Blushed Metal

This year, chrome gets an upgrade with a more minimalistic approach that gives the nails a jewelry-like effect. Chrome toppers, like Blushed Metal, create a gorgeous, luminous effect that still hits on the quiet luxury trend. “It reflects light without screaming, which is exactly where fashion is going,” says Gerstein. “I love wearing this type of chrome as a sheer glaze over any opaque solid polish to give a subtle, modern take on full-on chrome glazes.”

Rock The Runway

Classic red nails are always a statement maker. “A good red polish is a staple because it’s timeless, powerful, and universally flattering,” De Los Santos says. “It signals confidence while giving an instantly ‘put together’ energy.”

In 2026, the myriad of ways to wear red nail polish is being reimagined, especially in fresh takes that extend beyond the classic full-coverage red manicure. “Expect red French tips over sheer and milky bases for a soft yet modern feel, red chrome for a luxe, high-shine twist, cat-eye red nails for subtle dimension, and micro designs like super thin red lines or negative space accents that keep the look elevated yet minimal.”

Charm to Table

Sheer jelly polishes are staking their claim in the world of manicures, and ballet-pink hues are dominating the trend. Gerstein says sheer jelly nails give a soft, diffused wash of color that lets the natural nail show through in a beautiful way. “We are going to see them layered, glazed, and softly blushed so the nails look luminous and healthy instead,” she adds.

New Highs

Royal blue has become a mainstay nail color that shows no signs of slowing down. De Los Santos explains that while deeper blues traditionally dominate winter palettes, the color is now worn year-round rather than just seasonally. “It reflects the fashion shift towards bold yet clean colors that still feel luxe,” she adds.

Beyond the typical glossy royal blue, De Los Santos says, come new takes on the hue. “Think blue cat-eyes layered with jelly polish to create a glass-like effect, bright blue chromes, sheer blue jellies, and mixed finishes in a single set so that the blue feels multi-dimensional and fresh.”

Spiked With Style

Every season, burgundy manicures make their mark. The dark, versatile color can take on a festive flair when worn with a glitter finish, or a more serious one when worn in a creamy or matte finish. No matter how you choose to wear the shade burgundy on your nails, Gerstein says it never feels trendy. “I find the color to be rich and more of a neutral hue,” she adds.

Fairy Tailor

Milky, sheer pinks are such a chic polish choice, and the shade will remain one of the most popular in 2026. “We’re seeing a shift away from harsh colors and a movement towards softer polishes that enhance rather than overpower,” De Los Santos says.

Gerstein agrees, adding that milky pinks will be everywhere simply because they offer a polished, quiet-expensive look. “My new go-to is Essie Fairy Tailor, which I use on many of my celebrity clients, including Michelle Williams and Daisy Edgar-Jones,” she says.

Tailored by Twilight

Rich shades of purple make for a classic wintertime manicure, adding a seasonal feel and a semi-dramatic look to the nails without coming across as too vampy. “We will also see these colors done in sheer and velvet finishes, which will give them an even more modern, multi-dimensional feel,” Gerstein says.

De Los Santos favors purple-based shades as an alternative to traditional red tones, especially since they work across a variety of skin tones.

In-Vest In Style

Virtually every shade of green is in right now, ranging from bright forest green colors to tones inspired by matcha. “Green-toned teals let you lean into a rich statement color, but they’re not expected like red or black,” De Los Santos shares.

Bold shades of greens will be popular for manicures year-round, as will shape-shifting greens, which lend a bit of a holographic-meets-chrome feel. “Worn glossy, sheer or with a subtle chrome glaze, [green polishes] look striking, fashion-forward and totally 2026,” Gerstein says.