October is always that month where everything shifts. It is cooler in the morning, there is pumpkin spice in our coffee orders, and our playlists are a bit more somber. So why shouldn’t our nails follow suit? This fall is not only about dark polish but about personality, playfulness of textures, and little details that can say that you are in the moment. Which shades will dominate October 2025? How to make coziness and boldness go hand in hand? Here is a look at some nail styles that are simply appropriate during the season.
Glossy Almond Elegance with Wine Accents
This manicure is a mixture of round almond shapes and a shiny mauve base and a striking wine-red wave. The color is sophisticated but bold, ideal when you want to stack on the sweaters but still make a statement with your nails. It has metallic golden tips that give it an unexpected edge like jewelry that is part of the polish.
To replicate this nail art I would use OPI’s “Mauving to Manhattan” as a base and a dark burgundy gel such as DND “Wine Not” to create the wave effect. A chrome powdered finish or a gel polish in gold makes it all the more French with that shimmer. These brands apply perfectly with gel polish and keep the shine weeks at a time.
To achieve the wave effect at home, apply your base nude or mauve, then, using a thin liner brush dipped in burgundy polish, drag through in irregular curves and seal with top coat. Celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein tends to stress how imperfections make designs look contemporary which is applicable here.
To me, this style is a nice balance of comfy and glamorous. I find it so versatile in that it can be styled with an oversized blazer as well as a slip dress layered with knitwear. It is the nail polish that does not speak fall; it sings it.
Minimalist Matte Cocoa
Not every October nail needs embellishment. Sometimes, a solid matte cocoa says it all. The warm brown color reminds of autumn leaves and evening strolls, and the short and roundish shape is convenient to use in everyday life.
A nice matte top coat can make any polish look amazing but my personal favorite is to use Essie Espresso topped with OPI Matte Top Coat. Dip powder lovers can go with Kiara Sky in the shade of Cappuccino to get the same longevity and velvet finish.
It is so easy to do this manicure by yourself: apply two coats of deep brown, dry, and apply a matte top coat. Sally Hansen experts have said that matte nails hold longer when you do not apply heavy cuticle oils on them afterward as it may dull the finish.
I have always thought of matte brown nails in fall as the slippers of the nail world. They’re grounding, minimal, and unexpectedly chic.
Retro Orange Swirls
These nails would be the invitation to a party of fall. Bright strokes of orange, peach, and coral are swirling over short, shiny nails, and the result is a fun retro look that does not feel overused.
To pull this off, I’d recommend OPI’s “Suzi Needs a Loch-smith” (a warm orange), paired with lighter tones like DND “Peachy Keen.” You will also need a thin detail brush or nail art pen to be accurate.
The secret is the layering: apply a light peach foundation, followed by alternating darker orange and coral swirls. Top with a glossy clear coat to give it that candy finish. According to nail artist Miss Pop, fall nail art is not about rules but rather spirit, and nothing is more spirited than swirls.
Personally, I adore these for October weekends. They go great with neutral outfits and are ideal when you are not afraid of a bit of fun.
Wine Ombre Flame
This design is a dark twist on the ombr e French manicure. A neutral ground turns to deep wine fires at the tips, and slides like velvet liquid over almond shaped nails. It is dramatic but not costume-ish, which is why it is a great option in October.
For the gradient, a sponge technique works beautifully: apply nude polish, dab on the burgundy shade (I love OPI’s “Malaga Wine”) using a makeup sponge, then smooth it out with a thin brush. Seal the deal with a shiny top coat to seal that glass finish.
What I like best is that this look is quite versatile You may use it to the office, and it will seem sophisticated; a night out, and it will seem bold. It is a chameleon manicure, and such manicures are always worth a try.
Earthy Fall Palette
Why use a single color, Quiver when you can utilize the entire palette of October? Mustard yellow, sage green, muted orange, and terracotta are lined up across long square nails like a swatch board of fall. It’s simple, but striking.
This look is all about polish selection. I’d go for OPI’s “Marigolden Hour” (mustard), DND’s “Olive Drab,” and Essie’s “Playing Koi” for burnt orange. The trick is to select shades that are not so bright, but rather dull, like fall leaves.
It is simple to apply; one color on each nail, two coats of each color, and a glossy top coat to finish. Jin Soon Choi, a celebrity nail artist, says that mixing manicure colors is one of the simplest approaches to look fashion-forward without any special technique.
