11 Nail Polish Colors to Get You Through Winter
These shades are just as chill as the weather.
Having to go out when it's so cold that I'll need a couple of layers under my parka is not my idea of a good time.
Instead, I prefer to spend winter at home, wrapped in a blanket and on my couch like a warm, toasty burrito. And my cold weather staying-in routine involves trashy reality shows, Seamless orders, and a ton of DIY manicures.
It might be cozy in my apartment, but throughout winter my nail polish choices are like the weather: chill. Those neons and pastels I wore during summer and into fall suddenly don't feel right anymore, so I rotate between a handful of deep jewel tones and rich seasonal shades. And sometimes, I throw a little bit of glitter in for good measure.
On top of dusting off my favorite seasonal shades, I turned to celebrity nail artists to find out what manicure colors are trending this winter.
From rusty red wine to chrome, and every dark shade in-between, keep reading for the 10 best nail polish colors to wear for winter 2022.
Jessie Monroe Nail Polish in It's A Wrap
"This polish gives you the look and feel of chrome without the mess," says Mimi D., editorial manicurist and nail artist. "The silver metallic pairs well with the season's main holiday colors: white, black, red, green, and blue. It would look amazing as a full manicure or just on the tips for a fun French manicure."
To shop: $10; jessiemonroenailcare.com
Sundays Studio in No.41
"With crisp dry air and cooler temperature people will try for more dark and striking colors that are endlessly cool and will look great against contrasted warm fuzzy sweaters," Amy Lin, founder of sundays studio shares. "I recommend No.41, which is a midnight blue. When you wear a majestic shade of blue throughout the winter, you feel more prepared for any unexpected change of weather."
To shop: $18; dearsundays.com
OPI Infinite Shine Long-Wear Lacquer in Under The Kilt
It's impossible not to feel festive when you have a red shimmer polish on your nails. For all of your holiday functions (Zoom or IRL), we present you with this sparkly ruby OPI gel-finish formula.
To shop: $13; ulta.com
Ella+Mila Elite Nail Polish in Sunset Escape
Celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik predicts earthy tones, like this spicy orange, will be "on the ticket" for winter. Along with a longwear polish, it's important to use the right tools while DIYing a manicure at home.
"My kit from Tweezerman includes all the tools I use on my clients to create a beautiful manicure and pedicure," he adds. "It's everything you need to do it at home or take to the salon for the added security in that your tools have only been used on you."
To shop: $11; amazon.com
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Rose & Shine
Level up a neutral manicure with a creamy pink polish. This muted rose Sally Hansen shade has a longwear formula that stays chip-free for up to eight days — just like a gel manicure from your favorite salon.
To buy: $7; amazon.com
Static Nails Liquid Glass Lacquer in Black Magic
Yep, black nail polish can be festive when its infused with tiny flecks of glitter. Another reason to celebrate: Static Nail's polishes are cruelty-free, vegan, and contain antioxidants to promote nail health. They also still look fresh 10 days after you've painted your nails.
To shop: $16; staticnails.com
Essie Nail Polish in Bed Rock & Roll
Brick red is another earth tone Bachik calls out as a winter trend. This creamy shade has hints of a warm brown undertone. Think of it as a remix to your go-to cherry red polish.
To shop: $9; ulta.com
Sundays Studio in No.21
"Warmed by gray undertones, you can dress this grape purple both up and down," Lin says of this purple grape shade. "You can created a beautiful and sophisticated look with this color that pairs beautifully with a winter evening dress or even a more cozy chunky knit."
To shop: $18; dearsundays.com
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Harmony
Green is one of 2021's biggest nail polish trends, and the color is still going strong into winter. Instead of neon, switch things up with a cool-toned emerald green.
To buy: $28; chanel.com
OPI GelColor in Optical Nailusion
"This shade screams winter because it reminds me of fresh snow. The Iridescent glitter is perfect for any winter day," says Mimi D. "Even if it isn't snowing where you live. You're still able to give your fingertips that frosty glow."
To shop: $18; beyondpolish.com
Sundays Studio in S.01
"As the festivities of holiday draw close, people will be looking to add a little sparkle to their Winter outfits," says Lin. "A timeless rose-gold is always chic and when the weather is gloomy outside an added shimmer can give you a feeling of warmth and energy in your day."
To shop: $18; dearsundays.com