For those who love a nude nail but want to switch things up as the temperatures drop, a smoky white takes a minimalist look to the next level. The pearlescent hue brightens your nails (and your hands) without appearing too stark or chalky. Apply one coat for a more sheer finish or apply two for an opaque pearly look.
We love: Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in Sugarette

While we adore a rose gold polish, a metallic terracotta is our tried-and-trues moodier equivalent. It has that same foiled feel, but the orange undertone pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving decor. The best part? The metallic hue acts as an accessory even when youre not wearing any.
We love: Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in Fosse Fingers

Deep wine shades are usual suspects in the fall and winter polish lineup. This year, opt for a color that leans more purple and less red for a fresher spin on the shade. Heading to a festive fte? Pair your merlot mani with a wine-colored lip like this Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Chianti for a monochromatic moment.
We love: Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in Dark Like Me

Reserve the winter blues solely for your mani. A dark inky cobalt looks totally luxe on your tips and complements any neutral outfit. Plus, the almost-black color works well with both gold and silver jewelry.
We love: Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in Kings & Thieves

Tis the season to rock a warm, mossy mani. A deep green shade is a nice change from your average vampy color (think: deep purple and rich wine), and flatters all skin tones. 
We love: Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in Darjeeling Darling

A gilded glitter will take your tips from flat to festive with just a few swipes. Layer over another polish for a touch of sparkle or wear alone for some major shimmer and shine. 
We love: Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in Shattered Souls

Our favorite seasonal-friendly hues for any holiday occasion.

Were all for rocking any nail polish you want all year round, but the holidays are an extra special time to change up your hues. Keep reading for our favorite oh-so-festive shades to get you set for the season ahead.


##Pastel Pink

Pantone's Rose Quartz, a pretty light pink, was made for a classic mani. Grab Smith & Cult's Pillow Pie when you want the your-nails-but-better look, or something you can wear right into spring when pastels truly take center stage.


##Periwinkle Blue
Sharing the spotlight with Rose Quartz in 2016 is Pantone's Serenity, a calming periwinkle blue. Try two coats of Floss Gloss Nail Polish in 95% Angel for an unexpected pop of color that doubles as a visual chill pill.


 
 
##Peppery Reds
The holiday season was all about traditional candy-cane reds, but 2016 is toning down the sweetness and adding a little bit of spice to the mix. Swap your fire-engine and Santa suit shades for lacquers with hints of rust and copper, like Color Club Thats My Jam.


##Stormy Grays

According to the runways, there hasn't been a better time to go grey. Everything from matte slates to shiny silvers dominated Fashion Week, proving it's the new neutral. We're fans of grays with an on-trend taupe finish like ncLA Swim Club in Golden Coast.


##Electric Jewel Tones 
If you're looking for a statement-looking shade, turn up the volume with rich sapphires, emeralds, and amethysts. Our current favorite: Nails inc. NailKale Nail Polish - Richmond Park Gardens, a bold sapphire that has more pop than a dark navy and just enough sheen to step it up without going full-on metallic.

Your first look at the punchy nail polish shades you'll want to wear all next year. 

Christmas came early this year when Pantone announced it had selected not one, but [two colors for 2016](/magazine/article/pantone-2016-colors-of-the-year-rose-quartz-serenity), which got us thinking: What other shades will be painting on our nails in the new year? Here are our predictions for the polishes that everyone will be obsessed with come January. 

A Guide to 2016s Most-Wanted Nail Polish Colors


Why: Cargo shorts arent making a comeback in our closets anytime soon, but the familiar tan tone is the neutral of the season. Swap barely-there and pink-toned nudes for warm taupes that wont go unnoticed. 

Try: Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in The Graduate



##Berry-Tinged Wine


Why: A vampy Bordeaux is a seasoned regular in the fall mani rotation. This year, pick a polish thats spiked with a berry shade to give the expected color a fresh update.

Try: Floss Gloss Nail Polish in Smoke on the Nail



##Metallic Copper

 
Why: With Seventies-inspired style still going strong, the easiest way to channel the disco era is with two coats of a fall-friendly orange. Look for a lacquer with some sheen to make the shade less pumpkin-spice and more stone cold fox.

