There is always a bit of a magic in winter, is there? Once the air becomes chilly, and cardigans are substituted with coats, even the smallest trifles, such as a fresh manicure, will seem like an assertion. This season, nails are not something that is worn, but a feeling. Imagery cozy evenings, bright city lights, that can never be resisted glitter that accompanies new things.
However, what will make a fashionable winter manicure in 2025-2026? Is it the color, finish or perhaps mood? Spoiler: it’s all of the above. Gilded beauty to matte velvety perfection, the nail trends of winter this year are balanced between comfort and confidence in a manner that is… calmly assertive. I am splitting down the nail art that got my heart this season, each of them different, each able to be worn, each one made me feel better.
Velvet Orchid Lines
Something hypnotic in this gentle mauve-and-lilac design–it is the answer of winter to the pastels of spring. The long-almonded shape is flattering to any hand, and the glossy coating creates an impression of fresh out of the salon type of perfection. The smooth metallic striping (between rose gold and bronze) provides just the right touch of edge, sweetness with sophistication.
In order to replicate this trendy minimalist nail, I would begin first by applying the gel base such as OPI gel base which is called Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around because of its softness and then apply the next layer of Essie Play Date to provide a depth in this nail design. The metallic lines may be accomplished between rose gold nail tape that comes in thin form, and a fine-liner brush that can be dipped in Butter London “Yummy Mummy.” The blend is nonchalantly ladylike and simultaneously arts and crafts precise which is most Vogue beauty edit.
I could not stop admiring my hands as I typed when I first tried a similar appearance last winter, it just felt elegant and pulled-together, not loud. One celebrity manicurist by name Betina Goldstein once told Allure that small metallic details produce a jewelry effect on nails, and truthfully, she is right.
Golden Frost Tips
French tips, classic, but winter couture. This design is a combination of soft ivory polish and some sprinkle of gold leaf, to create that feeling of snow greeted by the morning sun. It is low-key luxury, the type of manicure that would go well with a cashmere sweater or an evening glass of Prosecco.
On materials, I can attest to Zoya based cosmetics in terms of its Purity as a base, and the addition of bits of gold foil, sealed with Seche Vite Gel Top Coat to achieve the mirror-like finish. It is fragile and strong at the same time–suited to every person who is fond of minimalism with a touch of flavor.
An insider tip by Elle nail editors is that warm metallics are the trend of the season since they add light and depth to chilly seasons without dominant your appearance. I do not disagree, they shine softly in any light and to be honest, these nails make even a latte seem to glow.
Midnight Spark
This dark plum color could be termed as winter glam. It is soft, dark and slightly mystical– velvet in candelight. The glittering chunky silver on one nail makes it playful and makes me remember that glitter is not something to wait until a particular season to put on, but a mood in the whole year.
I tend to use Essie “Wicked” or Olive & June “Velvet Burgundy” to achieve that nice depth. This is followed by the application of a glitter, Happy Birthday, by Deborah Lippmann, to add some texture. When placed with some tactic it provides that galaxy-like glitter that reflects every small ray of light.
Deep and saturated colors, according to nail artist Tom Bachik in Vogue Beauty, will bring an immediate polish -pun intended- and glitter will add personality. I like the fact that this appearance makes me appear presentable, even on sluggish days when I am enveloped by a scarf and bulky sweater.
Crimson & Gold Glow
Holiday energy, but chic. The deep red with molten gold details and fine star patterns is unashamedly festive. It has the posh feel of going to any party and at the same time does not seem too expensive to go to cocoa in the evening.
I would replicate it with Chanel Le Vernis “Rouge Puissant” and a touch of gold glitter by OPI, which is Gold Key to the Kingdom. A fine brush and a metallic gel paint miracles the same on the details of the star.
I had something like a New Year dinner last winter on, and not to be a song-and-dance about it–but the nails got the applause. All of them had questioned where I had had them done. And perhaps that is what I like most about this style: it is friendly and impressive. As they are supposed to be during the holidays.
Matte Mocha Geometry
This would be the winter nail of choice. Soft coffee colors are combined with muted and matte black and ivory V-tips with whisper-thin gold edges. It is high-end yet completely wearable- a smart statement that is amazing when it is combined with neutrals.
Personally, I wear CND Field Fox as a foundation and OPI Black Onyx to those daring accents. Top with a matte finish (Essie Matte About You) to achieve the velvety feel that exudes non-cosmetic non-high-end power.
At times, in case the weather changes and everything seems a bit gray, these nails help me to remember that elegance does not necessarily have to shine–it can talk. Yea, perhaps that, that is winter style.
Midnight Laurel Elegance
I can not get over this quiet strength in this navy and gold manicure. The very dark, nearly smoky blue is classic yet strong and the golden leaves are gentle and feminine. It is simple, but full-bodied- just right in winter evenings or even classy dinner. The reflection of light by the metallic features makes the entire design look rather like a jewelry.
