
I would prefer to consider this manicure a holiday cheer I can wear. A recent mention of Red nails is by celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein in Allure who said that red nails are the new nude this season. She is correct, this shade is good anywhere, whether it is a quick coffee trip or a black-tie party.
Once I put this on, I feel a bit more positive. It is celebratory, seductive and somehow makes even typing more self-assured. It is like a red cashmere sweater to the maniure, gorgeous, classic and warm simultaneously.
Rose Gold Glow
This one is not too fancy but at the same time is glamorous. Rose gold and soft mauve shine are combined in one of the most charming combinations of the season. The glitter here is not noisy but is lustrous, nearly like a ray of sunshine trapped in the bubbles of a champagne.
I applied Sally Hansen Miracle Gel “Mauve-olous” as a base and sprinkled more CND “Rose Chrome” powder on the base to get that reflective look. The combination of matte and metallic finishes alternating on alternating nails lends the look the appearance of dimension, a very minor aspect that makes it seem purposeful and current.
This style has been a runaway trend as well. According to Elle magazine, beauty editor, subtly metallics are the answer to the high gloss of summer, which is in winter. And I could not say more – they can make winter light pale winter light warm.
Whenever I dress in this design, I do not feel out of place. It is feminine, weak and possesses a sort of silent luxury that matches perfectly with jewelry made with gold and warm knitwear. It is the manicure I would want to have during a New Year brunch low effort high payoff.
Midnight Fireworks
And last but not least is a design that resembles midnight magic, dark navy nails with delicate flashes of silver and gold that seem like fireworks in the night sky. This is a very strong, somewhat mysterious, and completely suitable look to the New Year.
I applied Essie “After School Boy Blazer in the base to get that sharp sparkle and applied Orly Halo on top of that base, which gave it a fine gold sparkle. The finer detailing brush should be used to make the lines of the fireworks – not to mention that mirror finish which should be shiny-topped.
Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec says Metallic on dark bases are going big in winter 2025. It is like nail jewelry. And that is precisely what this is like; it is, as though you are wearing your favorite evening earrings on your fingertips.
I was not able to look at my hands every time I noticed them in soft lights when I wore this last winter. It is daring and refined, like the type of nail polish that makes you believe that you are going somewhere so special even though it may be only your small party.
Midnight Fireworks
Something about dark nails that do not lose their sparkle is irresistible, such as fireworks against a night sky. It is a design combining a black matte background with explosions of bright neon – blue, green, orange, pink, painted as though it was bursting out. I enjoy the fact that every nail is a mini party. It is audacious, celebratory and yet somehow classy enough to be taken out to dinner. Every gesture is somewhat dramatic in the contrast of the light colors and the dark background.
As a recreation, I applied the OPI color black onyx as the base and ultra fine nail art brushes dipped into bright colors of gel. In case you are not that good at hand painting, tiny nail stickers or stamping plates would be a good option. Everything is sealed with a thin layer of Essie Gel Couture Top Coat leaving that satin finish.
Pro tip one of my favorite nail artists, celebrity nailist Tom Bachik told me: Never put too much polish on your brush at work when using neon colors, light strokes will make your work shine, not get blurred. Such a small detail, although everything changes.
Personally, I will always pick this design prior to going out on a night during a holiday it is celebratory, yet not obnoxious. It states that I am celebratory, yet I am able to maintain a chic way of dressing.
Golden French Elegance
This is a French manicure that is luxurious with a golden tip. The design begins with a milky nude foundation which is poured into molten gold glitter at the ends. It is a modern interpretation of the French manicure, in which warmth, instead of minimalism, is substituted. The glossy shine is a great reflective of the candlelight – the type of manicure that is suitable to New Years Eve or a winter wedding.
It is very easy to produce. I normally put on CND “Romantique” as the base color and then used the tip with a fine detailing brush to paint it with either OPI “Gold Digger” or Zoya “Maria-Luisa” as the tip color. An ultra refined edge can also be added using a thin piece of metallic gold foil. Seal using a top-grade of gloss to enhance that glassy look.
