Image Source: Olive & June
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- As we transition from fall to winter, it’s time to make room for new nail-polish trends.
- Whether you are looking for nail-art inspiration or just want to add new colors to your collection, we’ve got you covered.
- Ahead, a nail pro breaks down everything to know about the winter nail trends you’re going to see everywhere.
Darkness in the wintertime is the talk of every meteorologist and “Game of Thrones” fan, but it’s true: it comes without warning. Once your body has adjusted to getting that extra hour of sleep from the “fall back” portion of daylight saving time, the sun starts fading five hours too early and you’ll notice everyone, all of a sudden, is wearing black.
The same goes for nail-polish colors. The big difference this season, though, is that you can expect a slow build into dark territory.
“Fall polish was all about warm neutrals, rosy blushes, and a hint of deeper berry shades, but as we head into winter, we’re seeing darker colors reign supreme, with metallics adding a pop of fun,” said Sarah Gibson Tuttle, founder and CEO of nail brand Olive & June. “It’s not just the expected black; it’s slight variations of that deep tone — so vampy plums, deep greens, chocolate browns, and midnight blues are going to be big.”
“These nail-polish shades are more nuanced and have more depth to them. The subtlety is what allows you to express your every mani mood.”
The biggest theme is “an ode to the ’90s, but with an unexpected twist that makes you look twice,” she said. “These nail-polish shades are more nuanced and have more depth to them. The subtlety is what allows you to express your every mani mood.”
Ahead, we’ve asked a nail pro to break down the biggest nail-polish trends you can expect to see everywhere this winter. Consider it reading the “warning” label.
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Ice Princess
“Cool, steel-toned metallics are having a day this winter as we channel our inner ice princess,” celebrity nail artist Holly Falcone tells POPSUGAR. “These shades don’t require intricate nail art; they’re gorgeous alone on long, either squoval or round nails. Try Orly’s Ascension ($11) and top it with a glossy topcoat.”
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Ice Princess
Heroine.NYC Silver Metallic Nail Polish
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Ice Princess
Mllkcao Plating Metallic Nail Polish Set
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Ice Princess
OPI Nail Lacquer Things I’ve Seen in Aber-green
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Ice Princess
ILNP Fame Silver, Gold, Holographic Nail Polish
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Holiday Party Confetti
“It can get so cold and dreary in the winter,” Falcone says. “A fun confetti look, either a silvery metallic confetti or a neon star confetti, brightens the mood, plus they’re perfect for holiday parties!” Falcone suggests opting for a silvery confetti on black nails or using a product like Disco Dust ($18, originally $25) on bare nails for a fun, minimal look.
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Holiday Party Confetti
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Holiday Party Confetti
Spearlcable Holographic Nail Heart Glitter
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Holiday Party Confetti
Holographic Snowflake Nail Art Glitters
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Holiday Party Confetti
12 Colors Cute Nail Glitter
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Rich Brown
Essie Expressie Quick-Dry Vegan Nail Polish in Take the Espresso
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Rich Brown
Revlon Nail Enamel in Nude/Brown
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Rich Brown
Wet n Wild Fast Dry AF Nail Polish Color in Fall Reddish Brown Get Stone
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Rich Brown
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Lip Gloss Nails
“Ultrashiny, glossy, almost jelly-like finishes are trending this winter,” Falcone says. “Try them with a basic black topped with a very shiny, almost wet-looking topcoat or a sheer pink color for that lip-gloss nail trend.” We love the Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquer in Peacefully Me ($22) when it comes to achieving this look.
Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquer in Peacefully Me
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Lip Gloss Nails
Sally Hansen Good, Kind, Pure Vegan Nail Colour in Pink Cloud
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Lip Gloss Nails
Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Color in Black Heart
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Dark and Stormy
Winter nail trends will come and go, but there are a few key colors that are classics. Think deep purples like the OPI Nail Lacquer Purple Nail Polish ($11), romantic reds, and midnight blues. If you’re not interested in venturing too far out of your comfort zone, sticking with the dark and stormy theme is always a sure winner.
OPI Nail Lacquer Purple Nail Polish
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Dark and Stormy
Essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Dark and Stormy
OPI Nail Lacquer in Midnight Mantra
Winter Nail-Polish Color: Dark and Stormy
OPI Nail Lacquer in Cave the Way