Personally, I find this palette warm and stylish at the same time. I see myself wearing it with a thick knit scarf and a latte in my hand: the ideal October aesthetic.
Pumpkin Spice Glam
This manicure is like the embodiment of October: deep burgundy, spicy orange, and glittering copper with gold leaf appliques. The nails have their own stories, but altogether they create a warm, festive balance which works well with autumn jumpers and pumpkin decor.
To get this effect I would use OPI’s “Cinnamon Sweet” to get the red, DND’s “Mandarin Sun” to get the orange and a copper glitter dip powder to get that glowing sparkle. The golden leaf decals are available as nail stickers or using foil sheets pressed firmly into tacky polish and sealed.
It is about adding textures, layer by layer: first, you apply your base colors and then add the gold elements to them, so they do not dominate the image. Seal with a clear top coat of gel to seal the foil and glitter. Celebrity nail artist Mei Kawajiri has frequently stated that October nails should feel like accessories and this set is a good illustration of her assertion.
I love how these nails can be used to show the excitement of October weekends, pumpkin patches and cozy dinners. They are not too over the top and are playful, but the type of manicure that will attract compliments everywhere.
Black and Gold Luxe French
To have the October nails look dramatic and well-groomed, you should consider this black French tip with gold details. The almond shape lengthens the fingers and the metallic flakes gives it a luxurious feel. It’s classic, yet bold enough for fall evenings.
To replicate it, I would begin with a sheer pink nude such as Essie’s “Ballet Slippers.” As far as the tips, apply a deep black gel polish such as OPI Black Onyx and then place gold foil flakes on top. Tweezers are useful to place everything before sealing with top coat.
It needs a sure hand, but it is rather easy to perform at home. The French tip is drawn first, cured under the lamp, and the foil is pressed into the sticky layer. Vogue beauty editors report that strategic metallics are the new glitter for this season, and these nails fit perfectly into that trend.
I think this design is glamorous yet not too much. It is the kind of manicure I would wear to a holiday party, or a fancy dinner, something that makes you feel instantly more dressed up even in jeans and a sweater.
Studded Mocha Leopard
This design is neutral fall colors with an attitude. Luxurious mocha French tips contrast with a leopard-print accent nail and mini gold studs, which strike a balance between elegant simplicity and fun. The long almond shape makes the look extra stylish.
On this style I would use a nude base like OPI’s “Samoan Sand” and then apply a deep brown gel like DND’s “Chocolate Cravings” to the tips. The leopard print should be done using dots made with the dotting tool in shades of black and caramel brown. Small metallic studs are available in most nail art kits or can be added in the salon.
At home, apply your base, cure, then dot and outline the leopard spots, then add studs. Press them gently into the tacky gel to make sure they do not move and seal with top coat. Celebrity manicurist Rita Remark talks a lot about how animal prints never go out of fashion, they simply get renewed every season.
I love the balance here: it is fierce but wearable. The leopard detail is discreet enough to not overwhelm the hand, but it is one of those designs that can start conversations.
Chocolate Swirl Coffin
Coffin nails that are painted with glossy chocolates swirls are an October fantasy. The deep color and smooth lines create a warm and modern effect, and this manicure is ideal to wear on someone who wants to feel comfy but still be in the fall trend.
To achieve this effect, I would use such shades as OPI’s “Espresso Your Inner Self” and DND’s “Latte Please.” Use a fine liner brush to apply darker brown polish over lighter polish to make that flowing, marbled effect.
It works well at home, too: base coat, then draw in freeform swirls when the paint is a bit tacky, seal with gel top coat. According to manicurist Tom Bachik, nails are supposed to feel like fabric, layered, textured, lived-in. These swirls nail that concept.
For me, this set feels bold yet wearable. The length is dramatic, but the earthy color palette makes it approachable. It is the type of manicure I would have when I want to feel a bit stronger, like wearing boots with the outfit.
Rose Gold Marble
Simple nude nails with white marbling and metallic rose-gold streaks – this nail polish is subtle but beautiful. It is romantic, sophisticated, and has that shined finish that is suitable to daily wear and still feels special to the season.
The products I would use here include OPI Bubble Bath as the base, a crisp white such as Essie Blanc to marble, and rose-gold foil or metallic gel to add the accents. The combination of soft and metallic colors makes this design to be versatile.
