Nail Art Trends You Need to Try This Winter

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So, winter is a great time to just have a little fun with your nails. 

As the temperature decreases, our clothes become darker and warmer. 

Can our corresponding nails be as well? 

On the contrary, it is preferred to start applying the new nail art trends during winter when the days are cold but our nails pack a little shine into the cold days of winter. 

Whether you like it loud or you prefer something more discreet, I have some fantastic nail trends that are going to be in this winter. 

Well then, get your hot chocolate ready and let’s head right into the top looks you need to rock!

Frosty, Icy Blues

Okay, let me introduce you to the classics first – icy blue nails. 

I mean that tender blue shade like winter frost and transparent ice wonderfully seen in old cartoons? 

That’s the one. 

The cushions are powdery and pop with color but are serious winter wonderland material.

However, for a variation, you can add nail art! I’m thinking of snowflakes or ombre nails where you go from a darker shade, say navy blue, to baby blue. 

Want to amp it up a notch? 

You may also opt for applying a plastic dip with the chrome finish to provide the nails a metallic look. 

For the final touches you could add small sequins or sparkles on the icy blue color to give the impression of snow. 

I promise that your nails will look like they are right off of a winter wonderland!

How to Wear It:

Icy blue is so versatile. 

You can paint all nails blue and go all out with the frost or paint this color as the accent. 

For instance in the above example you can do the basic neutral polish on almost all nails and on one or two of them you add that cool color of icy blue and some glitter. 

It looks and feels European – stylish, elegant and suitable for all types of events from work to evenings out.

Velvet Nails

Holographic nails are in and so are the velvet nails and I can not get enough of them. 

These nails are finally shiny and somehow velvet like and the way the light reflects is exquisite. 

It’s the best way to feel a bit more fancy even if you are just lounging around in your favorite huge sweater.

Velvet nails are great all the things and the best of it is it is the general go to color. 

Deep reds and the rich burgundy tones are overtly wintery but you can also play with the darker greens, purples or even navy if you wanna go a little unconventional. 

The texture is quite glamor without being excessively cartoon glam.

How to Wear It:

Make it a short to medium length for a look that is more professional. 

Because velvet nails are already somewhat shiny, you don’t want to overdo the design. 

You can also do an ombre with a little detail or wear your velvet nails with some metallic accessory. 

Glamorous looks will come naturally for you.

Snow Globe Glitter

Why can’t we have glitter all year round? 

Well, you thought that you have seen it all in the fashion world, well guess what, glitter nails are back this winter season, but not as we used to know them. 

Think of it like this: Rather than putting glitter all over the nail like a full coat, it’s more like using chunky glitter in a clear or nude base like a ‘snow globe’. 

This is enjoyable, non-serious, and not specific to the holiday party, so there’s no reason you can’t wear it as the season goes on.

This trend is devoted to that cute and wintery enchantment. 

If you want that; you can settle for white and silver glitter that gives you that snowy look, or the autumnal golden, rose gold looks. 

Oh, of course, they know how to shine in their bikinis without looking vulgar or overdressed, this is the key.

How to Wear It:

An even more updated design is an acrylic that has clear finish at the nail bed and glitter at the protocol or at the cuticles. 

It is less cluttered looking than an all over glitter manicure which makes it seem new. 

And on top of all that it makes your nails look as if snowflakes have been dropped on them!

Rich Jewel Tones

However, as winter sets in, it becomes very difficult to relax and be.

Colored in relatively low intensity tones, unlike the more vibrant autumn colors. 

However this year the saturated, jewel hues presented are rich in color that gives a contrast much needed in the winter season. 

For one would want to visualize emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red and deep amethysts purple. 

These shades suit you if you want something more posh, glamor but still you wanna look for color patterns.

Jewel tones are also fantastic when it comes to experimenting with different finishes too. 

You may want to alter the shine of your lips as much as you want with a lustrous sheen or, for the color to appear even more decadent and soft, you may choose a satin-matte finish.

How to Wear It:

One can try to work with two jewel tones in one design, for example, emerald green with sapphire blue. 

You can do the mixture of nails or just bring one color for the majority of your nails while using the second color as a combination. 

I promise you these tones will put you in the royals every time you glance at your hands.

Minimalist Winter Designs

For those who are busy people, and do not like flashy designs, here are some winter nail art designs for minimalist people. 

