Nothing compares to an unexpected snow day. While it’s a well-covered concept in Hallmark movies and cheesy holiday tracks, I still find myself wishing for a flurries around this time of year. If you feel the same way, manifesting with your nails by way of the “Jack Frost” manicure is an excellent place to start. This isn’t your typical snowflake design: The icy trend combines a sweet baby blue base with glittery, shimmery, chromatic, or cat eye finishes. It’s like a snowstorm encased in your polish, without all the melty slush once January comes. Ahead, we share a full report on this icy blue manicure trend, from tips on getting the look to a blizzard of chic and chilly inspo.

What Are Jack Frost Nails?

This year has been the year of unexpected color pairings, as fashion has been full of a luxe hodgepodge of juicy grape, chartreuse, baby pink, mocha, and more. That applies to your fingertips, as well: This holiday season, less-expected colors (like soft baby blue) are competing with the usual candy cane French tips and Christmas manis galore. 

“It’s elegant, refreshing, and a gorgeous alternative to the deeper, moodier hues we traditionally see this time of year,” Elena Carri, Ardell’s vice president of marketing and brand development,  tells Byrdie. “I love that it creates a soft winter glow while still feeling modern and playful.”

It’s also a play for longevity: Soft blue shades, such as Ardell’s 1 Step Gel in Serene Skies or Calm Waters, work well into January. Cat eye polish, on the other hand, adds a snow globe effect, which feels like a sweet nod to holiday nostalgia. 

How to Get the Look

Think of Jack Frost nails as a fresh take on the blueberry milk trend of summers past, says Nail Thoughts CEO Katie Masters. Start with a sheer, soft blue, then apply a translucent white chrome on top: “It’s double the glassy,” she adds. You might also consider swiping on two coats of a light blue, such as Nail Thoughts’ Pool Float, then finish with an iridescent, milky white. An opalescent blue shade, such as Moonstone, captures that fresh snowfall-inspired feel in a single polish. 

“This frosty look invites a range of finishes, from iridescent top coats to chrome finishes and velvet textures,” Masters tells Byrdie. “Sheer colors have more dimension than a solid opaque color, and they give off a more glassy, unique finish.”

While baby blue looks dazzling on anyone, Masters says it especially stands out on those with cooler undertones. (We have a guide for that.) While we’re in support of choosing whichever blue base fits your mood, you might also consider choosing a shade optimized for your skin tone. Ahead, we’ve gathered a flurry of nail inspiration for your next manicure—and there’s plenty of fabulously frosty conditions in the forecast.