At home, once the nude base is down, use a detail brush and draw with thin lines of white paint across the nail, softening with acetone to give the marbled effect. Add a little rose-gold glitter, top coat with a high-shine lacquer. Nail experts at Allure tend to say that marble nails are the most sophisticated alternative to the solid shades.
What I like about this design is its discreet luxury It does not shout out to be noticed but it does make your hands look very stylish in any surrounding; whether you are holding a coffee cup or champagne flute.
Playful Pink Meets Leopard
The design is a contrasting mix of bubblegum pink softness and fierce leopard accents. The almond shape makes it sophisticated, whereas the pattern makes it cool and fun. It serves as a reminder that October does not have to be all about browns and burgundies and sometimes pink can also feel very fall-appropriate when styled with bright details.
I would use OPI’s “Strawberry Margarita” or Essie’s “Cascade Cool” on the pink. On the leopard, a nude base is required e.g. DND “Latte” with black and caramel polish on the spots. A dotting tool or fine brush is used to sharpen the pattern but make it organic.
Application is a playful combination: paint your pinks solid, then alternate nails to create the leopard pattern. In designing the spots, keep in mind what celebrity nail pro Rita Remark says: “Make the shapes irregular that is what makes it cool.” Finish with a high-gloss top coat to coat it all together.
Personally, I find this look both girly and powerful. It is a manicure that would turn some heads in a coffee shop queue and it is an October surprise. Sometimes just a bit of pink is what a grey autumn day requires
Golden Autumn Leaves
Dark brown shades are paired with gold leaf accents on this manicure, something that makes it look like a walk in the autumn forest. The square shape is short, and thus easy to wear in everyday life, but the metallic details make it something special.
To reproduce, I would apply OPI’s “Chocolate Moose” to the brown and a sheer beige base color to the rest of the nail. The metallic foliage may be stickers or foils, which are pressed into tacky polish and then coated with a gel top coat.
The step-by-step process is simple: polish, place, and protect. Nail artist Jin Soon Choi once remarked that metallic decals give nails that expensive look in the quickest time and this design is no exception.
For me, this manicure feels timeless. It is festive enough to wear in October but subtle enough to carry on into November. It’s basically fall, captured on your fingertips.
Delicate Green and White Florals
Sometimes October calls for something light and fresh. These natural almond nails feature small white flowers and leaves, showing that flowers can be used in fall almost as well as in spring. Its touch is light and balancing, ideal in case you are not into the autumn darker colors.
To this, Essie Bare With Me is a perfect base. Paint petals with a white polish such as OPI Alpine Snow and use a fine brush dipped in green to paint leaves. Gel polish is best to keep the details crisp.
It is an easy technique: paint your base, dry, then add petals in groups by dabbing them with a brush, drawing them a bit to create little flowers. Add leaves and seal. Harper Bazaar beauty editors say that minimalist floral nail art is becoming a trend once again due to its flexibility.
I love this design because it is a breath of fresh air among heavier autumn designs. It serves to show that October nails do not have to be harsh and dark to remain seasonally appropriate.
Bold Citrus Twist
October can be all about darker hues, but this design takes it in a different direction with bright yellow and orange and graphic black-and-white accents. The short nails add wearability to the bold colors and the contrastiveness gives it a retro feel.
Polishes like OPI’s “Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet” (yellow) and “Crawfishin’ for a Compliment” (orange) work perfectly. Use striping tape or a fine brush to apply the geometric black-and-white tips.
Start with alternating solid yellow and orange and add in the graphic edge on selected nails. Seal under a glossy top coat. Nail artist Betina Goldstein has opined that adding brights to fall nails makes them cheerful rather than expected.
I find this manicure fun and cheerful- the kind of sunshine that you can take with you into shorter, cooler days.
White and Tangerine Contrast
This is a creamy white nail with tangerine accents and softened with glitter. The almond shape keeps it sophisticated, but the playful touch of orange adds that October spark we like.
To achieve the effect I would use Essie Blanc as the base, OPI A Roll in the Hague as the orange, and a fine glitter top coat such as DND Diamond Dust to add sparkle.
Application is most effective alternating nails: full white, full orange, and split patterns with glitter between the colors. As beauty editors at Allure have noted, split-color manicures have been back in style in 2025 and this manicure is one of the reasons as to why.
This is a style that I would wear when I want to be noticed but still elegant. It has a fresh, contemporary feel and yet manages to be festive enough to be suitable in October.
