Now we’re heading intoautumn, our mani colour palette is doing it’s customary seasonal shift away from neons and pastels.
And if you were to hazard a guess at which shades are swapping in, you’d be correct at naming deep berries, greens and navy (not sorry, they’re classic) – but they’re joined by more unusual shades and finishes (think mattes and metallics).
A slick mani is an instant mood boost if you ask me. Neat, glossy and beautifully painted nails can elevate an outfit and, more importantly, make you feel fabulous.
We asked our fave nail artists to let us in on the trends that will headline the season.
Glossy black
“The cool girls will be wearing chic and glossy black nails,” predicts luxury nail artist Julia Diogo (@paintedbyjools). True, it’s seasonless and works well all year round, but it really comes into its own if you’re after something dramatic but classic in the autumn. Try OPI’s nail polish in Lady In Black (£13. 90).
Metallics
“Metallics and chromes with hints of gold and silver are a great way to come into the cooler months,” says celebrity manicurist, Michelle Humphrey (@nailsbymh) who takes care of Dua Lipa’s nail art.
“I predict we’ll be seeing the return of metallics and chrome worn as subtle details,” agrees manicurist and minimal nail artist, Georgia Rae (@raelondonnails). UK nail artist and creator, Iram Shelton (@iramshelton) is a big fan, too.
“I think the chrome nails will start appearing again along with glitters,” she says. Nail pro Harriet Westmoreland used Biosculpture’s Rosewood Stardust to create the look, but to give it a go at home, try Essie’s Cargo Cameo (£7. 99).
Pearl
If you’re taking care of your mani yourself, one shade Iram swears by is Nails Inc’s Glowing Somewhere (£9) which gives a beautiful clean pearlescent finish that’s simple and pretty, but with a subtle glossy sparkle.
Navy blue
For a foolproof chic shade, you can’t go wrong with navy and deep blue which Georgia predicts will be one of the top colours for autumn. Her fave hue? Award For Best Nail Goes To… (legit the shade name), by OPI (£13. 90).
Dark red and purple
“I definitely think the darker colours will be a big hit for autumn,” says Iram. Specifically? “Deep reds. They’re a good transition from summer to autumn and look good against all skin tones. My favourite autumnal nail trend is a clean, short, dark nails,” she says. Jools agrees, dark reds and deep purples are the way forward, she reckons. Try Dior Vernis Couture Colour Gel Shine Long Wear Nail Lacquer in Nuit 1947 (£22).
Burnt orange
If you want something a bit more unique, “darker colours will come into play, but think out of the box with mustards and burnt oranges,” says Michelle. Try Essie Playing Koi (£7. 99).
Oat milk manicures
More of a minimalist? “A nude nail will remain a favourite for autumn because it’s so versatile and will pair nicely with an autumnal wardrobe,” says Iram. Jools agrees, “a nude to compliment your skin tone” is always a good idea she says.
She’s a huge fan of Biosculpture’s French Creme, but for an at-home version, Peacci’s Nu Nude nail collection (£10 each) offers up a range of gorgeous shades for different skin tones. And for a spin on nudes and neutrals, oat milk nails are trending, says Michelle. Look for “sheer soft white and beige toned nails,” she says.
Forest green
Another hit among our nail pros, dark and forest greens will be one of the most popular shades this autumn. All mentioned the colour for an all over hit, or to switch up your Frenchie tips. Try CND’s Vinylux Polish in Aura (£8. 95).
Matte
Lastly, it’s not technically a shade, but a matte top coat can next-level your mani this season. So if you already have a fave shade you want to stick to, why not change the texture instead. Iram’s a huge fan. She recommends pairing dark shades with a matte topcoat, and if you want to add extra details, you can leave the tips glossy. Try Barry M’s Matte Topcoat (£2. 99).