To accomplish such refinement, I prefer the Essie brand of After School Boy Blazer to be used as the base color. Zoya Erika, in which a fine brush has been used to deposit thin gold foil leaves, looks marvelous well with the accent nail. A pair of navy and gold is forever–and as Harper Bazaar writes, deep blue is the new black in winter 2025, and will give your look a sense of serene power.
In other cases, I opt to design it such as this one when I am seeking something classy without being too audacious. It makes me think that sometimes the most specific, minor aspects can be powerful, such as the silence of a winter night.
Evergreen Satin
It is a hue of winter loving soft pine green. It is down to earth and yet luxurious–like a forest after there is a fresh dump of snow on it. The little gloss gets the light in such a manner that it appears as though your nails are made of satin material in candle light. It is minimal glam and I am fully down with it.
I would redo it with OPI Stay Off the Lawn! with ILNP “Meadow” as the bottom and the top to such a smooth texture. Soft greens are the new neutrals winter has recently given on Vogue Beauty a perfect compromise between the warm and the fresh.
Whenever I am wearing this color, I always seem to be close to nature even in the city centre. Perhaps that is why it is so popular during this season: it is relaxing, modern, and is unsettlingly appealing.
Mocha Spark Fusion
The combination of deep chocolate and mauve is an outfit that is both chic and warm at the same time. The amount of glossy polish, glitter, and graphic dots makes it a bit more fun and at the same time does not lose the sophistication. It is the type of winter nail trend that is as versatile as going to brunch or a late dinner.
On the base, CND Vinylux “Fedora” with sprinkle of OPI “Bronzed to Perfection” provides that naughty metallic touch. Dot accents with simple dotting tools and black gel paint – just sufficient to facilitate the monotony and make it interesting.
I adore this shade and this one as well to put on on gray days; they are a little gloomy and a little light. Contrast in texture is what makes manicures lively, and according to celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi, that is what she said. This gaze has nails that strike the balance.
Rose Gold Eclipse
Navy and rose gold are few combinations that are as luxurious. The deep midnight blue preconditions that low shimmer at the ends–it is a reverse French that is contemporary and bold. This design is very classy and immediately classifies any outfit as upgraded, particularly the winter knit set and evening wear that we all seek out when the weather turns colder.
I would choose Essie “Style Cartel” and OPI “Worth a Pretty Penne” with the glitter piece. It is that ideal mixture of daring and girly and when it is used in a clean line it becomes almost sculptural.
Last year my close friend attended a winter wedding dressed in a similar fashion- and he was quite honest to admit, it was the best dressed. Something movie-like about the light striking the rose gold, it is as though it were dusk and dawn.
Merlot Fade
This ombre color on the burger is finely classy. The perfect transition of the pure nude to a rich wine is velvet-like and looks amazing on the oval-shaped nails. It is gloomy, yet gentle, strong, yet tender, an absolute reflection of winter grace in 2025-2026.
In order to recreate it, apply a sponge method of mixing OPI “Malaga Wine” with a clear nude base, such as Zoya “Avrial” Seal with a high shine top coat in order to glow the gradient.
Personally I also love this appearance during the colder months- it is that happy medium between old and sexy. Wine tones, as Allure once said, are eternal, as they give us the warmth even during the coldest seasons. I cannot concur–it is the type of manicure, which causes one to feel immediately more stylish, whatever the attire.
Plum Twilight Shine
Everything I adore about a winter manicure is in this look: very rich, very moody, and with some slight magical touch. The rich plum color immediately makes it warm and the small sparkle detail makes it sparkle, but only when the light strikes at the right angle. It is smooth and sophisticated, but friendly enough to wear on a daily basis.
In order to re-create this, I prefer to use Essie “Berry Naughty” as the foundation, and add one accent nail with Zoya “Lux.” The mix is cozy and festive but at the same time, modern. As Allure wrote in their recent nail prognosis, “this winter, deep purples are the new neutral, which comes as a surprise, but it makes sense why this is the case.
When I wear this color, I feel stable and somehow glamorous as I am carrying a secret shine during a cold day.
Golden Plaid Luxe
Not a lot of designs can be associated with a holiday sophistication as much as this plaid-inspired manicure. A bold mixture of cranberry and creamy ivory, interlined with gold, is full rich and balanced. It seems to be custom made, and its clean symmetry makes it appear purposeful and deliberate–as though your nails were put on a winter ball.
I am fond of OPI “Got the Blues for Red” and Butter London “Cotton Buds” to contrast each other. The gold lines may be done with nail striping tape or CND “Gilded Glory. It is painstakingly so–the effect is merely impressive.
On one occasion, the celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik wrote, “Plaid nails, it is the fashion statement you did not realize you required. And in fact, this one is couture-level, but can be worn to winter brunches or parties with ease.
Frosted Snowflake Charm
Each winter requires at least one playful nod to the season and this snowflake manicure achieves it in the most sophisticated manner possible. The light inclusivity between nude and frosty white resembles freshly snowed snow, the rhinestone details and slight sparkle are festive. It’s equal parts cozy and glam.
