Cute Winter Nails 2025 – 2025: The Best 21 Ideas for Stunning Winter Manicures

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 acrylic paint for a night out, winter 2025 – 2025 promises to offer some truly creative trends. Let’s take a look at the cutest winter nail ideas for the coming season that you’ll want to show off in every Instagram post. Below I describe specific designs, consumables and tips for creating these looks at home.

Soft winter shine nails

This simple yet elegant look is all about subtle luxury. The pale pink nude base creates a sleek 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 touch of glamor without being overwhelming. Ideal for short nails, this design offers a polished and sophisticated look that is easy to maintain. The glossy finish enhances the soft tones, making this manicure versatile for both everyday use 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 Topcoat
• Brush for precision: OPI Clean Up Brush

How to recreate

1. Apply a thin layer of OPI Natural Nail Base Coat to clean nails.
2. Follow with two coats of Essie Ballet Slippers for a soft, nude base.
3. Use Swarovski nail crystals on an accent nail and gently apply them near the cuticle.
4. Finish with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for a long-lasting, shiny 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 scene, while intricate white snowflakes and a snow-covered tree add a festive touch. Rhinestone accents on select nails add extra sparkle to the design and mimic the stars. This look is perfect for a winter party or special event.

Consumables

• Base coat: Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat
• Blue polish: OPI Russian Navy
• White detail polish: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen
• Rhinestones: Swarovski nail crystals
• Nail Art Brush: Beetles Detail Brush Set
• Top coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Start by applying Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat to smooth the nail surface.
2. Apply two coats of OPI Russian Navy for the deep blue base.
3. Using a Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen, create snowflakes and tree designs on the accent nails.
4. Gently place the Swarovski nail crystals on one or two nails to mimic stars.
5. Seal with Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat for shine and durability.

Glittery plum winter nails

If you’re looking for a mix of chic and festive, this glitter plum manicure is perfect for the colder months. The rich plum base, combined with small glitters, gives an icy, wintery feeling. The color is deep and luxurious, while the sparkle ensures that your nails catch the light in any environment. This design works well for short and medium 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

1. Apply OPI Infinite Shine Primer to clean nails.
2. Use two coats of Essie Bahama Mama for a deep plum base.
3. Apply China Glaze Fairy Dust glitter polish to all nails for a subtle shine.
4. 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 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 playful and festive, perfect for anyone who wants a cheerful yet simple winter nail look.

Consumables

• Base layer: Essie Gel Couture base layer
• 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 Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Start by applying Essie Gel Couture Base Coat.
2. Paint all nails with OPI Bubble Bath to achieve the perfect nude base.
3. Use a Beetles Fine Detail Brush and different colored Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear polishes to draw the light wire design over the nails.
4. Finish with Essie Gel Couture Top Coat for a long-lasting and shiny manicure.

French tip with a twist

A fresh take on the classic French tip, this design features a striking 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 combination of acrylic shorts white and red is perfect for anyone who wants a mix of classic and trendy for their winter look.

Consumables

• Base coat: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails
• White paint: OPI Alpine Snow
• Red paint: OPI Big Apple Red
• Top coat: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Topcoat
• French Tip Guides: Kiss French Tip Stickers

How to recreate

1. Apply a base coat of Sally Hansen Hard As Nails to all nails.
2. Use Kiss French Tip Stickers to create the perfect French Tip with OPI Alpine Snow.
3. For the accent nail, apply two coats of OPI Big Apple Red.
4. Complete the look with Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat for a glossy, chip-resistant finish.

Sparkling ice blue French tips

These beautiful short blue acrylic nails with glitter tips offer a fresh take on the classic French manicure. The ice blue color, reminiscent of frozen winter landscapes, creates a powerful contrast with the natural nude base. The glitter mixed into the blue tips adds an icy sparkle that takes the look to the next level, making it perfect for winter events. This design is ideal for those who love acrylic almond nails but prefer a square shape.

Consumables

• Base layer: OPI Nail Envy Strengthener
• Nude: Sally Hansen Sheer Ecstasy
• Blue glitter gel: Beetles Gel Polish Kit in Blue Glitter
• Top coat: Essie Gel Couture Topcoat
• UV/LED lamp: SUNUV Gel UV LED nail lamp

How to recreate

1. Start by applying OPI Nail Envy Strengthener for a healthy base.
2. Paint the nails with Sally Hansen Sheer Ecstasy as the base nude shade.
3. For the blue tips, use the Beetles Gel Polish Kit in Blue Glitter and gently shape them into French tips.
4. Let the nails harden under the SUNUV Gel UV LED nail lamp.
5. 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 depicts 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, wintery theme with a soothing feel.

