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Top 10 Winter Nail Polishes

10 Buzzy Winter Nail Polishes That Are Perfect For Embracing The Season's Top Color Trends

10 Buzzy Winter Nail Polishes That Are Perfect For Embracing The Season's Top Color Trends

Our Top 10 Lists help shoppers quickly and easily find what they need. Using an intense review and approval process (which you can learn more about here), we break down the best products according to what consumers most commonly search for and want.

As the temperatures continue to dip, it can get harder and harder to find the motivation to get glam. Bundling up to face the blustery winds and freezing temps outside of your cozy, COVID-free abode already takes extra effort, but getting all dolled up to do so? Count us out. We do realize, though, that while this holiday season may look different from the rest, it is still the holiday season. It's the most wonderful time of the year for many reasons, but one of our favorites is the fact that it comes with so many swoon-worthy beauty trends. And believe us—we aren't just going to bail on them. Instead, we plan on giving extra attention to our nails. After all, mani-pedis are an instant mood-booster (which we could probably all use right now) and unlike makeup, our face masks can't mess them up.

With that in mind, we're bringing you a roundup of the Top 10 winter nail colors of 2021, so you can join us in giving your digits a little extra love this season too. From the most perfect Christmas-tree green we've ever seen to metallics, moody hues, and glitters galore, the list ahead has a color trend and formula for every mani mood.

How We Found The Best Winter Nail Colors

To round up this list, we turned to the help of our data-driven algorithm. This unique tool factors in best-selling buzz, editor recommendations, rave reviews, and more to find and rank the best products on the web. Ahead, take a peek at the 10 winter nail colors that made the cut and shop your favorites.

Next up, check out the 10 Best Holiday Nail ColorsOpening image: @opi

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December 16, 2021

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Static Nails Liquid Glass Lacquer In Mocha
Rank & Style Approved

staticnails.com

Static Nails Liquid Glass Lacquer In Mocha

Overall Score

2.7

10

Static Nails Liquid Glass Lacquer In Mocha

3.7

87 User Reviews

2.5

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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COCOA BROWN

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: Few neutrals feel more appropriate for winter than warm, latte-like browns. Reviewers say this one goes on smooth and thick, and even without a second coat or even a top coat, the staying power is top-notch.

FROM THE EXPERTS: In a comprehensive study, 100% of participants saw three times longer wear compared to other leading brands.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Smith & Cult Nail Polish In Kings And Thieves

Overall Score

4.25

09

Smith & Cult Nail Polish In Kings And Thieves

4.58

218 User Reviews

2.7

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Dark Blue Nail Polish

WHO IT'S FOR
If you're sick of sporting your usual deep reds and merlots, switch things up with this award-winning midnight blue. It's so dark that it almost veers black, but it feels a little fresher and more feminine.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Smith & Cult's nail polishes are seriously long-lasting and shiny. One reviewer even claimed she typically goes nine days without a single chip.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish In Sweet Emotion

Overall Score

3.11

08

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish In Sweet Emotion

4.31

343 User Reviews

2.8

Best Seller

1.5

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

COOL PINK

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: Pink may not be your usual shade this time of year, but this moody option is mauve-ier than most and feels perfect for December. Plus, it's made with Deborah Lippmann's dual-patented, nourishing formula that helps deliver the gloss and cushion of a gel mani without the damage.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This hard-working polish contains 10 active ingredients that help improve nail health as you wear it.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Chanel Boy De Chanel Nail Colour In Natural

Overall Score

3.21

07

Chanel Boy De Chanel Nail Colour In Natural

4.46

2 User Reviews

2.1

Best Seller

1.5

Industry Recognition

1.5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

YOUR NAILS BUT BETTER

WHO IT'S FOR: If you love a no-fuss nail look, Chanel's Boy De Chanel nail colors are sure to please. "Natural" is a transparent, barely-there shade that provides a matte, your-nails-but-better finish.

HELPFUL TIP: Since it's quick-drying, this shade is the perfect thing to pop on when you're short on time but need a little something on your nails.


Olive & June Nail Polish In Besties

Overall Score

3.32

06

Olive & June Nail Polish In Besties

4.42

2492 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

1.25

Industry Recognition

1.5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

EMERALD GREEN

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: Green nail colors have been trending for a while now, but this one really stands out from the crowd. It's a classic, deep emerald, but it's also super vivid and eye-catching. To top it all off, it complements all skin tones beautifully.

USER REVIEW: "This is a gorgeous green! I’m not usually one for greens, but this color completely changed my mind. It’s rich and perfect for the holiday season."

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


OPI Nail Lacquer In Rub-a-Pub-Pub

Overall Score

3.4

05

OPI Nail Lacquer In Rub-a-Pub-Pub

4.68

3496 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

1.25

Industry Recognition

1.25

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

MOODY GREY

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: When it comes to cool-grey nail colors, this hue reigns supreme. It glides on smoothly and provides complete coverage, and it never bubbles or streaks.

USER REVIEW: "Love this new color collection and specifically this color! It is the perfect almost-black nail polish for fall. It goes with everything and does not disappoint!"

Made In Usa

Made In Usa


OPI Nail Lacquer In Things I’ve Seen In Aber-Green

Overall Score

3.41

04

OPI Nail Lacquer In Things I’ve Seen In Aber-Green

4.7

7652 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

1.25

Industry Recognition

1.25

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

MOSSY GREEN

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: Over the obvious dark shades of burgundy, black, and deep blue? This enchanting forest green is a fresh alternative that still evokes all the winter feels—think scenic drives and premature Christmas decor.

USER REVIEW: "I LOVE this color. I used it for weeks around Christmastime, and then I just kept using it throughout the winter because I like darker shades and like this color much better than the navy and burgundy colors I've used in the past. My roommate noticed my nails the first day I wore it and immediately asked to borrow it that night."

Made In Usa

Made In Usa


OPI Nail Lacquer In Black Cherry Chutney

Overall Score

3.48

03

OPI Nail Lacquer In Black Cherry Chutney

4.78

23555 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

1.5

Industry Recognition

1.25

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

DEEP PLUM

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: One of the most iconic OPI polishes on the market, Black Cherry Chutney nails that vampy, deep plum look. But what really sets it apart? It has just a touch of shimmer that makes it feel so right for winter.

USER REVIEW: "This is a BEAUTIFUL color! I wasn’t sure what to expect because I didn’t want it to be too reddish toned like OPI’s “I’m Not Really A Waitress,” but it’s definitely its own unique color. I am super impressed with it!"

Made In Usa

Made In Usa


Essie Nail Polish In No Place Like Chrome

Overall Score

3.52

02

Essie Nail Polish In No Place Like Chrome

4.4

5459 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4.25

Industry Recognition

1.25

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

ICY SILVER

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: No Place Like Chrome isn't your typical silver polish. It's more shimmery than glittery—think a shiny stainless-steel appliance.

APPLICATION TIP: If you'd like a subtler glam look, try applying it to just the tips for an updated French mani.


Essie Nail Polish In Licorice

Overall Score

3.79

01

Essie Nail Polish In Licorice

4.52

12838 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

1.75

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

INKY BLACK

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Is it really winter if you don't sport at least one black mani? Equal parts classic and cool, this iconic Essie shade is the crème de la crème of inky black nail colors.

HELPFUL TIP: Black is more versatile than you might think. For a subtler take, try using this shade for the tips of a French mani.

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