One of the people who works with Blake Lively, Elle Gerstein, once told Harper Bazaar that metallic finishes are cheapest when they are combined with natural finishes. She is correct because such a balance prevents gold from becoming too extravagant.
I have been wearing this style last winter when I wanted to be elegant but not too fussy and, frankly speaking, this made me feel instantly put-together. Even the jeans and a sweater were lifted up with this golden French moment.
Red Velvet Tips
Shiny red nails and sharp white French tips- that is confidence. The screams winter classic in this manicure, however, topped with the twist of bold white edging that gives it a clean, graphic finish. I love the fact that it goes well with oversized sweaters and bold pieces of jewelry. The color itself seems flattering: it is a deep cranberry red, which looks good on any skin.
To this, I will suggest OPI, “Big Apple Red” or Essie, “Bordeaux” as the primary color. Gelish “Arctic freeze” can be used to do the white tip. Draw straight lines with a thin striping brush or nail guides. It is one of those that resembles the manicures in a salon but can be done at home.
A famous manicurist Jin Soon Choi once said that red is a power color and it does not go out of fashion particularly during cold months. I couldn’t agree more. Something about red nails when the world outside is dull and gray, it is alive.
I use it during holidays and date nights. It is self-assured, vintage, and has the right touch of old-Hollywood that will never be too much.
Starry Winter Glam
This design is dreamy and airy, the soft blush tone is giving it the delicate feeling but all the drama is contained in the black accents of stars and the little gems. I like the contrast of the dull background and the sparkling playfulness, and this is an easy to wear manicure that is like magic without being obnoxious. It is ideal to anyone who is in need of a light but celebratory drink.
I begin with a whitish nude-pink foundation, such as Zoya “Bela” or Essie “Mademoiselle,” to do it. I quicken using a thin nail art brush and create tiny black starbursts after which I apply crystal accents by using nail glue or a dotting tool. Everything is then smoothed and sealed with a glassy coating of top.
Allure said that this type of celestial nail art has been among the largest emerging trends in winter 2025- triggered by constellation and astrology themes. It is light-hearted, yet contemporary when performed in moderation.
I had also done a similar manicure when attending a birthday dinner at a friend of mine and I can say that the small sparkles were shining in all the lights in the restaurant. It is such an uplifting design, soft, feminine, and rich with quiet joy.
Burgundy Constellations
Mature burgundy matte nails with golden constellations- now this is class. The gold designs are lifted on matte texture as tiny star maps on the night sky. It is a minimalist art, but with the luxurious touch, the type of manicure that immediately feels costly.
I apply either OPI Malaga Wine or Zoya Blair as a base which I allow to dry off completely then I put a matte top coat on it. After that, I apply ultra-thin foil of gold or metallic gel paint to create constellation lines, and seal them with a little brush and top coat in only places that there is gold.
In an interview with Vogue, celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein once mentioned that metallic art can be more and more intentional, but not flashy in a matte finish. And that is precisely what makes this look so stylish, the combination of sobriety and gloss.
When I put on this manicure, I put on jewelry on my hands, silent, sure, and somewhat mysterious. It is one of the designs which makes every gesture cinema-like.
Deep Wine Glamour
Deep, wine-red manicure is something endlessly old fashioned: it is like velvet in the shape of nails. This shade in particular is rich and reflective and borders on burgundy nails with a contemporary twist. I also like the glitter being added to one of the accents nails, it is not too glittery, but it is festive, which is ideal not only on a night out but also on a day-to-day winter appearance.
To achieve this particular type of nail I would begin with OPI Malaga wine or Essie Bordeaux which also provide that saturated high-shine finish. A thin layer of glitter top coat (such as Deborah Lippmann” Ruby Red Slippers ) on one or two nails also adds the effect of dimensions without crowding out the appearance. It is that type of manicure that easily is carried through the office days to the holidays evenings.
Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik at one time remarked that the best confidence color is deep reds – and I would not disagree. As soon as I put on this shade I feel so much smarter, more put together, and to be honest, stronger. It is a lesson to take notice that classic is sometimes the most audacious decision.
Midnight Snowflakes
Winter nail art, which reminds me of a midnight sky, has always been very close to my heart, and this blue-and-silver mixture reminded me of it perfectly. The dark navy foundation is glittering slightly under the sunlight, and thin snowflakes of white whiteness give it a touch of festive beauty. Having the silver accent nails imitate glints of frost also has a magic quality to it.
To achieve this appearance, we would recommend Gelish to use their product called Arctic freezes on the top of another nail polish such as Russian Navy by OPI. It is not hard to draw those little details of snowflakes with a thin brush or dotting weapon. There is a final finish with Seche Vite to achieve that glassy mirror-like look.
In the Vogue Beauty, nail artist Betina Goldstein wrote that dark blues with metallic accents seem like couture on your hands. I have discovered that to be the case – each time I put this appearance on I find myself staring at it just like a piece of jewelry. It is daring yet elegant, the ideal combination of warmness and coolness.
Frosted Lilac Dream
Soft lilac is not a new color to winter nails but of late it has been so prevalent everywhere, and I can understand the reason behind that. It is so reassuring and quietly happy about this color that is coupled with sprinkling glitter and light snowflake dusting. It is feminine, delicate and a cool departure of the classic reds and greens.
To do this type of manicure, I tend to apply a base of Essies Lilacism then apply a thin coat of holography glitter such as ILNP Meadow above. Snow flakes may either be painted by hand or come in decal form to make them an easy-to-do version at home. Everything is fused with a gorgeous soft gloss finish, by another gel coat.
This appearance is like winter mornings, a soft light outside the window, a cup of cocoa and a home-scented sweater. It is the type of nail art concept that does not scream but makes one smile every time one looks at it.
Lavender Feathers and Gold Dust
This is the design of nails when you want your hands to have the feeling of being a piece of art. The bottom, a dulled lavender in a satin finish, preconditions the further complex feather patterns in black color with sprinkles of gold. It is descriptive, graceful and seems to have a contemporary art touch that is quite 2026.
Theoretically this is simpler to do than it appears, since a thin liner brush and a teaspoon of black gel paint is enough to sketch on the feather-like lines, and small pieces of gold foil can be tapped in when the top layer of paint is still wet. I would put a no-wipe gel top coat on everything to make it shine long.
It has been said by Elle Gerstein, a celebrity manicurist, that details are luxury, and this appearance confirms this fact. It is the type of manicure that is purposeful like you made some time on you, even during a hectic day.
Icy Blue Whispers
No shades seem so coolly prickly as blue icy, more so with its silver snow flakes and sparkling ends. This is the image that encapsulates all that I admire about winter nail designs: it is a clean, bright and sparkly image with a lot of quiet in it. The foundation is blue and has a crisp undertone that flatter nearly all the skin tones and the snowy accents are a playful touch of the season.
In order to recreate it, one can use Gelish Baby It’s Cold Outside or Zoyas Blu, then add a silver glitter tip with the help of a sponge in order to create a gradient effect. White snowflakes may be painted with very fine detailing brush or can be added by means of small stamping plates. The result? A manicure that is like a breath of cold air cold, clean, and fully rejuvenating.
Whenever I come out with blue nails during winter time, people never fail to notice. Something encouraging about the color – such as looking up at a frosty clear sky. Perhaps, that is why it has become one of my nail art resorts each January.
Sparkling Winter Branches
Something is poetical in soft silver glitter losing its way to a nude foundation it brings to mind frosty branches glittering with early morning light. The fine black lines and small white dots are as though winter vines that have been coated with snow. It is simple but with a special quietness and grace of a first snowfall.
In this design, I took the base of Bubble Bath by OPI, and combined it with Essie Set in Stones to provide the tips that were of silver. Black and white effects were done manually with an ultra-fine detail brush – it required some patience, but it was well worth it.
Celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein wrote recently that negative space and glitter gradients are the new thing to do – and this style hits both trends without seeming to be too excessive.
I adore using such type of manicure where I want my hands to appear neat, but still not in-your-face. It is warm and elegant, such as cashmere in the form of nails. And believe me it receives the light very well in the evening dinners.
Crimson Snowflakes
Red is never out of fashion however when it collides with the fine white snowflake art it becomes a winter staple with a twist. This appearance is daring, but romantic, the cherry bottom is deep to make the details that are present sparkling and at the same time joyful and sophisticated.
I have always been attracted towards colors such as Dior Vernis “Rouge 999” which leaves it in a mirror finish of high gloss. In the case of the snowflakes, a fine liner brush and OPI, Alpine Snow, are the best pair. And in case you do not like freehand drawing, snowflake stamping plates or nail stickers will also save your time without losing that sharp finish.
Cleaning up nail salons Every now and then, Tom Bachik, whose fame is based on his red carpet designs, states that a little bit of texture makes nails look couture. I could not say otherwise not too many snowflakes per finger, but just one.
It is a familiar quality to this design – that warmness of Christmas without glitter overload. Putting it on, I feel like I am wrapping presents near the fire, drinking hot cocoa, and smiling at the brightness of the tree lights.
Silver Drops of Frost
It is a futuristic and squishy design at the same time glossy mauve nails with metallic 3D silver droplets resembling frozen dew. It is contemporary, artistic and does not make one use all the glitz unless they want to.
In order to reproduce it, I had base the mauve gel, which in my case was Zoya mauve gel basic- Rue, and sprinkled the droplets with chrome gel paint and dotting tool. All the layers should be allowed to dry and then a subsequent layer placed so as to create that raised, rounded effect. The secret is in the layers, the deeper you put them, the effect of a water drop is more realistic.
According to Julie Kandalec, celebrity nail artist, dimensional metallics is reinventing winter nails. This is precisely such a look, clean, sculptural and not expected.
I adore its ability to reflect light in various ways depending on the position one is taking. It is the type of manicure that does not require any jewelry, the jewelry itself. Any look at your hands is a miniature of an art exhibition.
Smoky Steel Elegance
Gray nails are your style when you feel like being quietly confident and need to appear that way on days when you feel like it. This design combines the sleekness of steel and a gentle black scroll – a combination that is refined, exotic and so comfortable to wear.
The bottom was made of Essie “Chinchilly,” a perfect blend of cool and warm gray, and the fancy design was made with a black gel liner. It is possible to do this pattern using a detail brush or a fine nail art pen. It would be more moody with a matte top coat, but I used glossy as an additional layer.
At one point, nail stylist Jin Soon remarked that gray is the new black of minimalist luxury. This design proves her right. It is not strenuous, it is relaxed, and smooth.
I had had something similar when I had been on a work trip during the winter and it fitted perfectly with a wool coat, as well as eveningwear. It is high tech in that effortless manner that we all unconsciously work toward.
Cozy Penguin Fun
And last but not the least, the one that piqueth that plays with the heart, or really just melts it, is the penguin manicure that is trending this winter. The icy blues are soft, and the snowflakes are painted by hand and the cute penguins in knit hats make this image adorable as well as surprising. It is as though your nails were telling you a story, right out of a vacation film.
In this design, I applied Essie “Blue-La-La” on top of OPI “My Vampire is Buff” as the neutral mix, and applied acrylic paint to make the penguin art. It is a trick of fine brush, steady hand and covering all that is under a thick cover of gel to smooth the surface.
Whimsical winter art is also said to be coming back in a big way this year, according to Nailpro Magazine, people need to find happiness in small ways. And what can be better than little penguins on your nails?
I put this on a ski weekend last January and got countless compliments on the part of baristas to strangers at the lodge. It is warm, jovial and you can not help but smile at it – it is the best thing to bring a small part of warmth on the coldest season.
