11 Ways to Rock a Gemstone Manicure for All Your End-of-Year Festivities
Dec 05, 2017
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Compared to the bright and warm colors you paint on your summer nails, winter nails can sometimes feel a little... uninspired. But this season, we're all about changing up our beauty routines to find something unique, unexpected, and festive. You don't have to be a professional manicurist to get beautiful tips at home, and these ideas for winter nails prove it.
Break out your top coat bottles, because once you see these moody blue hues, seasonal shimmers, and classic Christmas color nail art (not to mention some eye-catching yet easy designs to inspire you) you won't be able to get enough.
50 cute ideas for winter nails to last you until spring
Amazon
Glamnetic Press-On Nails
Party dresses aren't the only thing that'll be sparkling this winter. Add a quick shimmer to your nails with these cute press-ons!
Target
Sally Hansen Traveling Light
This unique purple pick only takes a few seconds to dry, which makes it a great option when you need a concise mani, but don't have a ton of time.
Dear Sundays
sundays L.05
The mix between purple and gray in this hue delivers an understated edge that's to die for.
Target
ella+mila Unwrap Me
Reds are definitely expected for any winter nails. This flirty shade glides on with absolute perfection!
Amazon
PrettyDiva Silver Chrome Nail Powder
Silver nails are sophisticated and festive, but aren't exclusive to the holiday season the way that a red and green combo are. Plus, dip powder is a simple and easy way to get a salon-quality manicure at home.
Dear Sundays
sundays No.30
For anyone who likes color but doesn't want to overdo it, this muted sage green is a great pick. It's sophisticated, understated, and adds just the right amount of chill for colder days.
OPI It's A Boy! Nail Lacquer
Baby blue has been hot all year long. If you want in on the trend, try adding this pale color to your nails instead.
Orly
ORLY Crawford's Wine
Is there anything classier than red nails? They're a little bit vintage, a little bit sexy, and very eye-catching. Match them to a red lip for New Year's celebrationsfor the cutest match.
Amazon
Beetles Aquarius Polish Kit
From navy to icy blue, these gel polishes will let you have all the winter nails you could ever dream of. The best part is that with proper application, they can last up to three weeks!
Target
Essie Ballet Slippers
Ballet pink is a great neutral because it's elevated and professional, but it's more fun than beige. Pair this pink with ballerina nails, and feel totally girly!
Sally Hansen
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish
Even though deep green is in the holiday color palette, this peaceful shade can definitely last into the New Year. This polish is chip-resistant and healthy for your nails.
Amazon
essie A Stroke of Brilliance
For some added shimmer and glow, pop this bad boy on your nails – atop a darker color or by itself!
Amazon
OPI O Suzi Mio
We love how romantic and powerful this deep purple is. And if there's anything that should make you feel that way, it's your beauty routine.
Dashing Diva
Dashing Diva Hanukkah Magic
Dark blue and white are a color combo that you can never go wrong with for winter nails. You can wear these tips to your Hanukkah celebrations, but they will also look good any day of the week.
Olive & June
Olive & June Lilac Shimmer
Feminine and flirty, this salon-quality polish is a great way to add some pink Christmas glam to your winter nails if you're not feeling the blues, neons, or reds.
786 Cosmetics
786 Cosmetics Istanbul
This polish is inspired by the shades of the Turkish city it's named after. Not only is it deep and warm, but it also gives you full coverage with a single swipe.
Amazon
OPI Angels Flight to Starry Nights
This shade simultaneously reminds us of the sea, the sky, and all those icy Y2K beauty looks. It looks iconic in every season, so you can wear it all year long.
Pleasing
Pleasing Syrupberry
Add some sweetness to your holiday season with this fruity nail polish color. Pair it with other punchy colors or wear it on its own. Either way, you'll turn heads.
Amazon
OPI Linger Over Coffee
Chocolate brown might be a 2023 hair trend, but you can definitely add it into your manicure, too. The best part is that it'll match your coffee *and* your hot chocolate.
Modelones Going Nude
Wear the shade that matches your skin tone, or mix and match them all for a multi-toned nude look.
Amazon
OPI Como se Llama
This deep wine color will infuse some warmth into your day-to-day as you count down to the New Year.
essie Carols and Caviar
This winter nails color describes exactly what we want out of the season. It's the most luscious blue that you could ever coat your nails with.
Winter Nails Inspo
Saving Face
Turn your mani into an art gallery with an abstract design that'll make you feel like Picasso. Stick to classic colors like brown and black, or go with seasonal shades.
