These are the polish shades that need to grace your nails this autumn/winter
Nothing sets the tone for a new season quite like a fresh (and seasonally fitting) manicure. However, when you’re in the chair with your nail artist encouraging you to choose a colour promptly, it can be an overwhelming experience.
Between the different shades, the varying finishes and the endless celebrity manicure inspiration flowing through our social feeds at all times, sometimes you need a helping hand staying on-trend and seasonally appropriate when picking out your polish.
Allow BEAUTYcrew (and Mavala Switzerland Global Trainer, Lynn Mason) to take the guesswork out of locking in your next nail look. Here are the expert-approved autumn/winter nail colours your nails simply need to sample this season...
Best Nail Polish Colours For Autumn/Winter 2025
Rich chocolate
"Brown nails in all hues and finishes will reign supreme, following the Pantone Colour of the Year reveal, Mocha Mousse", Mason explains. "Coffee-inspired manicures offer a versatile and sophisticated aesthetic, sealed with a gloss or matte topcoat for two different looks. Dark chocolate browns scream high fashion… rich, warm and bold – yet more wearable than black."
Get the look with...
Mavala Switzerland Nail Color Cream in ‘Bruges’ ($9.95 at French Beauty Co)
OPI Infinite Shine Gel-Like Lacquer in ‘Not Afraid Of The Dark’ ($24.95 at David Jones)
@nailsbyzola
Red wine
"Vampy, red-wine tones are elegant and timeless, a hot shade this season to inject into fashion and beauty choices", Mason advises. "Don’t forget to use a base coat to ensure the bold tone doesn’t stain your nails."
Get the look with...
Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail Polish in ‘Rouge H’ ($79 at Myer)
Dior Vernis in ‘Nuit 1947’ ($47 at David Jones)
@tombachik
Frosted pearl
"Expect to see shimmering ethereal shades like frosted blue, chrome-like pearl or glazed silver encapsulating the essence of falling snow and frost", says Mason. "[These shades] are a wonderful way to inject modernity into your next French manicure with multi-coloured frosty tips or simply to accessorise with a textured, futuristic overlay or icy nail art."
Get the look with...
Hanami Nail Polish in ‘Moonshadow’ ($20.95 at Hanami)
Londontown kur Chrome Topper in 'Moonstone Chrome' ($19.95 at Beauty Affairs)
@tombachik
Ballet pink
"Understated ballet slipper pink is set to be one of this year’s biggest (and prettiest) colour trends, both in fashion and beauty", Mason notes. "Officially a new neutral to carry through to your next manicure, [the shade is] surprisingly wearable and universal in appeal. Wearable on all nail shapes and lengths, this shade is a dependable option."
Get the look with...
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in ‘Ballerina’ ($49 at David Jones)
Gucci Vernis A Ongles Nail Polish in ‘Ellen Blush’ ($57 at Myer)
@nailsbyzola
BB cream
"The ‘skinification’ trend trickles down to nails, taking its inspiration from the BB Cream, a 2-in-1 makeup and skin care product", shares Mason. "Think of this manicure as a hybrid aesthetic/treatment in one. The result is soft, opaque-looking, semi-sheer nails that are understated and not overdone."
Get the look with...
Manicurist Active Smooth ($26 at MECCA)
Kester Black Dr Fill-Good Ridge Filler ($35 at Kester Black)
@tombachik
Naked nails
"Continuing the clean-girl aesthetic, natural and healthy-looking nails are here for good", Mason confirms. "More of a ‘nail investment’ mindset, it’s all about using quality products and treatments that will help improve nail health and therefore the appearance of nails and a manicure. Regular cuticle care will help nails grow and a nail strengthener will reinforce strength and prevent flaking. Also, don’t forget to apply a cuticle oil daily to nourish and hydrate. This will not only prolong the length of your manicure but also ensure your nails look their best on days you go polish free too."
Get the look with...
Mavala Mavapen Cuticle Oil Pen ($24.95 at Chemist Warehouse)
Tweezerman Cuticle Nippers ($59.40 at Cult Beauty)
@tombachik
Main image credit: @nailsbyzola
Want more seasonal intel? Here's a guide to what your skin needs most during cooler months...
Delaney began her career in the Australian beauty media industry in 2015, landing amidst the glossy world of women’s lifestyle magazines (or more literally, in their beauty cupboards). Since then, she has gone on to write across a multitude of beloved Australian media brands, including OK!, NW, InStyle, and Harper’s BAZAAR. She’s covered every side of beauty content, from directing beauty editorial shoots to rounding up the best glossy serums for golden hour skin. Having spent nearly a decade immersed in the beauty realm, Delaney’s knowledge of beauty is as extensive as her collection of tinted lip oils (read: extremely extensive). Delaney is currently the Digital Managing Editor of BEAUTYcrew, and her beauty wisdom also appears across beautyheaven, ELLE and Marie Claire. She enjoys channelling her personal hobby (testing beauty products) into her professional work (talking about testing beauty products), and considers perfecting the art of a cat eye in a moving car her life’s greatest accomplishment.
