With the winter solstice nearing, I can’t help but imagine what I want to paint my nails like. Would I prefer the dark blue hues of the evenings sky during winter, or the soft pastels of a frost kissed morning? With nails trends for 2025, there is a unique combination of classic styles paired with fun tweaks, like satin bows dipped in dark chocolate. I relish in that balance. I personally find joy in the little things, especially when I can curl my hands around a warm drink or when I glide my fingers into soft, trendy gloves. With that said, what would you like to paint your nails with during winter this year?
Molten Chrome Accents
This design is like liquid metal meeting the soft light of early winter. The elongated almond shape is dramatic, especially with rose-gold chrome dripping across the base of blush pink and milky white. The metallic flows in a rebellious manner. It is modern because it’s not in a pattern. To me, this is a statement piece. It is almost jewelry-like. That is ideal for holiday parties, where you wish your nails did all the talking.
I would reach for the chrome powder Daily Charme’s Rose Chrome and a gel base, along with OPI’s “Funny Bunny” or “Bubble Bath” for the perfect base. Along with this, a precision brush is required for the streaks of flowing metallic. It is important to “spill” the chrome in an organic manner, not drawing strict lines.
It’s interesting how Betina Goldsten and many other celebrity nail artists have explained that metallic shades feel more luxurious when paired with something neutral and more muted. I can certainly understand that. Too much shine can feel heavy and soft white and soft pink can feel like it boosts the overall design. Would you be brave enough to wear these to the office or would you save them just for nights out?
For me, molten designs like this make me think of the holidays when I layer delicate gold jewelry over chunky sweaters. It has the same warm and edgy nostalgia and I often think, this is how nails could be, where art is not overly complicated.
Green and Silver
Muted greens like this in late fall are refreshing and it’s as if they bridge the earthy tones of the autumn leaves with the cool steel shades of winter. In this case, the mossy sage base and silver chrome half-tips create a futuristic twist on a classic French, not to mention that it is also not flashy. I find this look super wearable, but just enough out of the ordinary to earn a second look.
If I were going to try this at home, I would use Essie “Win Me Over” as the muted green, and I’d pair it with some silver foil powder or CNDs “Silver Chrome” gel. The key is keeping the curve between green and silver clean so some nail tape or stickers will help if you don’t have a steady hand.
I remember once reading in Allure that the mixing of metallics with earthy tones reflects “nature colliding with technology” and that is the vibe, it is very much grounded, but with sleek digital edge.
I personally love this the most because it works on shorter, and medium lengths so I don’t have to commit to long stiletto nails. Some times, even more practical nails with a twist feel even more chic.
Modern Neutrals With a Spark
While not originally a fan of neutral manicures, autumn’s arrival changed my perspective a little. They seem to come back less monotonous, perhaps due to my adding some metallic rose glitters, which liven them up a tad. Tones of taupe and mauve together are a great focal point and easily flow from nail to nail, encapsulated with the rose gold glitters of the accent nail. This design captures such a nostalgic timeless aspect, and serves those who are seeking nail designs classically elegant, up to date and everyone who wishes to stand out from the crowd with luxurious designs rather than a boring thin outline of the barely there nail polish and nail care.
For this, I would grab the OPI polish, “Taupe-less Beach,” or Zoya polish, “Jill,” both great for nude polish,” and I would reach for the gel polish pen from Smith & Cult, “Shattered Souls,” and layer one thin coat of rose gold glitters onto the accent nail. I love the Zoya rainbow collection; Zoya has excellent neutral shades for gel lovers such as those amazing neutral polish shades for a gel manicure, Gelish does exceptional.
Nail artist, Tom Bachik, who has worked on the neutral nail looks on the one and only, JLo has said about neutral nail designs with a minimal touch of glitter: “It’s the little black dress of manicures.” I totally agree with the guys you can wear them anywhere and can change the outfit around them.”