This season, tried and tested minimalism in terms of design is the name of the game: think simple line art and geometric shapes, done in black and white, that look so current and so wearable. 

It could be small snowflakes, lines that depict icicles or round shapes that depict snow falling during a clean winter season.

It’s possible to remain in pastels and work with whites, black and gray or even soft pink and nude shades; you may add a metallic touch as well. 

The best thing about minimalistic designs, however, is in the fact that they are generally quiet, but fabulous.

How to Wear It:

This make-up look aims at having short and natural nails that will give a polished and clean look. 

As we mentioned earlier, nail art can be used as an accent, so applying a minimalist design doesn’t require the use of all nails. 

Choose one or two nails where you want to present your creativity, and other nails should be plain and straightforward. 

That’s a simple way of making your nails attention-grabbing without being too loud.

Gradient Neutrals

All things gradient and ombre are always popular, but none more so than the neutral gradient style that has hit professionals nails this winter. 

They initially imagine a somewhat pale background accented by gentle and low contrasting colors. 

You are able to go from a yellow-bisque to a dusty rose, or from a pale yellow to a dark-brown gray. 

The result is a super sophisticated, cozy atmosphere that doesn’t overdo the wintery feeling and isn’t too over the top.

This trend is great for those who love the less obtrusive, classy look but do not have patience for a one-shade manicure. 

Also, it complements other winter ensembles perfectly – everything from oversized knitted tops to glamorous woolen jackets.

How to Wear It:

Do not get too aggressive with the gradients, keep them fluid. It’s also possible to choose matte finish to enhance the overall transition between colors. 

For a bit of sophistication, go for a metallic or glitter accent nail. It will add a certain kick to nails but won’t ruin the classy feel of the design at the same time.

Winter French Tips

French tips are on trend again; now let’s spice it up with some snowy appearance. Instead of a pure white tip, include winter colors and designs to the tips for better appearances.

Instead, you might paint the bottom of the shoe with a metallic silver color to look like snow catching the light or go with a deep red or forest green if you are trying to get in the Christmas spirit.

A second flexible way to have some fun creating different outlines to French involves the shape of the tip. 

You may also want to try something as mild as a soft curve, or, if you feel particularly adventurous, go for the jagged icicle type of design. 

It literally opens up so many more options and it’s so simple to change up what you usually do and do the French mani to something more fitting for the season.

How to Wear It:

French tips are suitable for natural nails regardless of the length, which means that you don’t have to grow them out to try this style. 

Maintain the base of your nail natural or just assemble a natural color and let the color or style that you chose for tips pop out. 

You know what? 

It’s the epitome of low-key luxury and loud luxury at the same time.

Cozy Sweater Nails

Finally, we have sweater nails! 

These are nails that actually need to be knit, and have a 3D design that makes it look like the texture of a knitted sweater. 

It is one of the trendiest winter nail art designs and is fashion and nail art at its cutest best.

You might opt for a subtle soft pastel colouration, or you might go with more obviously winter themed colourations like bright reds or dark green. 

Incorporated into the design is a subtle but very eye-catching texture on your nails which doesn’t overpower but would be best suited for work during the winter season.

How to Wear It:

Swriter nails are best worn on short nails because the texture of the nails gets enhanced. 

It is also possible to combine your designs and get sweater nails as an additional design while having other nails in a natural finish. 

The implication is that while the food’s texture is important, it should be used in moderation. 

Keep it warm, like your favorite sweater.

Conclusion

This winter it’s good to have some fun with your nails, and whether you’re a statement kind of girl or someone more chic and minimalist there are plenty of options out there for you. 

All these, from cool blue winter frost to warm and fuzzy knitted sweaters look promising for this season. 

That’s why these winter nail art ideas are so fabulous.

They can be just perfect for both days spent in your comfiest hoodie and nights out on the town. 

The best part? 

You can tweak any of these trends to your personal preference. 

So let’s get those oven gloves on, put on your favorite pair of sunnies, pour a cup of hot choco and let’s go with those winter nails! 

Which of the new trends do you want to start practicing first?

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Author
Lindsey is a professional nail and make up artist, specializing in special occasion nails and make up. She is based in Utah, US and owns a small beauty salon with her business partner. She loves writing about the art and craft of nail artistry and is excited about discovering new nail trends.

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