opi gel winter colors

42 BEST FALL AND WINTER NAIL IDEAS THAT WILL HEADLINE THE SEASON

Fall and winter nails can be an integral part of your style with fun and sophisticated ideas. Try luxurious designs like metallic glitter or cool colors to reflect the wheather in fall or winter. Details like snow patterns, metallics or soft pastel colors will bring a warm and charming feeling to the cold days. Whether you love simple or sophisticated, winter nail ideas can make a great accent to your outfit.

MIRROR

Say goodbye to glazed pink nails and welcome the dazzling allure of mirror nails in deep, rich colors with a mega-watt shine.

SILVER BELLS

Opt for a shimmering silver glitter finish and complement it with delicate snowflake accents. Achieve the look using a fine nail brush and dotting tool, both easily found in Manucurist’s versatile nail art set. This understated yet festive manicure is the perfect way to embrace the winter wonderland.

SUGARPLUM FAIRY

Matte lavender tips paired with a pink base create the sweetest combination. Complete your fairy-inspired look with tiny pearls, adding a touch to your nails.

HOT CHOCOLATE

Indulge in the warmth and richness of hot chocolate with a nail design that captures the essence of this beloved winter treat. Using the perfect chocolaty shade of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Been There, Dune That, create a steaming hot chocolate wave accent nail that will leave you feeling cozy and festive

LEAFY GREEN

Sage green is a softer, more muted green that is perfect for a winter manicure. Use it as the base color and add gold leaf accents for a touch of glamour. You can also add a few snowflakes for a festive touch.

COBALT BLUE

Bold and statement-making, bright blue winter nails are the perfect way to stand out this season. Embrace the striking hue by keeping your nails short and rounded, letting the vibrant color speak for itself.

CANDY CANE

Make your red Christmas nails to a new level of festivity with delightful candy cane accents. Choose intricate candy cane nail art or a classic stripe pattern? You’ll capture the holiday spirit perfectly. Can’t decide between the two? Mix and match for a fun and festive look!

BRONZE GLITTER

This season, step away from the usual silver, gold, or rose gold and embrace the on-trend bronze metallic for your nails. Perfectly complementing the current brown and latte makeup craze, bronze metallic offers a chic and sophisticated look for all skin tones.

ICY BARBIE

For a festive twist on Barbie nails, try a stunning glitter ombré design. Achieve the perfect gradient by using a makeup sponge wedge dipped in hot pink nail polish, blending it upward from a pinky nude base coat. 

LIQUID GOLD

Refresh your manicure with a touch of shiny gold glitter. By keeping the rest of your nails nude, you’ll achieve a minimalist, chic look that allows the glitter to really stand out.

SHEER

Grunge glam has taken over our fingernails with moody goth-girl shades like navy and jet black, softened by a sheer finish. This look resembles the delicate allure of pantyhose, now beautifully translated into manicure form.

FLOATING TINSEL

This minimalist look may appear intricate, but it’s surprisingly easy to achieve with just a striper brush. Celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein used BrillBird UK to create thin black stripes, layering them with silver sparkle for a striking, eye-catching effect.

ALIEN SUPERSTAR

These iridescent green chrome nails have a playful Grinch-inspired vibe. Enhance the look with holographic stars to add an extra burst of sparkle and festive flair.

CHOCOLATE GLAZED DONUT

This winter, the glazed-donut manicure continues to shine with a deliciously new twist. Embrace the latest chocolate-themed version using DND Gel in Coffee Bean and Spiced Brown, topped with OPI Chrome Effects in Tin Man Can for a glossy, metallic finish.

HOLOGRAPHIC STRIPES

A single glitzy line acts like jewelry for your fingertips, adding a touch of sparkle and making your nails appear extra long and elegant.

CHAMPAGNE SPARKLES

Cheers to the most stunning shimmery polish we’ve ever laid eyes on!

SNOWY BLUE MANICURE

Embrace all the cozy winter vibes with this delightful manicure, featuring a charming snowflake design paired with sweater-inspired French tips.