Try: OPI Venice Collection Polish in Worth a Pretty Penne



##Stormy Violet


Why: Plenty of smoky polishes popped up on the fall runways, but the moody mix of violet and grey was by far our favorite. The shade is understated enough for everyday wear, yet chic enough to compete with a metallic arm party. 

Try: Ciat Paint Pots Collection in Fade to Greige



##Electric Blue


Why: A fall lineup of on-trend neutral outfits and eye looks calls for a pop of color. Turn up the volume on your go-to navy blue with a striking cobalt to add an element of surprise. 

Try: JINSoon Nail Polish in Blue Iris

From metallic copper to stormy violet, these on-trend fall nail colors will dominate your manis this season.

A new season means a new wardrobeand new manis to match. Swipe off your summer shades (try [EXO Supply Co.s Pure Remover Wipes](product:21144) to skip the acetone-induced headaches) and pair your knits, sweaters, and scarves with these trending polish shades that are just as crisp and refreshing as the cooler weather. 

5 Must-Have Nail Polish Colors for Fall and Winter 2015

Summer is the time to indulge in frozen drinks and dessertsbonus points if they're pretty. Get inventive with your ice cubes by spiking 'em with herbs and booze to give your sangria an extra kick, or with coffee to keep your cold brew caffeinated. While you're becoming BFFs with your freezer, satisfy your sweet tooth by whipping up one of these extra fancy popsicles that look just as adorable as cupcakes.  




If you have a date with ribs, corn on the cob, and previously mentioned popsicles, you'll want to leave your statement lip at home. Instead, grab a stain and try ombre lips, aka the K-beauty trend that was made for the Fourth. Not only will the subtle fade look better as the day goes on, it's also an excuse to grab another frozen treatin the name of touch-ups, of course. 




If you're the one throwing this weekend's bash, impress your guests with this Pinterest-worthy spread, (complete with the cutest fruit platter you've ever seen), then show off your newfound mixology skills by serving up these summery takes on classic cocktails. 




Since there isn't a filter that fixes liner smudges and mascara smears, prep with these sweat- and splash-proof products before you hit the beach or post up next to the the grill. Since your look will hold up through sand, smoke, and sparklers, you can rest assured you won't have to hashtag anything with #sweaty. 




Finish off your red, white, and blue ensemble with one of these easier-than-they-look-manis for different styles: Classic stars and stripes for the traditionalist, glitzy fireworks if you like to be on-trend, and a graphic polka-dot pattern for a more toned-down take on patriotism.

Fill your weekend with pretty popsicles, summery sips, and bright, DIY nail art. 

You've booked your BBQ plans, secured the best spot for fireworks, and dusted off your favorite pair of jorts. Round out the rest of your holiday weekend with these five summery finishing touches, from a punchy lip look to a stars-and-stripes mani. 

As mani lovers and regular nail salon goers, we were saddened and outraged by the recent New York Times' two-part expose on the working conditions at some New York City-area salons. Though the reports prompted government officials to order emergency measures to create safer and more ethical salons, there are a few steps you can take personally to make informed decisions about where you go for nail services. Consider these five things before sitting down for your next polish change:

Consult Your Regional Healthy Nail Salon Coalition

If youre unsure about where to find a salon that treats its employees fairly (think: livable wages and non-toxic top coats) consult your states Healthy Nail Salon Coalition. Programs like those in New York, Oregon, and California can help you locate an approved salon in your area as well as give you tips on proper ventilation and safe polishes.

Though its tempting to duck into your corner salon for a quickie $7 manicure, keep in mind thateven if you plan on tipping welllow prices are usually a sign of unfair wages for salon workers.  As the Times article points out, With fees so low, someone must inevitably pay the price. (One salon mentioned reportedly paid its workers $1.50 per hour for a 66-hour work week.)  In New York City, more upscale salons like Paintbox, Primp and Polish, and our own store in Soho offer fair pricing (and pay) for services like pedicures, nail art, and polish changes.

