Whether it’s a holiday dinner party, a date night to see your movie of choice from the Metro Manila Film Festival or a visit to lola’s house, these occasions call for looking your best from head—to toe. We’re here to help with the latter. Whether your feet stay nestled in socks or are sitting pretty in that long-coveted pair of sandals you finally received as a gift, you’ll be filled with that much more joy with a fresh pedicure.

Beauty looks transition from bright and bubbly to dark and moody in the -ber months, and pedicure colors are no exception. “The season begins with deeper, richer colors like wine reds with brown undertones and warm espresso brown that feel cozy,” says Amy Ling Lin, founder of Sundays, a New York City-based nail studio and polish brand.

But it won’t be all about gloomy shades. It is the holiday season, after all. Expect to see festive colors like gold and pearly white, too. “This winter will be about being in our glowy champagne era,” says Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton, founder of Chillhouse nail salon. Belakhlef also predicts people will be leaning into navy blue and milky white polishes on their toes.

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Ahead, discover the pedicure colors experts can’t get enough of this season.

Merlot

Dark reds always trend in the colder months, but Lin says burgundy with brown and black undertones will be a particularly popular pedicure color this season. Sarah Chue, a Los Angeles-based nail artist, says Dior Vernis Nuit is her go-to vampy red shade. “It’s very rich and wine-y.” We love Deborah Lippman Gel Lab Pro in Blazin’. 

Snowy White

We don’t have snow in the Philippines, so why not match the vibe with an equally glistening pedicure instead? Bonus: This extra-bright white stands out against morena skin.

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Nail artists suggest adding a chrome finish for an icy touch. We suggest OPI Infinite Shine 2 in Alpine Snow.

Midnight Navy

To Lin, this color is “mysterious.” To me, it’s preppy, perfectly pairing with a collared Breton or rugby shirt. Navy is trending for winter because it’s versatile and flatters a wide range of skin tones. We suggest Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in Sorry Not Sorry.

Pine Green

Sipping tsokolate indoors on Christmas is special. This pedicure color will give you that same cozy feeling. Give Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Jealous Boyfriend a spin. 

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Espresso

Speaking of hot beverages, they’ve inspired a pedicure favorite . Chocolate- and coffee-colored polishes feel cozy and luxe, pairing perfectly with other popular shades of the season, like navy and cream. Try Orly Breathable Nail Lacquer in Double Espresso

Champagne

Match your toes to the bubbly you plan to sip as you ring in the new year. Whether it’s champagne or apple cider, the shimmery polish adds a touch of playfulness to your pedicure, says Lin. We’re partial to Barry M Hi Shine Nail Paint in Dandelion.

Originally published in Allure US.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nail artists recommend merlot, midnight navy, pine green, espresso, snowy white, and champagne as the standout pedicure shades for the Philippine holiday season. Rich, warm tones like burgundy and coffee brown dominate, with festive accents in gold and pearlescent white rounding out the palette.

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Bright, high-contrast shades like snowy white — particularly with a chrome finish — stand out strongly against deeper morena skin tones. Navy blue, merlot, and champagne shimmer also flatter a wide range of Filipino skin tones, according to nail artists featured in this roundup.

Nail experts point to deep burgundy reds with brown undertones, champagne shimmer, and midnight navy as the dominant trends for the Christmas and New Year holiday season. Festive accents in gold and milky white are also expected to perform strongly through the new year.

Nail artists recommend gel-formula polishes for longevity during the holiday season. Featured options include Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro, OPI Infinite Shine 2, Sally Hansen Miracle Gel, and Orly Breathable Nail Lacquer — each selected for finish quality and seasonal color payoff.

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Consider the occasion’s formality and your outfit palette. Deep wine reds and espresso browns suit formal dinners and evening events. Champagne shimmer and snowy white work for festive, celebratory occasions. Navy and pine green are versatile enough for both casual family gatherings and dressed-up date nights.

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