Winter is fast approaching, and with it comes the need to freshen up your manicure with festive and elegant designs. Whether you’re looking for simple everyday nails or glamorous acrylics for a night out, winter 2024 – 2025 promises to deliver some truly creative trends. Let’s explore the cutest winter nail ideas for the upcoming season that you’ll want to show off in every Instagram post. Below, I’ll detail specific designs, consumables, and tips to create these looks at home.
Soft Winter Glow Nails
This simple yet elegant look is all about subtle luxury. The pale pink nude base provides a clean canvas, perfect for those who prefer a minimalist approach. The accent of small rhinestones on one nail adds a touch of sparkle, giving the manicure a hint of glam without being overpowering. This design is ideal for short nails, offering a polished and sophisticated vibe that’s easy to maintain. The glossy finish enhances the soft tones, making this manicure versatile for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Consumables
- Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Nude polish: Essie Ballet Slippers
- Rhinestones: Swarovski Nail Crystals
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
- Brush for precision: OPI Clean Up Brush
How to recreate
- Apply a thin layer of OPI Natural Nail Base Coat to clean nails.
- Follow with two coats of Essie Ballet Slippers for a soft nude base.
- Use Swarovski Nail Crystals on an accent nail, applying them carefully near the cuticle.
- Finish with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for a long-lasting, glossy look.
Starry Night Winter Nails
For those who love a bold, dramatic look, this short nail design is inspired by the midnight winter sky. The rich, deep blue with a shimmering effect sets the stage, while intricate white snowflakes and a snowy tree add a festive touch. Rhinestone accents on select nails give the design an added sparkle, mimicking the stars. This look is perfect for a winter party or a special event.
Consumables
- Base coat: Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat
- Blue polish: OPI Russian Navy
- White detailing polish: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen
- Rhinestones: Swarovski Nail Crystals
- Nail art brush: Beetles Detail Brush Set
- Top coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat
How to recreate
- Start by applying Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat to smooth the nail surface.
- Apply two coats of OPI Russian Navy for the deep blue base.
- Using a Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen, create snowflakes and tree designs on the accent nails.
- Carefully place Swarovski Nail Crystals on one or two nails to mimic stars.
- Seal with Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat for shine and durability.
Glittery Plum Winter Nails
If you’re looking for a blend of chic and festive, this glittery plum manicure is perfect for the colder months. The rich plum base, paired with tiny flecks of glitter, gives off a frosty, wintery feel. The color is deep and luxurious, while the sparkle ensures your nails will catch the light in any setting. This design works well for short and medium-length nails, creating a sophisticated, holiday-ready look.
Consumables
- Base coat: OPI Infinite Shine Primer
- Plum polish: Essie Bahama Mama
- Glitter polish: China Glaze Fairy Dust
- Top coat: OPI Infinite Shine Gloss
How to recreate
- Apply OPI Infinite Shine Primer to clean nails.
- Use two coats of Essie Bahama Mama for a deep plum base.
- Apply China Glaze Fairy Dust glitter polish to all nails for a subtle sparkle.
- Finish with OPI Infinite Shine Gloss for a smooth and shiny finish.
Festive Light String Nails
This fun and playful design brings a holiday theme to life with a neutral base and a light string design. The almond-shaped nails serve as a canvas for the delicate, colorful string lights that bring warmth to the cold season. The overall look is whimsical and festive, perfect for anyone who wants a cheerful yet simple winter nail look.
Consumables
- Base coat: Essie Gel Couture Base Coat
- Nude polish: OPI Bubble Bath
- Nail art brush: Beetles Fine Detail Brushes
- Colored polishes: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in various colors
- Top coat: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat
How to recreate
- Begin by applying Essie Gel Couture Base Coat.
- Paint all nails with OPI Bubble Bath to achieve the perfect nude base.
- Use a Beetles Fine Detail Brush and different colored Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear polishes to draw the light string design across the nails.
- Finish with Essie Gel Couture Top Coat to ensure a long-lasting and shiny manicure.
French Tip with a Twist
A fresh take on the classic French tip, this design incorporates a bold red accent nail to add a modern twist to a timeless look. The rest of the nails are kept in traditional French style with white tips, but the bold red nail adds a pop of color that makes this manicure stand out. This acrylic short white and red combination is perfect for anyone wanting a mix of classic and trendy for their winter look.
Consumables
- Base coat: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails
- White polish: OPI Alpine Snow
- Red polish: OPI Big Apple Red
- Top coat: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat
- French tip guides: Kiss French Tip Stickers
How to recreate
- Apply a base layer of Sally Hansen Hard As Nails to all nails.
- Use Kiss French Tip Stickers to create the perfect French tip with OPI Alpine Snow.