Fiery Autumn Tips
Orange is not a color that is only reserved for summer. It takes on a new level of sophistication during late fall. In this case, glossy burnt-rise orange is softened with transparent bases and sprinkled with glittering sparkle at the tips. It is the kind of design that is daring yet sophisticated, resembling the last breathtaking glamor of leaves before the summer leaves. It’s perfect for the season’s chilly warm-toned sweaters. I love it.
You can use a bright orange gel, such as OPI “A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find,” and layer with orange glitter tips for the perfect look. Then, use a sponge dab technique to create an ombre effect with the glitter.
Jin Soon, a nail specialist, stated that bright colors in the fall help to keep our energy levels up during these gray days. I think she’s right! These nails definitely help to lift my mood on dark, cloudy day.Slipping into orange tips is like capturing just a bit of fall for me. The tips of my fingers bring to mind pumpkin warmers, cool strolls in the parks, and the warm orange glow of the setting sun.
Matte Chocolate Elegance
Slipping into dark and rich brown, feels like capturing the entrance of winter. The moment thick, warm cotton colored clouds start to blanket the sun and a slight chill grips the warm breeze like a light shawl, the winter wardrobe is pulled out for the first time, the never ending season of layering is upon us, and this cozy cup of warm brown liquid is a the best accessory. This also reminds me of the wide ribbed, knitted snoods that keep the chill at bay, a dark peek of a moody, chilly winter sky crisscrossed by the hei hei of the clouds.
To achieve this, just about anything chocolate brown comes to mind, like chanel’s particulaire, ooh la la, or opi’s, you don’t know Jacques, Oh but the magic matte coat by Essie, I Matte about you, steals the show every time by bringing focus to the shape. If you do it right, the design and the shape of the nails are a final touch down on the episode of cozy you wish to achieve that day.
I came across a feature in Vogue once that I have kept close to my heart ever since. Chocolate nails are the new red, and ever since that day I have envisioned the warm magic of that sip. So powerful, yet subtle, which makes it perfect for any occasion, be it a casual afternoon tea with the girls or a cold business meeting, you are right on the warm cozy orange magic that nails are meant to be.
Every time I put on a pair of brown, matte shoes, I get the impression that I am briskly walking into a classy coffee shop on the gloomy side of New York City. There is some sense of comfort, style, and peace that is there, almost as if a person is putting on a pair of cozy, knitted gloves.
Burnished Copper Glow
This design captures the essence of the sun setting in late autumn. Deep colored, burnished copper reflects the light in an elongated stiletto shape, glimmering like molten copper embers. It shifts gracefully in the light while also standing on its own without additional shades. Beauty like this comes from the balance of warmth, fire, and elegance which brings the essence of a living color. For me, this style has an undeniable wow factor without a single extra embellishment. A powerful shade like this can still pack a punch.
To replicate the look, I’d choose a cat-eye gel polish in copper from brands like Madam Glam or Born Pretty. The wand is the secret. The highly magnetized wand will create the illusion of light depth and illumination with the centered nail design. Closing with a glossy top coat creates a polish look and highlights the shimmer.
As Julie Kandalec, a famous manicure artist, has often noted, jewel and metallic tones during the colder months serve as a statement accessory. ‘These nails are equally perfect with a chunky knitted sweater, as with a silk evening dress.’
These manicured nails reflect ‘confidence bottled into a color.’ In the days of biting cold and shortened daylight, fire on your fingertips where only you know, is the perfect. It is contradictory in the most glorious way.
Teal and Gold Leaf Elegance
While rich teal is often an unexpected colour for the duration of fall and beginning of winter, in winter, it is a different story. When paired with metallic gold accents, it is downright luxurious and seasonal. This manicure mixes how a short, rounded teal polish with gold leaf accents, resembles strokes of wild nature. It is strong and delicate, making it a perfect candidate as a centerpiece to set the house from the rub and tumble. Since the combination of matte and metallic always overwhelm a something, artistically designed nails are a rarity in the season.
To do this I would first apply Essie “Go Overboard” and finish it with a matte coat to nerf the shine. The gold accent can be created with a fine brush and some paint or with gold transfer foils. You can also use gold leaf sheets and apply some gel top coat to create that organic gleam and shine finish.
