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.
Amazon
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
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
The mix between purple and gray in this hue delivers an understated edge that's to die for.
Target
Reds are definitely expected for any winter nails. This flirty shade glides on with absolute perfection!
Amazon
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
For some added shimmer and glow, pop this bad boy on your nails – atop a darker color or by itself!
Amazon
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
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
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
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
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
Amazon
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.
Wear the shade that matches your skin tone, or mix and match them all for a multi-toned nude look.
Amazon
This deep wine color will infuse some warmth into your day-to-day as you count down to the New Year.
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.
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.
We'll never get enough of the French manicure. But instead of white tips, spice it up with different colors and overlapping stripes.
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
Swap your regular mani for a cherry red nail polish that features a Santa hat. It's cute and classy all in one!
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.
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.
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.
Mix wintery details like gold glitter with neons and warm shades usually found in summer for a winter nails match made in heaven. Love!
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.
Pick shapes and shades that remind you of your favorite decade. Bonus points if it matches your outfit!
Image via Bellacures
If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, bring some snowy magic to your mani with white polish and a toothpick.
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!
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!
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
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.
Become winter Barbie when you adorn your nails in the cutest baby pink polishes out there. A lil' shimmer never hurt anyone, either.
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.
Deeper greens were made for winter nails. We love this divided design that also makes a play on French tips.
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.
Faux gems and nail glue come together to add a 3-dimensional element to any manicure. We're obsessed.
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.
We'll literally always say yes to some cherry red nails, especially when there are candy canes involved.
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.
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.
If you just can't resist the Christmas holiday, opt for winter nails like these that channel ornaments and decor.
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.
Everyone has their own unique way of doing things in the kitchen, but some habits are certainly more cringe-worthy than you might think – especially ones that may be considered gross, unhygienic, or unsafe. There are quite a few cooking missteps that could put you and others at risk, or simply make ‘em squeamish. If you’ve ever wondered whether your cooking habits are flawless or low-key gross, it’s time for a quick reality check.
Burst / PEXELS
Your hands touch all sorts of things throughout the day, all of which carry tons of bacteria and germs you may not even realize are there. If you don’t wash your hands before cooking, you risk transferring dirt, bacteria, and even viruses onto your food, increasing the chances of contamination and foodborne illnesses.
Vanessa Loring / PEXELS
Raw meat – especially poultry and seafood – carries bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. If you touch the raw meat you're cooking with and then handle various vegetables, seasonings, or kitchen surfaces without washing your hands, you could spread harmful bacteria, leading to dangerous cross-contamination and potential food poisoning.
Dapur Melodi / PEXELS
Licking your fingers while cooking might seem harmless (especially if you’re just cooking for yourself or one other person), but it can introduce bacteria from your mouth onto the food and other kitchen surfaces. This is especially unhygienic if you're cooking for others, as it spreads germs and increases the risk of contamination!
Kaboompics / PEXELS
Nowadays, fruits and vegetables can carry pesticides, dirt, and bacteria from the handling, shipping, and storage processes. If you don’t rinse them thoroughly before eating or cooking ‘em, you risk ingesting harmful chemicals or bacteria like Listeria. Yikes.
Kristina Snowasp / PEXELS
When you cut up raw meat and then immediately use the same knife or cutting board for the rest of the ingredients in your meals, you can totally transfer bacteria. This is especially important to avoid for items that may not be cooked further! It’s simply essential to wash your utensils and tools between uses or use separate ones for raw meat and other foods.
Juan Pablo Serrano / PEXELS
Dipping a spoon into food, tasting it (even if it’s quick!), and then putting it back in the pot can potentially transfer bacteria from your mouth to the entire dish. This is wildly unsanitary when you’re cooking for a group, as it introduces germs or bacteria that others may not be immune to. The best practice here is to use a separate spoon for tasting or wash it briefly before using it again.
