Pamela Anderson’s ‘Winter Cherry’ Nails Are the Holiday Manicure to Bookmark
1 min readSlightly deviating from her usual clean, minimalist, barely-there manicure, Pamela Anderson just made a case for 2026’s update to classic red nails. The actor and model was spotted at the 2026 CFDA Awards sporting a freshly lacquered set of “winter cherry nails,” a rich update on the classic red manicure.
Perfectly suited to the upcoming holiday season, winter cherry comes as a slightly more nuanced alternative to the beloved seasonal favorite “cherry red.” Think classic red, but with greater depth and dimension. With their slightly deeper tone, winter cherry nails are more at home next to a roaring fire than on a picnic blanket. It serves as proof of just how impactful a statement manicure can be, and Anderson serves as the ultimate muse, contrasting the manicure against a sleek black gown and crisp black-and-white clutch.
“We’re seeing reds become much deeper and richer,” Susan Carroll, founder of Notting Hill beauty destination Young LDN, previously told ELLE. Beyond selecting the perfect shade, Carroll notes that meticulous prep is paramount. After all, a striking winter cherry red leaves little room for errors. “Start with neatly shaped nails and well-prepped cuticles, then make sure the nail plate is completely clean before applying your base coat.”
To finish off, Carroll recommends adding a glossy top coat for a high-shine effect, similar to Anderson’s. Additionally, for those looking to explore further, we have compiled the best winter cherry manicure colors to bookmark ahead of your next appointment or DIY at-home manicure.