- For the accent nail, apply two coats of OPI Big Apple Red.
- Finish the look with Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat for a glossy, chip-resistant finish.
Sparkling Ice Blue French Tips
These stunning acrylic short blue nails with glittery tips offer a fresh take on the classic French manicure. The icy blue color, reminiscent of frozen winter landscapes, creates a bold contrast against the natural nude base. The glitter mixed into the blue tips adds a frosty sparkle that elevates the look, making it perfect for winter events. This design is ideal for those who love acrylic almond nails but prefer a squared-off shape.
Consumables
- Base coat: OPI Nail Envy Strengthener
- Nude polish: Sally Hansen Sheer Ecstasy
- Blue glitter gel: Beetles Gel Polish Kit in Blue Glitter
- Top coat: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat
- UV/LED Lamp: SUNUV Gel UV LED Nail Lamp
How to recreate
- Start by applying OPI Nail Envy Strengthener for a healthy base.
- Paint the nails with Sally Hansen Sheer Ecstasy as your base nude shade.
- For the blue tips, use Beetles Gel Polish Kit in Blue Glitter and carefully shape them into French tips.
- Cure the nails under the SUNUV Gel UV LED Nail Lamp.
- Finish with Essie Gel Couture Top Coat to lock in the shine and ensure the glitter doesn’t budge.
Winter Forest Matte Nails
This design showcases a beautiful winter night scene, complete with blue-hued evergreen trees against a soft matte nude base. The matte navy blue on the other nails creates a seamless blend, allowing the detailed art to take center stage. This short nail look is both artistic and elegant, perfect for anyone who wants a unique, wintry theme with a calming feel.
Consumables
- Base coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
- Matte blue polish: Zoya Matte Velvet in Yves
- Nude polish: OPI Bubble Bath
- Nail art brush: Beetles Fine Detail Brushes
- Top coat: OPI Matte Top Coat
How to recreate
- Apply Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat to all nails.
- Use Zoya Matte Velvet in Yves for the blue matte nails.
- For the nude base, apply OPI Bubble Bath.
- With a Beetles Fine Detail Brush, paint the forest and moon scene using darker blue hues.
- Finish the design with OPI Matte Top Coat to keep everything looking velvety smooth.
Snowflake Elegance
This manicure is the epitome of winter wonderland with its delicate snowflake designs and shimmering accents. Set against a nude, soft pink background, the intricate white snowflakes add a festive yet sophisticated vibe. The length and shape of these acrylic almond nails provide a glamorous touch, making them a perfect choice for holiday parties or winter weddings.
Consumables
- Base coat: CND Stickey Anchoring Base Coat
- Pink nude polish: OPI Bubble Bath
- White snowflake decals: Whats Up Nails Snowflake Vinyl Stencils
- Glitter: China Glaze in Fairy Dust
- Top coat: CND Super Shiney Top Coat
How to recreate
- Apply CND Stickey Anchoring Base Coat to all nails for better adhesion.
- Use OPI Bubble Bath as your soft pink nude base.
- Apply Whats Up Nails Snowflake Vinyl Stencils to create precise snowflakes, or use a nail art brush to hand-paint them.
- Add a touch of China Glaze Fairy Dust for extra shimmer.
- Finish with CND Super Shiney Top Coat to keep the design glossy and long-lasting.
Frosted Blue Tips
This short almond nail design features frosted blue tips with a delicate snowflake accent, giving a cool, wintry feel to the classic French style. The soft blue hue transitions beautifully from the neutral base, offering a look that is both refreshing and festive. It’s perfect for those who want a more subtle yet seasonal manicure.
Consumables
- Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Nude polish: Essie Ballet Slippers
- Blue polish: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Sugar Fix
- White detailing pen: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen
- Top coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat
How to recreate
- Start with OPI Natural Nail Base Coat for protection.
- Apply Essie Ballet Slippers for the neutral base.
- Use Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Sugar Fix for the blue tips, shaping them into a soft French style.
- Add a small snowflake design with Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen on one nail for an accent.
- Seal the look with Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat for a lasting, glossy finish.
Festive Holiday Nails
These cute winter nails embrace the holiday spirit with candy cane stripes, holly leaves, and bow accents. The short nail design is full of festive cheer, featuring a variety of seasonal elements in red, white, and green. The overall look is both playful and stylish, making it a perfect choice for holiday gatherings or Christmas celebrations.
Consumables
- Base coat: Essie Grow Stronger Base Coat
- Red polish: OPI Big Apple Red
- White polish: China Glaze White on White
- Green detailing polish: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Emerald Express
- Nail art brush: Beetles Fine Detail Brushes
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
How to recreate
- Apply Essie Grow Stronger Base Coat to strengthen and protect your nails.
