1. Ciate Paint Pot in London Baby
Although it looks intense in the bottle, London Baby is actually the sheerest of all the polishes shown here. The chunky gray-and-black glitter can be worn on its own for subtle sparkle or layered over an opaque hue in a similar shade, like the Deborah Lippmann enamel, for a more ornate option. / $15
2. Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer in Be Daring, Darling
Part of Mischo Beauty’s “She Who Dares” collection, this striking color is perfect for the ladies who are averse to over-embellishment. The deep, rich, opaque purple crème is a welcome update to the popular oxblood and forest green shades of seasons past. / $18
3. Formula X Effect Nail Color in Alchemy II
The allure of glitz and glam is hard to resist during the holidays, but when you tend to gravitate toward gold hues consistently, it can lose its impact. Alchemy II is a complex burnished bronze blended with red and blue micropigments for a sophisticated confetti color that looks different from all angles. / $12.50
4. Essie Nail Lacquer in Wrapped in Rubies
Show some love for the home team with this burgundy and gold matte shimmer lacquer. Even if your football loyalties lie elsewhere, this ruby metallic will be a welcome alternative to the bright red and chunky glitter polishes that are sure to dominate winter events. / $8.50
5. Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Lacquer in Wine
Swap a cranberry polish in place of your go-to red for a pop of color that won’t clash against your darker clothing palette in the colder months. It’s a classic shade that is universally flattering on a variety of different skin tones—this one is a no-brainer. / $8
6. Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel in Wintermint
If the idea of scented polish is intriguing, it’s important to note that you can’t catch a whiff of this minty fragrance until the polish has completely dried—and like all good things, it’s fleeting. But what does last is the sparkling mermaid green hue with flecks of blue glitter; it’s subtle with just enough flair to make a statement. / $5.99
7. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Blue Hue and Topcoat
When your schedule is packed with back-to-back parties, gel polish is your best bet because it will last up to 14 days without chips and the need for reapplication. This nail duo works without a UV/LED light, and the pale blue hue is muted enough to transition seamlessly from one event to the next. / $15.99 for set
8. Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Take the A Train
Not all shimmer is created equal, and this shade is definitely at the head of the pack. The formula is incredibly dense, which means that you could get away with one coat if you are applying on-the-go. Plus, the chrome pigment provides an edgy alternative to the typically cheery holiday hues. / $20
(December 2015)
