Does September just feel like the secret fashion month that we all never talk about enough? Summer is definitely packing her bags, yet we are not completely in fall, which means our nail designs are right in the middle of the liminal magic. How then, do we put that precise transitional energy on our toes?
Imagine warm-but-bright color schemes, textures that are reminiscent of comfort, and minute details that are personalized. I am presenting some of the most aesthetic toe nail suggestions in September 2025, out of my own favorites and some of the Reels that I have saved and play over and over again. Every glance has a new vibe – all out autumn to the slightest seasonal touch – and I will guide you through how to achieve them or adjust them to your own mood.
Ready for cozy glam? Let’s talk toes.
Orange Blossom Energy
This appearance has a serious end-of-summer garden feel, but in a gentle transition to September. It is a matter of subtle orange flower petals over a creamy neutral ground. Several white flowers are peeking through, supported by some fresh green lines- it is also happy, but it is also stable. The flowers are small yet effective and somehow this design seems like a goodbye to sunny afternoons.
You’ll need a sheer nude polish (OPI’s “Bubble Bath” works like a charm), a juicy orange like “Marigolden Hour” by Olive & June, plus a clean white and fresh green detail brush polish. If you prefer that clean salon finish on flowers, use a fine dotting tool on the centers. A thin brush is your best friend here. Top coat is a must-have-it-or-bust-seek Seche Vite, which has glassy finish and lasts a long time.
When doing it yourself, paint the bottom and make it dry. Next, apply a striping brush or even a toothpick to the flower petals. Begin with the largest flower on the big toe and have the rest be a bit random to appear more natural. It is no crime that both toes are not identical, that is what makes it so charming.
I wore a version of this to a late-summer picnic, and my friend literally asked where I got them done (I didn’t!). It is the type of design that turns sandals into a fashionable appearance. And, to be frank, it is like hitting the pause button on the final days of summer but in the most enjoyable sense.
Golden Leaf Mood
Here’s a vibe shift: September in full leaf mode. This deep mustard yellow background with a clean, hand-painted maple leaf is the show-stealer. It yells fall, early fall–as though your toes were drinking apple cider and crunching leaves with you. The comparison of the heavy lower base with the adventurous leafwork? Chef’s kiss.
To achieve this, use a full-coverage yellow polish, Essie has a shade called Fall for NYC which would be perfect. You will also require a rusty orange, deep brown, and white detail polish. (I use the Beetles Nail Art Liner Gel Set—it never lets me down.) The leaf is draw freehand, though nervous people can put a small sticker on as a guide and trace over it with polish.
Start with two coats of your yellow base. When that is dry you can, with a detail brush, sketch in the leaf in white and then build up the orange and brown to give depth. Top-coat with a matte or glossy finish, as per your preference of fall.
It brings me back to the weekends of early September, when it is still warm, yet you begin to dress towards sweaters. I adore this design since it is not overdone, yet makes a statement. Plus, it pairs so well with deep green or burgundy nails if you’re into contrast.
Leopard Lounge
Can we talk about animal print? Since it is not leaving anytime soon this fall, and this style makes it comfy-sexy without being completely wild. Imagine a burnt orange and black leopard print big toe, with a dark teal on the remainder. It’s unexpected, a little moody, and super wearable even if you’re not usually a pattern girl.
You’ll need a saturated burnt orange base (like “Spice it Up” by Zoya), a classic black detailing polish, and a teal like “Stay Off the Lawn!!” from OPI. Leopard spots are easy with a dotting tool: begin with sloppy dark dots then outline them with black jagged lines. The less perfect they are, the better.
Paint all toes with teal, except the big ones. On those, do two coats of orange, and apply the leopard spots over it. Add a glossy top coat to seal it all. You might even have it the other way round leopard on the smaller toes when you are feeling spicy.
This one feels cozy and confident. I took one to brunch and wore it with brown suede sandals and received compliments at a table two tables away. It’s got that I’m here, but not screaming about it vibe.
Muted Sage Simplicity
Sometimes, simple wins. Particularly when that simple is a muted sage green that matches everything. This color is between dusty olive and forest fog-neutral, yet with a specific edge. If your September is filled with transitional fits (light trench, oversized knits), this color is your girl.