Mojca J / PEXELS
When you sneeze or cough, tiny droplets of bacteria or viruses can land on everything around your kitchen: food, utensils, and cooking surfaces. If you don’t cover your mouth properly or sneeze directly over food, you risk contaminating the meal, which is both unsanitary (and unappetizing) for anyone eating it.
PNW Production / PEXELS
It’s crazy how quickly kitchen towels can become breeding grounds for bacteria when they’re used for multiple tasks. If you use the same towel to dry your hands, clean up spills, and dry dishes, you risk spreading germs from raw food particles or dirty hands onto clean surfaces and dishes, making it an easy way to spread bacteria… unknowingly.
RDNE Stock Project / PEXELS
Pets, no matter how clean they seem, carry bacteria, dirt, and even fur with them that can easily contaminate food and kitchen surfaces. Allowing them on countertops or near food prep areas (looking at you, kitties!) increases the risk of spreading germs, especially since pets can’t wash their paws after using the litter box or walking outside.
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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.
Brit + Co
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
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
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
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!
Craft a sweet witch's brew to match your burgundy nails with gold flecks.
If you don't have a fear of spiders, let this white spider design help you craft the perfect Halloween treat.
Depois Dos Quinze
Let these Hawaiian nails add some fun to your Halloween costume. Don’t worry, they won’t cause as much havoc as you think.
Your scary Halloween costume won't be complete with this black and white nail design.
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.
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.
Scare the ish out of all the arachnophobes with your spooky spider nails.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Pair your black polish with a simple white to elevate and invert this classic, yet very Halloween-appropriate, finish.
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.
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.
Instead of opting for the scary nail art route, go spooky. Cute, pointy-eared kitties are purrfect for Halloween.
Start off with a neutral base coat, then get funky with dark and random squiggly lines.
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.
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.
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.
One small black line from top to bottom of your nail bed makes for an artsy addition to a skeleton-inspired Halloween look.
It’s easy and it’s a classic. Just a warning: You may have to resist the urge to nibble your fingers!
Give your fingers some sharp angles to give the illusion of jagged nails.
Spice up the typical matte nail with a glossy French tip.
We’re already haunted by this funky, yet totally appropriate Frankenstein pop 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.
Can’t decide which Halloween fave to go with? Use a different nail for each October 31 icon so no one misses out.
We love this black, white, and sparkly tribute to a Halloween classic.
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.
Dashing Diva
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
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
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
The detail on these tips stand out against the simple base, and add a spooky touch to all your fall outfits!
Glamnetic
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
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
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.
I'm currently obsessed with kitchen banquettes and on a mission to find the perfect nook for one in my own space. Right now, we have an IKEA island with two wooden stools, which is great for busy mornings before I rush my kiddo to school. But when guests come over or we want to slow down and get cozy on weekend mornings, stools just don’t cut it. Enter banquettes: the kitchen trend everyone’s loving, and for good reason. They create a relaxed, inviting space (the ultimate “stay a while” vibe) and come in styles to suit any aesthetic, from cottage to modern. Here are ones from West Elm, Pottery Barn, McGee & Co., Target and more that I'm eyeing right now, plus cool custom inspiration!
West Elm
This sleek, curved unit offers customizable designs to perfectly fit your space — whether compact or spacious. With its vertical tufted backrest, it gives off a subtle '60s Bond-era sophistication. Plus, you can choose from a wide range of fabrics and even add built-in power to charge your devices before starting, or ending, the day!
Studio McGee
Talk about comfort — this slipcovered dining bench has cushions filled with a dreamy feather-and-down blend, making every meal feel extra cozy. Plus, the linen cover gives it that perfect mix of laid-back and refined style.
Target
This budget-friendly banquette from Target features a sturdy wooden frame and upholstered fabric in a charming cottage stripe. The corner unit is a great space saver and the fabric complements a range of styles, from modern to farmhouse.
Serena & Lily
This petite loveseat doubles as a space-saving banquette. With its gently rolled arms and inviting curves, it creates a cozy, relaxed spot for dining — perfect for lingering over a delicious meal.
