The first month of the year tends to fly by, with the holidays firmly in the rearview and a fresh start taking shape. February brings a new kind of energy. Winter is in full swing, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and your manicure can reflect it all. From dark, fashion-forward shades and icy hues that mirror the snow-covered streets to classic reds, pinks and heart designs, there’s no shortage of inspiration. To help guide you, we asked three manicurists to share the manicure colors they’re loving most for February.
Featured Experts
- Michelle Saunders James is a celebrity manicurist
- Olha Shtangei is an international nail artist
- Karyna Kyliushyk is a nail artist in Miami
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Cherry Cola
While wine tones may have dominated January, there's been a clear shift to a livelier shade this month. Cherry Cola is the new burgundy shade that Miami nail artist Karyna Kyliushyk is seeing everywhere right now. It has the richness of darker reds and embraces trendy cherry nail colors. Two to try: Manucurist in Dark Pansy ($14); Sally Hansen in Wine Stock ($13)
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Frost
"Icy shades with milky white undertones and a glazed finish mimic a snowy appearance," says celebrity manicurist Michelle Saunders James. They embrace the essence of winter and give your manicure a cool seasonal feel. Two to try:Dashing Diva in Marshmellow ($11); Essie in Drip Drip ($13)
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Navy
As we move into February, blue shades are shifting from cool and bright to navy, whose “rich tones are more timely for the deep winter month,” says James. Beyond its seasonal appeal, Kyliushyk notes that navy is also a flattering alternative to black. Two to try:Hermès in Bleu Encre ($66); Chanel in Fugueuse ($33)
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Pearlescent Soap Nails
"February is that transition month where we're still feeling wintry but craving the freshness of spring," says Kyliushyk. The pearlescent soap look exemplifies this perfectly. Not quite milky or completely frosted, this pinky nude is a fresh take on the trend. Two to try: Olive & June in Frosted Gloss ($10); Londontown in Pearl ($16)
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Tomato Red
"I see clients choosing this shade when they want their manicure to feel bold but still polished," says international nail artist Olha Shtangei. She explains that the color is warmer and more playful than a classic red and is flattering on every skin tone. Two to try:Gitti in Pomodoro Red ($20); Cote in Candy Apple Red ($18)
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Mocha
Forget black—brown, or more specifically, mocha—is the edgy hue to wear in February. While black can feel too harsh, Shtangei says mocha has a cool, elevated feel and is incredibly versatile. Plus, it looks great on any nail length. Two to try:Mooncat in Dark Horse ($17); Mented in Brown-Beige ($8)
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Rosy Nude
For those who prefer a subtle hint of pink during the month of love, a rosy nude manicure is the best option. Soft rose undertones paired with a creamy nude create a shade that’s wearable all month. Even better? Kyliushyk adds it has a clean, expensive look that photographs beautifully. Two to try:Dashing Diva in Dolly ($11); OPI in Bare My Soul ($10)
