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30 Nail Looks to Fight the Winter Blues

Just add sparkle.

By ELLE.com
Nail, Finger, Manicure, Hand, Nail care, Ring, Nail polish, Engagement ring, Cosmetics, Material property, pinterest
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Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Let's be real, winter can be tough. From snow storms to puffer jackets, most days you're just trying to get home before it gets dark out at around 4:30pm. Treat yourself to a seasonal manicure with dainty details, flecks of gold, and OTT medieval vibes to warm up those cold hands. Let these 30 incredible designs inspire your next relaxing salon manicure.

Set the MOO-D

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Cow print isn't just for dairy farmers and cowgirls. The trendy design can be worn by all on skirts, tops, and nail beds.

Design by @nailsfrommars

No Gem Left Behind

Nail polish, Nail, Nail care, Manicure, Cosmetics, Pink, Finger, Peach, Artificial nails, Polka dot,
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Add a bit of sparkle to your classic mani with crystal details. Nails that look like a million bucks but cost probably around ten (or less).

Design by @stephstonenails

French Kisses

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A play on XO makes this design perfect for Valentine's day. We're calling this look Fresh kisses. Bisous!

Design by @jessicawashick

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Matte Chocolate

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A matte brown with white detailing is like having ten little candy bars on your fingers. Pairs best with Crunch and Milky Way bars.

Design by @paintboxnails

Gold and Silver

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Whoever said gold and silver don't work well together lied. The half moon and French manicure combo is both trendy and chic.

Design by @paintboxnails

Gem Box

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Take negative space to the next level by adding a gem box to the center of the nail. Put the gem box on just one or two nails to create a contrasting accent design.


Design by @stephstonenails

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Kira Kira

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Justine Skye wears these Kira Kira glitter nails on stage but who says you can't rock them everyday? Winter white with all the required twinkling lights to go along with the season.

Design by @nailsbymei

Sweater Weather Nails

Nail, Manicure, Nail polish, Finger, Nail care, Cosmetics, Hand, Skin, Service, Close-up,
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A cup of hot cocoa on your nail beds. The terracotta color pairs best with big fuzzy sweaters, blankets, and all things cozy.

Design by @paintbox

Stargazer

Nail, Manicure, Nail care, Nail polish, Finger, Cosmetics, Beauty, Hand, Service, Pink,
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The gold details are out of this world. Small designs (like the moon) add a delicate element to the nail. These nails make it unnecessary to look up towards the stars.

Design by @nailjob

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2 Die 4

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Get your nails into shape. Pair dots with rectangle to create a dice-like design that’s ... to die for.

Design by @ladyfancynails

Frozen

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If Elsa from Frozen got regular manicures, this would be her design of choice. Dip your nails in the ice with this frosty design. A little cold never scared you.

Design by @chillhouse

Ruby Red

Nail polish, Nail, Red, Manicure, Nail care, Cosmetics, Finger, Beauty, Pink, Hand,
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A ruby red will make your hands sparkle like baubles this holiday season. Pair Chanel’s 512 Mythique and 500 Rougue Essential to replicate the look. You’ll be prettier than any tree decoration.

Design by @stephstonenails

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Playful Pink

Ring, Finger, Nail, Engagement ring, Manicure, Jewellery, Fashion accessory, Wedding ring, Hand, Nail care,
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Pretty in pink with Deborah Lippmann's Bed of Roses set. Paint the ring finger a sparkly gold to stand out. It is engagement season and you can never be too careful.

Design by @deborahlippmann

Ice Queen

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A lavender nail is usually a spring staple, but adding a bit of sparkle to this design creates an icy more seasonally appropriate effect.

Design by @painboxnails

Grayscale French

Manicure, Nail, Nail polish, Nail care, Finger, Cosmetics, Service, Hand, Material property, Silver,
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Upgrade the traditional French manicure with a gray twist. The moody steel shades are perfect for sweater weather.

Design by @sohotrightnail

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Honeymoon Manicure

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Turn your nails into a celestial wonder with this nail trick. Use a base coat in soft pink to add a delicate effect then draw on on the sun, moon, and stars.

Design by @oliveandjune

Dream Nails

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Known as the Halo nails, the circular sparkles and stars add a fun and festive note to clear nails. The only thing missing is the KiraKira filter.

Design by @naominailsnyc

Matte Black Nails

Manicure, Nail polish, Nail, Nail care, Finger, Cosmetics, Service, Hand, Material property, Artificial nails,
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It may not have the shine and sparkle of the other nail styles, but matte black—a color most commonly associated with luxury cars—stands out in a completely different way. Use color club’s Muse-ical gel to achieve the shiny lacquer look.

Design by @nailjob

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A Bit of Sparkle

Nail, Manicure, Finger, Nail care, Nail polish, Cosmetics, Skin, Hand, Beauty, Peach,
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Add a bit of sparkle to your nail beds. Outline your nail with small crystals and finish with a clear polish.

Design by @naominailsnyc

Dainty Details

<p>Nail Artist&nbsp;Frédérique Olthuis gave her negative nail a subtle shine. To get the look, paint a clear base coat and let dry. Add a thin,&nbsp;black stripe at the half moon. When tacky, add metallic flat sequins to the strip and seal it with a clear top coat.&nbsp;</p><p><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">Design by&nbsp;<span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space"></span></em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLyS3Ozg4Gk/" target="_blank"><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">@trnailart</em></a></p>

Nail artist Frédérique Olthuis gave her negative nail a subtle shine. To get the look, paint a clear base coat and let dry. Add a thin, black stripe at the half moon. When tacky, add metallic flat sequins to the strip and seal it with a clear top coat.

Design by @trnailart

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