Metallic details are gaining a lot of attention lately and are said to be some of the top nail-trends for 2025 since they are super bold and contrast really well with a lot of solid nail colors. This manicure embodies that idea where one feels luxurious and beautiful without being too flashy.
In my opinion the gold-metallic and teal combination of colors speaks to the holidays but it’s more chic than the usual red and green color schemes. This is a modern and bold design that I would consider for a client that wants to stand out without being too attention-seeking.
Plum Blossoms
While dark plum tones in the winter months are considered classic, this design modernizes the style through the addition of hand-painted white and yellow blossoms on one of the accent nails. The polished look maintains the manicure in a polished appearance, but the gloss adds a playful touch through the artist. This manicure seems to suggest that, even in the bleakest of winters, there is still the possibility of delicate beauty. The look is so playful yet so calming at the same time.
To achieve this look, I’d recommend using “Lincoln Park After Dark” from OPI or “Margo” from Zoya for the base. Acrylic paints or gel paints and a fine nail art brush are best suited for the flower embellishments, and to keep the art crisp, adding a top coat is usually the best way to go.
In Byrdie I read that, with winter, floral accents are a “whisper of spring on your hands”, and that is the exact feeling I get. It’s a soft protest to the season’s heavy hues.
In my opinion, this is a hybrid design that captures the versatility of being polished for the office or playful for the weekend. It’s the best of both worlds.
Glitter Gradation from Cuticle of Neutrals
The design above captures warmth and fun beautifully. Coffee-brown nails meld with neutral bases embellished with varying sizes of glitter that fade from the cuticle. The complementing cool-brown tones and bright glitter work well together. This is the type of nails I would wear when I wish to look sophisticated and lively at the same time.
To achieve this look I would recommend OPI’s Espresso Your Inner Self with accent nails topped with either loose glitter or a chunky glitter polish like China Glaze’s Fairy Dust. The glitter is sponged from cuticle to create a perfect fade.
As Tom Bachik once said about nail designs “One of the ways to keep nails interesting is to mix textures” and this design above is a perfect example of that: balanced glitter and solid polish together.
To me, the nails above give the same vibe as a sequined accessory layered with basic cozy pieces: a blend of grounded and festive that is appropriate for both casual days and special evenings.
Rose Motif with Golden Touch
The base for this romantic design is a burgundy matte polish combination with creamy white accents. The highlight of the design is the deep red rose motifs with touches of framing in metallic gold. The piece is rich, feminine, and artistic. It is a sure artistic wearable art. I view this as the perfect” holiday romance” vibe as the combination of matte with shine gives it that deep and dimensional look, with the floral elements adding the of softness.
I would pair the OPI burgundy matte with the Malaguasw for the white gel base, and gold foil for the Rose nails. The rose images may be used with stamping plates or may be organic with the freehand effect for a more natural look. The burgundy nails with the glossy gold are in sharp contrast with the matte top coat ensuring the focal point is on the masterpiece.
According to Harpers Bazaar, the 2025s highly anticipated beauty trend is florals combined with jewel tones, a perfect edge of striking romance. This manicure fits right into that narrative!In my opinion, nails are poetry. Screams velvet gown, festive family meals, and wax candles. I’m sure this is the kind of manicure that brightens my day when I see it in the mirror.
Midnight Blue Sparkle
This deep matte navy with silver glitter captures the spirit of frosty nights perfectly. These nails features a pair of bold, plush blue nails with glitter accent nails that glimmer like freshly fallen snow in the moon. This creates a visual that is simultaneously powerful and enchanting, reminiscent of winter nights bundled up in a chic wool coat.
To get this look, I’d suggest Zoya’s “Ryan” for the navy blue base, and a loose silver glitter encapsulated under a gel top coat for the shine. The navy polish accentuated with the glitter polish creates bold eye-captivating nails.
