Your Christmas nail colour pick? Meet this season’s secret weapon
Unsure which nail colour to pick this Christmas? This season’s standout might be simpler than you think …
When Festive Nails Go Wrong …
I walked into the nail salon one December feeling far too confident in my ability to choose the perfect festive shade.
You know the drill – flip through the swatches, pretend you’ve planned this for weeks, then panic-pick something bright.
In my case, I left with Barbie-pink nails. Not chic, subtle Barbie either – bright, borderline-fluorescent Barbie.
The kind that photographs beautifully on Instagram, but clashes with every outfit I own, every festive table setting, and, if I’m being honest, even the Christmas tree.
And worst of all – those gel nails lasted far longer than my enthusiasm for them.
A lesson was learned that year: festive nails deserve a strategy.
Enter Burgundy: The Shade That Never Fails
So this year, let me spare you the holiday regret: burgundy is the festive season’s secret weapon.
Think deep cherry, rich merlot, glossy oxblood – these tones are dominating global beauty trends for 2025, especially for the festive period.
Beauty editors agree that jewel-toned nails are the “it-look” of the season, thanks to their elegance, versatility, and timeless appeal.
Trending but timeless
While reds always dominate December, 2025 data from global beauty trend trackers shows that deep wine shades – burgundy, oxblood and mulberry – were the most searched nail colours of the year.
Even minimalist nail girls are shifting from nudes to moodier tones for a “quiet luxury” finish.
Why Burgundy Wins Every Time
Burgundy is that rare shade that works across continents and seasons – ideal for those of us living abroad or travelling over the holidays.
Whether you’re celebrating in a snowy European village, a humid Southeast Asian city, or back home in a South African summer, burgundy manages to look luxe, timeless and season-appropriate everywhere.
Something about its polished versatility speaks to women who need one manicure to survive airport lounges, office parties and family braais.
It’s also incredibly forgiving: suits every skin tone, elevates every outfit, and somehow looks intentional in every lighting situation – unlike my Barbie-pink trauma.
This Christmas, Go Burgundy
Skip the panic-pick that will haunt your photos. Choose the one shade that works everywhere, with everything, for everyone.
Trust me – learn from my Barbie-pink holiday. Go burgundy.