The temperatures are dropping and the days are getting shorter, and that means it’s officially time to break out our favorite winter nails and nail art design ideas! Nothing helps you beat the cold like a truly great mani, and we’ve found the cutest nail designs to add to your winter inspo board.
From festive nail art to frosty designs to cozy colors (hello, hot chocolate nails!), these nail ideas will brighten up even the darkest winter days. Let’s get into it!
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What are the nail trends for winter 2023?
The winter nail trends for 2023 are all about shimmery finishes, festive designs, and classic colors. The chrome trend that we’ve been rocking all year is here to stay, but it’s getting a festive upgrade for winter with seasonal colors like blue, white, and gold.
Sparkly nail art is also reigning supreme this season, with metallic details and glittery designs taking center stage for winter. ‘Tis the season for glamour, and we can’t wait to break out allll the holographic nail polishes!
And of course, you can’t forget the classics. Our favorite winter nail ideas for 2023 incorporate traditional designs like snowflakes, stars, and even candy canes, but with a cool modern twist. Classy rather than cheesy, this trendy nail art can be worn all winter long!
What color nails look good in winter?
The nail colors that look best in the winter are shades that are inspired by the season, like snowy white, icy blue, and festive red. It’s also the most wonderful time of the year for dark and moody hues, and colors like vampy wine red and dark forest green are seriously trending right now.
We’re also seeing tons of metallic nail ideas for winter, with both silver and gold getting their time in the spotlight (and on our inspo mood boards). Choose the shade that matches your everyday jewelry, or mix and match for a chic and celebratory design!
The Must-Have Tools to DIY The Cutest Winter Nail Art + Designs
photo: @nailsbyalsnWhether you’re a nail novice or a DIY pro, we’ve rounded up plenty of winter nail ideas that you can recreate at home. But first, make sure to stock up on the must-have nail tools to DIY these gorgeous winter designs!
- Nail art brushes + dotting tools: For winter nail ideas that feature any sort of nail art, you’re going to need something more technical than a classic nail polish brush. This complete set includes multiple different brushes, plus expert dotting tools for a professional look. Perfect for DIYing everything from a simple French manicure to a winter wonderland themed nail design!
- Nail sponges: If you love ombré winter nail ideas as much as we do, then it’s time to add a nail sponge to your arsenal! These help you blend your polish to create that hazy, ombré effect we all know and love.
- Holographic powder: Chromatic nail ideas are trending this winter, and this nail powder is the secret to recreating the look at home. Add it on top of your base coat for a reflective, pearlescent finish that’ll shine bright during the dark winter months!
- Cute nail stickers: If you’re a nail newbie, then nail stickers can be a life-saver when creating more elaborate winter designs and ideas. Stock up on festive decals like snowflakes and snowmen for a winter manicure that’s cute and easy!
We’ve linked more of our favorite tools and polishes down below to help you DIY each of these winter nail ideas — so grab a hot chocolate, throw on a cozy sweater, and let’s dive into all the wonderland inspo!
Whether you’re a nail novice or a DIY pro, we’ve rounded up plenty of winter nail ideas that you can recreate at home. But first, make sure to stock up on the must-have nail tools to DIY these gorgeous winter designs!
- Nail art brushes + dotting tools: For winter nail ideas that feature any sort of nail art, you’re going to need something more technical than a classic nail polish brush. This complete set includes multiple different brushes, plus expert dotting tools for a professional look. Perfect for DIYing everything from a simple French manicure to a winter wonderland themed nail design!
- Nail sponges: If you love ombré winter nail ideas as much as we do, then it’s time to add a nail sponge to your arsenal! These help you blend your polish to create that hazy, ombré effect we all know and love.
- Holographic powder: Chromatic nail ideas are trending this winter, and this nail powder is the secret to recreating the look at home. Add it on top of your base coat for a reflective, pearlescent finish that’ll shine bright during the dark winter months!
- Cute nail stickers: If you’re a nail newbie, then nail stickers can be a life-saver when creating more elaborate winter designs and ideas. Stock up on festive decals like snowflakes and snowmen for a winter manicure that’s cute and easy!
We’ve linked more of our favorite tools and polishes down below to help you DIY each of these winter nail ideas — so grab a hot chocolate, throw on a cozy sweater, and let’s dive into all the wonderland inspo!
The Cutest Blue Winter Nails Designs and Ideas
The best way to overcome the winter blues? Channel them into your nail art!
These blue winter nail designs and ideas are bright, stylish, and super seasonal. From icy metallic manicures to playful frosty nail art, we’ve found the best blue nail ideas for the entire winter season. So bundle up, and keep scrolling for the chilliest blue nails to add to your winter inspo board!
1. Frosty Blue Winter Nail Art
photo: @amberjhnailsChannel a winter wonderland with your nail art this year! From the icy blue polish to the sparkly white details, these nails are as frosty as a cold winter day. And just as dreamy, too!
P.S. If you don’t want to DIY this chilly nail art, we also found these snowflake nail stickers for a chic and easy winter mani design!
Channel a winter wonderland with your nail art this year! From the icy blue polish to the sparkly white details, these nails are as frosty as a cold winter day. And just as dreamy, too!
