The 4 Hottest Nail Polish Trends for Winter 2010/2011
Even though it may feel as though we’ve been suffering through freezing winter weather for months now, it’s really only just begun! Although that thought is a bit depressing, what better way to brighten up cold, dreary winter days than with a great nail polish color that you wouldn’t normally be able to rock in the spring and summer months?
Below, I’ve listed the top four hottest nail polish trends for winter 2010/2011, to give you some inspiration for new shades to try! Read on to see them all.
1. Glittery Metallic
(from left to right) OPI “Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous!” – Amazon, Butter London “Full Monty” – Nordstrom, China Glaze “Jingle Bells” – Amazon
How can you not be completely taken with these gorgeous, glittery tones? Metallics have been spotted everywhere in fashion this winter season, but right now, it’s all about wearing these hues on your nails.
In my opinion, these shades are the best of both worlds: they bring the gorgeous sparkle of your favorite jewelry to your nails, allowing you to rock some bling without piling on the pieces. Plus, in these dark winter months, seeing a hint of sparkle as you glance down at your hands can give you a much-needed pick-me-up. Put blizzards and ice aside this winter and choose to sparkle instead!
2. Greige/Mushroom/Taupe
(from left to right) Rimmel London “Steel Grey” – CVS, China Glaze “Recycle” – Amazon, Deborah Lippmann “Waking Up In Vegas” – Bluemercury
This is probably my favorite of all the nail trends this season. The “greige” (a mixture of gray and beige) nail polish trend began this past summer, continued into the fall, and is still super popular this winter. This trend just won’t die, and for that, polish addicts are eternally grateful.
These colors are beautiful blends of taupe, brown, gray, and sometimes purple. They seem to be universally flattering, and are truly the new it neutral. Plus, they go with every outfit and are suitable for work or class during they day, while transitioning flawlessly into night. These polish hues are definitely here to stay!
3. Super Dark, Almost Black
(from left to right) OPI “We’ll Always Have Paris” – Amazon, Essie “Over The Top” – Amazon, elf Cosmetics “Dark Navy” – elf Cosmetics
Okay, we know that dark nails are nothing new for the chillier months of the year, but what’s different this year is that those dark colors are super dark, and crazily close to black. The most-worn ones seem to be deep plum, dark graphite, and rich navy.
There are so many ways to wear this trend: You can basically pick any color and then find its deepest version! The shades above not your style? Why not try a deep red wine color, or a blue-green variation? If you’re feeling extra crazy, spring for some glitter or iridescence! This trend is incredibly versatile and that’s what makes it so great.
4. Icy Blues
(from left to right) Rescue Beauty Lounge “Catherine H” – Rescue Beauty Lounge, Chanel “Riva” – Chanel, Barielle Shades “Snow Day” – Barielle
This is probably the most unexpected trend for this winter season, but it’s surprisingly awesome. While blue may not be the most popular nail color on the market, this season it’s making a strong comeback.
You guys probably all know that Chanel has fast become a leader in the nail polish world, and, as usual, they can be credited with starting this trend, when they released “Riva”, one of our top beauty products for a winter wonderland. Ever since Chanel created this icy robin’s egg blue with subtle shimmer, it and its duplicates have been spotted everywhere – from magazines and runways, to my college campus.
Overall, ice blue nail polish is a fun and unpredictable look that will definitely set you apart from the crowd. I mean, how fun is it to wear a bright, shimmery color in the dreary winter months? Break the rules, and wear one of these blues next time!
Thoughts?
What do you think about these winter 2011 nail trends? Are you guys wearing any of them yet? Are there any other nail trends this season that you’re loving or hating? Let me know in the comments!
 |
Posted on on January 5, 2011 / Filed Under: Beauty & Hair / Tags: Beauty, Butter London, Chanel, china glaze, Deborah Lippmann, essie, Featured, Greige, Manicure, Metallics, Nail Polish, OPI, Winter 2011
Like this post?
Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our 
Sarah
I really like all of these trends, except “almost black”. At least the others are kind of unexpected. My newest nail polish is a lilac shade, which is very spring-y, but at least it’s a pick-me-up. :)
Jennifer
I’ve been so excited for this article to come out!! Thanks :)
and I just bought a blue nail polish in a near-identical color, i feel so fashion forward OMG!
couturemepink
I normally try to stay on trend with my nail polish choices, but for some reason, this week I jumped the gun and painted my nails fuchsia. That being said, my favorite winter color is called Queen of Everything by Sephora by OPI. It’s a metallic silver color that lasts over a week with a topcoat.
Cara
I’m really feeling the gold color. I tend to go for neutrals alot so I think I may have to try that one.
Kim
I especially love the icy blues. I never need an excuse to wear blue nail polish and this might mean there will be more around. I love the ice queen look, especially on my nails. If only the snow was still around over here. The white of the snow and the blue of my nails would keep me distracted and happy for hours.
April
I found a blue yesterday exactly the same as the Chanel, but without glitter. At the dollar store.