ICY BLUE WINTER NAIL INSPO

Like icicles come to life, this shimmery blue nail design is so perfect winter statement! 

To achieve this frosty ombré design, blend a milky blue color with a vibrant blueberry shade. Top it off with a pearlescent polish for an icy shine, and you’ll have a stunning.

SKITTLES MANI

Mismatched nail art remains a top trend this winter, thanks to its simplicity and DIY appeal. While pastels and neons continue to make their mark, consider embracing the season with muted blues paired with rusty browns and reds for a chic, on-trend look.

SHORT STARRY NIGHT BLUE WINTER 

This stunning look is achieved by layering two coats of navy blue polish with two coats of a shimmery top coat for an ethereal midnight hue. Add some constellation nail art, and you’ll have a winter manicure that’s truly starry-eyed!

DAISY NAILS

Seventies vibes are still going strong, whether on hair or nails. Embrace the retro look with Deco Miami’s Stay Groovy stickers, and while a matcha green base is optional, it’s highly encouraged for that extra touch of vintage flair.

RED FRENCH TIP DOUBLE OUTLINE

Add a chic twist to your nude mani with elegant red outlines for a subtle yet striking pop of color. The bold accent of a fully filled-in tip adds an extra touch of flair, making this look both refined and eye-catching.

MIXED MEDIA

The ultimate winter nail-art trend? Embrace variety by mixing lines, shapes, and French-tip styles for a truly unique manicure. Don’t settle for just one pattern—experiment to create a one-of-a-kind look that’s all your own.

SIMPLE HOLOGRAPHIC LAVENDER 

With a dazzling holographic finish, these lavender nails are a chic and unexpected way to add some sparkle to your winter wardrobe. They’re perfect for Swifties still celebrating their Eras era!

SPARKLY NUDE SIMPLE

We believe there’s no such thing as too much sparkle, especially during the winter months. 

Sparkly, simple, and incredibly versatile, these nails can be effortlessly dressed up or down for any occasion. Consider them your ideal seasonal neutral, adding just the right amount of shine to any look.

SIMPLE RAINBOW SKITTLE 

If you’re ready to break away from traditional winter hues, try rainbow skittle nails for a vibrant change! This cheerful palette offers a refreshing contrast to the season’s darker tones, delivering an instant boost of serotonin every time you look at your hands.

SIMPLE FOREST GREEN 

When it comes to seasonal color trends, these simple forest green nails are a must-have for winter. Dark and elegant, they offer a chic update to the classic all-black mani and are just as versatile. You can’t go wrong with this sophisticated shade.

VANILLA WINTER NAIL INSPO

With their warm vanilla hue, they’re the coziest neutral for those chilly winter days. Just grab some vanilla nail polish, pearl nail powder, and a disposable eyeshadow applicator. Don’t forget to finish with a strengthening top coat for the perfect touch!

BASIC CLEAN GIRL

If you’re looking for a simple manicure to get you through every dinner party, to-do list, and festive event this season, these fall and winter nail trends are perfect for you! Sleek and simple, they enhance your natural nails with a subtle top coat.

TWO-TONED

Here’s another effortlessly chic nail art idea: paint each hand a different pastel or shimmery shade. It’s an easy way to add a playful touch to your look without any fuss.

SPLIT SHADES

Can’t choose just one trend? Get the best of all worlds by mixing and matching pastels and brights on each nail. It’s a fun way to showcase multiple trends and create a unique, eye-catching look!

BLACK LICORICE 

Black nails are always a classic choice for cold weather, especially when finished with an ultra-glossy topcoat like Seche Vite. It’s a timeless look that never goes out of style!

SNOWCAP FRENCH 

Swooping French tips evoke the beauty of snowy mountains with a subtle touch, while gold twinkles add a glamorous flair. This design combines elegance and seasonal charm without being too on-the-nose.

NEGATIVE SPACE 

Negative space continues to be the easiest way to add a touch of cool to your manicure in seconds. Its minimalist approach delivers instant style and sophistication.

