Winter is a time of chilly nights in, coats and chunky boots, and hot chocolate galore. It’s also the season to go wild with your nail art.
From muted brown hues to intricate snowflakes and midnight skies, embrace the cold and get cosy while at the nail salon.
With spooky season firmly out the way (bye-bye Halloween designs) and Autumn passed (see ya orange, leafy looks), winter is officially here – and I’ve got 12 nail art ideas to see you through the season.
More on nails:
- NYE nails to ask for (or attempt yourself) ahead of the big night
- I’ve perfected the art of a DIY gel manicure and will never go to the salon again
- Forget glazed doughnut manicures, cat eye nails are the next big thing
Take a look at my favourites below, and prepare to screenshot them all for your next mani appt.
Cocoa chrome
This look combines two of our favourite nail trends from this year, chocolate and chrome, to create a high-shine manicure that looks good enough to eat.
Aura nails
If your Tiktok feed is full of manifestation videos, zodiac makeup looks and planet alignments, I have a feeling this look will be for you. Eliza columnist Laura Capon has identified aura nails as the nail art that’s going to be dominating manicures for 2023, and I see it in my future.
Cat eye nails
Mysterious and magnetic (literally), cat eye nails require a special type of magnetic polish to achieve this otherworldly velvet finish. I’m not to blame if you can’t get any work done because you’re too busy staring at your manicure, just sayin’…
Checkerboard smileys
As a traditionally bright and colourful trend, checkboard nails may not feel naturally suited to the colder months. But you can totally make the look work with more seasonal colours, not forgetting the cute smiley twist.
Winter snowflakes
There’s no time like winter to try out some cute snowflake designs, and this classic red and white one has my vote.
Festive sparkle
Can’t wait for Christmas? These super chic tips will have you in the festive mood, making them especially handy (no pun intended) for party season.
Sheer & glossy
This ultra stylish, glossy sheer manicure is peak sophistication and perfect if you’d prefer not too go all out with nail art.
Snake tips
Over leopard print? Giraffe is the new animal to covet at the nail salon. If you don’t fancy going all-over giraffe, opt for these more subtle tips.
Dark starry nights
Embrace those cold winter nights and shoot for the stars with this cute design, which is the ideal transition from Halloween into Christmas.
Mystical mani
With spooky season past us, it’s time to embrace the magic and mystery of astrology, instead.
Modern tort
This cool, modern take on tortoiseshell is the only way to do it this year. Keep it sheer and make sure the spots are small.
Magical metallics
This look is mismatched nails but for the winter season; keep it muted and wear with gold rings.
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