“This winter is all about rich, moody tones and soft, elevated textures,” says celebrity nail artist and educator Julie Kandalec. Professional manicurists shared their predictions for the popular colors coming this winter. Kandalec says the trending colors for the season “bring that effortless winter drama that feels fresh and refined." However, there are also some fun surprises for the season ahead like frozen pastels and smoky mauves. Add these nail polish colors to your winter moodboard, so you're ready for your next manicure.
Featured Experts
- Julie Kandalec is a celebrity nail artist and educator
- Sofiia Mazur is a nail artist and educator
- Kathleen Lights is the Founder and CEO of Lights Lacquer
- Cyndi Ramirez is the Founder and CEO of Chillhouse
- Valeriia Telemaniuk is a nail artist and educator
Winter 2025 Trending Nail Polish Colors
The Nail Polish Colors We’re Going to See Everywhere This Winter
Smoky Mauve
Smoky Mauve
Go for a shade that’s a perfect mix of soft mauve and cool smokiness to create an elegant, earthy tone, suggests nail artist and educator, Sofiia Mazur. "It’s one of those colors that looks different in every light as it’s sometimes a muted plum, sometimes a chic taupe. That’s exactly why everyone is obsessed with it. Smoky mauve sits right in the center of the earthy-tone trend that’s taking over this season, and clients love how it looks. It feels like you have three different colors at once and never getting tired of it.” Ones to try:Mineral Fusion Mauve Your Hips ($10), American Creator Weird ($19), Essie Mismatch to Match ($10)
Cool, Icy Tones
Cool, Icy Tones
“This winter I’m seeing a lot of periwinkle and other cool-toned frosted shades that give that soft, icy feel. Icy blues, silvery shimmers and frosted finishes in general are really standing out,” says Founder and CEO of Lights Lacquer, Kathleen Lights. Mazur notes that Hailey Bieber’s frosted baby blue nails during fashion week caught her eye. Stock up on stunning, cool-toned shades that capture that frosty, winter mood. Ones to try:Lights Lacquer Ice Princess ($15), Olive & June Same Day Next Year ($10), ILNP Snowkissed ($13)
Midnight Navy
Midnight Navy
“Navy blue is definitely becoming the new black this season, offering that same chic depth with a cooler, modern twist,” says Lights. Kandalec agrees that deep midnight blues will be everywhere, just as classic black once was. We saw this shade take off last winter with Hailey Bieber leading the charge. “It feels modern, sleek and slightly mysterious while still being wearable. Navy adds depth and elegance, making nails look expensive and editorial,” says Mazur. “Navy pairs beautifully with silver jewelry, gray knits and structured coats. It also complements cool-toned skin and adds a sleek contrast to neutral or beige outfits. Either way, navy blue delivers quiet luxury with a fashion-forward edge.” Ones to try:OPI Midnight Mantra ($15), Lights Lacquer Winter Is Coming ($13), Mineral Fusion Deep Dive ($10)
Frozen Pastels
Frozen Pastels
Mazur predicts we’ll see “a mix of soft, icy translucent shades like lilac haze, baby blue and milky pink—almost like frost melting under sunlight! It feels light, dreamy and clean. Almost like skin care for nails! The chrome finish makes it elegant, effortless, and wearable for every season.” She points to Zendaya’s barely-there lilac manicure at the Met Gala, noting we’ve seen soft, sheer pastels take over red carpets recently. The look is delicate yet fun and features “The kind of polish that looks expensive in any lighting.” Ones to try: Sally Hansen Lavish Lilac ($8), Nails.INC Must Be Magic ($9), Londontown Amethyst on Ice ($16)
Warm Berry and Rich Wine Hues
Warm Berry and Rich Wine Hues
Last year, we saw jammy nails hit their stride, and this season, Kandalec predicts we’ll see more warm berry shades. “I'm so onboard with maroon continuing to be the moment,” says Founder and CEO of Chillhouse, Cyndi Ramirez. Mazur predicts dark reds will continue to be an “it” shade this season because it captures the mood of winter glamour with its rich, romantic, dramatic look. “It’s luxurious without being loud, and it pairs perfectly with evening looks and holiday events.” Nail artist and educator Valeriia Telemaniuk says hues of “rich berry, wine, and sultry dark cherry, make any winter look feel intentional, cozy, and effortlessly chic.” Ones to try:Dazzle Dry Mulled Wine ($22), Londontown Naughty List ($16), ($14), Olive & June Obsessed ($10)
Magenta
Magenta
For a twist on the classic maroon shades we see in fall, Ramirez recommends a magenta moment. “A chrome magenta is my vote for top color this holiday/winter,” she says. “It's vibrant, so perfect for the holidays, but even into January and February for Valentine's Day.” Ones to try:Chillhouse Forever Wear Disco Inferno ($12), Zoya Anaaka ($12), Chanel Activiste ($33)
Winter White
Winter White
Telemaniuk predicts pure, classic white nails will be big this winter. “White is having a real moment this season. It’s clean, crisp and effortlessly elevated and is the kind of shade that makes your nails look instantly polished with almost no effort. Think of it as the ‘winter fresh’ version of minimalism: bright snow, soft sweaters, frosty mornings, all captured in one color,” she says. “Classic white has that rare magic where it feels both simple and high-end. It’s the go-to shade for clients who want something timeless, chic and quietly luxurious,” says Telemaniuk. “White isn’t just a summer staple anymore. It’s stepping into the spotlight as one of the most requested colors for a modern, fresh, winter look.” Ones to try:OPI Alpine Snow ($12), American Creator Absolute White ($19), Olive & June HD ($10)
Copper and Rust
Copper and Rust
Kandalec says copper and rust manicure colors will continue growing in popularity this winter. Pro tip: they look extra chic with a cat-eye finish. Ones to try:OPI Ginger Snapped ($12), Chanel Alchimiste ($33), Londontown Posh Forever ($16)
Deep Espresso
Deep Espresso
Kandalec says espresso tones are trending. Mazur notes that mocha and espresso shades are on the rise because they bring warmth and richness to winter manicures. “These shades are cozy, echoing the popularity of brown in fashion, beauty and even interior design." Ones to try:CND Dark Dahlia ($17), Londontown Midnight Mocha ($12), Dazzle Dry Haze ($22)
Soap Nails
Soap Nails
Lights predicts soap nails, “those soft pink, clean, glossy nails that look fresh and effortless,” will be trending once again. While many rich colors are trending, there’s also a big shift toward quiet minimalism, says Kandalec. We’re going to see a lot of “short, clean nails in sheer neutrals, milky whites, and translucent taupes giving that ‘your nails, but better’ feel." Ones to try:Lights Lacquer Clueless ($13), OPI Bubble Bath ($12), Le Mini Macaron Blush ($12)
Classic Red
Classic Red
“This winter has one undeniable star and it’s red in every shade imaginable,” says Telemaniuk. “Think of it as the little black dress of nail colors, which is forever iconic, always flattering and impossible to replace.” Try a classic movie-star red for an elegant, timeless look. Ones to try:OPI Big Apple Red ($12), Akzéntz Luxio Rosso ($16), Gucci Goldie Red ($33)
Taupe
Taupe
For someone who likes a subtle yet seasonal shade, Mazur recommends a taupe polish. “Add a minimal touch, maybe a few dots, a thin line or a glittery gradient on the tips. These little details feel seasonal but still elegant and wearable for every day.” Ones to try:Essie Crochet Away ($10), Mineral Fusion High Society ($18), Deborah Lipman I’m Too Sexy ($20)