- Use OPI Big Apple Red for the red details, and China Glaze White on White for the candy cane stripes.
- With Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Emerald Express, carefully paint the holly leaves using a Beetles Fine Detail Brush.
- Finish with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for a high-shine, durable manicure.
Glossy Red Almond Nails
This classic red almond-shaped design is a staple for the winter season, offering an elegant yet bold look. The deep red color is perfect for festive occasions or simply to add a touch of glamour to your everyday style. The high-shine finish adds sophistication, and the gold accent on one nail provides just the right amount of festive sparkle without overpowering the design. This look is ideal for those who love simple but striking acrylic almond nails.
Consumables
- Base coat: Essie First Base
- Red polish: OPI Big Apple Red
- Gold accent: Swarovski Nail Crystals
- Top coat: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat
How to recreate
- Apply Essie First Base as a base coat for a smooth foundation.
- Use OPI Big Apple Red for the glossy red base color, applying two thin coats for even coverage.
- Add a single gold accent with Swarovski Nail Crystals on the ring finger for a touch of sparkle.
- Finish with Essie Gel Couture Top Coat for a high-gloss finish that lasts.
Frosty Blue Glitter Accent Nails
This winter look combines short blue nails with a pop of glitter on the accent nail, creating a balance between bold color and sparkle. The deep blue shade is perfect for the colder months, and the glitter accent nail brings a festive, frosty feel to the overall design. This short gel style is both easy to maintain and trendy for the season.
Consumables
- Base coat: OPI Nail Envy Strengthener
- Blue polish: Essie Aruba Blue
- Glitter polish: China Glaze Fairy Dust
- Top coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat
How to recreate
- Start with OPI Nail Envy Strengthener to promote nail health.
- Apply two coats of Essie Aruba Blue for the rich, wintery blue color.
- Use China Glaze Fairy Dust on one accent nail for a glittery finish.
- Seal the look with Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat for a long-lasting, high-shine effect.
White Snowflake Winter Nails
These white winter nails with intricate snowflake designs exude elegance and festive charm. The matte finish combined with shiny rhinestones on one nail creates a visually appealing contrast, making this look perfect for holiday parties or winter weddings. The snowflake detailing adds a seasonal touch, while the overall design remains sophisticated.
Consumables
- Base coat: Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat
- White polish: OPI Alpine Snow
- Snowflake decals: Whats Up Nails Snowflake Vinyl Stencils
- Rhinestones: Swarovski Nail Crystals
- Top coat: OPI Matte Top Coat
How to recreate
- Start with Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat for a smooth surface.
- Apply OPI Alpine Snow for the perfect white base color.
- Add snowflake designs using Whats Up Nails Snowflake Vinyl Stencils, or paint them by hand using a fine brush.
- Attach Swarovski Nail Crystals to one nail for added glamour.
- Finish with OPI Matte Top Coat to achieve a velvety finish.
Festive Light String Nails
This playful design features a neutral base with a string of colorful holiday lights, adding a festive touch to short nails. The minimalist look is perfect for those who want a cute winter nails 2024 – 2025 style that is easy to wear every day. The light string design brings a fun, holiday-inspired element without being too over-the-top.
Consumables
- Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Nude polish: Essie Ballet Slippers
- Colored polishes: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in various colors
- Nail art brush: Beetles Fine Detail Brushes
- Top coat: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat
How to recreate
- Apply OPI Natural Nail Base Coat to all nails.
- Paint all nails with Essie Ballet Slippers for a soft nude base.
- Use Beetles Fine Detail Brushes to create a string of holiday lights using Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in different colors.
- Finish with Essie Gel Couture Top Coat for a long-lasting shine.
Glittering Green Christmas Nails
These green holiday nails with glitter accents and cute Christmas details bring a festive flair to your manicure. The rich green polish is complemented by tiny stars and holiday symbols, making this design perfect for the holiday season. The combination of shimmer and playful details gives it a whimsical look.
Consumables
- Base coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
- Green polish: OPI Stay Off the Lawn
- Glitter: China Glaze in Fairy Dust
- Nail art brush: Beetles Fine Detail Brushes
- Top coat: CND Super Shiney Top Coat
How to recreate
- Apply CND Stickey Base Coat to help the polish last longer.
- Use OPI Stay Off the Lawn for the rich green base color.
- Apply China Glaze Fairy Dust to add glittery accents to selected nails.
- Use a Beetles Fine Detail Brush to paint tiny holiday symbols, such as stars and mistletoe.
- Seal with CND Super Shiney Top Coat for a glossy finish.
