Gorgeous new autumn nail trends to try right now (if you don't want to wear Rouge Noir)
Nail the looks at home, or get inspired for a trip to the salon.
It’s October - let’s talk autumn nail trends!
Last month, we discussed the seasonal return of Rouge Noir (and its lookalikes) - but what if you want an update other than deep wine, or winter berry?
Here are some fresh fall ideas to try at home, along with a few arty options if you’re heading to the nail bar. But, first, welcome to all those who have joined us since the weekend! It’s wonderful to have you here.
Hot chocolate
Dark chocolate nails are a warm, cosy alternative to vampy purples but softer than black (also trending right now, if you want to go there).
For the richest look, think 70% cocoa solids and up.
One that caught my eye this week, in Superdrug (check the website for your nearest stockist): Nails Inc.’s Copacabana Beach Nude Nail Polish.
Or check out Essie’s Odd Squad (love Essie).
If you want to go slightly lighter, look at OPI’s You Don’t Know Jacques (I know lots of MBE readers love their OPI, with good reason).
It literally looks like a Cadbury’s chocolate button.
And one of the best budget buys I came across on my drugstore hunt: Barry M’s Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Espresso (under £5).
Café chic
Shades of mocha, nutmeg and milky latte—like Helena’s, pictured top of post—look gorgeous now, too.
A few weeks back, , of the fab Ask A Stylist on Substack, posted a pic of a trench coat to Notes - but it was her gorgeous, glossy latte-coloured mani that caught my eye: Chanel Le Vernis in Particulière 105, she shared.
How yummy is that? So chic.
Combing the counters for more affordable options, Nails Inc.’s Tulum Beach Nude Nail Polish hits the same note.
While I do love the look of glossy, Tippex-white nails (especially when they’re super-short), creams and taupes can be easier to wear for everyday, with autumn knitwear, cords et al. I am seriously envious of those of you Stateside who can get Olive & June (those colours! Those gel finishes!).
Like this: O&J Long Lasting Polish In RP.
But see, too, the lovely Nails Inc. South Beach Nude Nail Polish.
And look at No7’s Gel Finish Nail Polish Colour in Soft Truffle.
Or, you could choose something altogether milkier (but still not snow-white).
Also new for this season: the suitably-attired Nails Inc. Runway Ready trio.
Play the blues
Midnight blues make another great alternative to merlots and berries (greens, too, including olives and deep khakis).
Get the look at home with something like Nailberry L’Oxygéné Nail Lacquer in Blue Moon (I’m a fan of this “12-free” formula, and it’s vegan, too, FYI).
Or, for a non-metallic finish, dive into a deep, dark blue such as Max Factor’s Nailfinity Gel Colour in Backstage (part of a 2-step regime, with a Topcoat designed to give a gel-like finish).
If, like me, you’re hopeless at keeping within the lines with dark colours, a concealer brush dipped into nail polish remover will help to tidy things up afterwards.
(TBH, I’m still rubbish with these kinds of colours, and leave it to the pro’s - or my eldest).
Pumpkin spice
Shades of burnt orange and pumpkin are another spicy fall option (or for a single statement nail, maybe?).
Rimmel 60 Seconds Super-Shine Nail Polish in Wild Spice.
Professional effects
If you’re treating yourself to a nail bar visit, you could go with any of the colour trends above, and add a chrome or glazed finish, for extra depth, dimension and shine.
Alternatively, keep colour just to the tips, in an autumnal French mani - as with this chocolate version.
Or, if you couldn’t track down autumn’s most wanted jeans …
I hope this acts as a helpful cheat sheet to take shopping!
Which are your favourite fall options? (I’ve been craving caramel nails ever since seeing that Chanel polish.)
See you on Saturday for the Weekend Wrap Up, with all the midlife beauty, style and wellness news from this week. Thanks so much, everyone, for reading, hitting 🤎 Like below posts and helping to spread the word.
🌟Fab! Like Camilla below, I’ve been wearing the same since c.2009😂! A variety of OPI and Essie nude & mocha tones. Call it laziness but I feel that when you get a colour that goes well with your skin (especially on ageing fingers and toes!), you need to keep with something that looks youthful. Love those mocha tones for lips too! X
Ahh thank you! ♥️ yes can’t believe your eagle eyes spotted my (outrageously badly performed) home manicure 💅🏼 😂 can you believe I’ve been wearing that shade since 2009?!? Talk about a lasting trend!!