Look for Salons that Use Non-Toxic Polishes

One of the many troubling discoveries uncovered in the Times report was the laundry list of health issues many salon workers experience after continual exposure to toxins like dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and toluene, found in many polishes. One thing you can do? Search for salons that stock 5-free polishes, which dont contain a handful of the most hazardous chemicals.

Manicures aside, you can help make a difference on a grander scale by advocating for workers rights through the National Nail & Beauty Salon Alliance. The organization strives to make nail salons healthier and happier places for their employees by encouraging regulations for salons and health measures for workers. Check out their site to read up on more research and find who to contact in your region to support the cause.

Ultimately, If you walk into a salon where things feel inherently offwhether its the too-good-to-be-true price tag, unclean conditions, or a lack of fresh airturn around and contact your local committee for occupational safety and health to file a report. In time, both big and small steps can add up to create change.

You've read the upsetting news about many of New York Citys nail salons. Now what? Heres what you can do to find an ethical manicure in your city.

5 Important Things to Consider Before Your Next Manicure

Once upon a time, nail polish was a toned down version of the glossy enamel used on cars. Thankfully, great strides have been made over the past few years as more brands have come out with 3-free formulas that omit harmful dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, and formaldehyde. The latest batch of toxin-free polishes are 5-free formulas that also cut out harmful formaldehyde resin, a skin allergen that can stay active up to three days after your polish has dried, and camphor, which becomes toxic when inhaled in large doses. Whether you're a salon regular or an at-home manicurist, choosing one of these better-for-you brands will give you some peace of mind with your glossy finish.


##Deborah Lippmann
This perennial fave is free of damaging chemicals, so you can continue to choose your color by the song title that best fits your mood (the Footloose red shade is a classic).







##RGB
These opaque, eco-friendly polishes come in a range of beautiful shades that are perfect for the minimalist.







##ncLA
The entire Swim Club color collection is not only safe for your nails and skin, but practically guarantees your fingers and toes will be on trend all summer long.







##tenoverten 
This Manhattan salon brand may be a newcomer to the polish scene, but its already made an impact with its healthier ingredients and smooth formulas. 







##Smith & Cult
A non-toxic formula is just one more reason these gorgeous polishes are securing a permanent spot on our vanities.







##JINsoon 
All of celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Chois shades are 5-freenot to mention chip-proof with just one coat.

Get a safer, healthier mani and pedi with these formulas that are free of harmful ingredients. 

If you love Aprils bright box pattern as much as we do, youre going to want to recreate it on your nails with this step-by-step tutorial.

When we first saw [Aprils blooming box design](/magazine/article/rifle-paper-company-april-2015-birchbox-design), created by [Rifle Paper Co.](/shop/brands/rifle-paper-co) co-founder Anna Bond, we started scheming ways to take the design off our vanityand onto our nails! We asked one of [Birchbox Sohos](/stores/soho) nail artists, [Sonia Garcia](https://instagram.com/thenailprofessor/), to recreate the gorgeous floral pattern using nearly identical polish colors. Follow her step-by-step tutorial to wear the whimsical flowers on your fingertips.

Fill your vanity with this seasons gotta-have products (including a contouring kit for beginners!) at different prices. 

One of our favorite things about spring cleaningaside from finally tossing those flaky tubes of mascarais making room for the seasons shiny new products. This years launches will breathe new life into your warm-weather beauty routine with cutting-edge formulas and timesaving techniques. We broke down the new polishes, shadows, and hair stylers we're most psyched about, depending on how much you want to spend. 

Springs Best New Beauty Launches for Every Budget

Why: An all-white mani is clean and crispsprings M.O. Pick an off-white polish with a tinge of sky blue and gray to up the chic factor (and to avoid a Wite-Out effect).

Try: Jin Soon in Kookie White

Why: This darker take on cheery lilac is one of the more versatile colors for spring: The purple hue pairs well with sun dresses, but its depth gives it enough edge to contend with smoky eyes after hours.

Try: Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in She Said Yeah

Why: Designer after designer sent models down the runway wearing barely-there polishes. The prettiest? Ones with just a hint of dusty rose for a more grown up take on the predictable ballet pink.

