Like it or not, the beginning of November signals the start of the holiday season. Soon, we’ll be decorating, gathering with family and friends, and toasting to good cheer. It’s easy to let December slip by, but the month has plenty to offer before the festivities begin—including fresh manicure inspiration.
This year, the best nail colors for December embrace subtle nods to the holidays. Staple shades like red and green are sticking around but taking on a moodier feel. Think oxblood, forest and moss tones that capture the season while remaining chic and timeless. Classic shimmery polishes are getting a modern refresh, too, leaning into trends like cat-eye nails and soft, sparkly finishes.
Choosing just one look can be dizzying, so we enlisted two experts to share the shades that will dominate December.
Featured Experts
- Bana Jarjour is a celebrity manicurist
- Amy Ling Lin is the founder and CEO of Sundays Studio
Nail Shades to Try in December
1 / 7
Dark Cherry
A red manicure is a classic choice that works year-round. The trick is selecting a shade that’s fitting for the season. For December, a deeper, more sophisticated red is ideal for winter nights and the month’s many celebrations, says Amy Ling Lin, founder and CEO of sundays studio.
Two to try: Sundays No.17 ($18), Gucci Goldie Red ($30)
IG: @sundays_studio
2 / 7
Oxblood
For a moodier take on red, reach for an oxblood shade. With rich mahogany undertones, it creates a bold manicure that’s as edgy as it is effortless. It’s the perfect transition shade as we move into December and the winter season.
Two to try: Orly Persistent Memory ($11), Dazzle Dry Passionate Red ($22)
IG: @banicured_
3 / 7
Barley There Nudes
The early months of 2025 delivered one neutral nail trend after another. While soap styles and ice cream nails have dwindled in popularity, the softness of the look is still trending. A creamy, almost transparent nude is taking over in their place. To get the look, opt for a flesh-toned shade with a semi-transparent finish.
Two to try: Gelcare Nude BB Cream ($24), Manucurist Active Smooth ($19)
IG: @banicured_
4 / 7
Forest Green
According to celebrity manicurist Bana Jarjour, dark green is poised to be the season’s next it color. “It’s a small step away from the deep reds we are used to seeing, but it is growing more and more popular each year,” she says. Opting for a deep forest shade with a glossy finish delivers the same elegance as black but has a modern feel.
Two to try: Dashing Diva Manhunt ($12), Gitti Moss Green ($20)
IG: @dashingdiva_usa
5 / 7
Liquid Gold
With the holiday season in full swing, you’ll likely be sporting a shimmery manicure at least once this December. While silver is not completely out, Lin says a soft gold shimmer is more fitting. “Its warmth mimics the same joy and brightness of the month and adds a touch of festive glow,” she says.
Two to try: Sundays No.1 ($18), Essie Good as Gold ($10)
IG: @sundays_studio
6 / 7
Dusty Rose
Pastels have a cozy feel when paired with muted undertones, making them perfect for the colder months. Dusty rose strikes a balance between soft and subtle and works well on any skin tone. Jarjour adds that warm pinks marry coziness with sophistication to deliver a timeless finish.
Two to try: OPI Tickle My France-y ($21), DND Ash Rose ($12)
IG: @sundays_studio
7 / 7
Starry Midnight
“Cat-eye nail looks have been trending all year, but December is really its time to embrace them,” says Jarjour. To create the effect, look for a deep navy magnetic polish with tiny flecks of silver glitter. Once applied, use the magnet to manipulate the polish and create the shimmering sky effect. Then, top finish with a high-shine top coat.
Two to try: Dashing Diva Blu ($13), ILNP Ritual ($13)
IG: @dashingdiva_usa
Related Posts
-
Anti-Aging
Saks Fifth Avenue’s Best-Selling Beauty Products of 2021
-
Body
5 Beauty and Wellness Trends We’ll See Everywhere in 2024
-
Body
8 Trending Nail Colors for Spring, According to Experts
-
Body
Blake Lively’s Floral Nails Are a Nostalgic Tribute to Britney Spears
-
Body
Colleen Hoover on Writer’s Block and Why Her New Nail Polish Collab Makes So Much Sense
-
Anti-Aging
20 Retinol Body Treatments for Smoother, Firmer-Looking Skin
-
Body
The Best Nail Colors for November
-
Body
You Won’t Believe How Much Shaq Pays for a Pedicure
-
Anti-Aging
The 21 Best Body Lotions for Aging Skin
-
Body
7 Celebrity-Inspired Nail Trends to Elevate Your Manicure This Season
-
Body
Kylie Jenner’s Birthday Nails Master the Art of Subtle Glam
-
Body
Meet The Alluring Nail Trend Creators Can’t Get Enough Of
-
Body
The Best Nail Colors for October
-
Body
Vanessa Hudgens’ End-of-Summer Nails Are Giving Major Brat Energy
-
Body
Morgan Stewart Shares Her Go-to Fall Nail Color
-
Body
35 Squoval Nail Ideas from Natural Shades to Over-the-Top Art
Anti-AgingSaks Fifth Avenue’s Best-Selling Beauty Products of 2021
Body5 Beauty and Wellness Trends We’ll See Everywhere in 2024
Body8 Trending Nail Colors for Spring, According to Experts
BodyBlake Lively’s Floral Nails Are a Nostalgic Tribute to Britney Spears
BodyColleen Hoover on Writer’s Block and Why Her New Nail Polish Collab Makes So Much Sense
Anti-Aging20 Retinol Body Treatments for Smoother, Firmer-Looking Skin
BodyThe Best Nail Colors for November
BodyYou Won’t Believe How Much Shaq Pays for a Pedicure
Anti-AgingThe 21 Best Body Lotions for Aging Skin
Body7 Celebrity-Inspired Nail Trends to Elevate Your Manicure This Season
BodyKylie Jenner’s Birthday Nails Master the Art of Subtle Glam
BodyMeet The Alluring Nail Trend Creators Can’t Get Enough Of
BodyThe Best Nail Colors for October
BodyVanessa Hudgens’ End-of-Summer Nails Are Giving Major Brat Energy
BodyMorgan Stewart Shares Her Go-to Fall Nail Color
Body35 Squoval Nail Ideas from Natural Shades to Over-the-Top Art