Courtney - University of Idaho
The icy blues are really unexpected, but I really like them – especially the Chanel!
Usually I’ll wear OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or the Rimmel Steel Grey you mentioned…both last crazy long and go with just about anything.
Caroline - Salve Regina University
I’m glad you guys are loving those blues in particular! They really are SO pretty!
The Chanel one is just a perfect color, and the one by Rescue Beauty Lounge I really love a lot too! They came out with this whole collection called “The Real Housewives of Tudor Dynasty” and they are all GORGEOUS (especially Anne!).
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and additions everyone!
Lettie
I got a leighton denny set for Christmas with almost black colours and the neutrals in so I’m loving those at the mo!
Tempted by the ice blue as its so different…..
Kat
these are lovely, especially the neutral colours. i haven’t found a neutral polish i like yet. i’m wearing OPI’s purple with a purpose right now, which is a nice deep purple.
Megan
I have this ice blue polishby OPI that I got for Christmas and I love it! I get so many compliments! I have been on the hunt for a nice netural polish… Love the post.
Caroline - Salve Regina University
Oooh Megan that sounds nice! What’s the OPI color called??
For neutrals, I’m usually wearing greige tones! My favorite neutrals are the ones above (greige tones are my go to neutrals) plus Chinchilly by Essie and Jazz by Essie (I think this one is discontinued, but you can probably still find it online)! Whenever I wear Jazz people always say “Oooohh, that’s a great nude, but with something different about it”. They always love it and can’t put their finger on what makes it different!
Christi
I love any nail polish news :) I’ve realized in the last few years that adding a coat of nail polish is the perfect way to top off an outfit!
I’m intrigued by the blue but obviously wouldn’t pay for the Chanel polish. I think Sephora by OPI’s “Havana Dreams” is VERY similar!
Becky
I love these nail polish posts! I just went to Walmart the other day and saw that they had this huge display of Essie nail polishes there, including some of the colors from their recent fall collection. It’s really good for people who don’t want to buy the polishes online and pay for shipping.
Lizzy
I love all but the icy blues – just not my shade. But you picked some awesome color examples and brands – I haven’t seen China Glaze in forever and recently found my metallic bronze bottle while at home!
Serena
Looove Deb Lippmann’s ‘Waking up in Vegas’- pretty sure its the shade Gaga rocked on her Vanity Fair cover. I recently got a mani and got OPI’s ‘Sparkle-icious’ for NYE- its pretty much opaque glitter and its fab. Great post!
x.S
Demariee
I just bought an “almost black” deep green nail polish the other day, after reading this I can’t wait to try it out :)
Nikki
I love the OPI sliver I bought it a couple months ago and it’s one of my favs
dreamer
i don’t really wear nail polish, but these colours are really appealing :) too bad winter in australia starts in june!
Hannah M.
Love those colors in super dark. :)
Mai
love the icy blues. . especially the chanel!
Milana
I really like the greige/mushroom nail polish!
Liza - University of Minnesota
Love these colors, especially the greige/mushroom! I didn’t think it would look good on me, but after seeing it on models with different skintones in the Nordstrom holiday catalog it really seems to look great on everyone! I have Orly in Prince Charming. So cute.
Miranda
Is it trendy to paint on nail on the hand a different color? I’ve been seeing it lately.
Caroline - Salve Regina University
Miranda- I have been seeing this trend in a few places. It pops up from time to time throughout the years! While I’m not personally a huge fan, some people love it! However, if I were to try it, I would do it with similar colors and not colors that are total opposites so that it isn’t SO dramatic, but you could do it however you wish! So I say give it a try and see if you like it! If you do, then wear it with confidence!!! If people didn’t try daring things once in a while, we wouldn’t have trends at all!!
Jessica_Iowa
Gotta love it when gray keeps being a ‘hot’ color!
lily
these all colours r suprbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb
Merian
Orange shades look hottttt when teamed up with Military inspired clothing. Check out OPI’s colour range.
Camara
I’ve decided I need to get some new nail polish, so I came here to theis article to see what’s on trend right now! I really like the greige!
Belinda
I went and got my nails done as I usually do about once a month and opted for a electric blue shade that is Fab!!! Don’t know why I picked the blue totally not me, but the compliments I have had have been amazing. Also it made me realise, make a statement with your nail varnish sometimes!
Belinda
I went and got my nails done as I usually do about once a month and opted for a electric blue shade that is Fab!!! Don’t know why I picked the blue totally not me, but the compliments I have had have been amazing. Also it made me realise, it is good to make a statement with your nail varnish sometimes!
rosieeee
sure its not winter now – its august , but who cares?! my latest buy was a mushroom colour…. i loveeeeee it ;D and on my nails a deeeep purple, but gona go and do a home manicure now – this has inspired meee<3!
hmm, maybe a fun red now? or light pink? or a bright blue!
Annie Whitman
The “almost black” blue nail polish is my favourite. It really goes with my eyes and I get compliments all the time.
Victoria
I like the frosty blue