WHITE SHIMMER 

Add a modern twist to classic winter white nails with a holographic glitter topcoat. For a dazzling effect, use Pacifica’s Bio Glitter in Celestial to infuse your manicure with a touch of sparkle and shine.

CLASSY TINSEL-INSPIRED FRENCH OUTLINE

Add a festive touch to your nails by adorning the edges with a bit of tinsel! Stick with a classic glittery gold outline or mix things up with mix and matched sparkly colors—there are no wrong choices here!

BLINGED-OUT FRENCH 

A diamond-encrusted manicure is ideal for holiday parties and beyond, adding a touch of sparkle and luxury to any occasion.

AMERICAN MANICURE 

For a fresh take on the French manicure, try the American Manicure. This technique features both the tips and base in softer shades of nude and white, creating a more subtle contrast and a naturally elegant look.

ALMOND SHAPED GREEN 

Is it just us, or are these winter nails giving off major aprés-ski vibes? The soft sage green color palette and geometric tips, reminiscent of snowcaps on a mountain, have us dreaming of a day on the slopes. Snow bunnies, this green nail design is definitely for you!

HOT PINK 

Neon shades might not be your usual go-to, but after days of gloomy forecasts, a bright manicure is the perfect way to lift your spirits. A vibrant pop of color can be just the pick-me-up you need!

CLASSY IRIDESCENT BLUE-GREY 

Achieve the look with this frosty nail polish, which offers the ideal iridescent shimmer to capture that dreamy blizzard effect.

CONCLUSION

From cozy neutrals and warm hues to sparkling accents and festive designs, there’s a nail art inspiration for every style and occasion. Whether you’re preparing for holiday gatherings or simply want to add a touch of seasonal flair to your everyday look, these nail ideas will ensure your fingertips are always in the spotlight. So, go ahead and experiment with these creative designs to make your nails the highlight of the season!

THE 12 BEST GEL NAIL POLISH BRANDS THAT WILL GIVE YOU A TRENDY LOOK

Obsessed with that chip-free, glossy mani that lasts for weeks? Gel polish is the answer, but with so many brands out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming fret no more! Dive into the world of stunning gel colors and long-lasting wear with our ultimate guide to the top 12 gel nail polish brands. We’ll cover everything from budget-friendly finds to celebrity-favorite lines, all formulated to give you a salon-quality manicure you can achieve at home and flaunt the latest nail trends. Get ready to transform your fingertips and unleash your inner nail artist!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GEL NAIL POLISH? 

Gel nail polish offers a number of advantages over traditional polishes. Here are some of the key benefits:

Long-lasting wear: Gel manicures are renowned for their chip-resistance, lasting significantly longer than regular polish – often weeks with proper application. This translates to less frequent manicures and saved time.

High-gloss shine: Gel polish delivers a stunning, mirror-like finish that rivals a salon manicure. This shine typically lasts throughout the wear of the polish.

Faster drying time: Unlike traditional polishes that can take forever to dry completely, gel polish cures under a UV or LED lamp in a matter of seconds. This eliminates smudging and lets you get back to your day quickly.

Stronger nails: The gel formula can help to protect weak or brittle nails from breaking and splitting. This allows your nails to grow longer and healthier.

Wider color variety: Gel polishes come in a vast array of vibrant and trendy colors, along with finishes like matte and glitter, offering endless possibilities for creative nail art designs.

TOP GEL NAIL POLISHES

GELISH LACE IS MORE SPRING COLLECTION

Spring has sprung and your nails deserve a refresh to match! Look no further than Gelish’s “Lace Is More” collection, a celebration of all things spring. Inspired by the delicate beauty of lace, this collection offers a range of pastel shades with a modern twist. Soft, airy colors are perfectly balanced by pops of brighter hues, reflecting the season’s vibrant energy. With long-lasting wear that’s a signature of Gelish polish, you can flaunt your beautiful spring manicure for weeks on end. Whether you prefer a subtle touch or a bolder statement, “Lace Is More” has the perfect shade to capture the essence of spring and elevate your fingertips to trendy perfection.