Emerald Winter Magic
This bright green nail polish is the experience of entering a magical forest after the snow. That harmony of nature and luxury is depicted by the gradient of milky nude to lush emerald green with the accent of small golden stars and crystals. It is celebratory, surprisingly peaceful velvet-coloured. I enjoy it in December when I desire something that is bold and at the same time sophisticated.
I use CND “Cream Puff” as the base first and apply OPI “Stay Off the Lawn!!” to achieve this appearance. for the green ombre effect. In the case of glitter accent nail, a swipe of Zoya, Merida or Essie, Rocky Rose gives that emerald glitter. One or two gold stars or foil stars the size of a penny will immediately transform this manicure into a conversation point.
At one point, celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec stated that green is the most underscored neutral of the winter. I can not concur more especially when I said that it matches as easily with a black sweater as it does with a sequined party dress.
This design has a coziness that is calming. Whenever I gaze down on it, I can think of pine trees, and winter lights flashing somewhere distant.
Snowflake Noir
There are not many things that could be more iconic than a black-and-white manicure of winter with the snowflakes fluttering on each nail. It is graphic, modern and nostalgic at the same time – a reference to that first snowstorm when all stops dead. The black and white mixed with the silver glitter is crisp and polished as a monochrome dream of a holiday.
On the base, I prefer to use OPI, “Alpine snow” and Gelish, as “Black Shadow.” The snowflakes may either be hand-drawn with a fine nail art brush, or stamped with a snowflake plate. Fairy Dust (silver glitter polish) by China Glaze gives a touch of frosty finish to it.
Contrasting manicures are seemingly back in style according to Allure in the season, p.1., “nails that narrate a two-tone story,” according to them. It is not as much about symmetry any longer but it is about establishing visual balance by contrast.
I gave this one a shot last year prior to a ski vacation and frankly speaking it came out great with white gloves and a cup of cocoa. It is one of those manicures which makes winter look like the movies.
Golden Galaxy
This black and gold manicure is all drama in a good manner. The black lacquer is the universe, and each nail is made into the galaxy of its own by the flowing glitter lines of gold and heavenly accents. It is a manicure that moves in a light beam – like molten metal in heat.
The trick to achieve this appearance is to apply OPI “Lincoln Park After Dark” as a base, and then draw sweeping lines with Essie “Good as Gold.” It is possible to sprinkle some fine gold glitter or foil to make it more textured. It is the secret of the mirrored, mirror-like finish to seal everything with a high-gloss top coat.
Nail expert Betina Goldstein frequently claims that black nails are not to be overdone at all, especially when used with metallic polishes: they are confidence in color. She’s right. This manicure is one which does not have to be spoken about.
Each time I put this on I feel a little bolder as though it were not only nail polish, but armor, prepared to face all winter nights that become some kind of an adventure.
Frosted Indigo Blooms
Something is very peaceful about matte navy nails in winter, particularly when they are as decorated with soft white floral art. The design possesses that Nordic serenity, such as that of porcelain that is snowed over with frost. It is not glitzy but it is memorable.
I tend to grab Essie, After School Boy Blazer or Zoya, Ryan, when going to the navy base and finish it off with a matte finish. I paint with a fine brush simple white flower details, almost as though they were snowflowers in a state of flower. The trick here is that it is best to be light and airy without too much density in design.
Nail artist Jin Soon Choi in Harper Bazaar once termed navy as the new winter neutral. It is quite logical, it is graceful, atmospheric and even uplifted despite being minimal.
I adore this manicure to wear most of the time in the colder season. It goes with all the coats that I have, and combined with a large knit sweater, it makes the ideal level of comfort and coolness.
there is always some sort of magic in winter, and our nails must have their share in it. You like iced silvers, or dark plums, or whimsical arts, all the styles this season are about the glory of touch, warmness and some glitter. I have always been of the opinion that proper manicure can change your entire mood, as a silent gesture of self-expression when everything around is dull. This winter then you need one that leaves you smiling each time you look at your hands. Beauty is not only about feeling well-dressed, though, is it?