Golden Accents on Nude
The initial glance is a soft nude, which is emphasized by transparent golden lines, making the manicure contemporary yet classic. The gold is noisy-it is fluid, curved like liquid metal gliding over the surface. I think this design is just in the middle, between simple and luxurious, and to the person who wants to have a bit of shine, but not too much.
To do this appearance, I would apply a longwear gel polish in the blush or beige shades as the base colour, like OPI Bubble Bath. The golden effect can be created with the metallic striping tape or a thin liner brush loaded with a reflective gel such as DND Gold Chrome. Gel will make sure the design is not easily chipped and also maintains the shine.
To re-create at home, begin by prepping nails with a strengthening base coat, cure your nude shade, then use a thin nail art brush to paint the curves in gold. Celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein has frequently said that relaxing your wrist will help to create those flowing lines. Finish it off with a glossy top coat and you have a manicure that will last the day-to-day and evenings out.
Personally, I adore how this manicure works in October. It is that demure glamour that goes well with chunky knits or even a slick gold bracelet. Whenever I have metallic accents on nude nail polish, people ask me where I got them done- it is that balance of subtle and memorable.
Warm Autumn Swirls
This design reminds me of autumn leaves as transferred into nail art The colors, burnt orange, rich maroon, and warm mustard tones, are created in a soft fluid swirl that defines the season. It is such a manicure that makes you think about warm and comfortable evenings and autumn walks, though it is still fun and modern.
To achieve this effect, I would recommend using gel polishes in OPI fall collection, i.e. use my Italian is a little rusty, Como se Llama, and Sun, Sea, and Sand in my Pants. It is possible to mix the colours together to make it more fluid using a dotting tool or thin brush.
A pro tip I learned off Elle, the celebrity manicurist behind Blake Lively manicures, is to make the swirls asymmetrical. That way, the nails do not look the same, but they are in harmony like a set of painted autumnal leaves. The trick is not to overmix–let each color keep its character as it merges with the other
When I put on these grounded color combos, I automatically feel more in season. It is incredible how even the simplest details like nail color can make you feel in the moment and October feels fuller with these shades available.
Bright Pumpkin Orange
Sometimes the boldest choice is the simplest one. A solid pumpkin orange with a high-shine finish is a power nail in October. The luster catches Halloween vibe but will also work with a black blazer or a camel trench.
DND Neon Orange or Pumpkin Spice Latte by P I are both excellent options here and will last weeks in gel form. I tend to wear gel most often because I find that sometimes dip powder can mute shades like this one, and I want the orange to shine through.
To achieve that glossy, candy-like finish, apply two coats of orange gel, cure between coats and then add a super-shiny top coat. A suggestion I once received was from editorial manicurist Jin Soon Choi, who recommended capping the free edge: orange can wear easily, but when done well it will remain chip-free.
When I have orange nails in October I feel like I am carrying a bit of seasonal energy with me. It is easy, but it never goes unnoticed, especially, when it is combined with neutral outfits, as it becomes the accessory.
Playful Geometric Mix
This manicure is all about personality. Bright coral, sleek black, bold yellow, and electric blue are combined in sharp lines and shapes and accented with a tiny gemstone. It is young, almost like a wearable abstract art.
To do this style, I would use gel polishes with an intense color range like the bold colors OPI has, such as coral like the color Tangerine Dream, black like Jet Black, and a sunny yellow like Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet. A steady hand (or striping tape) will help define the lines, and you can add rhinestones with nail glue for a bit of sparkle.
I think what is fun about this design is its versatility- you can play with color combinations according to your mood. It is slightly more complicated to make yourself, but it is possible with time. I would suggest applying one color at a time on each nail and then curing and then add the graphic details next.
I also adore how this manicure is not so serious. The fall is full of warm colors, and sometimes in October, it is nice to add something bright and festive to this color palette.
Chocolate and Gold Elegance
The deep chocolate brown with a gold accent nail is simply fall-inspired class. It is deep, rich and moody but the gold provides the right amount of light. This nail is very versatile- it is appropriate to wear during the day but also slightly dressed up at night.
I would use a dip powder in a dark espresso color to make it last longer and OPI in glitzerland in gel as it is a gold that looks like a mirror. Dip powders are perfect on dark colors since they do not chip off easily and the high gloss effect lasts longer.