OPI GELCOLOR

OPI GelColor offers a salon-quality manicure experience at home. The short bristles on the base coat brush allow for a thin, even application, and the polish itself is vibrant and opaque in just two coats. Impressively, it can last a chip-free week, even through demanding activities. Removal is also a breeze, taking only 10 minutes with nail remover. However, the thicker, professional-grade formula and minimal instructions may pose a challenge for beginners. Additionally, you’ll need a UV lamp to cure the polish, which adds another layer of equipment to the at-home manicure process. Despite these considerations, OPI GelColor stands out for its vast color selection (over 600 shades and growing!) and multiple finishes. Testers loved how the polish looked as beautiful on their nails as it did in the bottle, making it a great overall choice for a long-lasting, trendy manicure.

MADAM GLAM SOAK-OFF GEL POLISH

Madam Glam Soak-Off Gel Polish caters to the eco-conscious and health-minded nail enthusiast. Their polishes are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of 21 harmful chemicals commonly found in nail products. They boast a 3-step system for a professional manicure at home, including a soak-off base coat and top coat for easy removal. While Madam Glam doesn’t explicitly advertise the number of weeks their polish lasts, they do highlight a chip-free, glossy finish. Their focus on healthy ingredients and user-friendly removal makes them a good option for those looking for a trendy and sustainable gel polish experience.

ESSIE GEL COUTURE LONGWEAR NAIL POLISH

Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish offers a user-friendly and high-shine alternative to traditional gel polishes. Unlike some gel options, Essie’s formula skips the base coat and utilizes a two-step system: color application followed by their specially formulated Gel Couture Top Coat. This top coat delivers the chip-resistant, long-lasting wear (up to 14 days according to Essie) you crave, all without the need for a UV lamp. Essie boasts a wide range of colors, so you can find the perfect shade to match your style. While not quite as chip-resistant as some salon-grade gel polishes that require a curing lamp, Essie Gel Couture offers a convenient and impressive at-home alternative for those who prioritize a user-friendly application process.

ESSENCE GEL NAIL COLOR

Essence Gel Nail Color is a budget-friendly option for those looking to experiment with gel polish at home. This drugstore favorite boasts a long-lasting, glossy finish that rivals pricier brands. The patented wide “double-touch” brush facilitates smooth application, and the formula itself dries incredibly fast in just 40 seconds. While Essence doesn’t advertise an exact wear time in weeks, they do emphasize extended chip resistance. Another perk? Essence Gel Nail Color is vegan and climate-neutral, making it a good choice for the eco-conscious beauty enthusiast. Keep in mind that like most at-home gel polishes, Essence requires a UV lamp for curing, adding an extra step to the manicure process. However, for the price and quality, Essence Gel Nail Color offers a tempting option to achieve a salon-worthy gel manicure from the comfort of your home.

LONDONTOWN LAKUR ENHANCED COLOUR NAIL LACQUER

Londontown Lakur Advanced Color Nail Polish is a premium product designed to provide long-lasting shine while promoting healthier nails. Infused with a unique blend of botanicals and vitamins, this lacquer delivers vibrant, chip-resistant color and strengthens and nourishes nails with each application. Its vegan, cruelty-free formula is free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP, making it a safer choice for both you and the environment. Available in a variety of sophisticated shades, Londontown Lakur ensures your nails are flawless and beautiful, reflecting elegance and care. For a cozy winter look, try this brand’s brown nail polish color—it won’t disappoint you

LE MINI MACARON DIY GEL MANICURE KIT

Le Mini Macaron’s DIY Gel Manicure Kit offers a cute and portable option for achieving salon-quality gel nails at home. This kit is perfect for beginners or those who like a space-saving design. The star of the show is the adorable macaron-shaped LED lamp that cures gel polish in just 30 seconds. The kit also includes all the essentials you need to get started: a base coat, gel polish in a matching shade to the lamp (though colour selection might be limited compared to other brands), a cuticle pusher, a mini nail file, and removal wraps. While Le Mini Macaron may not be the most feature-rich kit on the market, it’s a user-friendly and visually appealing option for those looking for a quick and easy at-home gel manicure experience.

