14 Winter Gel Nail Ideas for a Long-Lasting Seasonal Mani

As much as we love swapping out our nails every couple of weeks to capitalize on seasonal nail art trends, in winter, that can be detrimental to the comfort of our hands. After all, the more our fingers and nails are exposed to acetone, the drier they become—and in winter, dryness is already a common issue.

With this in mind, we love the idea of opting for gel nails during the coldest months of the year. They can last for weeks, offer limitless color options, and keep your hands looking effortlessly polished as you enjoy your favorite winter activities. Sold? Keep reading to uncover over a dozen winter gel nail ideas.

Pearl White Nails

Let's start with a classic. This shimmering pearlescent white polish is nothing short of breathtaking. This exact shade, Freshwater Pearl by Gelcare Official, has unfortunately been archived. For a similar look, you can top off a white gel polish with white pearl eyeshadow and encase it in a matte gel top coat, like the CND's Shellac Matte Top Coat ($16).

Red Snowflake Nails

You don't have to get a solid coat of color every time you opt for a winter gel nail look. Gel polish also comes in handy for nail art since it will help it last for weeks on end. So, while this red-tipped French mani was created using traditional polish and nail stickers, it's a pretty and Christmas-y design that could easily be perfected with gel (if your goal is to keep it on your hands for more than a week or so).

Red Chrome Nails

Chrome proved to be one of the biggest nail trends of the year, and we aren't expecting it to go away anytime soon. To ensure your chrome nails last for weeks on end, opt for a gel application. To create this look, nail artist Dayanna I. Sapiens started with a gold chrome powder base topped off with sheer red gel polish (like the Gelcare UV Gel Nail Polish in the shade Patent Leather Red, $20). Genius!

Green Cat-Eye Nails

We love the look of cat-eye nails, like this head-turning green mani. They look out of this world, no? This exact nail look was crafted using the Cirque Colors Nail Polish in the shade Cannabliss, which has since sold out. For a longer-lasting take on the look, though, you can DIY it with the Beetles' Cat Eye Christmas Gel Nail Polish Set ($20), which includes six colors.

Red Jelly Nails

These red jelly nails are fun because they almost look like dual-finish French tips—when, in actuality, it's just what happens when you pair jelly polish over gel nail extensions. To recreate this look, get hands-on with an Aprés Gel-X Nail Extension Kit ($107).

Cobalt Gel Nails

Cobalt blue is cool, royal, and goes with just about everything. The shade used here is OPI's GelColor Nail Gel Polish in Award for Best Nails Goes To ($21).

Abstract Peppermint Nails

These abstract peppermint nails are giving wintry wonderland and art deco vibes all at once. To recreate them, start with a red glitter and pinky-nude half-and-half base and cure it under a UV lamp. Then, use a fine-lining nail art brush to carefully add the negative-space French tips.

Micro Silver Glitter Nails

Love a shimmery nail moment? Consider a gel glitter mani. To recreate this exact look, you'll need a bottle of Gelcare's UV Gel Nail Polish in Polar Mist ($20).

Aura French Chrome Nails

Speaking of negative space French tips, check out these unique aura chrome double French nails. For a base that glossy, gel has to be at play.

White Ombré Chrome Nails

White ombré chrome tips are whimsical for winter. Add a few gold starbursts to up the fairytale vibes. Then, encase it all with a clear gel top coat to ensure it lasts for weeks.

Green Foil Nails

When the nails are this glossy, you know gel is to thank. To DIY a shimmery evergreen nail look, reach for the OPI GelColor Gel Polish in Peppermint Bark and Bite ($23).

Dainty Bow Nails

ICYMI, bows are very in right now. From hair accessories and UGG accents to Christmas trees fully decked out in the darling detail, bows are everywhere. Here's proof that they can look good on your nails, too. Up to you if you want to wear them for so long that gel is warranted.

Icy Blue Chrome Nails

These baby blue chrome nails are giving Cinderella, don't you think? To recreate them, start with a white gel base, top it off with blue chrome powder (such as the Miss Forever Solid Chrome Nail Powder, $6), and finish with a gel top coat.

Cool Beige

This creamy and cool beige nail color feels perfect for winter. It's cozy and soft while nodding to wishes for warmth. The color in question is Gelcare UV Gel Nail Polish in Dunes ($20).

Up Next: 5 Ways to Strengthen Nails After a Gel Manicure, According to Experts

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