Now that the new year is here, it’s the perfect chance to switch up your manicure. There’s no shortage of nail inspiration, but this time of year, we’re especially into polishes that feel warm and cozy. That’s where “cinnamon spice” nails come in. We’ve been seeing these glazed, reddish-brown manicures all over our feeds lately, and they’re just right for winter. If you’re thinking about trying out this trend (*raises hand*), we reached out to nail experts Juanita Huber-Millet and Bana Jarjour to get the scoop on how to pull off the look.

What Are Cinnamon Spice Nails?

You know that feeling you get when you get a whiff of baked cinnamon apples or a sweet, fluffy cinnamon roll? It’s unmistakably warm, fragrant, and cozy. That’s exactly the vibe of cinnamon spice nails. Rich in color with a subtle glow, they’re the perfect cure for winter’s gray days. “They take their cue from the warm, swirled tones of fresh cinnamon desserts and feature a variety of hues, such as soft beiges, caramel browns, creamy whites, and a subtle shine,” Huber-Millet says.

Like a sticky bun, the colors meld together beautifully to create a mélange of rich browns, but the real star is the glazed finish. The result isn’t just a delicious swirl of shades—it’s a manicure with lots of depth and dimension.

Why Are They Trending?

Now that we’re deep into the colder months, we’re craving warmth in every sense, including our beauty routines. Think: the toasty makeup aesthetic. Coincidentally, the look also extends to our manicure. “With cinnamon spice nails, you get the beautiful blend of warm shades and a cool icing-like finish that’s a perfect fit for the season,” Jarjour says.

However, the timely arrival is only half of the reason cinnamon spice nails are currently flooding your FYP. Hailey Bieber initially ignited the trend in 2024, when she debuted a cinnamon-y, glazed donut manicure to celebrate the launch of Rhode’s cinnamon roll-flavored Peptide Lip Treatment. Since then, inspired looks have continued to grace our timelines.

According to Huber-Millet, cinnamon roll nails continue to resonate because they combine popular manicure trends, like neutral polishes and glass finishes. “People want neutrals that still feel interesting, and cinnamon spice nails offer that plus a subtle complexity,” Huber-Millet adds.

How to Get the Look

The key to this look is selecting a blend of brown polishes that complement your undertones. “It’s all about layering warm-toned neutrals to create a soft blend,” Huber-Millet says. To build the base, look for a semi-sheer brown with reddish undertones for added warmth. A caramel-toned shade is another option that can deliver the same cozy feel.

However, regardless of the color you choose, polish consistency is essential. A semi-translucent polish works best because it allows some of your natural nail to peek through and lays the foundation for the glassy effect.

Now it’s time to add the dimension that makes this manicure effortlessly chic. On an artist’s palette, blend a velvety magnifying powder with the top coat of your choice until thoroughly mixed. Then gently paint a coating onto each fingernail and use a magnet to manipulate the filaments, just like you would with a cat-eye manicure. This layer creates the subtle sheen and brings out the warm glow of the cinnamon shades underneath. To finish it off, add one last layer of top coat; this time, use a high-shine formula for the glassy effect.