Editors Favourite Winter Nail-Polish Colours For 2020
7 Chic Nail Polish Shades Our Editors Will Be Wearing on Repeat This Winter
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We like to think of nail polish as the cherry on top of the cake. Your hair, makeup, and outfit can be amazing without it, but a fun manicure is really the finishing touch that pulls a look together.
We all have our signature colour that we reach for when faced with the vast wall of options at the nail salon, but there's no denying that switching things up every once in a while is the best way to stay inspired. There's no better time to experiment with new nail polish colours than the start of the season. For our editors, the winter makes us want to break out deep, calming blues, berry reds, and high-impact metallics.
Whether you're as bold as they come with your manicure designs already and just looking for some fresh ideas, or you're stuck in a beauty rut, the winter nail polish shades ahead will help you revamp your entire collection.
Sundays No.01: Pure White
"Forget the age-old notion that white nail polish is mutually exclusive with summer — in fact, I personally think it makes an even better hue come winter. Not only will it match the crisp snow that tends to fall this season, but it also pops against your fingerless gloves and heavier jackets. My favourite of late is the Sundays No.01: Pure White ($18), which can be worn alone or as the perfect base to a minimalistic nail-art look." — Kelsey Castañon, beauty director
Breukelen Polished Sweeter the Juice
"I'm really into this colour Sweeter the Juice from Breukelen Polished, a Black women-owned nail polish brand. I'm a Brooklyn girl and I love the fun Brooklynite references of all of her polishes. During the wintry months I love deep berries and cranberries and this one reminds me of that perfect colour of cranberry sauce stain next to gravy." — Nneya Richards, editor, shop
CND Shellac Sassy Sapphire
"I only discovered CND Shellac Sassy Sapphire ($15) last year when the Crystal Alchemy Collection launched but I can tell you it will be a winter favourite for years to come. I typically don't like shimmer polish shades but this one is different. The deep midnight blue hue is only slightly shimmery in normal daylight but as soon as the sun rays hit it, it turns into the most beautiful glistening blue stone. I particularly love this in its Shellac formula as the shine is next level." — Tori Crowther, associate editor, UK
Orly Nouveau Riche
"I'm dreaming of nonexistent holiday parties and hoping a festive nail polish will give me the same feeling. Orly Nouveau Riche ($10) is a green and gold shimmer that's both fancy and fun — like a bejeweled Christmas tree. And the formula goes on even, making it super easy to DIY." — Dawn Davis, senior editorial director, Group Nine Media
Essie Gel Couture in Paint the Gown Red
"This year has made me a bit more experimental with my nail polish choices, but I still love a good red for winter. The Essie Gel Couture in Paint the Gown Red ($12) is a beautiful, deep berry-red colour that really makes your nails pop. It feels different and a little more exciting than your traditional, bright candy apple red (although that's another good option, too). No matter how many times I paint my nails this colour, I never get tired of it." — Jessica Harrington, associate beauty editor
Olive & June OMG
"There is a text thread somewhere in my phone that can prove how often I choose this colour for my manicures, both at home and in the salon. (Sorry to my BFF who has to hear me run through the same inner monologue every time I think I can choose any other polish shade because who am I kidding?) But I can't help it, blue is just my colour and Olive & June OMG ($8) is too cool to ever opt out of wearing." — Samantha Sasso, beauty editor, native content
Nails Inc. Copacabana Beach Nude Nail Polish
"Don't let the beach-themed name fool you, the Nails Inc. Copacabana Beach Nude Nail Polish ($9) screams winter, in my opinion. The dark, chocolatey brown hue is a chic neutral colour that looks amazing and classic on anyone who wears it. I look at it as my replacement for the light pink shade that I wear in the spring and summer." — JH