A Little Bit French
We'll never get enough of the French manicure. But instead of white tips, spice it up with different colors and overlapping stripes.
A Jolly, Happy Soul
This frosty little friend is one of the cutest things we've ever seen on a thumb nail. Don't forget the carrot nose!
Image via Bellacures
Jolly Old Soul
Swap your regular mani for a cherry red nail polish that features a Santa hat. It's cute and classy all in one!
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Living On The Edge
Create a manicure that feels unexpected yet classic by adding dots around the edge of your nail in red, green, and gold. The empty space is totally eye-catching while the color trio is nostalgic.
Pastels³
Pick three colors that go well together and layer them for multi-dimensional nails. You can change them up based on the season, or stick with different shades of your favorite color.
I Like You A Latte
Use different shades of brown for a mani that'll get you in the mood for a mocha. The 70s inspired waves are just the foam on top.
All-Out Color
Mix wintery details like gold glitter with neons and warm shades usually found in summer for a winter nails match made in heaven. Love!
Stripes On Stripes
In lieu of an all-white mani, go for one that incorporates stripes or blank space that'll let other colors (or your natural nail) peek through.
Groovy Baby
Pick shapes and shades that remind you of your favorite decade. Bonus points if it matches your outfit!
Image via Bellacures
Flurries
If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, bring some snowy magic to your mani with white polish and a toothpick.
Star Light, Star Bright
Bring some nature to your look with a galaxy-inspired mani, a delicate snowflake, or try your hand at painting a tree. The world is your oyster!
Tortoise
A mix of brown, gold, and tan will never go out of style. We're obsessed with the glittery detail and the use of negative space!
I Can Still Make The Whole Place Shimmer
These glittery nails are perfect for both Christmas and New Year's, which means you don't have to redo your mani before December 31st.
Image via Bellacures
Holly Berries
These red berries are instantly recognizable and very festive. Pick any of your fingers to add these details to, or add a design to each nail.
Hi, Barbie!
Become winter Barbie when you adorn your nails in the cutest baby pink polishes out there. A lil' shimmer never hurt anyone, either.
Celestial Nails
Deep gold or chrome is the perfect polish to take a simple starry mani to the next level. The key to painting clean stars is using an ultra tiny nail brush.
Emerald City
Deeper greens were made for winter nails. We love this divided design that also makes a play on French tips.
Tip Off
A little goes a long way with these chrome nails. They have the classy feeling of a French manicure with the glam look of silver polish.
Jewels And Gems
Faux gems and nail glue come together to add a 3-dimensional element to any manicure. We're obsessed.
Pop Art Nails
If you want another element to your pop art nails, add a shape to one of your fingers — we love the detail on this heart.
Candy Cane Lane
We'll literally always say yes to some cherry red nails, especially when there are candy canes involved.
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Taste The Rainbow
Who said Skittles nails were reserved for summer? If you're in desperate need of more color this winter, this mani is the way to go.
Feeling Romantic
These chocolate brown nails are already looking towards Valentine's Day. Keep the base of your accent nail simple or go crazy with an unexpected neon.
Holly Jolly
If you just can't resist the Christmas holiday, opt for winter nails like these that channel ornaments and decor.
Classically Embellished
These elevated and decorated winter nails are giving everything they need to give for a classy NYE party.
Tag us in pics of your winter nails on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for more inspo! And be sure to check out our podcast episode with Olive & June founder Sarah Gibson Tuttle for tips on DIY-ing your own manis and pedis.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
October 31 may seem light-years away, but if last-minute Halloween costumes stress you out, then you know it’s never too early to start planning for a killer getup. Makeup and hair are a given, but the perfect costume isn’t complete without an amazing mani. This year we’ve pulled out all the stops with a mega-roundup of the scariest, spookiest, and all-around amazing Halloween nails ever. From black-cat French tips to pumpkin-face nail art to the most stellar sugar-skull nails we’ve *ever* seen, here are 40 manicures that are basically costumes for your nails.
DIY Halloween Nail Art To Try
Brit + Co
Snakebite Nail Art
Okay, technically these have a little bit of red on them. But we think you’ll forgive us and our favorite nail artist SF Party Nail AKA Taylor Watson.
Bellacures
Red Blood French Tips
Your decision to dress as Jason Vorhees for Halloween won't be complete with these red blood french tips. They're the perfect complement to the faux bloody machete you'll be carrying.
