The Forecast Is In: Here Are the 8 Winter Beauty Trends of 2026

Elsa was right: the cold never bothered us anyway, especially when new and exciting winter beauty trends are already bubbling up. The experts are already saying copper is in, but what are the next makeup and nail looks we’re about to see everywhere? I chatted with top makeup artists and manicurists to share their predictions for the season ahead. From toasty makeup to velvety manicures, here’s the scoop on what’s to come—and how you can be ahead of the curve. 

• Gabriella Elio is a makeup artist and founder of Sweed Beauty with over 20 years in the beauty industry. Every Sweed product is personally developed by Gabriella, blending Scandinavian minimalism with professional performance. Her brand is beloved by celebrities like Jasmine Tookes, Courtney Cox and Sabrina Carpenter.
• MarQuis Ward is a celebrity makeup artist and LYS Beauty’s Artistry & Education Lead with 14 years of experience across TV, film and commercials. Ward simplifies his techniques into approachable tips, blending artistry with education to help people embrace trends, understand their skin and enhance their natural beauty. His previous clients include Ryan Destiny, Raven Goodwin and Novi Brown.
• Pattie Yankee is a celebrity nail artist, industry consultant and founder of Pattie Yankee Products with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. She is based in New York and works regularly on films, television, red carpets, magazine shoots and NYFW. Her previous clients include Aubrey Plaza, Allison Williams and Priyanka Chopra-Jonas.

Whether you’re heading to a holiday party or simply have evening plans coming up, this elegant look should be on your radar. “It’s all about glowing skin, flushed cheeks and rich lips. It captures the ‘candlelit dinner radiance’ with a modern twist. Think soft satin skin, rosy cheeks and a cool brown lip that channels Old Hollywood glamour,” shares Elio. The secret to a candlelit complexion starts with a setting powder, which helps to blur and soften skin. Then, add a cherry shade on the cheeks before defining lips with a brown liner and popping on a cooler tone on the pout like Jasmine Tookes above.

Also known as sweater nails, Yankee predicts it’s going to make a comeback in the new year. “This look takes inspiration from the textures and patterns of cozy, chunky knit sweaters. It gives a fun, tactile winter-ready fabric look that’s playful and rich with texture,” she shares. “It’s going to be a standout winter manicure. It has enough uniqueness with raised lines and texture—and a subtle change from minimal nails.” It’s also easy to achieve right at home. The expert recommends using a thin striping brush to paint on the knitted design before curing your design and adding clear acrylic powder to get the 3D effect. 

This popular manicure combines two of our favorites—the cat-eye and French—for a chic winter look. As Yankee explains, “Think of it as an updated French manicure with its texture and richness. The velvet finish elevates it from classic to modern glam. Overall, French manicures are timeless and applying the cat-eye twist makes it feel fresh.” Grab your cat-eye gel polish of choice and a liner brush to create a French tip. (I recommend nail tape to perfect the shape.) Then, use a magnet to activate the effect and finish off with a top coat. 

If you’re going to do one shade this season, let it be black cherry. The experts say this moody red color is going to be the most requested hue come December. “It's a simple and classic deep burgundy color. It's not your average red manicure; it's a dark and moody red that has taken the internet by storm (and it goes viral almost every year),” says Masters. “As someone who has been doing nails for 10 years, this color has never failed to come back every winter with my clients. Still to this day I always have 2-3 full bottles on hand, so I don't risk running out!”

Another color emerging for winter? Chocolate brown. Huber-Millet believes this rich color flatters all complexions and pairs well with your winter wardrobe. While you can go the glossy route, the expert says a soft matte finish is going to reign supreme this season. “The look blends warmth with a hint of indulgence. It features a cocoa-toned base with a soft matte or satin finish that evokes the plush texture of suede. The result is chic, warm and effortlessly sophisticated for the cooler months,” she shares. 

• Katie Masters is a celebrity nail artist and founder of Nail Thoughts. After graduating from college, she opened her own salon at the age of 23 and became a licensed nail tech. For the last decade she has built a loyal following not only in California but throughout the world. Her previous clients include Lady Gaga, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nicole Kidman and Giada Delaurentiis. 
• Juanita Huber-Millet is the founder and creative director at Townhouse, a British luxury nail bar, which has 40 locations across the UK, ranging from Harrods in Knightsbridge and Chelsea in London to Manchester and Leeds, and opened international salons in Los Angeles and New York.