P.S. If you don’t want to DIY this chilly nail art, we also found these snowflake nail stickers for a chic and easy winter mani design!
2. Snowy Sugar Blue Coffin Shaped Winter Nails
There’s nothing more magical than the first snowfall of the season. Capture those cozy winter vibes with this glittery blue nail design, which reminds us of sparkly snow!
To get that dazzling textured look, pour holographic blue glitter over your freshly painted nails. Tap off the excess, let your nails dry, and voila: you have the perfect snowglobe-inspired manicure!
3. Shimmery Gradient Blue Winter Nails
Can’t choose just one blue shade for your nails? Then don’t! This skittle nail art captures all the blues of the season in a rad gradient design, from an icy light blue all the way to a dark midnight polish.
For a trendy finishing touch, swap your classic polish for shimmery metallic shades to recreate that reflective shine. It’s merry AND bright!!
4. Glittery Ombre Blue French Manicure Outline
photo: @heygreatnails
We’re suckers for ombré nail ideas, and this winter design takes the trend to the next level!
To DIY this festive look, use a nail sponge (or makeup sponge!) to dab blue polish on the tips of your nails, blending it down to get that hazy ombré design. Once that’s dry, grab your glittery polish and a small liner brush to recreate the French tip outline. So stunning!
We’re suckers for ombré nail ideas, and this winter design takes the trend to the next level!
To DIY this festive look, use a nail sponge (or makeup sponge!) to dab blue polish on the tips of your nails, blending it down to get that hazy ombré design. Once that’s dry, grab your glittery polish and a small liner brush to recreate the French tip outline. So stunning!
5. Snowman Themed Blue Winter Nail Art
photo: @tessa.lyn.nails
Unlock your inner child with this playful winter nail art — it’s ALMOST as fun as building a real snowman. Frosty would definitely approve!
For an easy way to bring these snowman nails to life, we love these Frosty inspired nail decals. Just dip them in water, layer them on top of your nails, and seal them with a top coat. No melting here!
6. Cobalt Blue Winter Nail Inspo
Brighten up those dark winter days with these statement blue nails! This cobalt blue hue is seriously trending right now, and we plan on rocking it ALL season long. Bright and bold, it’s the perfect way to spark some joy this winter!
7. Whimsical Wavy Blue Winter Nail Inspo with Celestial Star Designs
photo: @thehotblend
If you loved the color of the previous nails but want that extra somethin’ somethin’ to make your mani stand out, then this winter nail design is IT. The bright blue polish speaks for itself, while the wavy tips and celestial details add a whimsical touch.
Such a dreamy alternative to a classic French manicure!
photo: @thehotblend
If you loved the color of the previous nails but want that extra somethin’ somethin’ to make your mani stand out, then this winter nail design is IT. The bright blue polish speaks for itself, while the wavy tips and celestial details add a whimsical touch.
Such a dreamy alternative to a classic French manicure!
8. Snowy Blue Manicure With Sweater Inspired French Tips
photo: @nailzkatkat
Our two favorite winter essentials: snow and sweaters. And this nail design has both!
Embrace all the cozy vibes with this winter manicure, which alternates between a cute snowflake design and sweater-inspired French tips. And if you want to skip the pricey salon appointment, we also found these super similar press on nails!
Now all that’s missing is a blizzard and your favorite cardigan!
Our two favorite winter essentials: snow and sweaters. And this nail design has both!
Embrace all the cozy vibes with this winter manicure, which alternates between a cute snowflake design and sweater-inspired French tips. And if you want to skip the pricey salon appointment, we also found these super similar press on nails!
Now all that’s missing is a blizzard and your favorite cardigan!
9. Icy Blue Winter Nail Inspo
Like icicles in mani form, this shimmery blue nail design is SO perfect for winter! It reminds us of the blueberry milk nails that were everywhere this year, but with an icy cold finish. Major ice queen vibes!!
To recreate this frosty ombré design, blend this milky blue color with this bright blueberry shade. Finish with a pearlescent polish on top for an icy shine, and you’re pretty much golden!
Like icicles in mani form, this shimmery blue nail design is SO perfect for winter! It reminds us of the blueberry milk nails that were everywhere this year, but with an icy cold finish. Major ice queen vibes!!
To recreate this frosty ombré design, blend this milky blue color with this bright blueberry shade. Finish with a pearlescent polish on top for an icy shine, and you’re pretty much golden!
10. Short Starry Night Blue Winter Nail Design
photo: @karanailedit
Pay homage to the longer nights of the season with this celestial winter nail design! This nail artist created the ethereal midnight hue by layering two coats of this navy blue polish with two coats of this shimmery top coat.
Complete with some constellation nail art, this winter design has us totally starry-eyed!
Which of these winter nail ideas are you planning to rock first? Let us know in the comments below!
Pay homage to the longer nights of the season with this celestial winter nail design! This nail artist created the ethereal midnight hue by layering two coats of this navy blue polish with two coats of this shimmery top coat.
Complete with some constellation nail art, this winter design has us totally starry-eyed!
Which of these winter nail ideas are you planning to rock first? Let us know in the comments below!