As per Harper’s Bazaar, jewel tones like sapphire developed in late 2025, particularly in combination with shimmer. This is a powerful trend and this design certainly embodies it while maintaining a timeless quality.
For me, I feel like I can carry the holiday sparkle with me wherever I go. These nails are powerful pieces of accessories that exude the charm of Christmas, especially the first sighting of the twinkling lights on a frigid evening.
Molten Bronze Chrome
Chrome nails continue to be one of the favorite trends but the molten bronze chrome nails are perfect for the transition between fall and winter. The polish hugs the nails and glistens like a mirror, reflecting light in every direction. It’s simple in design but complex in impact, making nails the new statement piece. For people who like to go out but do not want to use glitter, this molten bronze chrome is a perfect option.
This look is particularly unique because it requires a base coat polish and a no-wipe gel liner. The bronze chrome powder chrome powder like the ones from Daily Charme and OPI’s metallic gel is perfect. The powder will give molten finish. Sealing with a top glossy coat will guarantee a long-lasting finish.
According to nail artist Mei Kawajiri, chrome nails are “jewelry for your fingertips,” which I completely agree with. The bronze twist makes this manicure suitable for the winter months because it adds more luxurious touch.
Like I have mentioned, bronze colored nails go very well with knits and gold. It matches the winter festive dinners and the evenings out during this season. It adds a very unique and sophisticated look, perfect for the season.
Smoky Marble Waves
To begin with, the darker charcoal tones on the nails provide a more muted, sophisticated vibe, but one accent nail features a more vivid marbled swirl boasting a darker blue, tan, and beige hue. The pattern has a mesmerizing quality, evoking images of ethereal waves or smoke drifting over the winter sky. It’s polished with a hint of creativity, and I think it is a gorgeous option for those who love neutral colors but want something more.
The best option for this look is a deep matte grey polish like Essie’s “Chinchilly” glossed over with a matte top coat. The marble effect is either achieved with a fine detail brush or by utilizing the water marble technique through the accent nail with beige and navy.
Allure has stated that nails with a marbled effect can easily and effortlessly incorporate nail art into one’s more casual looks, and this design proves it. The design is simple but eloquently done that it can be used for a variety of settings and attire.
Whenever I put on nails like this, I feel both classy and comfortable. It’s the kind of nail look that goes perfectly with a cozy sweater and a fitted coat—fashionable yet practical.
Blue Velvet Stripes
I love the way Navy gets brought to life with the addition of glossy vertical stripes on the accent nails. The metallic gold lines adds sophistication to the design. The wonderful combination of lilac tones lies beneath the deep blue matte which increases the contrast. The design is very pretty, and reminds me of the beautiful crafted editorials of winter.
To recreate this design, the soft lavender accent can be applied with Essie’s “Go Ginza. The “Russian Navy” from OPI is another great choice to create the matte blue nails. Thin metallic gold lines can be applied with a strip and tape to highlight and bring the nail design to life. The matte top aslour on the blue polish accentuates and enhances the velvet effect and the lilac polish is demure with a glossy finish.
Nail artist Betina Goldstein says “With minimal lines, a design can be elevated to create balance and structure” and this design perfectly exemplifies that.
I love this naked nail look. It is very elegant yet modern. Suitable for any occasion, it can be paired with any outfit and still maintain a level of grace.
Chrome Olive Drama
The Chrome Olive Drama stiletto nails have an allure that is equally striking, bold, and ostentatious. Its *olive* green flavor, paired with the edgy, metallic silver chrome, is modern and earthy. In addition, the soft, muted olive color makes the whole stiletto feel beautifully balanced. The color pairing is ideal. the manicure amazing, and the style edgy yet wearable. This style is flawless and exactly what that attention seeker wants.
I would suggest butterfingers beside olive green cream paired with silver chrome powders. Stiletto shapes enhance the chrome feel, and *almond* nails give a sophisticated, soft yet edgy style.
The nails from Vogue that celebrate chrome silver highlight it as one of the major return trends of the season. Along with earthy tones, it transcends cliche and achieves unique, modern polish.
