December is so chock-full of reasons to celebrate, it may as well be renamed “Cheers-ember.” Between family holidays, end-of-year work parties, and gatherings with friends, it’s easy to find yourself with a full social calendar—and you can bet that your nails will be on full display for all of it. According to industry experts, your manicure should really match the festive vibe of the season. Think: Reds, greens, and neutrals—plus dimensional design elements to up the jolly ante. “December is all about red and green hues, shimmering finishes, and glitter that brings in that New Year’s energy,” says celebrity nail artist and educator Erica De Los Santos. “[I’m] seeing a big rise in isolated chrome details and cat-eye looks, adding a modern, dimensional twist to classic holiday nails.”
1.) Jelly Burgundy
The holiday season is no stranger to a deep-red nail. But consider a jelly burgundy manicure as a fresh reimagining of the classic. The hallmark of a jelly manicure is a polish that’s sheer and glossy, lending a juicy-looking finish. And better yet, you can achieve the effect with regular or gel polish. Adding a jelly effect to a holiday-ready burgundy nail provides a layer of playful lightheartedness to a rich color that typically reads as sophisticated.
“It’s rich, moody, and elegant, but because it’s jelly, it feels lightweight instead of a heavy, opaque color,” nail artist and educator Sofiia Mazur says of jelly burgundy. “The translucency gives that glossy, syrupy look that makes nails appear longer and more luxurious. It’s perfect for clients who want depth without going too dark.” To DIY a jelly burgundy manicure, Mazur says it’s critical to start with two or three thin layers of polish in order to slowly build depth, then finish off with a glossy top coat. “Jelly colors look best when the light can pass through them, so avoid over-applying,” she says. “If you want a richer look, add one extra layer only near the center of the nail to create a natural gradient and extra dimension.”
2.) Taupe Cashmere
Looking for a fail-safe conversation starter to carry you through the holiday-party season? Getting a taupe, mushroomy cashmere manicure all but guarantees you endless discussions about what color it really is: Gray? Purple? Beige? According to Mazur, it depends. “It’s one of those colors that looks different in every light, as it’s sometimes a muted plum, sometimes a chic taupe,” she says of the elegant, earthy tone that lends a note of magical versatility entirely fitting for the season. “It feels like you have three different colors at once, [helping you to] never get tired of it.”
Neutral tones also convey subtle refinement in your winter manicure. “It’s cozy, minimal, and quietly sophisticated for a chic, understated look,” says nail artist and educator Valeriia Telemaniuk. “It gives that ‘winter cashmere’ vibe without leaning into traditional holiday colors.” Donna Charloff, service and in-studio product director for MiniLuxe, agrees, noting that the winter neutral evokes the coziness of being ensconced in winter knits, “echoing the season’s camel coats, wool sweaters, and latte tones,” she says. “This shade sits firmly in the quiet-luxury, elevated-neutral trend space.” To get the perfect neutral winter mani, make sure to start with a clean foundation. “Prep is everything for earthy colors,” says Mazur. “These shades look best on a smooth, even surface, so spend extra time on cuticle work, buffing, and base application. Choose formulas with a creamy texture and use a soft, curved brush to perfect the lines around the cuticle, as these tones highlight precision. A satin or matte top coat can make them look even more modern.”
3.) Naked Nails
With the trend of “your nails, but better” still holding steady, you can expect to see the holiday spin on the naked manicure everywhere this December. A minimal look that showcases an elevated version of your regular nails, naked manicures involve “healthy nail beds, smooth surfaces, and subtle sheer shades that let the natural color peek through,” says Mazur. “This look has become one of the biggest trends because clients want something timeless, elegant, and super-wearable.”
This December, natural manicures will still feature the trend’s dependable tones of blush, sheer milky white, and delicate pink tones, Mazur says. To nail it, prioritize a smooth nail surface, opt for sheer colors (rather than opaque), and add a high-shine top coat. And don’t be afraid of a subtle shimmer or glitter layer—it is the holidays, after all.
4.) Holiday Red
Red is an iconic—potentially even confidence-boosting—nail color all year round, and it’s particularly fitting for the festivities of December. “It’s timeless, luxurious, and always on trend. It instantly elevates any look and feels festive without trying too hard,” says Telemaniuk of the nail shade. To give your red nail a holiday-specific look, the experts suggest using a trending finish, like cat-eye. “Cat-eye uses a special magnetic gel that creates a shimmering, dimensional 'line of light' across the nail—similar to the reflective slit of a cat’s eye,” says Charloff, who adds that adding a “sheer layer of sparkle or glitter is also an option” for achieving a holiday-ready look.
5.) Forest Green
A sophisticated green nail embraces the seasonal winter vibe while still feeling appropriately festive. “It captures December’s nature and holiday cues, evergreens, wreaths, and winter botanicals, without leaning too literal,” says Charloff. “It pairs beautifully with winter wardrobes—camel, cream, charcoal, black, metallics—and transitions effortlessly from day to evening looks.” To achieve the look, De Los Santos suggests first focusing on cuticle prep, then applying a deep green color—a critical step, she says, if you’re planning to add any additional sparkle or other design enhancements. Source
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