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Winter nail colours that ooze cosy elegance

These are the winter nail colours we're currently loving...

Updated on 08 Nov 2023

Content Writer

The colder months are not exactly known for being hugely exciting beauty-wise, we must admit. Summer is all about splashy colognes, luscious creamy bronzers and pops of coral, whereas winter feels as though it is largely defined by battling dry skin and chapped lips. Not a vibe.

But truly, winter's bad beauty rap has been unfairly bestowed. The final months of the year are perfect for branching out from your usual go-to mani style and expanding your nail look repertoire by leaning into deep jewel tones and shimmery festive detailing.

Rich and unctuous, chocolate brown is all over the runways right now, from Brandon Maxwell to Fendi. Hungry for more? This sweet, super-satisfying colour trend has trickled down into our nail choices.

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"Clients have been loving warm browns and earthy shades," says senior nail artist Rani Narayan of Shoreditch Nails. "A glossy shade of brown is a great alternative to black for that iconic moody mani look as we enter the cooler months."

Cue an onslaught of painstaking deliberation...

How we chose:

We've scoured our Instagram feeds, turning to our favourite manicurists for inspiration, for the most covetable nail looks. Our selections reflect a wintry mood, either because they feel cosy or festive in design. We've then chosen some similar shades from our go-to nail polish brands, so you can recreate the look at home.

Hello! Fashion shares our favourite winter nail looks to inspire your next salon visit:

Grown-up Glitter

Gold glitter tips — Created by @betina_goldstein

Subtle and sparkly, this look is the perfect choice if you're after an understated wash of glitter.

Chocolate Brown

Rich and enticing, this shiny brown manicure is giving major hot chocolate vibes.

Green Nail Polish in 'Chestnut' - Manucurist

Created from 84% bio-sourced ingredients, this hazelnut shade from Manucurist's Green range is a super shiny warm brown with a touch of burgundy.

£14.00 AT MANUCURIST

Holly Berries

Incorporate some Christmas foliage into your nail repertoire and try out a design featuring holly berries layered over a metallic shade.

Mulled Wine

Deep and berry-like, this beautiful red feels elegant and slightly vampy.

Emerald Green

Bottle green nails — Created by @overglowedit

Verdant and sophisticated, this emerald green look is a great way of showing your festive spirit if your approach is more minimal.

Santa Baby Scarlet

Scarlet nails — Created by @paintedbyjools

Festive and joyful, you can't beat a vibrant orange-based red for a hit of Christmas glam.

Fiery and standout, this polish from Chanel's Le Vernis line is super glossy, owing to a new formula enriched with camellia eco-ceramides. The previous brush format was heralded for easy application by beauty obsessives, but I really rate the latest flat, wide version because it is so forgiving if you're not great on precision.

£29.00 AT CHANEL

Rich Mocha

Mocha nails — Created by @byeleanorohara

If you like chocolate brown but are in the mood for something moodier, consider incorporating mocha into your nail colour library.

Cool-girl Chrome

Pink chrome nails — Created by @like_my_nails_london

This pink chrome look feels girlish and luxe, and we're totally into the pearlescent ring pairing.

Cosy Khaki

Khaki nail ideas — Created by @paintedby_didi

I adore earthy khaki all year round, but for winter it feels particularly lovely, especially when paired with a fluffy faux fur coat.

45 Second Speedy Gloss in 'Waiting In Westminster' - Nails.INC

Infused with hexanal, a calcium-rich aldehyde, this formula by Nails.INC is its fastest drying polish yet. Khaki feels apt for autumn, but I think this hue also feels reminiscent of parky winter country strolls.

£8.00 AT NAILS.INC

Opal Dream

The inimitable iridescence of opal is one of the main reasons why the precious gemstone is so adored, and I love how this manicure look captures that quality perfectly.

Glitter Gradient

Glitter nails — Created by @lolo.nailedit

It wouldn't be the festive period without a shower of glitz, and this multi-tone glitter look feels a little bit different to the usual.

Copper French Tips

Copper chrome tips — Created by @withdanielle_

The return of the French manicure was one of 2023's most unexpected nail trends, but there's no need to remain wedded to traditional white.

Nail Lacquer in '613 Penny Talk' - Essie

Opulent and intense, this beautiful copper shade by Essie has a long-lasting, chip-resistant formula - perfect for staying on for the duration of several lavish festive parties.

£8.99 AT BOOTS

Snowflake Tips

Pay tribute to the icy temperatures and consider amping up your mani game with pretty, snowflake-inspired tips.

Baubles, Bangles and Beads

Nails with jewel gems — Created by @heygreatnails

Give your Christmas tree a run for its money and go for a glitzy, jewel-adorned look.

Cable Knit Cosiness

Cable knit nails — Created by @learnahstarbuck_nailartist

This super cute, knit-inspired look is giving major winter warmth - ideal if you're wanting to keep things minimal.

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