Winter means boots, loafers, flats… basically all close-toed shoes. But just because your toes aren’t on full display during this time of year doesn’t mean you have to forgo your routine pedicures if you don’t want to. In fact, why not make it a nice little treat for yourself, whether it’s an at-home ritual or something you like to get done at the salon? There’s just something a little bit mysterious and secretive about knowing that you’ve got some pretty or unique colors on your toes underneath your footwear. Or is that just me?
Either way, in my opinion, pedicure season is an all-year-long thing, so don’t let wintry temps stop you from painting your toes when you really want to. And hey, because they’re not fully on display, you can even experiment with some colors you wouldn’t normally try on your toes, like, say, neon, metallic, or even white. It’s also the perfect time of year to try out darker colors on your toes.
Take a look at some winter pedicure inspiration below.
Of course, we can’t have a winter nail color story without mentioning deep, dark reds. This wine-colored option is a total classic and will look good on your hands too.
This Essie polish is so deep it almost looks black when it’s on your toes. It’s a good option if you want something a little warmer than an onyx or ebony polish.
I love a deep navy because it’s still as dramatic as black nail polish, but it’s a little bit unexpected and unique. This one from Sally Hansen is a dark, creamy blue that’s a quick-drying, long-lasting formula.
J.Hannah makes the cool nail polishes of the moment, and this blue option doesn’t disappoint. Not surprisingly, it’s understated and chic.
A dramatic dark green is perfect for winter, especially around the holidays. Olive and June’s Into the Trees polish is a pretty evergreen hue that has a shiny, gel-like finish.
This deep shade of jade is perfect for a holiday look or the winter season in general.
Why not add some sparkle to your toes? This metallic option from OPI looks so good on all skin tones.
Glittery black nail polish is all at once edgy, dramatic, and eye-catching.
And if you really want to be festive for the holidays, why not go all in with a shimmery gold polish? Sephora Collection’s version leaves a gel-like finish.
A neutral or nude nail polish on the toes is a no-brainer. This one is described as a a mauve-cream nude.
Described as a “toasty tan crème,” this polish is a warmer neutral that you’ll probably use year-round.
You don’t have to worry about any chipping or dullness with this polish—it’s formulated to deliver up to 11 days of gel-like wear and shine.
Sometimes, you want to try something other than a classic red or pink polish, and for those times, might I suggest a purple? I love this aubergine one from Emilie Heathe. And it doesn’t hurt that the formula is nontoxic and vegan.
Lincoln Park After Dark is an iconic nail polish that, in my opinion, will never go out of style. It’s the perfect balance of almost black and a deep, rich purple.
Gray polishes go with just about anything, and they look so good on the toes, too. Olive and June’s 100% Chance polish is a gunmetal gray-blue.
For a darker option, try Zoya’s Genevieve polish, which is described as a “cool leather gray.”
I think white looks fresh on the toes, and it pretty much works for all seasons. But in the winter, you can play into the wintry-white theme. If you’re looking for an opaque version, Sally Hansen’s polish is highly rated.
And if you prefer something softer, this creamy white hue will do. It has a hint of pink.
Maybe you’re wary of doing bold neons during summer, so now is the perfect time to experiment when your toes are wrapped up and you’re getting used to having something super bright on them. Start it off with happy neon pink.
Neon green is a fun pick, and this one from China Glaze is long-lasting and chip-resistant and has vibrant color.
When the cold, dreary weather has got you down, opt for a sunny fluorescent yellow.
This kit has 26 tools in one, including nail clippers, a callus remover, and a nail brush.
Treat yourself to a foot massage from the comfort of your own home with this spa bath massager. It uses steam to relieve any stress, pain, or tension.
And don’t forget to soften your feet with a moisturizing foot cream. Aveda’s has exfoliating fruit acids and plant-derived oils.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