The most effective way to achieve this style at home is to keep the brown nails the same and the gold nail the accent. According to celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik, negative space or contrast nails will provide the eye with a place to rest. This combo does exactly that—bold yet balanced.
This is a look I come back to every October. It is like wearing a warm cashmere coat–classic, elegant, and elegant without being overdone.
Layered Neutrals with a Pop of Orange
This nail art combines the brown-green of taupe, chocolate brown and beige with an orange wave pattern on each nail. The striped colors are almost autumn landscape squeezed into elegant, smooth, and polished lines. It is audacious yet practical, tailored yet natural-that is what I love when the weather changes and I feel like wearing something more cozy yet playful in October.
On a mixed base, I would utilize a combination of OPI colors to create this type of appearance such as: a deep brown, OPI Suzi Loves Cowboys, a soft beige, OPI Dulce de Leche, and a deep saturated shade, OPI Have Your Panettone and Eat it Too. Gel polish is recommended to maintain the colors and smooth it out, particularly when various shades are combined. Fine nail art tools or striping brushes help you better control those sweeping transitions.
The trick to achieving this look at home is to layer: apply your lightest base, cure, then add curved stripes of each color, slightly overlapping them to make the transitions feel deliberate. Manicurist Mei Kawajiri has told me that when using contrasting shades, it is best to allow one to dry completely before applying another so that it does not mute the other. That patience shows in the result.
When I have worn a manicure like this, people have always remarked how contemporary it looks. It is not the obvious theme of pumpkin, but still it reflects the season. This style is my favorite when I want to refer to fall but have a fresher, more graphic touch.
Deep Red with Geometric Accent
There’s something timeless about a deep, glossy crimson. On its own, it’s powerful, sultry, and elegant. However, in this case, the accent nail changes it into something even more interesting: a geometric patchwork of white, gold glitter, blush and black. It is a combination of classy and trendy, which is why it is such a perfect manicure to wear either to a boardroom meeting or a night out.
To achieve this design I would use OPI’s “Malaga Wine” as the core red color, DND’s “Snow White” and “Black Licorice.” The sparkle may be attained through Essie Summit of Style or any fine gold gel powder. The almond shaped nails really work with this color story, but it would also translate well to shorter nails.
Creating this design at home is all about precision. Paint your red base on the majority of nails, then on your accent nail, apply thin tape in small triangular or diagonal shapes. Fill them up with your color choices, cure between coats, and add a glittery section to add some drama. According to nail artist Tom Bachik, accent nails are the most effortless manner of adding interest, without overcomplicating your entire manicure, and I do concur.
I personally consider such a manicure as the most wearable yet experimental. Red is an easy color on me but that geometric detail keeps it from ever being too predictable. It is the sort of manicure that makes me feel instantly polished.
Leopard Print with Gold Leaf
Animal prints are not really out of fashion, they just change. This design is a classic leopard motif with finishes of gold leaf. On a neutral base, the combination of warm brown spots and shimmering foil makes a look that is not only chic and bold but also surprisingly versatile. It seems very October to me, like wearing a leopard-print scarf with a camel coat.
I would suggest you begin with a gel nude base like OPI Samoan Sand. With the spots, get a dark chocolate gel such as Espresso Your Inner Self and a caramel tone to give contrast. The gold leaf can be applied with tweezers and sealed with clear gel top coat. If you want to make it extra glamorous, tiny rhinestones or studs (as seen here) can be added for sparkle.
At home, apply your nude base and then add irregular circles of caramel and outline them with chocolate. It is not necessary to strive to make the spots even because leopard spots are most natural when asymmetrical. After curing, lay down small flakes of gold leaf in the places you desire that shimmer. Nail experts such as Julie Kandalec usually point out how much texture and imperfection can, in fact, enhance animal prints.
I love leopard nails because I feel like they make me look bold. The gold adds to this feeling of being even more elevated like a little bit of jewelry on your fingertips. It is one of those styles that I go to when I want my nails to feel like a piece of jewelry.
Powder Blue Geometric Pattern
This is not what one would expect in October but it is so refreshing, the manicure has a soft matte powder blue with crisp white geometric lines. It is light, fresh, and creates an unexpected contrast with the darker color schemes that prevail in fall. And sometimes it is just this tendency to lean into the unexpected that makes a manicure memorable.
I would use Essie in Bikini So Teeny but in a matte finish to get this shade. The white lines can be done with a fine nail art pen or a thin striping brush with DNDs white, bright white. Gel polish is a good option here since it does not blur the sharpness of the design, and matte top coat creates a velvet effect.