Brit + Co
Golden Ratio
Perfect for the lazy-girl nail artist who wants to hit two holidays with just one mani. Do this on Halloween day and then carry it all the way into the New Year!
Brit + Co
Cute Cat Ear Tips
This is a great mani option for anyone and everyone who wants to be on the couch with their cats at any given moment. Just use a thinner brush to make the triangles for the ears. You can use another brush or even the tip of a bobby pin to dot on the eyes!
Burgundy Nails With Gold Flecks
Craft a sweet witch's brew to match your burgundy nails with gold flecks.
Black With White Spider Nail Design
If you don't have a fear of spiders, let this white spider design help you craft the perfect Halloween treat.
Depois Dos Quinze
Stitch of Lilo & Stitch
Let these Hawaiian nails add some fun to your Halloween costume. Don’t worry, they won’t cause as much havoc as you think.
Black and White Spooky Halloween
Your scary Halloween costume won't be complete with this black and white nail design.
All That Glitters
If you love all things glam, you don't have to wait until New Years to go crazy with the glitter. Pick darker colors to make this mani extra moody.
Halloween Nail Art Inspo
Bony Gal
Keep your Halloween digits looking eerie with a skeleton design scattered along your nails. A matte black and red polish underneath looks even more appropriate for the holiday.
Feelin’ Spidey
Scare the ish out of all the arachnophobes with your spooky spider nails.
Spooky Minimalist
A ghostly manicure instantly puts you in the Halloween spirit. Plus, if you’re more of a minimalistic gal, this simple design will ring true.
Sweet Skulls
Even if you’re not a fan of Halloween, these designs let you take part in October fun without the spook factor. This manicure is trendy and colorful and will match any outfit you pair it with.
Mixed Finishes
You don’t have to deck out your digits in skulls and ghosts to be festive. A fancy orange and black mani gives you just the right amount of edgy flair.
Orange Evil Eye
The evil eye can mean a curse in many cultures around the world. What better way to celebrate the spooky holiday than with protective nails featuring these talismans?
Twist on a French
Pair your black polish with a simple white to elevate and invert this classic, yet very Halloween-appropriate, finish.
Shimmer and Spiders
Statement nails featuring sparkles and spider webs turn the dial up on Halloween glam. Balance it out with a neutral gray shade as your base color or keep it negative with a bare nail layered with a top coat.
Scratch It Up
Destroyed ombre nails feel spooky but still stylish. Achieve this jagged mani look by coating your nail with black and using a scratcher tool to uncover the natural hue underneath.
Spooky Kitty
Instead of opting for the scary nail art route, go spooky. Cute, pointy-eared kitties are purrfect for Halloween.
Squiggly Black Lines
Start off with a neutral base coat, then get funky with dark and random squiggly lines.
Bloody Nails
This spine-tingling nail art will give you all the holiday feels this October. Drip polish down from your cuticles, and clean up your skin with a nail polish remover-soaked cotton swab. Done and done.
Moody and Matte
Feel like sporting your artsy side? Paint an entire creepy scene onto your nails for a unique mani. Adding a matte top coat lets the designs be seen even better.
Marble Print
This looks tough but is actually fairly easy. Begin by using black nail polish and a small brush dipped in acetone, draw on lines with the polish and then blur them by swirling with the brush.
Art Dark-O
One small black line from top to bottom of your nail bed makes for an artsy addition to a skeleton-inspired Halloween look.
Candy Corn
It’s easy and it’s a classic. Just a warning: You may have to resist the urge to nibble your fingers!
Shattered Nails
Give your fingers some sharp angles to give the illusion of jagged nails.
Matte and Glossy Meet
Spice up the typical matte nail with a glossy French tip.
Frankenstein Stitches
We’re already haunted by this funky, yet totally appropriate Frankenstein pop art.
Picasso Line Art
Halloween doesn’t have to be all about zombies and mummies. Instead, try a fine-art approach that’s still wacky enough for the holiday.
Halloween Collage
Can’t decide which Halloween fave to go with? Use a different nail for each October 31 icon so no one misses out.
Jack Skellington
We love this black, white, and sparkly tribute to a Halloween classic.
Disney Princesses
If you can’t decide which Disney princess you want to be this year, then just be all of them! This mani shows off their goofy side because even a Disney princess knows how to have fun too.
Halloween Nails You Can Buy
Dashing Diva
Dashing Diva Glow Potion Gloss Palette
Add some magic to your nails with a glow-in-the-dark set that features all your favorite Halloween motifs with a fun color palette.
