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The 10 Winter Nail Trends We Can't Wait to Wear
The glazed donut trend gets a holiday makeover.
Blink and you’ll miss it: 2022 is already wrapping up, and we’re looking ahead to winter nail ideas. Some of our favorite nail ideas of the year are represented—the newest iteration of the Glazed Donut mani and green polish, for instance—plus a few new ones that you may not have saved yet. To help prepare your nails for winter, we tapped Rachel Apfel Glass, founder of GLOSSLAB to share her predictions for the biggest winter nail trends, plus a few more we think will be taking over.
Brown Tones
Expect to see a lot of deep neutral shades. “Earthy brown tones are great for a cozy look, especially when transitioning from fall into winter,” says Glass.
Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer in Unapologetic Get the Look
Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer in Unapologetic Get the Look
This chocolatey color looks good enough to eat, and the formula features gel-like shine.
Radiant Red
“Red is my favorite winter color as it is a great way to spice up your neutral winter wardrobe,” says Glass.
Glosslab Nail Polish in OG Red Get the Look
Glosslab Nail Polish in OG Red Get the Look
For a true, classic red, Glass says this polish "always delivers."
Silver Chrome
“This is a trend that I see making it all the way into the new year,” says Glass of the sleek metallic. “It is perfect when you want to get into the holiday spirit in a unique way, and is a color I always get compliments on!”
Nailtopia Plant Based Nail Lacquer in Dynasty Get the Look
Nailtopia Plant Based Nail Lacquer in Dynasty Get the Look
The color may look futuristic, but the formula is 85 percent plant-based and infused with superfoods to strengthen nails.
Winter Whites
“What is chicer than white in the winter?” asks Glass. Go for a true white or a sheer shade to get in on the trend.
Orly Nail Vernis in Ceci N'est Pas Blanc Get the Look
Orly Nail Vernis in Ceci N'est Pas Blanc Get the Look
Afraid of looking like you’re wearing Wite-Out? A creamy eggshell shade like this one from Orly is a bit softer.
The New Glazed Donut
Glass predicts that the glazed donut mani “is definitely going to stick around.” That said, it will evolve: “Per Hailey Bieber's TikTok she has made her sheer pink mani turned grey-ish, and I bet that will be the next wave. Perhaps we can opt for greys, dark purples, or even moody reds to try,” she suggests.
Related: Hailey Bieber's Viral Glazed Donut Nails Got an Upgrade for Fall
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Special Effects Top Coat Get the Look
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Special Effects Top Coat Get the Look
Turn any mani into a glazed donut mani with this iridescent top coat from Sally Hansen.
Elegant Emerald
We’re willing to bet we won’t be the only ones bookmarking Selena Gomez’s shimmery green nails from the Emmys for our holiday nail appointments.
OPI Nail Lacquer in Rated Pea-G Get the Look
OPI Nail Lacquer in Rated Pea-G Get the Look
Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik used a mix of OPI gel colors for Gomez’s mani, but you can get a similar look with this polish.
Almond-Shaped Nails
“The shape is ultra flattering, whether you have short or long nail beds, and it sets the tone of your entire manicure,” explains Glass of almond-shaped tips, adding that “Round is always a classic but almond is a new twist with its more pointed tip.”
Glamnetic Nails in Stardust Get the Look
Glamnetic Nails in Stardust Get the Look
Acrylic or gel extensions will get you the almond look, or you can DIY them with a press-on manicure like these from Glamnetic.
The French Manicure
“I love a French manicure in the winter!” says Glass. And if you don’t want to do the traditional white, “You can use pretty much any color, and it is a great way to get that subtle pop in any shade you are in the mood for,” she says.
Nails.Inc French Mani Hack Nail Polish Set Get the Look
This handy kit contains two polishes, plus a silicone tool that will help you shape the perfect French tip.
Subtle Nail Art
Nail art isn’t going anywhere, of course, but you may see it, well, shrink. “A lot of our clients gravitate towards subtle designs such as a black heart or small dots on the ring finger,” explains Glass. “It's a fun way to play with nail art without it looking too overbearing.”
Ulta Beauty Collection Nail Gems You're Pearlfection Get the Look
Ulta Beauty Collection Nail Gems You're Pearlfection Get the Look
For the easiest nail designs ever, stick on these cute gems to your existing manicure.
Gilded Accent Nail
A metallic accent nail makes your mani feel all the more special for the holidays—or a random Tuesday.
WFAUIBR Gold Leaf Gilding Resin Flakes Get the Look
WFAUIBR Gold Leaf Gilding Resin Flakes Get the Look
A little crafty gold flake is best for this; simply apply a bit of clear polish or base coat, stick a few flakes on, and seal with top coat.
Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.
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