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It’s that time of year again — winter is upon us. And there’s no better accessory to pair with your new chunky knit than a chic, mod mani peeking out from your sleeves. Though we’ll take any excuse to get our nails done, painting nails with a polish also serves a purpose: When it comes to nails in the winter, it’s actually better not to go bare.
"Nails tend to peel and crack more in the winter, so wearing polish actually helps guard them from the conditions," says Marcy L. Street, M.D., founder and medical director of Doctor’s Approach Dermatology in Okemos, MI. Of course, don’t forget to take care of your cuticles and hands: Stash a hand cream with thick emollients in your purse or at your desk to smooth on throughout the day.
But wearing nail polish isn’t just a preventative measure in the winter. It’s also a fun way to show off your personality and embrace current trends. "Winter is the time for darker, warmer colors. Warm reddish browns are very popular right now," says Eunice Park, Research and Development Manager from Aprés Nail. "Burgundy is also a classic winter color you can’t go wrong with." And with more than 20.1 million views on TikTok, the emerging peekaboo nail trend is also set to take off this winter (the trend was also seen during New York Fashion Week). "The peekaboo look has one color/design on the bottom of the nail and another color/design on the top," Park adds.
Ahead, check out these luxe lacquers to keep your nails in tip-top shape and on trend. Whether you’re searching for winter nail colors for dark skin, fair skin or anything in between, here are the best nail polish colors for winter.
Our top picks:
- 1
Taupe Gray
Essie Nail Lacquer in Easily Suede
$12 at Amazon$12 at AmazonRead more
- 2
Evergreen
OPI Nail Lacquer in Things I’ve Seen in Aber-green
$11 at Amazon$11 at AmazonRead more
- 3
Metallic Blue
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel The School for Good and Evil in The Storian
$11 at Ulta Beauty$11 at Ulta BeautyRead more
- 4
Terracotta
Orly Nail Polish in Sunkissed
$7 at Amazon$7 at AmazonRead more
- 5
Rich Merlot
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Can’t Beet Royalty
$7 at Amazon$7 at AmazonRead more
Show more
Looking for more ways to keep your fingertips in top shape this winter? Check out our guides to the best cuticle oils and festive holiday nail art ideas.
1Taupe Gray
Essie Nail Lacquer in Easily Suede
1Taupe Gray
Essie Nail Lacquer in Easily Suede
$12 at AmazonCredit: Essie
A fresh neutral is a seasonal staple: Like a classic cashmere pullover, you can never go wrong with a stunning taupe. This GH Beauty Lab test winner transitions well from fall to winter, matching any cozy sweater.
2Evergreen
OPI Nail Lacquer in Things I’ve Seen in Aber-green
2Evergreen
OPI Nail Lacquer in Things I’ve Seen in Aber-green
$11 at Amazon$9 at Walmart$11 at Ulta BeautyCredit: OPI
If a daring, dark hue is your go-to, we suggest making a glimmering statement in green this season with an elegant, earthy shade from this GH Beauty Lab test-winning OPI lacquer. It’ll match the wintry pine trees perfectly!
3Metallic Blue
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel The School for Good and Evil in The Storian
3Metallic Blue
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel The School for Good and Evil in The Storian
$11 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Sally Hansen
An icy, shimmery blue is perfect for a day of ice skating or any winter activity. "I’m currently loving metallics for winter," says licensed manicurist Hannah Lee. "If you want to go for an ice queen aesthetic, a metallic blue or silver fits perfectly." Try this shade from GH Beauty Award winner Sally Hansen Miracle Gel.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Terracotta
Orly Nail Polish in Sunkissed
4Terracotta
Orly Nail Polish in Sunkissed
Now 35% Off$7 at Amazon$10 at WalmartCredit: Orly
Both Park and Lee note that warm terracotta shades are in right now. The rich reddish brown is a great transition color from fall to winter and is reminiscent of warm desserts (think pie, caramel and more!).
5Rich Merlot
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Can’t Beet Royalty
5Rich Merlot
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Can’t Beet Royalty
Now 39% Off$7 at Amazon$7 at Walmart$10 at JCPenneyCredit: Sally Hansen
The perfect pairing to chilly weather? A glass of red wine. Have a glass or let it inspire your winter nail color (or both!). The velvety smooth finish of this merlot red shade will look great for the whole winter season.
6Rustic Rose
essie Nail Polish in Rocky Rose
6Rustic Rose
essie Nail Polish in Rocky Rose
Now 31% Off$7 at Amazon$17 at Walmart$10 at Ulta BeautyCredit: essie
Just like a rose flower, a traditional warm red shade never goes out of season. Liven up the gray, gloomy days of winter with this glossy red-orange polish. These warm reddish shades are in this season and another great transition shade from fall to winter.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Deep Crimson
NAILS INC. Plant Power Nail Polish in Swear By Salutation
7Deep Crimson
NAILS INC. Plant Power Nail Polish in Swear By Salutation
$10 at SephoraCredit: Nails Inc.
Vampy oxblood is a moody color to swipe on when the days start getting shorter. Similar to a cranberry color, it’s perfect for the holiday season. Plus, this plant-based formula is something you can feel good about having on your nails.
8Champagne Gold
OPI Nail Lacquer in Fall-ing for Milan
8Champagne Gold
OPI Nail Lacquer in Fall-ing for Milan
$12 at Amazon$9 at WalmartCredit: OPI
No matter what NYE will look like this year, you can bring the party with you thanks to gilded nails. This sandy gold looks good on any skin tone, and even better with a glass of your favorite champagne or sparkling wine in hand.
9Striking Silver
Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Nail Enamel in Silky Negligee
9Striking Silver
Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Nail Enamel in Silky Negligee
$10 at Amazon$8 at WalmartCredit: Revlon
Make a statement at all your holiday festivities with this glimmering metallic silver polish that reminds us of a shining holiday ornament or a NYE disco ball. This festive shade will match any outfit, taking you from day to night.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Sheer Peony
essie Nail Lacquer in Ballet Slippers
10Sheer Peony
essie Nail Lacquer in Ballet Slippers
Now 12% Off$9 at Amazon$9 at Walmart$10 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Essie
Essie’s iconic sheer blush shade is always a good option, but especially this winter, when sheer nudes and pinks will continue to reign. Paint on a few coats for a more opaque finish, if that’s more your style.
11Twilight Purple
OPI Nail Lacquer in Leonardo’s Model Color
11Twilight Purple
OPI Nail Lacquer in Leonardo’s Model Color
$12 at Amazon$9 at Walmart$11 at Ulta BeautyCredit: OPI
Perfect for the holiday season, this twinkly purple hue is gorgeous for any occasion. Deep jewel tones like this one are in right now. This polish exudes moody, cozy vibes ideal for anything from a quiet night in or a sparkly fun-filled night out.
12Subtle Blush
butter LONDON Nail Lacquer in Royal Appointment
12Subtle Blush
butter LONDON Nail Lacquer in Royal Appointment
$18 at Amazon$13 at Walmart$18 at Macy’sCredit: Butter London
A beauty truth: you can never go wrong with soft, subtle pink nails. During a busy holiday season, the benefit of having a manicure that matches anything cannot be understated. Plus, Butter London’s Patent Shine 10x formula lives up to its name, giving nails salon-worthy shine.
