1. Mismatched and Bold
“This winter’s nail art trends are all about rich, bold hues and sophisticated styles,” says Huber-Millet. This mismatched plaid manicure look by @nailedit_byash does that and more, featuring a contrasting teal hue, plaid pattern, and reflective gold chrome.
have a look: Choose a teal shade with teal nail polish, like Londontown Chivvy Below ($16), then apply a plaid pattern to the nails of your choice with a delicate brush and white nail polish, like OPI Alpine Snow ($12). For a reflective gold chrome, Deborah Lippmann Nefertiti ($20) is the perfect shade.
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2. Gradient French
“The classic French manicure gets a seasonal update, with rich fall tones replacing the traditional white manicure,” says Huber-Millet. Samantha Jade of Instagram manicurist @jadeandpolish has done just that with this gorgeous French manicure set in a cozy ombre shade of reddish brown and light pink.
have a look: The Morgan Taylor Afternoon Escape ($10) is a rich reddish brown that’s perfect on its own with a bold French tip, or can be paired with a lighter pink like the Essie Ballerina Slippers ($9) for a similar ombre look.
3. Holly branches
“For a more sophisticated, natural look, winter flowers can add a fresh, elegant touch to your nails,” says Huber-Millet. We love this set from @freshsetlancaster because it’s intricate, festive, and easy to recreate.
have a look: Use a detail brush to apply a dark green polish, like Morgan Taylor Flirty and Fabulous ($6), to the small leaves. Next, use a dotting tool to dot the florets with a white polish, like Essie Blanc ($9). Finally, apply highlights to the leaves using a light green glitter polish like ILNP Velor ($13). Don’t have time to draw on a design? Opt for holly-inspired green nail stickers, like the ones in the Greenleaf Nail Sticker Cover Kit ($6).
4.Leopard spots
Another winter nail art trend to watch is animal prints, which can bring a touch of boldness and adventure to your nails, says Huber-Millet. To achieve a similar leopard print look to this set from @charsgelnails_, she recommends using a small brush to lightly paint in irregular black and brown spots to mimic leopard print.
have a look: OPI Espresso Your Inner Self ($12) is the perfect brown to recreate leopard spots, and you can achieve the pattern using the stipple tools in the Stipple Brush and Nail Brush Art Tool Set ($5).
5. 3D Pearl
According to Kandalec, 3D charms, gemstones, caviar beads and pearls will be very popular this winter, which is why we love this 3D pearl and earring look by @plntnails. The look features 3D nail charms in various sizes, giving it extra texture and eye-catching appeal.
have a look: Start with a base color of icy white nail polish, like Londontown Powder ($16), then add pearls in various sizes, like the ones in this 3D White Pearl Nail Charm Set ($6).
6. Crocodile Nails
This set from @karin.nailedit uses various shades of brown for a reptilian-like style, which is another fun take on animal print nails. “Animal print is perfect for those who like to blend timeless elegance with a modern, wild style,” says Huber-Millet, and she’s right: We’ll definitely want to recreate this at our next manicure appointment.
have a look: To recreate this look, use softer, richer browns, like OPI Chocolate Mousse ($12) and Zoya Gina ($12). A crocodile pattern can be created by laying down a light brown base and applying dark brown polish symmetrically on top. Use a toothpick to trace between the blobs to imitate a reptilian pattern.
7. Chrome for several days
Reflective finishes, such as silver chrome, are another popular trend this season, Kandalec predicts. This look by @nailedbychristiana combines icy silver chrome with light pink polish for an edgy yet elevated look.
have a look: Start with a glossy pink base, which will give you a jelly-like finish, just like the Buttery London Jelly Intensive Treatment ($18). Next, choose a silver chrome polish like Zoya Trixie ($10) to apply to the tips of your nails, then finish with silver nail charms and rhinestones.
8. Snowflake Chic
Experts say snowflakes will never go out of style when it comes to winter manicures. Get inspired by this holiday manicure from @affordableretailtherapy , featuring hand-painted white snowflakes and stripes on a creamy nude base.
have a look: Use a saturated white polish like Cirque Colors Carpe Diem ($13) and a detailed brush to paint in snowflakes and streaks. If hand drawing isn’t your thing, opt for these snowflake nail art stickers ($4).
9. Amber Mood
Kandalec predicts amber and colored gemstones to be another winter nail trend for the coming winter, and @nailsbyfrikiki hits the nail on the head (pun intended) with this look. Translucent amber artwork looks exactly like real amber, the ultimate fusion of three-dimensionality and style.
have a look: Opt for an amber-colored magnetic polish like ILNP Amber ($13) to get a similar look without having to paint over the details.
10. Magnetic flash
If you want to mix up your nail textures this winter, cat-eye, velvet or magnetic polishes are perfect, says Kandalek. this mesmerizing look @setsby.lex Perfect for New Year’s or any special occasion during the winter.
have a look: Choose a champagne magnetic polish such as ILNP Cashmere ($13) Check it out.
11. Winter flowers
Huber-Millet says: “Winter floral patterns are perfect for those who want a chic, eye-catching design paired with chrome finishes or metallic embellishments. This trend blends vintage charm with modern style.” Here’s Why We Love @ This winter floral look from embrace.nails pairs eye-catching pink chrome with deep pink floral details.
have a look: Essie Special Effects Polish in Gilded Galaxy ($13) is ideal for an icy foundation, while Zoya Allison ($12) is perfect for florals.
12. Freezing Tips
Kandalec says nails with frosted details will be out of fashion this winter, and this nail polish set from @_spencerhk is proof. Metallic silver glitter tips complement painted snowflakes and stars for a look that’s both festive and elegant; perfect for pairing with a thick sweater on a cold December day.
have a look: Apply a neutral pink polish as your base, then use a sponge to apply a shimmery silver polish, like Dazzle Dry Diamond ($22), to the tips of your nails. Complete the look with snowflake and star nail stickers, like the ones in this 6-sheet Nail Sticker Art Set ($6).
13. Cat eye nails
Another reflective, magnetically inspired look, this velvety shimmery forest green manicure @amberjhnails High on our list of winter nail art inspiration—it’s dimensional, elegant, and fun.
have a look: Magnetic forest green or sparkly polish like ILNP good luck ($10) or Zoya Merida ($12) is perfect for recreating the look.
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