Consumables

• Base layer: Orly Bonder rubber base layer
• Matte blue polish: Zoya Matte Velvet in Yves
• Nude polish: OPI Bubble Bath
• Nail Art Brush: Beetles Fine Detail Brushes
• Top coat: OPI Matte Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Apply Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat to all nails.
2. Use Zoya Matte Velvet in Yves for the blue matte nails.
3. For the nude base, use OPI Bubble Bath.
4. Using a Beetles Fine Detail Brush, paint the forest and moon scene with darker blue tones.
5. Finish the design with OPI Matte Top Coat to keep everything looking velvety soft.

Snowflake elegance

This manicure is the epitome of winter wonderland with its delicate snowflake designs and glittering accents. Against a nude, soft pink background, the intricate white snowflakes add a festive yet sophisticated atmosphere. The length and shape of these acrylic almond nails add a glamorous touch, making them a perfect choice for holiday parties or winter weddings.

Consumables

• Base layer: CND Stickey anchoring base layer
• Pink nude polish: OPI Bubble Bath
• White Snowflake Stickers: Whats Up Nails Snowflake Vinyl Stencils
• Glitter: China Glaze in Fairy Dust
• Top coat: CND Super Shiney Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Apply CND Stickey Anchoring Base Coat to all nails for better adhesion.
2. Use OPI Bubble Bath as a soft pink nude base.
3. Apply Whats Up Nails Snowflake Vinyl Stencils to create precise snowflakes, or use a nail art brush to hand paint them.
4. Add a touch of China Glaze Fairy Dust for extra shine.
5. Finish with CND Super Shiney Top Coat to keep the design shiny and long lasting.

Frosted blue tips

This short almond nail design features matte blue tips with a delicate snowflake accent, bringing a cool, wintery feel to the classic French style. The soft blue shade flows beautifully from the neutral base and creates a look that is both refreshing and festive. It is perfect for those who want a more subtle but 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 Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Start with OPI Natural Nail Base Coat for protection.
2. Apply Essie Ballet Slippers for the neutral base.
3. Use Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Sugar Fix for the blue ends and give them a soft French style.
4. Add a small snowflake design with Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen on one nail for an accent.
5. Finish the look with Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat for a long-lasting, glossy finish.

Festive holiday nails

These adorable winter nails embrace the holiday spirit with candy cane stripes, holly leaves, and bow accents. The short nail design is festive and features 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 layer: Essie Grow Stronger Base layer
• Red paint: OPI Big Apple Red
• White paint: China Glaze White on White
• Green detail paint: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Emerald Express
• Nail Art Brush: Beetles Fine Detail Brushes
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Apply Essie Grow Stronger Base Coat to strengthen and protect your nails.
2. Use OPI Big Apple Red for the red details and China Glaze White on White for the candy cane stripes.
3. With Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Emerald Express, carefully paint the holly leaves with a Beetles Fine Detail Brush.
4. Finish with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for a high-shine, long-lasting manicure.

Shiny red almond nails

This classic red almond-shaped design is a must-have for the winter season and offers an elegant yet cool look. The deep red color is perfect for festive occasions or simply to add a touch of glamor 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 overwhelming the design. This look is ideal for those who love simple but striking acrylic almond nails.

Consumables

• Base layer: Essie First Base
• Red paint: OPI Big Apple Red
• Gold accent: Swarovski nail crystals
• Top coat: Essie Gel Couture Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Apply Essie First Base as a base layer for an even foundation.
2. Use OPI Big Apple Red for the shimmery red base color and apply two thin coats for even coverage.
3. Add a single gold accent with Swarovski nail crystals on the ring finger for a touch of sparkle.
4. Finish with Essie Gel Couture Top Coat for a long-lasting high-shine finish.

Frosty blue glitter accent nails

This winter look combines short blue nails with a touch of glitter on the accent nail, creating a balance between bright colors and sparkle. The deep blue shade is perfect for the colder months, and the glitter accent nail adds 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 paint: Essie Aruba Blue
• Glitter polish: China Glaze Fairy Dust
• Top coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Start with OPI Nail Envy Strengthener to promote nail health.
2. Apply two coats of Essie Aruba Blue for the rich, wintery blue color.
3. Use China Glaze Fairy Dust on one accent nail for a glittery finish.
4. Finish 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 provides a visually appealing contrast, making this look perfect for holiday parties or winter weddings. The snowflake details add a seasonal touch while the overall design remains refined.

Consumables

• Base coat: Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat
• White paint: OPI Alpine Snow
• Snowflake Stickers: Whats Up Nails Snowflake Vinyl Stencils
• Rhinestones: Swarovski nail crystals
• Top coat: OPI Matte Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Start with Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat for a smooth surface.
2. Apply OPI Alpine Snow for the perfect white base color.
3. Add snowflake designs with Whats Up Nails Snowflake Vinyl Stencils, or paint them by hand with a fine brush.
4. Attach Swarovski nail crystals to one nail for extra glamour.
5. Finish with OPI Matte Top Coat for a velvety finish.

