In the winter of 2026, beauty trends are finally moving away from excess. Instead of complex designs and dramatic shades, the focus is on tenderness, well-groomedness and quiet luxury. That's why rosewater nails, an iconic K-beauty trend, are becoming one of the most relevant manicures of the cold season.
This translucent pink shade resembles diluted rose water – almost invisible, but at the same time extremely elegant. It looks like a natural extension of the nails and creates the effect of a healthy, moisturized plate. This is especially valuable in winter, when the skin and nails suffer from the cold.
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The most elegant manicure of winter 2026: why everyone is talking about rosewater nails
“I always do rosewater nails for Rosé from Blackpink. It's like tinted lip gloss, but for nails: minimum color, maximum naturalness,” says nail artist and Chanel ambassador Bettina Goldstein. This is the aesthetic that dominates Korean beauty culture today: nails shouldn't “scream”, they should be well-groomed and neat even without obvious polish. In winter, this approach becomes even more relevant and rosewater nails are perfectly combined with cashmere sweaters, minimalist looks and a restrained wardrobe palette.
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Why rosewater nails are the perfect choice for the cold season
New York manicurist Julie Kandalek says she saw the trend everywhere during a trip to Seoul. “Translucent shades are pretty much the only finish that locals wear. They don’t have a clear regrowth line, so the manicure stays neat much longer,” she explains. This is especially important in the winter: fewer salon visits, more comfort, and a flawless look even weeks after application. Plus, rosewater nails don’t clash with gloves, jewelry, or thick textures of clothing, making them versatile in any situation.
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How to recreate rosewater nails in winter
Among Kandalek's favorite shades is Lights Lacquer Just a Tint, but the expert assures that the desired effect can be easily achieved on your own. “Add a few drops of bright pink opaque varnish to the transparent one. It is important to choose a pink that matches your warm or cool skin tone,” she advises. For winter, you should pay attention to milky pink, cream and slightly warmer variations: they look softer and go better with seasonal makeup.
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Rose bath nails — an even cozier version of the trend
Another variation that is gaining popularity in the winter of 2026 is rose bath nails. This is an even more delicate manicure with the effect of nails immersed in a warm pink bath. “I apply a thin layer of translucent cream polish as a base, and then add a light pink shade on top,” shares Bettina Goldstein. The result is the most natural, well-groomed and very “winter” look of nails.
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Quiet luxury is the main manicure code of winter 2026
Rosewater nails fit perfectly into the global trend for quiet luxury, minimalism and care that does not require demonstrativeness. This manicure is for those who appreciate details, comfort and restrained elegance, which is why it has every chance of becoming the most desirable nail trend of winter 2026.
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