At home, the simplest variant of this would be to paint your nails with the blue base, cure, and then draw intersecting white lines on each nail. Another tip I learned from nail artist Sarah Bland is to anchor your pinky finger when you are painting lines–it can help you maintain pressure and draw straight lines. That small tip can alter a lot when it comes to accuracy artwork
When I wear lighter colors in the fall, I always see how conspicuous they are. A pastel like powder blue is surprisingly fashion forward over hefty sweaters or darker jackets This design is refreshing in the midst of the intensity of autumn.
Navy Blue with Leopard Accents
The deep navy nails alone are already a luxurious look but with leopard accents and gold-framed, it creates a highly fashionable manicure. It is smooth, refined and just wild enough to offset the elegance of the navy. The design is versatile enough to take you to a fall wedding, as well as a casual coffee date.
To achieve this look, I would recommend OPI Russian Navy or DND Royal Blue to be used as the base color. The leopard can be made using caramel and black gel dots on a nude base such as Bubble Bath. To get the gold striping, metallic foil tape or a gold chrome gel liner is best.
To do at home, paint your navy on all the nails except two which will remain nude. On these put leopard spots with a dotting tool, and outline some with gold lines. Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik says that it is always a good idea to balance out bold patterns with solid nails so that the look does not feel overwhelming, and that is exactly why this combination feels so chic.
I am personally fond of navy as an alternative to black in October. It is equally dramatic but a little softer and the leopard detail adds that fun touch. Whenever I wear a navy manicure, it always gets compliments, it is one of those colors that seems to go with every skin tone.
Tortoiseshell with Golden Touch
This design combines the classic tortoiseshell design with subtle hints of gold, which makes this a manicure that feels both luxurious and earthy. The almond shape brings in the elegance and the neutral base makes the whole look wearable in everyday life. The tips have the tortoiseshell effect, which makes each nail a miniature work of art, and the foil decorations shine just enough to attract attention but not to be overwhelming.
To achieve this I would use a sheer beige gel polish such as OPI’s “Put It In Neutral” as the base. For the tortoiseshell tips, mix layers of honey amber, chocolate brown, and black (Essie’s “Licorice” works beautifully for depth). Add fine pieces of gold foil to certain areas to give it the metallic look and seal it with a high-shine gel top coat. Tortoiseshell and gold is a classic combo that can never go out of fashion, however, in October, it is particularly appropriate.
Back at home, a bit of layering is involved: apply a transparent, amber color, then add areas of darker color with a sponge or detail brush, and cure between applications until the glassy effect is achieved. Most pros, such as celebrity nail artist Jin Soon Choi, advise against overworking the spots-imperfection is what makes tortoiseshell look realistic. After the pattern is established, put small patches of gold foil in place and fix it with clear gel.
I am personally in love with how classy this manicure looks without being over the top. Whenever I wear tortoiseshell designs, I can see how easy they blend with the fall accessories: leather handbags, gold rings, or even tortoiseshell sunglasses. It is one of those nail designs that turn into a style icon.
Neon-Edged Tortoiseshell
This design plays with the traditional tortoiseshell and adds a twist of something unexpected and edgy: a neon tip that contrasts with the brown color. It is bold yet can be worn and the almond shape accentuates the fingers in a lovely way. What you end up with is a manicure that is both sophisticated and playful, at once both traditional and non-conformist.
This I would begin with a tortoiseshell effect using a translucent amber gel as the base and overlaying the gel with dark brown and black spots. After the pattern has been done, trace the tips using a neon color, such as DND’s “Neon Yellow” or OPI’s “Life Gave Me Lemons.” The gel polish is essential in this case, as it creates both depth to the tortoiseshell and the neon effect needed to make the contrast so striking.
Recreating this at home takes a bit of patience. I would start with the tortoiseshell, and then with a thin liner brush, paint neon around the tips. Nail artist Betina Goldstein has spoken before on how contrasts can make designs more exciting, and this is a prime example: the warmth of the tortoiseshell contrasts with the high-energy neon to create something new and fresh.
In my case, this manicure is a reminder that fall manicures do not necessarily have to be in the safe palette of browns and oranges. The neon adds vitality, as though bringing a touch of summer into October. When I see a design like this, I feel like I can be more bold with color- and isn’t that what nail art is all about?
