The Best Winter Nail Colours for 2024

What’s that? An excuse to hit the nail salon again? Oh, go on then.

With the temperatures dropping and baggy jumper season just on the horizon, we’ve felt inspired to give our mani’s a winter-themed makeover. It’s time to ditch the summer nail colors and welcome in a whole new palette of shades and styles.

After scouring Pinterest for the best winter nail ideas of 2021, we saw several themes. Below, we’ve rounded up our 18 favorite designs that fall into the six most popular styles:

• Glamour-infused grey
• Sparkle ‘n’ shimmer
• Icy blue
• Christmas tree green
• Midnight blue
• Ruby red

Whether you're looking for an understated, vampy look or something a little lighter, the world of Pinterest has you covered.

Glamour-infused grey:

This is arguably our favorite of the six themes. This seriously chic look can take many different forms and wears beautifully with most outfit ensembles. Pair it with glitter or team together with nude or navy tones for a look that is totally Insta-worthy.

1. Rise of the snowflakes

2. Fresh-snow sparkle

3. Mix & match

Get the look:

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint

$5.60Sold out

NCLA Beauty Nail Lacquer

$11.30 $20.70 (46% off)Sold out

Sparkle 'n' Shimmer:

The best thing about this style is how versatile you can be with it. Just after a little somethin’ somethin’ to jazz up your look? Glitter. Looking to highlight your ring finger? Glitter. Feeling to be a bit more extravagant than usual? Glitter (x4 layers).

Simply add a coat to the tips of your nails or go all out with multiple layers, although #5 and #6 will probably require a little extra help from your nail technician.

4. Simply sweet

5. Frosted tips

6. Glam galore

Get the look:

MAC Glitter Reflects

$21.00Sold out

Rimmel 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish

$5.89Sold out

Icy Blue:

Channel your inner Ice Queen with some Frozen-inspired nail art. Ranging from muted tones to duck-egg shades, this look is perfect for those that hate the ‘typical’ Christmas colors of red, gold and green.

Feeling extra creative? Why not try using a toothpick or a nail art brush to add a little snow-inspired design to your look!

7. Graphic snowflakes

8. Cold as ice

9. Winter wonderland

Get the look:

essie Original Nail Polish

$6.45Sold out

essie Expressie Quick Dry Formula Chip Resistant Nail Polish

$10.75Sold out

Christmas tree green:

It took us a while to warm up to the idea of green nail varnish, but emerald green varnish? Now, that’s something we can get on board with. These dark green hues add a fun yet vampy look to your nails whilst remaining universally flattering to all skin tones. Pair it with gold and you’re onto a winning look!

10. Chromatic chic

11. Gold ‘n’ green

12. Matte makeover

Get the look:

essie Gel Couture Matte Top Coat

$16.14Sold out

Midnight blue:

This classic look is a must-have for the party season due to its royal shade and gothic finish.

Working its magic on both paler and darker skin tones, midnight blue polish is a sure-fire way to complete any outfit in style. Wear it matte or glossy and add a top coat of glitter polish for that ‘starry sky’ look.

13. Shimmer infusion

14. Short & simple

15. Royal affair

Get the look:

essie High Voltage Nail Polish Collection

$10.75Sold out

Ruby red:

Okay, technically this can work as an autumn and winter color, which makes us love it even more. Ideal for the transitioning months, this warming yet sultry color can be worn in a multitude of ways. Keep it classic with a matte red finish or gloss the ends of your fingertips with a red-tipped French manicure. Oh, and #18 is possibly our favorite acrylic winter nails look ever (although, be careful not to take your own eye out with those bad boys!).

16. Candy Cane Lane

17. Dipped in red

18. Killer nails

Get the look:

essie Gel Couture

$16.14Sold out

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