With the winter season fast approaching, it’s time to make sure our nails are prepared – with color, that is. The trend for this season includes gold, deep reds, sparkles and shimmers and a few pinks and blues thrown in the mix. The newest collections from top nail companies are up for the challenge, offering tons of matte, glitter, pin and Shatter colors. I like that there was some real thought put into this season’s colors, especially since we can usually be a little repetitive on nail art. Here are my favorites of the season.

Butter London

Butter is like the budget Chanel with their stay-put colors and great bottle design. They really brought the high drama this season with beautiful peacock metallic blues (Bluey), lilac glitters (No More Waity, Katie) and an elegant metallic olive gold (Wallis). Even though the prices are on the high side ($14), they are worth it, as you can go about two weeks before having to change your manicure, and even longer for your pedicure. butterlondon.com

China Glaze

The Let It Snow collection brings 12 bright colors to the party. One fun thing about China Glaze, even though they can be found at very inexpensive nail salons, they are also featured in higher-end spots. That’s a testament to the staying power of these colors. Standouts of the collection include: Winter Berry, Poinsettia, Blue Year’s Eve, Tinsel Town and Snow Globe. chinaglaze.com

Essie

I can’t get enough of this line. First, the Luxeffects series features a glitter top coat with refined sparkles. The gold As Gold As It Gets is so pretty and matches all skin tones. I’ve been dying to wear the pale gray Cocktail Bling; muted and understated, this color has been hard to find in stores. The green undertone color, School of Hard Rocks, is a fun choice to dress up with your dark clothes. If natural nails are more you, try Bangle Jangle – understated but elegant! $8; essie.com

LeChat Nails

Every once in a while, I like to put gel on my nails so I don’t have to worry about chips and scrapes, etc. LeChat’s latest colors bring the frosts, creams and opals this season in the form of Golden Doublet (which can be likened to the gold swirls found on a shiny bowling ball), Pearl Martini (a super frosty white) and a really rich, creamy Blood Orange. I like LeChat because even though you’re supposed to wear these colors for a while, you don’t have to use acetone to remove them. They offer a safer soak-off version so you can keep your nails healthy. lechatnails.com

Nicki Minaj By OPI

Following the success of OPI’s collaboration with tennis legend Serena Williams and pop princess Katy Perry, coming this January is the newest venture with venerable hip-hop superstar Nicki Minaj. Minaj, known for her out-there fashion and bright color coordination, will design six popping colors, including two glitters and one purple Shatter. The line will feature colors across the spectrum, from neon lime green to pink. The nail lacquers are really bold and have a bit of grafitti art inspiration behind them. The colors, in true OPI fashion, are named after tracks of Minaj’s platinum record Pink Friday, including charcoal glittered Metallic 4 Life, beautiful aqua blue Fly and Did It On ’Em’s shocking lime print. Prices will start at $8.50. opinails.com

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength – Black Tie

Sometimes black polish can be a little harsh, but not so with this drugstore brand version, Black Tie. It glides on smoothly so you won’t see any creases, and it’s a bit on the pearl side, giving the color a softer appearance. At $4 it’s a great buy, but make sure you have some time to kill as it does take a while to dry – completely worth it though. sallyhansen.com

With all the options this year, even if your wardrobe is not prepared for the season, your nails truly will be. Write in and let me know what colors you’ve loved for your collection!