Etsy
Black Bat Halloween Nails
Switch up your base color every time you add one (or multiple) of these stickers, and you'll get a different look every single time!
Etsy
Black Spider Web Press On Nails
The coolest part about these Halloween nails is the two-in-one finish they have. Even though they're monochromatic, the glossy and matte textures provide some unexpected contrast. (via LilyNailsArt/Etsy)
Etsy
Ghost Nails
The detail on these tips stand out against the simple base, and add a spooky touch to all your fall outfits!
Glamnetic
Lady Web
Give your spidery web nails a cute update with these press-on nails! The glitter will make them less spooky as you brew one of your famous Halloween cocktails.
Walmart
Salon Perfect Matte Checkered Cat Nails
Witchy nails are meant to be as chic as they are thrilling. Lucky for us, Salon Perfect understood the assignment when they created these cute matte checkered cat nails!
Walmart
Salon Perfect Black Moon Ombre Nails
Dressing up as a mysterious and sexy tarot reader for Halloween? Don't forget to add these black moon ombre nails to your costume.
Want more Halloween nail art and beauty inspiration? Be sure to check out our Pinterest page!
This post has been updated.
Winter is undoubtedly here (boo, snow and cold!), but a whole new wave of weather means it’s time to step up not only your layering game, but your shoe game, too. From stylish tall boots to cozy lined house shoes, these 5 types of winter shoes are simply the perfect pairs to get you through the season in style.
Check out the 5 must-have winter shoe styles to keep your winter wardrobe looking and feeling fresh this year!
Free People
1. Tall boots
Tall boots are just that girl when it comes to winter outfits. They truly wear well alone, but for wintertime, they look especially stunning when you layer ‘em up with leggings or tights.
Free People
Jeffrey Campbell Katrina Pull-On Tall Boots
There are quite a few variations in design when it comes to tall boots, so you could snag them in a moto, cowboy boot, or sleek style.
Tecovas
Whatever tall boot style speaks to you the most and will be most practical for your needs will be perfect!
Blundstone
Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal Chelsea Boots
2. Snow boots
Snow boots are honestly non-negotiable if you live somewhere, well, snowy.
Nordstrom
Sorel Tivoli V Faux Fur Lined Waterproof Boots
Snow boots are designed with the cold in mind, so they’re often expertly insulated and boast reliable textured soles that won’t fail you on slippery ice.
Nordstrom
Sorel, UGG, Hunter, and Blundstone make some of my favorite snow boots since they still look effortlessly stylish, all while keeping your feet safe and warm!
SeaVees
3. Clogs
Where would I be without my clogs?! Seriously – they’re super helpful if I need to run a quick errand or take my dog for a brief walk outside. The best part about clogs is they’re extremely easy to put on and take off – no time for traditional laces over here!
I thoroughly enjoy this gardening-inspired pair from SeaVees because the soles are fitted with a good amount of traction to keep me from slip-sliding when I have to go out in the snow. They’re also waterproof, keeping my feet dry with every step.
Nordstrom
Chaco Ramble Water Resistant Puffer Clogs
Puffer styles like these are especially great if more warmth is what you’re seeking this season.
DSW
I also can’t recommend these Chacos clogs enough, since they’re remarkably durable and perfect for year-round wear.
Adidas
4. Reliable sneakers
Sneakers are a must no matter the season, but having a pair for winter can really depend on your season-specific needs. Whether it’s a running sneaker that’s primed for the gym’s treadmills or a more fashion-forward design that you want to rock with all of your ‘going out’ outfits, there’s a winter sneaker for everyone.
New Balance
I tend to shop sneakers for winter in more toned-down color palettes, since I typically wear more monochromatic ‘fits when the weather’s gloomy. I really adore my New Balance 530's since I can easily take them from a workout to a night out.
Nordstrom
5. Cozy house shoes
Finally, cozy house shoes should be a given when it comes to winter. I surely spend more time at home around this time of year, and when I’m hibernating, my toes get annoyingly cold! I know I'm not the only one, too.
Amazon
Dearfoams Chloe Soft Knit Clog Slippers
That’s where a good slipper or house shoe comes in – they exist to protect your feet from the elements, ensuring you stay cozy all season long.
Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more seasonal fashion trends!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Valentine’s Day is essentially the holiday geared towards little treats – and what better way to ensure you get exactly what you want than giving your S.O. a not-so-subtle hint (AKA this curated Valentine’s Day gift guide). Our list of perfect V-Day gifts is packed full of the little treats you’ve got your eye on, plus some real swoon-worthy picks – from luxury skincare to decadent chocolates – that’ll truly make your day.