Try: Floss Gloss Nail Polish in Dinge

Why: If Miranda Priestly was here, shed remind us that pastels are as groundbreaking as florals are for spring. A deep emerald with a hint of shimmer will have you standing out in a sea of Easter egg shades.

Try: Deborah Lippmann in Laughing to the Bank

Why: Nothing says youre 100 percent over winter like a bright, in-your-face blue-green. Wag your finger at freezing temps with a bold aqua shade that any mermaid would approve of.

Try: RGB Nail Polish in Peacock

From bright teal to moody lavender, these lacquer shades are poised to dominate your manis this season.  

The knit gloves are officially off and the manis are coming out. Instead of reaching for the usual color suspectsbaby blue, mint green, light lilacliven up your winter-worn nails and stamp out any lingering cases of SAD with this seasons more offbeat, and totally refreshing polish shades.  

5 Must-Have Polish Colors for Spring 2015

Scarlett Johansson is a busy lady. In addition to presenting at last night's Oscars, starring as Black Window in The Avengers, and being a new mom, the actress is now leading an all-girl band called The Singles. Check out her sugary-sweet new single, "Candy," which the actress told Pitchfork was inspired by acts like Grimes and the Go-Gos. Could a Grammy nom be next? (Pitchfork)

Last week, Saturday Night Live celebrated four decades of late night laughs. And though the three-hour celebration was chock full of hilarious skits both new and old, we were overjoyed to see this deleted sketch starring current cast member Kyle Mooney make its way online this week. We "Saturday Night Love" it. (YouTube)

Comb the Virtual Rack with this Digital Shopper

A new app called Donde wants to put an end to your inconclusive Google Shopping searches. Available for the iPhone, the app allows you to input your search criteria (i.e. blue, maxi, cotton) and searches its image database for your dream outfit. It's so good it leaves you extra time to work on your accompanying makeup look. (Refinery29)

Just another reason why we wish we lived Down Under: For Valentine's Day, Australian Pizza Huts released a limited edition collection of pizza-themed nail polishes with names like "Say Cheese" and "Poppin Pepperoni." Until the shades make their way to the U.S., we'll be combing Etsy for alternative ways to accessorize with the cheesy treat. (BuzzFeed)

Let us ease your Monday woes with the best gossip, videos, and beauty news for the week of February 23. 

Its Monday, and youre not quite ready to start the work week. Thats why were bringing you the Birchbox Short List, a spirited guide to the best celeb gossip, videos, beauty news, and more. Think of it as your second cup of Joewe promise well leave you feeling ready to conquer the day (and week) ahead. Here, our picks for the week of February 23.

Almond? Stiletto? Squoval? Consult this chart to figure out which style suits you best before your next manicure.  

Round and square are just the fingertip of the shape iceberg these days. Choosing from all the options out there (Squoval! Stiletto!) can be just as overwhelming as settling on a polish. Consult this, ahem, handy chart before your next manicure to help you figure out which shape is the most flattering for your fingers and best reflects your personal style. 

Find The Most Flattering Nail Shape For You

Prime your nails with a base coat of Deborah Lippmanns Hard Rock Base & Top Coat.


Apply two coats of LAQA & Co.s Nail Polish in Bounty Hunter, a bright pink, to the entire nail.


Use LAQA & Co.s Nail Polish in Tweedledee to create what will become the center heart in the design. Position your brush on the middle-left side of your nail, then swipe it from there to tip of your nail.  Repeat the same process on the opposite side, resulting in a V shape. Repeat with a second coat. 


Use LAQA & Co.s Nail Polish in BMX Bandit to paint on the final heart. Starting on the left side, closer to the tip of the nail, mimic the same heart shape design from the last step, pulling the brush to the end of the nail. Repeat on the right side, then follow with another coat.


Finish with a top coat of Deborah Lippmanns Hard Rock Base & Top Coat. 


This Cupid-approved mani makes a more subtle, not-too-sweet statement. 

It doesnt matter if youre spending February 14 with your main squeeze or going the [Galentines Day](http://www.hulu.com/watch/126875) route with your friendsany V-Day celebration will benefit from a little pink and red polish. This design created by one of [Birchbox Soho](/stores/soho)s resident nail artists, gives the traditional heart mani a discreet makeover. Just dont be surprised if your dinner companion spends more time staring at your nails than into your eyes.