Festive Red and Glitter Nails
This festive red and glitter design is perfect for the holiday season. With a combination of red glitter, glossy red polish, and a light pink base on some nails, the look is elevated by rhinestone accents that form a tiny festive design. This acrylic short nail design gives a glamorous winter vibe that pairs perfectly with holiday parties and celebrations.
Consumables
- Base coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
- Red polish: OPI Big Apple Red
- Pink polish: Essie Mademoiselle
- Red glitter polish: China Glaze Ruby Pumps
- Rhinestones: Swarovski Nail Crystals
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
How to recreate
- Start with CND Stickey Base Coat for a strong foundation.
- Apply two coats of OPI Big Apple Red for a classic red finish on select nails.
- Use Essie Mademoiselle on the remaining nails and layer China Glaze Ruby Pumps glitter polish on the accent nails.
- Place Swarovski Nail Crystals to create festive rhinestone accents.
- Finish with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for a glossy, long-lasting look.
Glitter Accent and Minimalist Polka Dot Nails
This short minimalist nail design features a single glittery gold accent nail paired with a soft pink base and small colorful polka dots near the cuticles. The overall look is playful yet sophisticated, perfect for a winter gathering or a casual day out. The simple design keeps it elegant, while the polka dots add a pop of fun.
Consumables
- Base coat: OPI Nail Envy Strengthener
- Pink polish: Essie Ballet Slippers
- Glitter polish: OPI Golden Eye
- Colored polishes: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in various colors for the dots
- Top coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat
How to recreate
- Apply OPI Nail Envy Strengthener to keep your nails strong.
- Use Essie Ballet Slippers for a soft pink base.
- Apply OPI Golden Eye on one accent nail for a glittery look.
- Create tiny polka dots near the cuticles using different colored Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear polishes.
- Finish with Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat to protect and add shine.
French Tip with Glitter Accent
This sleek French tip design is upgraded with delicate glitter along the edges of the white tips. The classic nude and white combination is perfect for winter, but the subtle glitter detail brings a festive twist. This acrylic short white style is perfect for those who love classic nails with a little sparkle.
Consumables
- Base coat: Essie Grow Stronger Base Coat
- Nude polish: OPI Bubble Bath
- White polish: OPI Alpine Snow
- Glitter: China Glaze Fairy Dust
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
How to recreate
- Apply Essie Grow Stronger Base Coat for healthy nails.
- Use OPI Bubble Bath for a soft nude base.
- Create a French tip using OPI Alpine Snow.
- Apply China Glaze Fairy Dust along the edge of the tips for a touch of sparkle.
- Seal with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for a lasting finish.
Winter Wonderland Nails
This intricate winter design features icy blue and white elements with delicate snowflakes and rhinestone accents. The bow and 3D elements make this a standout acrylic short nail look for winter. The combination of blue and white creates a frosty, wintery vibe perfect for the season.
Consumables
- Base coat: OPI Nail Envy Strengthener
- Blue polish: Essie Butler Please
- White polish: OPI Alpine Snow
- Rhinestones: Swarovski Nail Crystals
- 3D Nail Bows: Nail Art 3D Bows
- Top coat: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat
How to recreate
- Start with OPI Nail Envy Strengthener to protect your nails.
- Apply Essie Butler Please for the blue base and OPI Alpine Snow for white detailing.
- Add snowflakes using a fine detail brush and attach Swarovski Nail Crystals for a frosty look.
- Place a 3D Nail Bow on one nail for added dimension.
- Finish with Essie Gel Couture Top Coat for a glossy and long-lasting look.
Glossy Red Holiday Nails
These glossy red nails are the epitome of holiday chic. The deep red color is festive and elegant, making this simple design ideal for those who love a bold, statement-making manicure. The glossy finish makes the color pop even more, giving a rich, luxurious look.
Consumables
- Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Red polish: OPI Malaga Wine
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
How to recreate
- Apply OPI Natural Nail Base Coat to protect your nails.
- Use OPI Malaga Wine for a rich, deep red color.
- Finish with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for a glossy finish that will last.
Green and Gold Abstract Nails
This green and gold abstract nail design is a beautiful combination of earthy tones and glamorous accents. The nude base with splashes of green and gold foil detailing adds an artistic touch. This design is perfect for those who want a unique and trendy look for the winter season.
Consumables
- Base coat: Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat
- Green polish: OPI Stay Off the Lawn
- Nude polish: Essie Ballet Slippers
- Gold foil: Nail Art Gold Foil
- Top coat: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat
How to recreate
- Apply Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat for a smooth surface.
- Use OPI Stay Off the Lawn for the green accent nails and Essie Ballet Slippers for the nude base.
- Add Nail Art Gold Foil for a touch of glamour on the nude nails.
- Seal with Essie Gel Couture Top Coat for a smooth, glossy finish.
