10 Winter Nail Art Ideas Cooler Than a Polar Vortex
As soon as the cold weather hits, I intuitively reach for my black, oxblood, and navy nail polishes, then rotate between them until the ice thaws. While these dark, moody colors are often associated with winter, sticking to just three shades gets boring — quick.
But thanks to nail artists and nail polish brands sharing their latest manicures on Instagram, there's a whole world of winter nail designs out there to inspire you every time you paint your nails this season — along with intricate designs that are easy to DIY on your own. A few examples? Festive green glitter tips or a chic take on the classic French manicure.
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Keep reading for 10 of our favorite easy winter nail designs to add to your manicure to-do list.
1. Green Glitter Tips
Sophisticated negative space tempers ultra-luxe, luminous glitter in our Wild Thing mani.✨
A post shared by Paintbox (@paintboxnails) on Oct 18, 2019 at 6:05pm PDT
Negative space sparkly green tips feel just as festive as a standard red and green manicure.
2. Icicle Nails
A post shared by Betina R. Goldstein (@betina_goldstein) on Mar 15, 2019 at 8:02am PDT
This sheer iridescent nail polish is as cool as all of the icicles outside.
3. Graphic French Manicure
When the shape is killer #AlmondNails ✨〰️ — design by Vanessa @vanytiffnyc
A post shared by AKIKO Nails • NYC (@akikonails_nyc) on May 13, 2019 at 6:53pm PDT
The French manicure is back, and its one of this year's biggest nail art trends. For a chic take on the classic, use a striping brush to paint another thin line parallel to the white tip.
4. Put a Jewel on It
Simple stones using one coat of Chanel in Ballerina and @swarovski crystals on @nyc_handmodel
A post shared by Alicia Torello (@aliciatnails) on May 28, 2019 at 10:09am PDT
A little bit of sparkle never hurt anyone, and this manicure is so unbelievably easy to do. Paint your nails with a clear base coat, then use nail glue to stick tiny rhinestones on your nail beds. The beauty of this manicure is that it's impossible to mess up — just add the nail jewels wherever you feel.
5. Candy Stripes
A post shared by TIPS NAIL BAR® + Beauty (@tipsnailbar) on May 23, 2018 at 5:06am PDT
Switch up your solid red manicure by painting on a few different sized stripes.
6. Black and Silver Half Moons
A post shared by steph stone (@stephstonenails) on Aug 13, 2017 at 3:43pm PDT
The half moon manicure remains a super popular nail art design because it's so simple to do. Once you paint the base of your nail black, use a striping brush to outline the silver curve at the base of the nail. Then, fill it in.
7. Seeing Stars
A post shared by Miss Pop (@misspopnails) on Dec 20, 2018 at 12:33pm PST
This bejeweled star design is truly out of this world.
8. Peppermint Swirls
Chill Face x Chill Nails 💅🏻 (via @tatyana_molot)
A post shared by Chillhouse (@chillhouse) on Sep 15, 2019 at 5:23pm PDT
A few subtle white swirls is a fresh take on a solid mint green nail.
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9. Shades of Grey
A post shared by Vanity Projects (@vanityprojects) on Sep 15, 2019 at 11:20am PDT
These light grey graphic lines look like cracked ice.
10. Winter Florals
Simple and elegant dry flowers 💐
A post shared by MoMo-Leafgel US Chief Educator (@ohmynailsnyc) on Nov 26, 2018 at 7:56am PST
It's grey and dreary outside. Some tiny, colorful flowers on your nails will help lift your spirits until it's spring.
