1

Multichrome, Magnetic Nail Colors

Cirque Colors Dream Within A Dream Nail Polish

A multichrome nail look is where "cold girl aesthetic" meets 2000s Y2K futurism. This polish from Cirque Colors has a deep navy-blue base but shifts magenta, amber, and green once you wave Cirque’s magnetic wand over your nails to activate the magnetic pigments and create a multi-color effect (see it in action here). It makes a major statement, thanks to all the depth and dimension, which is a great way to bring a lil glitz and glamour to your nails after the holiday season is over without going full NYE again.

2

Matte Black Nails for Winter

Chanel Boy de Chanel Nail Color in 404 Black

Add some edge to a black manicure by finishing it off with a matte top coat (try OPI Matte Top Coat, or we also love Boy de Chanel in 404 Black, seen here, which doesn’t require two steps—score). This look feels bold and ~chic~ but with a grunge twist. And it goes with practically everything, especially when paired with other black accessories you may pull out this season.

3

Plum Nail Color for Winter

Sephora Collection Color Hit Mini Nail Polish L203 Dream Escapade

Now 40% Off

The berry hue feels a lil sultry and gloomy, but has a touch of sweet, brightness to give you a hint of what’s to come in a few months. I know it takes more time, but don't forget to layer on a third coat of this before topping it off with a shiny top coat to make the color even more opaque and deep.

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4

Winter White Nails

Jinsoon Absolute White

Jinsoon Absolute White will put you in the mood to channel your inner ice princess, especially because it’s so opaque (legit, I just layer on two coats, and I’m good to go—no streaks or sheerness here). It’s also the perfect blank canvas for winter nail art, like swirling icy shapes, frozen ice cubes, and snowflakes that will bring a winter wonderland vibe to your mani. "The winter season is going to be all about embracing nail art,” says nail artist Lia Smith. “Whether it's one accent nail or a design on all 10 fingers, fun and festive nails are showing up, like negative-space looks, French tips, and colorful swirls.”

5

Velvet Purple Winter Nail Color

Olive and June Lilac Shimmer

Last year’s top trending nail color was purple, says celeb nail artist Galdina Jimenez, adding that pearl and shimmer finishes give the popular hue a glamorous upgrade. My favorite take on purple for this winter? This metallic shade that looks like velvet. Paint on two coats, then seal with an ultra-shiny top coat to bring out all the sheen.

6

Steel-Blue Winter Nail Color

OPI Nature Strong Vegan Nail Polish in Force of Nailture

This steel-blue polish feels just a bit grunge thanks to its muted gray tones, making it perf for anyone who wants their mani to have an edge this winter. Also cool: The all-natural nail polish is nine-free and made with plant-based ingredients, so it’s actually good for your nails.

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7

Creamy Nude Nails for Winter

Mischo Beauty Bebe

I’m in loooove with this creamy nude nail polish. It’s for anyone who wants a neutral nail but doesn’t want a shade that’s too brown or pink. “These shades look great on their own, but they’ll be requested as a twist on a French manicure this winter,” says Jimenez.

8

Metallic Silver for Winter

La Pierre Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in ?Y

This chrome nail color from La Pierre basically screams this winter's biggest trend. Jimenez says these reflective shades are extremely popular in 2024, especially when used as an accent nail or paired on top of other shades for a shiny finish. Whichever way you wear yours, though, make it even more monochrome by loading on your silver rings.

9

Winter Wonderland Polish for Winter

Beauty Pie Wondercolour

When I look at this *fabulous* shade of shimmery, glittery, iridescent color, I legit think of a winter wonderland. This is a sheer shade, so use it if you want a little extra sheen on your nails or as a topper on any color.

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10

Navy Nails for Winter

NAILS.INC Plant Power Plant Based Vegan Nail Polish

Navy nails in winter? Groundbreaking, of course. Yes, it’s an obvious choice for a dark, cool-toned manicure, but that’s also why it’s so good, especially in this formula from Nails Inc., which is 21-free (!) and lasts a full 10 days without major chips.

11

Holographic Shimmer Winter Nails

ILNP Ultra Holographic Nail Polish in Mega

Every nail artist I talk to says the Hailey Bieber glazed-donut nail trend is *still* the most-asked-for nail color at the moment, even almost a year later. But if you want to make yours a bit ~fresher~, go with a silver holographic polish instead of a shimmery white. All the rainbow shimmers throughout this polish feel special, whether you’re wearing it during the holiday season or just to get through the winter blues.

12

Wine Winter Nail Colors

OPI Nail Lacquer in Malaga Wine

If you’re opting for red wine in your glass once the temps drop, you might as well ask for it on your nails, too. Try this cult-classic shade from OPI, which is a favorite of Smith’s every winter because its purple undertone shows through on all skin tones, giving it a clean, crisp edge.

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13

Gray Nail Colors for Winter

Mineral Fusion Nail Polish in Clean Slate

Want to upgrade your neutral nail polish for winter? Try a creamy gray, like this one from Mineral Fusion that applies fully opaque in two coats (srsly). And if you prefer a cleaner nail polish, you’ll love that this brand is 10-free.

14

Gold Nails for Winter

Essie Good As Gold

Not into the super bright chrome winter nails? NBD. You can still get in on the metallic winter nail trend with this shimmery-gold polish from Essie It has finely milled, light-reflecting pigments that’ll make your mani sparkle, even on sunless winter days.

Meet the experts:

• Lia Smith is a nail artist and the manager of education at OPI North America.
• Galdina Jimenez is a celebrity nail artist at Nailuscious Studio in Oceanside, CA. She is also the education manager and capability at OPI North America.

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Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?

Neimra Coulibaly is a beauty contributor at Cosmopolitan where she writes about hair, nails, makeup, and skin. She's an expert in all things nail colors, especially winter nail colors, after researching on Pinterest and Instagram for hours over the years to plan her own festive nail designs.

Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with four years of experience researching, writing, and editing nail stories that range from fall nail colors to manicure sets. She’s an authority in all nail categories, but is an expert when it comes to winter nail colors after interviewing top nail artists.

Neimra Coulibaly is an associate programmatic manager at Hearst Magazines and is a contributor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers the world of beauty. Before Cosmo, she wrote for Kulture Club and Skintellect. She is a self-proclaimed beauty enthusiast and can be found scrolling through beauty TikTok or watching the latest beauty industry deep dives on YouTube. Follow her on Instagram to get a peek into her views on all things beauty, lifestyle, and pop culture.

Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months. 

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