Scroll on for the best Valentine’s Day gifts you’ve been dreaming of!
Mutha
Mutha Body Butter
This luxe body butter is as rich as can be, and will instantly take first place over your current body lotion collection since it's clinically proven to improve skin tone, discoloration, stretch marks, and skin firmness. You'll especially love the 48-hour hydration factor.
Amazon
Steve Madden Goldie
This "glamorous and captivating" scent will make you feel so sexy on V-Day and beyond. In addition to floral and fruity notes, it has a gourmand effect that truly makes it stand out. Plus, the heart-shaped bottle is a perfect fit for the holiday.
Coach
Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 26
You deserve to feel spoiled, and this shoulder bag will definitely fulfill that dream. Its durable construction and timeless color will be in your fashion rotation for years to come!
Nordstrom
Slip Lovely Lashes Pure Silk Contour Sleep Mask
This contoured sleep mask made of sleek silk allows you to get your best beauty sleep, all without disturbing your lashes. It's especially helpful if you have lash extensions!
Sephora
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
You already know the hype of this rich lip butter. Ask for your fave flavor for V-Day!
Compartés
Compartés I Love You Gift Box
Because a Valentine's Day without chocolate is like peanut butter without jelly.
Nordstrom
UGG Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boots
These are about to become *the* cozy boots that define each and every one of your winter outfits. We can't recommend 'em enough if you're all about that cozy life.
Birthdate
Birthdate Pendant
You can customize this pendant based on your exact birth date, so each one is unique from the other. This is perfect for all the astrology lovers out there, plus there's options for silver and gold for every kind of personal style!
Flamingo Estate
Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle
This bougie candle smells like pure heaven, so lighting it up every day will be a total treat. It's a tasteful departure from your typical Valentine's Day aromas, like vanilla and rose.
Dieux
Dieux Angel Face Duo
Your skin's gonna adore each of these products from Dieux – so grab the two at once! First up, the Baptism cleanser provides a gentle clean without stripping your skin's natural moisture. Next, the Instant Angel moisturizer swarms your skin in rich hydration, locking in beneficial moisture to keep you lookin' real glowy.
Adidas
Adidas Gazelle Bold Sneakers
This year's hottest sneaker style, all in a V-Day-ready colorway?! Yes, please.
Anthropologie
Anthropologie Icon Juice Glass
This heart-dotted glass will make drinking your morning coffees, matchas, and juices that much more joyful.
Smoosh
Smoosh Body Scrubber
This silicone body scrubber features a fun and unique design so that the coordinating bar soap is embedded within the piece. It still gives a great lather and will last you years without producing as much waste as a traditional loofah. We love this playful pink color to inspire a satisfying shower, every time.
Lush
Lush 'A Lush Kind Of Love' Gift Box
There's nothing like a Lush box when it comes to gifts. This V-Day-themed one includes 2 bath bombs, one Lush Bubbleroon, a body conditioner, a body wash, a body scrub, and a soap bar to fix up your next self-care night.
Maude
Maude Burn No. 3 Soy-Based Massage Candle
This is one of the best Valentine's Day gifts you can use in conjunction with your partner. The candle melts down to a soft, soy-based massage oil that only gets warm, not hot, so you can easily pour it out ahead of an at-home couple's massage (yes, please!) or simply for sexy time.
Glossier
Glossier You Eau de Parfum
This cult-fave perfume from Glossier sticks to your skin and magically adapts to smell like you. You'll be smellin' like a whole treat come V-Day.
Sephora
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Serum
This luxury serum encourages nothing but a full-on glow by brightening the look of dark spots and evening skin tone.
New Balance
New Balance 530 Sneakers
Hot girl walks and errand outfits await you with these stunning sneaks from New Balance. They're equal parts comfy and cute, so you won't have to worry about sacrificing style for practicality when you wear 'em!
Typology
Typology T41 Replenishing Lip Balm
Upgrade your Chapsticks and Carmexes with this luxe lip balm that provides unmatched hydration using ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It comes in a practical clear shade, plus three more blush-y colors if you wish to have a stronger wash of color on your lips and cheeks.
Owala
Owala FreeSip
Hydration is key for health and happiness – make sipping more fun with this beloved bottle from Owala!
Subscribe to our newsletter for more gift ideas all year long!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.