DEBORAH LIPPMANN GEL LAB PRO

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro caters to those who want the benefits of a gel manicure without the commitment or potential damage. This innovative polish system skips the UV lamp and offers a three-step process: base coat, color application, and top coat. All three products are formulated to work together, promoting healthy nails with a 21-free, vegan formula. Deborah Lippmann emphasizes a “cushiony plumped look” and extended wear, though the exact number of chip-free days isn’t explicitly advertised. This system is ideal for those who prioritize nail health and a simplified application process, but may not be the most long-lasting option on the market.

DAZZLE DRY NAIL LACQUERS SYSTEM KIT

Dazzle Dry promises a speedy and long-lasting manicure routine with their 4-step Nail Lacquers System Kit. This system boasts a chip-free wear time of up to 14 days or more, all while drying in just five minutes – a major perk for those short on time. The kit includes everything you need for a complete manicure: a base coat, lacquer, and a top coat, all formulated to work together for a flawless finish. While specific details about the application process or ease of use aren’t readily available, Dazzle Dry emphasizes a quick-drying system that delivers long-lasting results, ideal for busy individuals who desire a salon-quality manicure at home without the wait time.

SALLY HANSEN MIRACLE GEL NAIL POLISH

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish offers a convenient and budget-friendly alternative to traditional gel manicures. Unlike its salon counterparts that require a UV lamp, Miracle Gel achieves a chip-resistant, glossy finish in just two easy steps: a color coat and a specially formulated top coat. This user-friendly system is ideal for beginners or those who value a simplified application process. While Sally Hansen doesn’t advertise an exact wear time in weeks, they emphasize extended wear and chip resistance. Additionally, the polish is easily removed with regular nail polish remover, making removal a breeze. For those seeking a long-lasting, at-home manicure experience without the commitment of a UV lamp cure, Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish is a strong contender.

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK FAST GEL FAST DRYING NAIL LACQUER

Maybelline New York Fast Gel Fast Drying Nail Lacquer caters to those who prioritize speed and convenience. This drugstore favorite promises a chip-resistant, high-shine manicure that dries fast, living up to its name. The easy-grip bottle design facilitates a smooth application, and the cuticle-shaped brush allows for precise application to minimize smudging. With 18 on-trend colors to choose from, you can find the perfect shade to match your style. While Maybelline doesn’t disclose an exact wear time in weeks, the focus on chip-resistance suggests a long-lasting manicure. Overall, Maybelline New York Fast Gel Fast Drying Nail Lacquer is a solid option for those seeking a quick-drying, budget-friendly gel manicure at home without sacrificing trendy colors or a chip-resistant finish.

DIOR VERNIS GEL SHINE NAIL LACQUER

Dior Vernis Gel Shine Nail Lacquer blends luxurious care with long-lasting color. This high-end polish boasts a unique formula infused with floral extracts that nourish and protect nails while you wear it. Despite the pampering ingredients, Dior Vernis Gel Shine prioritizes chip-resistance and shine. The specially designed brush allows for a flawless application in a single swipe, delivering a gel-like effect with intense, vibrant color. For those who desire a salon-quality manicure experience at home and prioritize both long-lasting wear and nail health, Dior Vernis Gel Shine Nail Lacquer is a worthy investment.

WHAT ARE THE BEST GEL NAIL POLISH BRANDS?

Achieving a chip-free, glossy manicure from the comfort of your home is easier than ever with the vast array of gel polish brands available. Whether you’re a seasoned gel enthusiast or a curious beginner, there’s a perfect option to suit your needs and budget.  For the health-conscious consumer, Madam Glam and Deborah Lippmann prioritize healthy ingredients with vegan formulas. Busy individuals seeking a speedy application will appreciate the quick-drying, long-lasting properties of Dazzle Dry and Essie Gel Couture. OPI and Gelish offer a salon-quality experience with a wide range of colors and impressive chip resistance, while Essence and Sally Hansen Miracle Gel provide budget-friendly alternatives that rival pricier brands.  Maybelline and Essence cater to those who prioritize speed and convenience, while Dior Vernis Gel Shine blends luxurious care with long-lasting color. No matter your priorities, there’s a gel polish brand out there waiting to transform your fingertips and unleash your inner nail artist.