Strength and style are perfectly blended in these nails. They are beautifully bold and *stiletto* chrome. You feel as if steel and moss collide in a brilliant, paradoxical intersection when the nails wrap around your fingers. You feel absolutely unbeatable when wearing nails that exude this much confidence.
Gloden Waves With Teal Elegance
The nail art I liked the most was the matte, sea-foam green base embellished with elegant, thick, gold stripes across the center of each nail. The gold stripes were a fun contrast to the teal base, giving it a sparkle of glam for the fun colored sparkly gold nail polish. The polish was glam without being over the top, which is a perfect balance of being perfectly classy. The moody teal base matched the festive feeling we all desire, especially as it gets closer to winter and the days feel a lot shorter.
The deep green and blue base of the polish is perfect with the gold stripes on top using either OPI “Stay Off the Lawn” and Essie “Go Overboard” for the base, then for the gold satin ribbons, any gold nail polish with a very thin nail art brush. I would suggest something like Orly “Glitz” or Foil Gel Paint. The matte top coat polish seals everything together and adds a velvety feeling to the nails, which makes is perfect for fall.
What I truly enjoy about creating golden accents such as these is the fact that they are quite easy if one is patient. One you have laid the matte teal polish, you simply trace freehand curves with the metallic polish and let the curves take on a life of thrir own. Celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein often states that asymmetry is a great form of character, and I understand that here – the waves don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.
I would personally wear this with chunky knits and thin gold pieces of jewelry. It is one of those styles that work well in November in a very warm café or in a holiday get together in December. I have always gotten so many compliments with the matte and metallic comb, and it is a very nice blend of bold and subtle.
Olive Green with Subtle Leaf Accent
Fall has a new shade of earthy green, and this olive toned manicure is a great example that you don’t have to be limited to just bunrgandy and pumpkin spice. This modern nail art features a soft khaki green polish and a warm creamy neutral polish with a embossed and lacquered leaf that is a very gentle reminder of the changing season. It is clean and modern, and with the winter setting in it is a perfect transition from the crisp autumn.
For the olive green base, I’d use either Essie “Win Me Over” or Zoya “Fern” and for the accent nail, I’d use something soft like OPI “Bubble bath” for the accent nail. The embossed leaf look can be done with 3D gel sculpting polish or if you don’t feel overly confident you can use stamping plates. The beauty in the design is the simplicity of it. Elegant effects do not need a drawer full of tools.
It’s that simple. Simply prep the nails, using green and nude, apply it in alternates to the fingers, and then create the gel raised leaf design. Nail pro Julie Kandalec often suggests you do thin layers for curing for embossed art. It helps keep the nail art crisp and prolongs the life without the worry of chipping.
This manicure reminds me of taking long walks in the late fall where all of the trees are bare but there’s muted leaves all over the ground. It’s not a loud design, but it’s beautiful in it’s own way. Sometimes that’s the type of mood we want our nails to show.
Romantic Burgundy with Floral Details
During late fall, nothing quite captures its beauty like a deep burgundy manicure. Not only does it push the boundaries of manicures, but it also pushes the boundaries of elegance with the 3D rose and gold accents. The bolstered richness and theatrics makes it reminiscent of luxe, candlelit evenings and velvet dresses. The contrast of the matte burgundy nails and intricate rose design creates the type of drama that captures a moment that feels like the runway.
If you’re looking for a deep burgundy shade, OPI’s Malaga Wine and Zoya’s Margo would match perfectly. The florals can be achieved using burgundy, white, and gold gel paints. The trick is patience, for curing 3D layered roses is worth it for the roses that you’re able to achieve.
This looks like a design that would start with long coffin-shaped extensions that slowly transform to a deep matte burgundy. Having 3 accent nails for the florals would perfectly balance the design. Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik once said nails can be jewelry in themselves. This design captures that essence, for rings are nearly unnecessary with the intricate manicure.Would I wear this every day? Probably not. But for the holiday season, for special dinners, for New Year’s Eve, I would definitely wear this. It’s a perfect way to finish the outfit because it’s a manicure that shouts, “I didn’t just show up. I arrived.”