Festive light string nails

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 acrylic for a night out, winter style 2025 – 2025 that is easy to wear every day. The lightweight thong design provides 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 Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Apply OPI Natural Nail Base Coat to all nails.
2. Paint all nails with Essie Ballet Slippers for a soft nude base.
3. Use Beetles Fine Detail Brushes to create an array of Christmas lights with Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in different colors.
4. Finish with Essie Gel Couture Top Coat for a long-lasting shine.

Shimmering green Christmas nails

These green Christmas nails with glitter accents and cute Christmas details give your manicure a festive flair. The rich green paint is complemented with small stars and holiday symbols, making this design perfect for the holidays. The combination of shine and playful details creates a playful look.

Consumables

• Base layer: CND Stickey base layer
• 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 Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Apply CND Stickey Base Coat to make the paint last longer.
2. Use OPI Stay Off the Lawn for the rich green base color.
3. Apply China Glaze Fairy Dust to add glitter accents to selected nails.
4. Use a Beetles Fine Detail Brush to paint small holiday symbols, such as stars and mistletoe.
5. 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 holidays. Featuring a combination of red glitter, shiny red nail polish and a light pink base on some nails, the look is enhanced by rhinestone accents that form a small festive design. This acrylic short nail design gives a glamorous winter vibe that is perfect for holiday parties and celebrations.

Consumables

• Base layer: CND Stickey base layer
• Red paint: 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 Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Start with CND Stickey Base Coat for a strong base.
2. Apply two coats of OPI Big Apple Red for a classic red finish on selected nails.
3. Use Essie Mademoiselle on the remaining nails and apply a layer of China Glaze Ruby Pumps glitter polish on the accent nails.
4. Place Swarovski nail crystals to create festive rhinestone accents.
5. Finish with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for a shiny, long-lasting look.

Glitter accent and minimalist polka dot nails

This short, minimalist nail design consists of a single nail with a glittery gold accent, combined with a soft pink base and small colorful dots at 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 touch of fun.

Consumables

• Base layer: 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 tips
• Top coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Apply OPI Nail Envy Strengthener to keep your nails strong.
2. Use Essie Ballet Slippers for a soft pink base.
3. Apply OPI Golden Eye to one accent nail for a glitter look.
4. Create small dots near the cuticles with different colored Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear polishes.
5. Finish with Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat to protect and add shine.

French tip with glitter accent

This sleek French tip design is enhanced with delicate glitter along the edges of the white tips. The classic combination of nude and white is perfect for winter, but the subtle glitter detail provides a festive twist. This acrylic short white style is perfect for those who love classic nails with a little glitter.

Consumables

• Base layer: Essie Grow Stronger Base layer
• Nude polish: OPI Bubble Bath
• White paint: OPI Alpine Snow
• Glitter: China Glaze Fairy Dust
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Apply Essie Grow Stronger Base Coat for healthy nails.
2. Use OPI Bubble Bath for a soft nude base.
3. Create a French tip with OPI Alpine Snow.
4. Apply China Glaze Fairy Dust along the edge of the ends for a touch of sparkle.
5. Seal with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for a durable 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 striking short acrylic nail look for winter. The combination of blue and white creates an icy, wintery atmosphere, perfect for the season.

Consumables

• Base layer: OPI Nail Envy Strengthener
• Blue polish: Essie Butler please
• White paint: OPI Alpine Snow
• Rhinestones: Swarovski nail crystals
• 3D Nail Arches: Nail Art 3D Arches
• Top coat: Essie Gel Couture Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Start with OPI Nail Envy Strengthener to protect your nails.
2. Apply Essie Butler Please for the blue base and OPI Alpine Snow for white details.
3. Add snowflakes with a fine detail brush and attach Swarovski nail crystals for an icy look.
4. Place a 3D nail arch on one nail for extra dimension.
5. Finish with Essie Gel Couture Top Coat for a shiny and long-lasting look.

Shiny 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 stand out even more, creating a rich, luxurious look.

Consumables

• Base Coat: OPI natural nail base coat
• Red paint: OPI Malaga Wine
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Apply OPI Natural Nail Base Coat to protect your nails.
2. Use OPI Malaga Wine for a rich, deep red color.
3. 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 earth tones and glamorous accents. The nude base with green and gold foil details 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 Topcoat

How to recreate

1. Apply Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat for a smooth surface.
2. Use OPI Stay Off the Lawn for the green accent nails and Essie Ballet Slippers for the nude base.
3. Add Nail Art Gold Foil for a touch of glamor on the nude nails.
4. Finish with Essie Gel Couture Top Coat for a smooth, glossy finish.