Wear Your Heart on Your Nails This Valentines Day

Ive been gnawing at my nails for over two decades nowand it shows. Not only does nail-biting give me hangnails, it also means Im ingesting all sorts of unpleasant bacteria (blech). To kick the habit, Ive been applying a nail or cuticle treatment (I love Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Oil and FIG+YARROW Nail and Cuticle Balm)) every morning. The taste reminds me not to mindlessly chew, and the formulas strengthen my much-abused nails.

Bad Habit #2: Going to Bed with Makeup On

After a long day, its all I can do to put on some PJs and brush my teeth before collapsing into bed. But sleeping in makeup can irritate my eyes and clog my poresand has, more than once. So I stocked up on gentle, nongreasy removers like Marcelles Cleansing Cloths and Gentle Make-Up Remover for Sensitive Eyes. It only takes a couple minutesand saves me time the next morning, since Im no longer frantically scrubbing off day-old mascara.

Makeup brush gunk falls in the out of sight, out of mind category. However, after learning that brushes collect all sorts of blemish-causing bacteria, I grabbed a cleanserbeautyblender blendercleanser is popular around the officeand got to work. The worst offender was, no question, my blush brush (which I cant remember the last time I cleaned). I was so horrified by the seemingly endless stream of bright-pink build-up that washed out that Ill never wait so long to clean out my brushes again.

Bad Habit #4: Waiting Way Too Long to Moisturize

When it comes to skincare, a little bit of prevention beats slathering on a whole lot of cure. Yet, I always convince myself that I dont have time to put on lotion, and my skin becomes irreversibly scaly, itchy, or visibly dry. Im now leaving a bottle of body lotion on my dresser, where it will remind me to quickly put some on between hopping out of the shower and getting dressed. Im a big fan of Balance Me Rose Otto Body Cream, a rich, all-natural, lightly scented formula that absorbs quickly, so my skin doesnt feel sticky.

Bad Habit #5: Blowdrying (and Blowdrying and Blowdrying) My Hair

My thick, somewhat wavy hair requires substantial blowdry time (translation: its crazy dry). Ive finally resolved to take my stylists advice add some products into my routine to cut it down: Ive been spritzing on a generous amount of Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle followed by Number 4 Blow Dry Lotion to protect my hair and speed up the process. And hey, less time blowdrying means more time moisturize.

How one staffer is cleaning up her beauty routine in 2015 (no more nail biting!)

Big, sweeping New Years resolutions are not my thing. I get so overwhelmed by the enormity of the task ahead, I end up doing nothing. What gets me pumped for the New Year is finding little changes that add up to a big difference. (2014, for instance, was the Year of Flossing My Teeth and Neatly Folding My Laundry.) For 2015, Im focusing on my beauty routine, taking five things I know I shouldnt (or really, really should) do, and tackling them head-on. Bad habits, meet good ones.

Inspired by the geometric nail designs seen at Creatures of Comfort and Charlotte Ronson, this mani is about the polish thats not on the nail. Editor Maura attempted the peek-a-boo look by placing carefully cut strips of Washi tape on each nail from base to tip, followed by two coats of Color Clubs Insta-This. Once the polish dried, she removed the tape strips and painted over it with a clear topcoat. The result: You can get a unique mani without having to go overboard with glitter or nail art, she says.

This romantic trend seen at the Dolce & Gabbana runway show is a little over the top, but getting the look IRL actually requires little more than a trip to the deli. Director of Editorial Operations Bene started by gathering her hair into a low chignon, held in place with bobby pins. Next, she cut a few buds from a bouquet of mauve daisies she picked up at a bodega and placed them around the base of the bun, securing the stems with additional pins. I would do this in real life for a special event, says Bene. Plus, it smelled so nice!

