January is not just the start of a new year: it's the return of playful nails, where styles are layered and mixed with ease. Soft textures, icy shades and velvety vibes are redefining the trends. Here’s a look at the colours that’ll make you want to switch up your polish more often than your beanie!
Après-ski Collection: alpine chic at your fingertips
Winter 2025-2026 has us dreaming of ski slopes, and not just when it comes to fashion. The mountain-chic look is taking over our nails too. The new “Après-ski” collection is your winter must-have for a fabulous seasonal look. Expect a delicate finish, a pared-back palette and creamy tones reminiscent of freshly fallen snow.
Milky Pink: January’s signature milky pink
We’re kicking off the season with Milky Pink, a softly sheer pink polish that evokes untouched snow beneath a rosy sky, like a nod to the padded runway looks seen at Casablanca. It pairs perfectly with the milky nails trend and clean nails aesthetic, and works beautifully as a base for nail art. A fresh, feel-good start to the year!
Mist Grey: a chic, graphic misty grey
Like the morning mist clinging to snow-covered peaks, Mist Grey captures this poetry in a cool mineral blue-grey tone. It brings to mind the ultra-chic ski vibes seen at Moncler. Memorable yet minimal, Mist Grey is stunning on its own for a monochrome mani, as a base for a twisted French manicure (think white or silver tips) or paired with Milky Pink in nail art for a soft contrast.
Freckles: the frosted nude brown
Our winter crush: Freckles, a new take on nude polish in a cool-toned, subtly woodsy brown. Like a cosy hot chocolate between ski runs, it’s perfect for an ombré manicure in earthy hues. The same softly intense feel seen at Moncler and on the stunning après-ski look worn by actor Nina Dobrev. Freckles is the ultimate nude for effortless January elegance.
Après-ski mood on: three soft shades for a winter-perfect manicure.
(@tagwalk, @moncler)
Chocolate Mint Freeze: a chic take on winter indulgence
After soft pastels, it's time for a gourmet palette inspired by spiced drinks and frosty alpine desserts. A frosted trio of minty and chocolatey tones, ready to turn heads under your ski gloves.
Tweed: the trend-setting textured brown
Tweed is a warm grey polish with a subtle pearly shimmer, as comforting as winter cashmere. It echoes the cosy plaid-textured dress seen at Acne Studios. Why we love it? It instantly elevates any look, suits every nail shape, and embodies true winter chic. A seasonal essential, no question.
Pistachio: the icy green that freshens up winter
A pastel green polish with hints of yellow, Pistachio blends mint and frozen pistachio for a tone that perfectly nails the sportswear-chic trend. Spotted on the deconstructed trench at K-Way during the Autumn-Winter 2025 show, where technical volumes gave this green a modern, airy feel. The perfect pop of colour to brighten long winter days.
Clove: the ultra-desirable spiced chocolate
And then there’s Clove, this season’s standout brown polish: a deep chocolate shade enhanced by subtle violet and burgundy undertones. Bold without being too dark. An irresistible colour that also made an appearance on the stylish puffers from Canadian label Moose Knuckles. Want to level up your manicure? Try a metallic French tip or a fierce leopard print nail art. Clove is pure inspiration.
Winter chic meets indulgent shades.
(@tagwalk, @mooseknucklescanada)
Crushed Velvet: January's plush and elegant touch
Finally, a combination of richer, deeper shades designed for evenings out in the city or dinner in the mountains. Velvet-effect nails are having a moment, with multidimensional reflections, lush textures and mysterious hues.
Victoria Plum: the divine plum
This vibrant plum shade with hints of pink, violet and brown is Victoria Plum. A bold yet radiant polish, perfect for adding flair to a minimalist outfit. It echoes the cropped poncho and waterproof skirt combo from the recent K-Way runway, which truly caught our eye. Easy to wear and totally on trend, Victoria Plum is part of the “liquid velvet” colour wave dominating the Autumn-Winter 2025 shows. A cold-season essential.
Queen of Night: the ultimate chic black
Nothing says sophisticated like Queen of Night, a deep violet polish with smoky grey undertones, rich and just a little blurred, catching the eye with its misted effect. It channels the same energy as the Michael Kors ensemble (flowing dress and structured coat), blending confidence and New York-style elegance. A top-seller this winter, and available in Green Flash™ from 30 January 2026!
Shell: the radiant off-white
We couldn’t wrap up this edit of January shades without including Shell, a white polish with a delicately cool tone and subtle yellow undertones. This polish captures the return of white nails this season. Retro yet modern, it’s designed to enhance clean, minimalist manis. Its luminous depth recalls the ultra-chic, snow-white ski outfit spotted at Moncler, blending alpine charm with contemporary elegance. Perfect for a pared-back look, a nail art base or a soft glam finish.
Velvet finish guaranteed with Victoria Plum, Queen of Night and Shell.
(@tagwalk, @moncler)
How to choose your nail colour in January
With shades from the Après-ski collection, fair skin tones will truly shine this January 2026. These soft and delicate colours look stunning on short, rounded nails. On darker skin tones, the warmer Velvet-effect shades — think burgundy, red or brown — offer a bold, modern look. Go for square or almond-shaped nails to highlight that chic, polished finish. For more inspiration, check out our article on winter nail colour trends.
Our winter care & application tips
When the temperature drops, it's essential to establish a winter nail routine to keep your nails healthy and looking their best.
💦Start by hydrating your cuticles properly: a nourishing oil like the Nourishing Cuticle Oil, applied daily with a gentle massage, is perfect.
⚔️File regularly and gently with a 180-grit glass nail file, and stick to short nails to reduce the risk of snags and breakage during winter.
✨Base coat and top coat are non-negotiable to extend wear and create a gel-effect shine that brings radiance to your winter mani.
🛡️Protect your hands from the cold and prevent dryness by regularly applying a hydrating hand cream such as our Hand Cream, for soft, delicately scented skin with notes of rose, lavender or orange blossom.
As with your skincare routine, consistency is key to flawless nails: maintain your nails all winter long with regular care — check out our dedicated article for more expert tips.
Winter manicures call for daily care: prep, hydration, softness and protection.
The nail trends for January 2026 prove one thing: winter is anything but dull. Whether you’re into frosted pastels, bold shades, spiced browns or couture violets, every colour is an invitation to explore. Let your mood guide your choices, try unexpected combinations and embrace the bold. This season, your nails become a true reflection of your vibe 😉❄️
