From 'Cat Eye' To Aura, Meet The Latest Winter Nail Ideas For Your Next Manicure

Taking inspiration from your energy's colour pattern, aura nails are the latest nail trend taking TikTok by storm. Not only do they inject a dose of personality onto your fingertips, but they're aesthetically pleasing too – featuring sphere-like, diffused colour in the centre of the nail which then blends into another vibrant hue.

It's certainly been the season for all things 'Black Cherry' (see: the viral Black Cherry hair trend) but it's also been taking over the nail scene lately, with everyone from Selena Gomez to Dua Lipa and now J Lo jumping on the deep red bandwagon. Our favourite new iteration? A Black Cherry mani with 'coffin' tips.

Once a fledgling trend, whispered only among the pro nail techs among us, cat eye nails are officially trending. And with their iridescent, multidimensional and reflective finish, it's easy to see why.

Tortoiseshell nails are a firm favourite among the ELLE beauty team. Adding instant intrigue to an otherwise classic manicure, they are foolproof when it comes to nail art that will go with every single sartorial choice in your wardrobe come winter.

If the runways during Fashion Week are anything to go by (see: Gucci and Saint Laurent), cabernet is set to be taking over more than just our sartorial choices next season, with rich and ruby tones synonymous with our favourite beverage dominating our Pinterest boards.

If you thought that Barbie would be a buzzword left for 2023, you thought wrong. With every red carpet, Robbie has brought back her iconic Barbie-pink wardrobe, rose-toned make-up and matching manicures, and this year's SAG awards were no exception. For the latter, she paired a Schiaparelli dress with a jelly-textured manicure in Barbie pink no less, which was created by nail artist Betina Goldstein.

It's hard to miss the influx of almond nail shapes taking over our feeds, and they're not going anywhere this winter. 'Almond-shaped nails are set to become increasingly popular in 2024,' says Francis. 'This shape creates the illusion of longer slimmer fingers and adds a touch of elegance to the hands,' she says. 'If you love a little subtle nail art, this shape is perfect as it creates an elegant canvas for a variety of looks, from a French manicure to minimal accents.'

Not your standard burgundy manicure – this black cherry nail art, which was created on Selena Gomez by celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik is equal parts wearable and a little extra. With an iridescent finish and aura effect, it's the perfect seasonal upgrade if you fear veering too far from your go-to red manicure.

Attention grabbing, outfit making and the ultimate sartorial statement... there's not much we don't love about the hot metal nail trend. While you can opt for all-out and overt metals a la Dua Lipa here, there are also slightly softer metal finishes (think pearlised silver and darker foils) to choose from, which still have the power to transform a classic tee-and-jeans combo.

'The Balletcore trend is set to make waves in the coming year in the beauty and fashion space,' notes Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of Townhouse. 'This look seamlessly blends sophistication, elegance and grace. Simply opt for shades of soft pink or beige reminiscent of ballet slippers or milky whites,' she says.

Chrome was the indisputable trend of the festive season. And it's being reimagined for your next winter manicure too. Think slightly less in your face than its previous counterpart, with a jelly-like look and softer shine.

'Peach Fuzz is the Pantone Colour of the Year which means you should expect to see lots of peach hued nails this winter,' says Huber-Millet. 'Whilst not the most exciting nail trend, this shade can be paired with the jelly trend and on almond nails for an updated 2024 winter look.'

Margot Robbie's seemingly non-existent manicure broke the internet at the Critics Choice Awards. And, according to Huber-Millet, these teeny-tiny micro French manicures and natural looks aren't going anywhere just yet. With a focus on nail health, they're the perfect in between manicure if you're giving your fingertips a break from nail extensions or gel.

Ask any nail tech and they'll tell you that silver nails are trending. 'We've seen a shift from glitters to chrome and metallic accents in the recent months, especially silver,' agrees Huber-Millet. They're versatile too – you can switch up different nails, add embellishments, and flit between high-shine and matte finishes.

Naked nails are very in demand right now, says Huber-Millet. 'This look typically features a natural-looking manicure, finished with a satin or glossy buff or a very sheer nude polish – it’s timeless, elegant and ideal for revealing the natural beauty of your nails,' she adds.

3-D bows, tiny embellishments and artistic illustrations – bows have become our favourite nail art du jour. 'If you fancy adding that little something extra ask for a dainty bow nail art accent; it's ideal for that ultimate balletcore aesthetic,' says Huber-Millet.

There is something highly satisfying about going against the sartorial norm. And while watercolour nails might sing Spring, we think they could just be mood-boosting antidote to winter. Opt for painterly hues and splashes of colour for a completely unique take on 'winter nails'.