Sounds intimidating, right? But the dramatic liner trend, which weve seen everywhere from YouTube to the Diesel Black Gold fashion show, is not so scary to pull off. Senior Video Manager Lorelei lined her lower lashes and waterline with Vasantis Kajal Extreme Intense Eye Pencil, then lined her top lash line with Benefits Theyre Real! Push-Up Liner. The trick to getting the oversized point at the inner corners of your eyes, says Lorelei, is using the angled edge of the Benefit liner to stamp the line onto your inner corner. Finish by filling out the rest of your lid with smoky shadow.

This years lip is loudfuchsia, classic red, and electric poppy were all spotted on Spring 2015 models. And impreciseit should look soft and feathered. Associate Editor Lauren applied MAKEs Silk Satin Lipstick in Miami Beach, then used her finger to lightly pat and smudge the edges of her lips. I found it less intimidating because the look wasnt so exact, says Lauren. Its a less scary way to rock a bold lip.

2015s do this dont moment comes courtesy of intentionally clumpy lashes. We first spotted them backstage at Cynthia Rowleys Spring 2015 presentation and they have since popped up in fashion mags, including W magazines recent Best Performances portfolio. Social Media Manager Juliette used seven different mascaras to get this 60s-referencing look, then bunched her lashes together using her fingers. The big difference is how dramatic it is on the bottom lashes, she says.

If last year was all about plum lips, this year ushers in plum blush, as seen at TopShop Uniques Spring 2015 runway show. Thankfully, our trusty Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stain in Dahlia works just as well on our cheeks as it does our lips. To prove it, Associate Editor Valerie applied a few dots to the apples, then used her fingers to blend the pigment toward her ears. I felt crazy putting dark plum on my cheeks, but as it blended I was surprised how smooth and romantic it looked, she says.

Out with the old and in with the new! Birchbox staffers take this years hair, makeup, and nail trends for a spin.

In 2014, we saw the return of the [90s beauty](/magazine/article/90s-makeup-and-fashion-trends) (thank you, Lorde), [colorful updates to the cat-eye](/magazine/article/how-to-wear-different-colored-eyeliners), and all [metallic *everything*](/magazine/article/shimmery-makeup-holiday1).  In search of the Next Big Thing for the New Year, we spun through the Spring collections, fashion mags, and Pinterest, to find the must-have manicures and unexpected cheek colors for 2015then we tried them out ourselves:


Wolf Eyes and 2015s Other Most Buzzed About Beauty Trends

Take a note from the pros at your local salon and soak your nails in a mild acetone remover. Try this DIY version at home: Use strips of tin foil to secure cotton balls soaked with remover (we like Zoya's Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover) to your nail bed like this, and leave for 5 to 10 minutes in order to completely saturate the polish. When time is up, your glitter should come off in one swipe. Be sure to rehydrate your nails post-removal with a moisturizing cuticle oil.

Try Durable Wipes Instead of Cotton Balls



If you don't have time to soak your nails, try wipes instead. Durable, single-use cloths like RUFFIAN's Dressing Room Nail Lacquer Remover Towelettes stay in tact even when scrubbing away layers of glitter. Single-use packets like Deborah Lippmann the Stripper to go and LA FRESH's Eco Beauty Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover are also tough enough to disintegrate textured polishes. Just hold the wipe to your nail for 30 seconds, then wiggle it back and forth to remove the glitter.

Before you paint your nails with your favorite sparkly polish again, protect them with a base coat that will make it easier to remove like OPI Glitter off Peel-Able Base Coat. One coat of this formula will allow you to simply peel off your polish when you're over it.

Sick of last week's glitter mani? Remove the sparkle (sans frustration) with these effective tips.

If one too many shredded cotton balls has you thinking about swearing off glittery polish for good, don't! Check out these tips for removing the shimmery stuff without chiseling away at your nails, then paint it on again without hesitation the next time you're feeling sparkly.

How to: Remove Glitter Nail Polish Without Losing Your Mind

6 Must-Have Holiday Nail Polishes

A Guide to 2016s Most-Wanted Nail Polish Colors

5 Must-Have Nail Polish Colors for Fall and Winter 2015

5 Festive Ways to Spend This 4th of July

5 Important Things to Consider Before Your Next Manicure

6 Non-Toxic Polishes You Can Trust

Win Spring With This Cheery Floral Mani