12 Winter 2023 Nail Art Trends You're About To Be Obsessed With

Celebrity nail artist and educator Mimi D. calls French ombré (aka “the baby boomer nail”) a classic that goes with any season. Still, the clean, frosty vibes just scream winter wonderland. “With winter, I foresee nail art lovers elevating the look by adding their favorite glitter to the ombré or some gems to the cuticle line to make it their own,” she tells Bustle.

According to Britney Boyce, celebrity nail artist and founder of Nails of LA, opulent tips will rule all winter 2023. Whether on short or long nails, Boyce says you’ll see plenty of bejeweled, stone- and diamond-encrusted manis throughout the season. “People want their nail art to match their jewelry and accessories,” she says — and sometimes a 2D design just isn’t grand enough.

The glazed donut nail trend took over this past summer, and Sand Spa CEO and co-founder Meghan Richardson-Tiernan thinks it’ll hang around through winter — with a warmed-up revamp. Expect that same frosty shimmer but in browns, rich greens, and reds that are perfect for the holiday season.

Pro tip: Celebrity manicurist Steph Stone says you can also achieve the on-trend look this winter with the shimmery hues from essie’s Wrapped in Luxury Collection.

Rita Remark, essie’s global lead educator and nail artist, says true to the ’90s-era resurgence, “French manicures are back in a big way.” Her take? The funky twists on French manis that have dominated will start to give way to the always-classic pink and white version, like the high-gloss nails seen here.

Shorter, natural shapes finished in rich, dark, and ultra-shiny colors will be everywhere winter 2023, Boyce predicts. The allure is clear: They’re minimal, fuss-free, and almost look like leather tips — which is just so cool. For the perfect patent finish, Boyce says to reach for the ORLY Shining Armor Long Wear Topcoat.

During the winter months, Richardson-Tiernan says you’ll spot plenty of subtle yet graphic nail art on your feeds and IRL. “We expect minimal abstract designs to continue to trend,” she tells Bustle. “They never go out of style and are very popular on social media.”

If you’re still loving the OG “glazed donut” manicure, then Mimi D. says you’re in luck because the milky manis aren’t going away anytime soon. And why would they? “It’s a design that looks good on everyone and works for any nail length,” says Mimi D. Wear it on its own or lean into that wintertime vibe by adding a snowflake or two, she suggests.

Understated stones, studs, and other applied details will be everywhere this winter, according to Remark. Think dainty and minimalist appliques. “We’ve seen so much over-the-top nail art this autumn, but sometimes less is more. It’s nice to turn down the volume while also making a statement,” she says.

Another forever classic? Metallic chrome. Come winter, however: “It’ll evolve to be even more punk and with more texture to it — think spikes and chains,” says Boyce. “It feels very rebellious.” Remark also expects molten-esque manis to rule the season. You can even get in on the trend with textured nail polishes, which are everywhere and “make our nails look like jewelry,” Remark notes.

You’ve seen them recently boom in popularity, but Remark says to expect sugar-like ultra-reflective glitter — sometimes called velvet nails — to really take over winter 2023. Cue the icy, futuristic vibes.

Few contrasts are as effortlessly chic as black and white. Boyce thinks this mod color combo, whether showcased in whimsical swirls in a more streamlined design, will dominate winter nail art.

Mimi D expects nail art lovers to have lots of fun playing with texture this season. Go all-out with micro glitter or other enhancements, but TBH, a simple matte polish is an easy way to change the look and feel of your everyday mani, she notes. This set pairs a matte base with 3D gold accents for double the head-turning appeal.