When it comes to nail polish colors for winter, you can say that anything is possible. Whether a little glam or a little gothic, winter nail polishes are always a striking signal of the season. Some match their dim by five surroundings with navy blue or vampy burgundy, while others reflect a certain attitude or emotional expression. For example, a vinyl midnight manicure is a timeless classic in the fashion and music world.
“I started doing my own nails and wearing black and dark blue colors when I was 12 years old,” says Desire frontwoman Megan Louise, who we caught stepping out of Paris after opening DJ Chanel’s store on Rue Saint this week. Honoré had reopened. . At the time, her mother disapproved, and now, “I still think I feel a bit rebellious going on at 37,” says Louise. “After all, the dark nail is your little black dress.” She wore Le Vernis by Chanel Rhythma sky blue, as long as she can remember, and the Hermès polish Brun Bistre She hasn’t lost sight of that since she came across it during her European tour: “My Berlin friend Ava Vegas had it on her coffee table, and I just had to try it; the brown metallic color looks very lush and rich, the perfect combination for a moody winter look. For nail artist Holly Falcone, who staged this season’s New York Fashion Week shows for Sandy Liang, Batsheva and Susan Alexandra, the look is a fashion staple. “A dark nail is like a great leather accessory,” says Falcone. “It’s especially chic in the winter and translates into all the different holidays and events the season brings.”
Then there are the optical tricks that dark nails perform. According to New York City editorial staff Jin Soon ChoiCold weather has the potential to “reveal skin tones on the cool side of the light spectrum, but some unexpected shades can enhance and bring out your skin’s natural warmth,” says Choi, who regularly visits Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer in Nuitdeep red, and her own Absolutely black polish for the season. “Dark colors are also always flattering for any nail shape, short or long,” says nail artist Sonya Belakhlef, who works with clients like Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michaela Jae Rodriguez and Natasha Lyonne. They point to the dark wave, Matrix-centric and emo revival moments taking place on catwalks and red carpets as proof that it’s more than a seasonal change. “Fashion is getting edgier, so dark nails are on the rise,” says Belakhlef. “But in winter it’s easy to justify!”
But the winter months don’t always call for something deep and moody. There are a few bright sleeper hits that always find their way into our nail rotations. (Think classic white and iridescent metallics). You can’t really go wrong this winter season, but if you need some nail ideas to get the creative juices flowing, you’ve come to the right place. Here, the pros share the winter nail colors they wear and use with clients.
Deep red
Think classic red and go a shade or two darker for your winter nail look. “These iconic deep red shades never go out of style,” says Soon. “They are the most recognized color in fashion among models and fashionistas.” Falcone adds, “A deep, vampy red is always in for a balmy winter,” and is even better when “used for a moody French manicure.” To respond to changing temperatures, Belakhlef likes Cirque Colors polish in Rothko Red, which “changes to dark oxblood red when it’s cold and bright crimson when it’s warm.”
Definitely blacks
Pushing red carpet ensembles to the extreme, black figures have recently been spotted on everyone from Olivia Rodrigo to Diane Keaton. Falcone describes the short onyx nail as “a sleek look with a slightly rebellious edge” and likes an ultra-shiny finish with a top coat like Orly’s Shiny armor quick-drying formula “so the black looks creamy and shiny instead of dull.” Soon notes that black nails work for everyone, just like a tailored suit. “They are so rich that they contrast sharply with many skin tones, just as a black wardrobe does,” she says.
Midnight blues
Navy blue and midnight blue are the favorite of new romantics, like Louise’s favorite Chanel polish Rhythm, a shade that the musician is unabashedly obsessed with. Belakhlef describes Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in Blue Encre as ‘the dark and intense blue of the disappearing night at the break of day’. And for the season, Falcone points out that “midnight blues always reflect cold weather and are somewhat expected for winter.” But in the spirit of adding a touch of warmth, she pays close attention to the undertones. “I like royal blue with a slight warm undertone, so the look isn’t so cold,” she adds.
Glassy evergreen plants
Not far removed from the classic emerald jewel tones, mossy evergreen nails are what Falcone describes as “midnight green”; they look best in intensely pigmented shades with a glassy finish. (Interesting, Midnights queen Taylor Swift has been wearing this shade on and off stage for years.) “Midnight green shades are perfect for the cold weather,” says Falcone. “It’s actually very earthy, like the forest outside a winter cabin.” For a wet-look shine, Orly’s Shinier topcoat creates a protective barrier with an at-home salon finish.
Chocolate brown
The cocoa color of Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in Brun Bistre, which attracted Louise and fellow musician Vegas, sets the tone. “The richly pigmented chocolate metallic gloss is the perfect nail polish to evoke the coziness of the season,” says Belakhlef. They describe Orly’s metallic Stop the Clock paint as “a perfect luxurious neutral polish for those who want to add some interest without straying too far from the classics.” And for those who prefer a gloss-free finish, there’s strength in depth. “I like grayish brown as a dark, neutral shade for winter,” says Falcone. “It’s like a dark taupe that reads neutral and is flattering as we lose our summer tan.” Moreover, chocolate brown has something warm to create the cozy winter atmosphere.
Metal coals
There’s something sci-fi about the metallic charcoal nail that feels particularly relevant this season—blame it on the Beyoncé Renaissance world tour or Rabanne’s beauty launch. Belakhlef calls an “almost black holo a must” and calls KBShimmer’s Stark Raven Mad a favorite. “In the light, the linear holo emerges, adding a touch of rainbow goodness,” they promise.
Winter white
A white nail is a winter classic and can also help warm up your skin tone. “In the winter, many of us have lost our summer glow. Wearing white nail polish can add a little bit of color to our skin,” says celebrity manicurist and teacher Mimi D. “Plus, it’s a color that looks good on everyone.” Her favorite shades include Orly’s Snow Angel or OPI’s Chill ’em with Kindness. To ensure your white mani stays intact for as long as possible, she recommends covering the edges of your nails while buffing.
Glitter gold
What better way to brighten up a gloomy winter day than with a bright shiny gold nail? “I love gold and other shiny colors because when the light hits them it immediately improves my mood,” says Mimi D. “There are so many levels to gold. You can use a chunky gold glitter or a chrome look to add some sparkle to your outfit. She recommends polishes such as the CND Vinylux in It’s getting more and more golden or the OPI nail polish in five gold rings to get that sparkling yellow – light or deep in color – for some extra glamor on your winter nail this holiday season.
Silver Chrome
Beyoncé’s influence is always present everywhere, but Renaissance silver especially provides the perfect nail polish this winter. “I love this on short and long nails,” says celebrity manicurist Brittney Boyce, “Silver chrome is bold for a color choice, but very stylish.”
Boyce, whose celebrity clientele includes Megan Fox and Kim Kardashian, recommends asking your technician to use chrome powder with your gel nail (“This color is difficult to do yourself,” she explains) to get that iridescent shine. But an easy way to replicate it at home is to use a lacquer-like agent Aprés Gel Couleur in New Year’s wishes that has a chrome-like finish and some extra shine. We also Olive & June’s OJPAS to give you that cool metallic shine. Pro tip: Nail prep is the most important step to keep the silver looking shiny and bright. She says to file, shape and polish your natural nail bed and use a base and top coat.