To achieve this appearance I would apply OPI “Funny Bunny” gradient on the top and cover it with Essie “Set in Stones.” Snowflakes may be painted by hand with white gel paint, in a fine brush–or you may have some fine decals.
I always think of the after-effects of the early mornings when there is a glow, that always makes me think of this style. It is a glance that will never bring my mood down though it is freezing outside.
Emerald Glitter Bloom
The color that winter of 2025-2026 will be is green, to be more precise, sparkling emerald. It is jubilant and new, a reference to nature even during the coldest times of winter. The juxtaposition of shiny green nails and sparkling accents makes the design alive and moving, where any light is reflected.
In this appearance, ILNP “Emerald City” was mixed with OPI “Stay Off the Lawn! gives that lawless richness. I tend to apply the glitter polish to the translucent one in order to achieve that scattered, dimensional look.
This one fits the season particularly well–it is delightful in a frolicsomely elegant, and it is not too exuberant. The type of manicure which makes your hand look like a mini-party.
Mauve Crystal Glow
It is a design that is all about quiet luxury. The understated glamour is created by the soft mauve base and the long form, the holographic flakes and gem accents add a hint of soft sparkle pure winter fantasy. It is one of those types of looks that are feminine, confident and can be worn endlessly.
I would take the base and top of CND “Unearthly” and OPI “Pirouette My Whistle” with a light shimmer. Wear crystal accents in small amounts, one per nail will suffice the high-end, editorial piece.
I recall that when I was wearing something like this last winter I was immediately lifted up–like my hands had been wrapped up in grace. And that is what this season is about, with a little shine, a heavy dose of sophistication, and nails which actually are as beautiful as they are pretty.
Evergreen Luxe Tips
It is like a winter forest on a date in this manicure. The rich green undercarriage and the golden ends create that perfect combination between the earthly and the celebratory. The accents of gold form a shimmering shine, as the refraction of fairy lights reflected on pine needles – an appearance which somehow looks comfortable and at the same time luxurious.
I would use Essie “Off Tropic” or Zoya “Hunter” as an under base, and then lightly blotting the edges with CND “Gilded Glory.” It is softened with the help of a fan brush or a makeup sponge. Harper Bazaar has recently emphasized that green-and-gold is one of the biggest winter pairings since it has the quality of being able to mix grace and warmth at the same time.
I have had something close to the same color at a December dinner party- it felt very down to earth and classy. It is one of those styles raising the dress even with the most basic clothes with ease.
Rose Chrome Elegance
When metallic nails are struck in the right place in winter light, then it is pure magic. This rose gold chrome pattern boasts of a futuristic feel of softness- smooth, reflective, and incredibly polished. It is ideal to any human who wishes to miss glitter and shine throughout the season.
In order to get this mirror-polish finish, apply a chrome pigment (such as Born Pretty Rose Chrome Dust) on top of OPI Mod About You. Smear a non wipe gel top coating on it to get that glass-smooth look. Metallic rose, as the beauty editors of Elle refer to it as the next neutral of 2025, I could not disagree with them more than that.
This fashion makes me automatically confident. It is tender and tough, quaint and decisive–that sort of expression that makes one look in the glass twice.
Snowfall Burgundy Fade
Winter would be this color story, winter would be deep burgundy changing to silvery frost. The gradual slope, interspersed with spicy shimmer, is a magic, snow-kiss-effect. It is celebratory and classy, as a glass of red wine and a window covered with snow.
I would apply OPI Malaga Wine and sponge on Essie Set in Stones to get the effect and the fade. It is not as hard as it may seem–and the effect is spellbinding. According to what Betina Goldstein wrote in Vogue Beauty, Ombre shimmer nails bring the magic of winter but not the cliche.
I am a fan of this appearance since it is seasonal yet timeless a real holiday statement that does not seem excessive.
Velvet Wine Gradient
This gradient of burgundy-to-rose is contemporary and warm simultaneously. The fine metallic work gives it only the slightest three dimensional effect making the nails appear in motion. It is feminine, somewhat romantic, and very flattering to all the skin tones.
I prefer to combine Zoya Mona and Essie Lady Like with gradient sponge, and outline with the silver gel liner to get that smooth look. It is a kind of light art–just that it is.
This style has been one of my fallbacks to mid-winter. It matches well with knits, coat or even a slip dress worn under a blazer. There is something quietly strong, the voice that lingers like a whisper.
Frosted Petal Snowflakes
This manicure appears to be the archetype of winter nude with white snowflakes and silver frost. It is lighthearted but dainty and well appropriate during the warmest days of the season. The transparency and shimmer give it a light touch and make it modern.
To achieve this appearance, I would begin by applying CND “Romantique” as a base and apply to it soft white snowflakes by using gel detail paint or decal. Before the paint has time to dry, sprinkle OPI on ice over it.
When I look at a design such as this, I am reminded that nails can be considered little works of art, delicate, personal and full of atmosphere. It is the type of style that makes you desire to put your hands around a cup of cocoa and simply smile.