Glitter Ombre in Crimson and Gold
The combination of rich red and sparkly gold is hottest. The stiletto nails with the tiered ombre and sparkly tips that glimmer when the light hits the nails and just screams energy makes this set perfection. This nails set is what the last month of the year is about and very pretty festive with an ultra chic sparkle.
I would totally use OPI’s “Got the Blues for Red” as the base of this set and add loose fine gold glitter. I would use ombre brushes for a flawless finish because the blending is so easy but even a makeup sponge can do the trick. So easy! This set can definitely do the job and can also transform your plain nails into nails that can be the centerpiece of the party!
The process is about layering: paint the red, dab the glitter starting at the tips, fade upwards for the gradient, then seal. As suggested by nail artists like Sarah Bland, thin coats when working with glitter will avoid bulk – and it really does improve the overall design.
I have worn glitter fades around the holidays more times than I can count, and I have to say they always feel like an instant cheer. There is something about that glimmering effect when the light hits the nails in the winter that really makes the day brighter – almost like a beautiful secret that the user gets to keep when they are up close.
Mocha Neutrals in Gradient Tones
The last thing is that the mocha shades layered over the almond-shaped nails is the very definition of a luxury trend. The blend of the beige, taupe and coffee colors is very soft yet modern and can really go with just about anything – be it a white cable knit sweater or a chic business blazer. It is simply the best form of a ‘I tried, but in reality, I didn’t’ manicure.
The colors are easy dupes to make using Essie’s “Clothing Optional,” OPI’s “Samoan Sand,” and Zoya’s “Spencer.” You don’t need fancy nail art tools to achieve a gradient effect. Glossy top coat makes the colors pop, and matte achieves a soft cozy finish.
In my opinion, this is the most balanced manicure ever. It feels perfect whether you are sipping a latte while taking a morning stroll or working vigorously at the computer, it fits into the daily routine effortlessly and feels great at the same time.
At times, I do feel that such shade of neutrals are the matte cashmere of the beauty world. It is classic, sophisticated, and you won’t feel sorry spending on it. And literally, this is what we need, that type of timelessness, when the fall we know disappears and snow appears.
Chocolate Marble with Glitter Accent
The blend of chocolate, caramel, and coffee with a touch of sparkle may grabe the fall indulgent feeling the most, and the accent with dazzling glitter takes this manicure vibe into the next dimension. Perfect balance of texture and gliz, while the earthy marbles are blended with the glittered accent. The long square shape enhances the dramatic effect, like a cozy sip of warm coffee on a winter morning. the color palette is warm and—slightly—joyous.
To recreate this, I would personally go with OPI’s “Espresso Your Inner Self,” Essie’s “Wicked Liquid,” and a rich metallic bronze glitter polish. The marbling can be done with detail outline brushes or through the classical dome clear polish drag technique. It’s classical with the glittered nail, any nail polish set would feel a bit plain, and full glitter nail captures the set with a little of overkill sparkle, which I like.
In my experience, the trick with marble is the blending – make sure to keep the swirl intact so that the contrast is visible. Most nail artists recommend keeping a very thin base coat of nude polish underneath to make the colors ‘glide’ and blend more easily. It takes some getting used to, but it is remarkably easy once you find the flow.
Every single time that I have put on a marbled set like this, it has always become a topic of discussion. There is a certain magnetism to people asking whether it is real stone, or just nail art, and that is the charm of it. Personally, it feels like I am wearing art on my hands and the warm chocolatey colors are a perfect balance for the cold months.
Espresso Gloss with a Golden Line
This design is flawlessly simple – a dark brown base with golden shimmer and a clean vertical metallic line in the middle. It feels like jewelry but in the most subdued way. Than topped with a delicate rhinestone accent. It is perfect for anyone who prefers neat and clean nails while avoiding excessive elaboration.