HOW DOES GEL NAIL POLISH FUNCTION?

Gel nail polish works through a process involving multiple layers and UV light curing, as explained by experts in the field. According to celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec, the application starts with a base coat, followed by the colored gel polish, and finally, a top coat. Each layer must be cured under a UV or LED light, which hardens the gel through a process called polymerization. This curing process typically takes about 30 seconds per layer under the light. 

Dr. Chris Adigun, a dermatologist specializing in nail health, emphasizes that this curing step is crucial because it solidifies the polish and bonds it to the nail, resulting in a durable, long-lasting finish.

However, experts also caution that improper application, such as getting gel on the cuticles or skin, can lead to issues like allergies or skin irritation if the gel doesn’t fully cure. Therefore, precise application and adequate curing time are essential for both the longevity of the manicure and the health of your nails and skin.

CAN WE DRY NAIL POLISH WITHOUT A UV LIGHT?

Contrary to popular belief, not all polishes claiming to be “gel-like” or long-lasting are true gel polishes. The key difference lies in curing. Real gel polish requires a UV or LED lamp to harden the polish completely, creating that signature chip-resistant finish. Without this curing process, the polish won’t be as durable and may chip or peel like a traditional polish. So, while some non-gel polishes might boast extended wear, they won’t achieve the same level of chip resistance and shine as a true gel manicure. Always check the label for “gel” or look for the presence of a curing lamp to identify a genuine gel polish.

HOW TO REMOVE GEL NAIL POLISH?

There are two main methods for removing gel nail polish at home, each with its own pros and cons:

ACACETONE SOAK-OFF

  • File the Top Coat: Gently buff away the shiny topcoat with a nail file to break the gel’s seal.
  • Soak in Acetone: Soak cotton balls in 100% acetone nail polish remover. Wrap each cotton ball around your fingertip and secure with aluminum foil. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, or until the polish loosens and starts to lift.
  • Gently Push Off Polish: Don’t pry! The softened gel should easily push off with a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick. Be gentle to avoid damaging your natural nails.
  • Buff and Moisturize: Buff away any remaining residue and apply cuticle oil to replenish moisture lost during the removal process.

Pros: This method is generally faster and more effective, especially for thicker gel manicures.

Cons: Acetone can be drying to nails and skin. Be sure to moisturize well after using this method.

ALTERNATIVE NON-ACETONE REMOVAL

  • File the Top Coat: Similar to the acetone method, buff away the shiny topcoat.
  • Soak in Warm Water: Soak your nails in a bowl of warm water with soap and a touch of oil for 15-20 minutes. This can help soften the gel.
  • Gently Push Off Polish: Again, use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently remove the softened gel polish.
  • Buff and Moisturize: Buff away any remaining residue and apply cuticle oil for hydration.

Pros: This method is gentler on nails and skin, ideal for those with sensitivities to acetone.

Cons: This method may not be as effective as acetone, especially for very stubborn gel manicures. It may also take longer to remove the polish completely.

IMPORTANT TIPS

  • Never Peel Off Gel Polish: This can severely damage your natural nails.
  • Take Breaks Between Gels: Give your nails a breather between gel manicures to allow them to recover from the removal process.
  • Consider Professional Removal: If you’re unsure or uncomfortable removing gel polish yourself, visit a nail salon for professional removal.

CONCLUSION

With so many gel polish brands vying for your attention, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. But fret no more! This guide has empowered you with the knowledge to navigate the exciting world of gel polish. Whether you prioritize long-lasting wear, a budget-friendly option, a quick application process, or healthy ingredients, there’s a perfect gel polish brand out there waiting to bring your nail art dreams to life. So, unleash your inner nail artist, embrace the latest trends, and flaunt those fabulous gel mani’s with confidence!