West Elm
A banquette with built-in storage? Game changer. The pillow-soft seats make it a cozy spot to gather, while its modular design makes it perfect for most spaces. Bonus: it's made from sustainably sourced wood.
Pottery Barn
This banquette is the perfect mix of relaxed and refined, combining cozy upholstered seating with the rustic charm of exposed wood. It has a curved design (love) so you can make the most of your space, whether it's a breakfast nook or an open dining area — perfect for laid-back meals and long, cozy gatherings.
West Elm
This similar banquette is a fresh take on modern farmhouse style, or even coastal California design with its oak wood frame.
Williams-Sonoma
This customizable banquette in a French-inspired ticking is the perfect nook to sip coffee in the morning, enjoy a casual lunch, or gather with friends for a laid-back dinner. Plus, its space-saving design means you get extra seating without taking up too much room!
Cordonné Paint
I adore this built-in curvy banquette with a pop-of-red cushion. It really feels so French and lovely. The checkered floor is another detail that charms the space. The pretty green paint color ties it all together!
Lulu & Georgia
Swooning over this floral upholstered banquette that isn't afraid to show its curves. Paired with these cute wavy-back chairs, this setup is divine in my book.
Nickey Kehoe
A rich, reddish leather in a sleek design gives this piece a modern twist on a traditional look.
The LifeStyledCo
I love how this banquette wraps around both sides, creating plenty of space to gather. Paired with the Kian dining chair and a pile of cozy pillows, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny breakfast with your favorite people.
AYR Barns
A reclaimed pine table paired with a tufted upholstered banquette strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and refined elegance — an elevated look I absolutely love.
Le Maé
This geometric table pairs beautifully with the corner banquette, which features a unique fluted wood detail at the base. Not only does the banquette maximize seating in a cozy, space-saving way, but it also adds a stylish focal point that elevates the entire dining area.
Brook & Lou
This wood-framed banquette is a refined take on the classic cottage-style design, bringing warmth and charm with an elevated touch. Paired with a bold natural-fiber chandelier and cottage-inspired plates on the wall, it creates a cozy-yet-stylish dining nook that I admire.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
It’s finally time to swap out your heavy winter boots for something a bit lighter, brighter, and budget-friendly. Amazon has quite the stylish lineup of spring shoes, and I scoured their site for the cutest picks – all under $20! From chic sandals to ballet flats that make any spring outfit feel fresh, these 11 Amazon shoes are here to refresh your shoe game, all without forgoing your budget.
Amazon
These mesh ballet flats will let you feet breathe throughout all the warm weather coming our way. The pointed toes add the perfect touch of chic!
Amazon
Platform sandals are a springtime icon! These babies will fit you oh-so comfortably, thanks to the thick, crossed band design.
Amazon
Perfect for the office, these blocked heels make a statement with square toes and plenty of stylish straps.
Amazon
We adore flat shoes around here. These will wear well with everything from jeans to skirts this spring!
Amazon
Leopard print is hot this season, so you'll be right on-trend once you slip into these cozy ballet flats!
Amazon
These classic strappy sandals would be stunning for a springtime vacation, but they're also comfy enough to rock when you're out and about running errands.
Amazon
Who knew affordable shoes could be so trendy?! These metallic babies boast a double buckle silhouette that's sure to earn you compliment after compliment.
Amazon
The woven motif on these slip-on sandals is so spring-like. They're also shoppable in tons of different colors to suit your personal style to a tee.
Amazon
Sometimes you just need an easy spring shoe. That's exactly where these sandals come in, with a slip-on shape and cozy wide band on top.
Amazon
These boho-esque sandals are equipped with the cutest stitched and woven details, so they'd work really well with a flowy dress or even some denim shorts, depending on your outfit vibe for the season.
Amazon
These babies are all about comfort, being made with a soft yoga mat insole. The multiple straps will keep your feet nice and secure for any and every occasion!
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.