Winter is one of the best seasons for nail colour — the cooler palette of the season opens up a whole range of shades that feel too heavy in summer but perfect from May through August. From deep reds to matte nudes, here are five nail trends worth trying this winter, all achievable with our Super Food Infused Breathable Nail Polish collection.
Trend 1: Matte Textures
Matte nails have a quiet confidence about them that suits winter perfectly. Rather than competing with the season, they sit alongside it. The matte finishes in our UNICORN DREAM Collection are a great way to experiment with texture while keeping the look polished and wearable. Strawberry Fields Forever is a delicate matte pink that’s subtle enough for daily wear but interesting enough to notice.
Trend 2: Neutral Nudes
The perfect nude is one of the most versatile nail looks you can wear — it works in every setting, from the office to a dinner, and it makes hands look groomed and elegant without demanding attention. Add our Top Coat for a glossy, long-lasting finish.
As a general guide: fair skin looks beautiful in soft pinks like Dreamin is Free; medium skin tones suit caramel and cinnamon shades like Invisible Touch; and deeper complexions are stunning in chocolate or mauve shades like Never Tear Us Apart.
Trend 3: Deep Red
A classic winter red is never wrong. The key in winter is to go deeper and richer rather than brighter — think burgundy, wine and ruby rather than fire-engine red. These deeper tones work across almost every skin tone and have a sophistication that brighter reds don’t quite achieve.
My favourites in our collection are Eternal Flame and Never Tear Us Apart — both deeply pigmented and long-wearing.
Trend 4: Metallic Shine
A metallic accent is one of the easiest ways to elevate a basic manicure. Rather than going all-over metallic (which can look heavy), try applying it to just the ring finger over a neutral base — the contrast is striking and very wearable.
Our metallic polishes November Rain, Truly Madly Deeply and Be My Lover all have a frosted, diffused shine rather than a mirror-like finish — which makes them feel more wearable and less costume-y in everyday situations.
Trend 5: Dark Navy
Dark navy is the most interesting winter nail colour of the season — it has the depth and moodiness of black without being quite as stark. It’s particularly flattering on shorter, rounder nails, where it reads as chic rather than gothic.
Our go-to shade is Surrender Yourself — a rich midnight blue with excellent depth of colour and a glossy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nail polish colours are most popular in winter in Australia?
In Australian winters, deep reds, burgundies, nudes, and navy shades are consistently the most popular. Matte finishes and metallics have also grown significantly in recent seasons, particularly for special occasions or as accent nails.
Is breathable nail polish better for your nails?
Breathable nail polish allows water and oxygen to pass through the polish film, which some nail experts believe supports healthier nails over time, particularly for those with brittle or damaged nails. SCOUT’s Breathable Nail Polish is also free from the five most commonly excluded toxic chemicals — formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, and camphor.
How do I make my nail polish last longer in winter?
Cold water and dry air can both cause nail polish to chip faster. Apply a base coat before colour, and always finish with a top coat — and reapply the top coat every two to three days to extend wear. Avoid hot water immediately after painting your nails, and push back cuticles gently before applying to give the polish the best surface to adhere to.
Is SCOUT nail polish COSMOS certified?
SCOUT Organic Active Beauty is COSMOS-certified organic across the range. Our nail polish is formulated without the most harmful conventional nail polish chemicals, using Super Food-infused ingredients that support nail health rather than compromising it.
- Sylvie Hutchings, Founder, SCOUT Organic Active Beauty