I would do a base of OPI “Lincoln Park After Dark” or Essie “Licorice” and add a gold or copper shimmer gel polish on top. A nail art brush to create the sleek line with gold polish. Some rhinestones and a glossy topcoat will polish off the nail. The topcoat is a must – it is essential and the polish makes the nail appear to be a shiny black stone.
This design is deceptively easy. Put on the metallic polish and use a curable layer of gel polish to adhere a rhinestone to the nail. This allows the gel polish to capture the nail towards the base. Nail techs like Chaun Legend often remind clients that a single gem may do more than a nail that is overcrowded with accessories. This design is proof to the nail community.
This is like slipping into your favorite boots and a long coat. You instantly feel put together. This is why I like the manicure. It is perfect to catch the light and to wear to work on normal days. The balance that it possesses is what makes it timeless.
Soft Neutrals with Rose Gold Leaves
Pale nude architectural nails juxtaposed with a rose gold detailed deep navy create a dreamy illusion. This aides with the illusion of autumn branches suspended in an striking metallic glaze. The interference of the rose gold with the blue glaze feels lunar and almost starlike.
My preferred choice are Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” which captivates a nude essence and OPI’s “Russian Navy” which contains the demure blue esthetic. The captivating essence in this design involves the illumination from any and every direction, how the metallic rose gold contrasts with the darkness of the base.
This can be done by simply stamping pre made leaf designs or painting them meticulously by hand on art brush paper. Either way, applying a little bit of gel polish on top for texture refinement gives a professional result. Many nail pros, like Jin Soon Choi, often remind us that metallic detailing works best when balanced with negative space and this set of nails nails that advice.
This is a type of manicure that makes me feel like I am clutching onto the last golden leaves of fall, and even when the trees outside are bare, I still feel this way. It is delicate, and beautiful and can be worn any time of the day.
Cosmic Gradient with Shattered Foil
Dark polish with a soft cosmic shimmer creates this beauty. The top nails have a gold to black gradient, with glitter on top, and the rest are deep black with glossy holographic foil randomly arranged. It’s as if you are carrying a piece of a winter celestial night with you, modern and intricately beautiful.
I recommend “Gold Rush” by ILNP for the gradient shimmer polish and “Black Onyx” by OPI for the solid base. Shattered pieces of foil can be purchased in nail art sets and easily picked up with tweezers. They can be daintly pressed onto the slightly tacky polish and then sealed with the topcoat. It’s uncomplicated, and yet, offers an incredibly dramatic result.
When creating the gradient, the trick is in the blending. Use a sponge, or an ombre brush, and dab the gold polish up to the black until gold flows seamlessly into it. For the foil nails, the placement does not have to be perfect. In fact, more random, as if stars as scattered in the sky, is better.
I feel like anything celestial gets a person a mood boost on those dark winter days. It’s dreamy, and yet, understated. Just the right fit for someone looking for something a little festive, but totally appropriate past the holiday party.
Teal and gold modern waves
To finish off, I picked a teal color for the manicure and undulating gold and nude accents, all while maintaining a polished look. These teal and gold accents look like a more dynamic version of the previous set, but the flowing waves really bring it to life thanks to the negative space. It’s chic, modern, and offers a really nice twist for the fall and winter.
In order to get the same look, I would recommend using the Teal polish called “CIA = Color is Awesome” by OPI, a soft nude like “Topless and Barefoot” by Essie and any metallic gold gel paint. A matte topcoat really transforms the teal into a velvety base while the gold not only stands out, but also adds a really nice balance to the design.
The method is not complicated and can easily be done in the comfort of your home. All you have to do is paint the teal and nude bases, cure, then freehand the gold curves using a thin brush. The negative space is also very forgiving since the nude accents can be your actual nail or any neutral polish underneath. As Betina Goldstein, a four time published nail artist, points out, combining matte and gloss adds a bit of dimension and this design really captures the essence of it.
I would definitely wear this when I feel the need for something new that is not a rehash of the dark winter nails. This is very different, a bit artistic, yet chic enough for a quick coffee run or an evening out.