The polish I wore is called Power Clutch by Essie, although Avocado by Cirque Colors is a bit warmer in that direction. Application is super beginner-friendly. Two coats, top coat, and done. Simply ensure that your nails are trimmed properly- it looks best on square or squoval toes.
Candidly, this is my default color when I am in between designs or when I need something stable. It is as though you are drinking green tea and scrolling through outfit inspo. It does not rival prints or statement shoes, it is complementary to them.
There’s something really chic about tonal polish in fall tones, especially when your pedicure doesn’t scream for attention. It just is.
Sage Meets Safari
We have that same dreamy sage green again, only this time–she has a wild side. Even one leopard-print detail on the big toe turns the minimalistic foundation into an editorial one. It’s subtle but spicy. Such as the silent friend who puts in the most severe one-liner in the chat group.
The sage base will also proceed in the same steps. As far as the accent is concerned, use a neutral beige and then dot it with brown and black spots in that leopard fashion. Water transfer decals are a game changer and look so polished, so if you do not want to hand paint, these are your best bet.
I have done this style one night prior to a weekend trip and it added an entire new vibe to my otherwise boring slides. It is the type of design that can be worn with naked nails on your hands, something that I adore when I am too busy to do both.
All you need is one daring toe to switch your style around.
Smoky Gold Luxe
This design strikes that sweet spot between elegant and brooding cool grey nail polish with fancy gold details that are like velvet scrolls. It is subtle at a distance but intricate at a closer look, and it is therefore exquisite with open-toe mules or a neutral pedicure when creating transitional looks. The gold accent adds a hint of flash but does not go into glitter mode.
I applied Miss Fancy Pants by Essie as a base and, to cover the gold, I suggest using the detailing paint by Orly, Instant Artist, which is gold but not so wild. Top with matte coat if you want a more vintage view or leave it as glossy for more modern look.
It assists in applying the base polish and letting it dry over night and then adding the gold decoration. Take a small, thin nail art brush and make upward motions that are close to the cuticle line to resemble delicate, growing vines. Complete the look with a fine clean up around the cuticles to get the ultra-clean salon finish.
This style is like September evenings when it is all warm yet light turns a little bit amber. It is quietly polished and designed to be worn with any age–and, to be honest, it would even be a match made in heaven with a camel trench or heeled booties.
Harvest Flame Swirl
This look brings the heat—literally. The bright orange is smeared with black, white, dusty pink, and stormy grey to form an abstract swirl of flames. It’s graphic and a little retro, almost like a nod to ’70s wallpaper but with way more edge. The finish is ultra-glossy, and that orange? Chef’s kiss.
You’ll want a true pumpkin polish as your base—try “Maren Me” from Lights Lacquer. Then add accent colors in gel form in order to be able to pause between each swirl. One needs a fine nail art brush or striping brush. Bonus points in case you have a steady hand or a dotting tool to assist in stretching out the swooshes neatly.
I tend to lightly draw the direction of the curves with a light-colored liner polish and then apply successive layers of each color in the lightest to darkest order. The swirls need not be identical-on the contrary, the difference makes it more appealing.
When I attended an art show of a friend wearing a variation of this pattern three individuals stopped me just to compliment my feet. It is noisy yet wearable, and so enjoyable to anyone who likes something slightly different before fall becomes too serious.
Crimson Leaves & Wine
There is nothing more fall-like than crisp leaves and deep reds and this look brings them all together. All but the big toe is a glossy red polish, the big toe a dainty maple leaf in warm autumn colors, yellow, orange, and the faintest touch of brown. The design is uplifted, seasonal and surprisingly chic in a toe nail motif.
I am sworn by A-List by Essie or Wrapped in Rubies to make it deeper red. The leaf design can be done using a water decal or, if you’re patient, a super-fine detail brush. Apply a nude or soft beige base on the leaf toe, it makes the color layering stand out.
The best method I’ve found? Put on to the smaller toes two coats of red paint, and allow them to dry out thoroughly. To create the leaf accent, block the shape of the leaf using a background of yellow and then mix some orange and red. Add a sealant top coat- Sally Hansen has a fast dry Insta-Dri Top Coat that will not smear the detail.
It is like that initial feeling when you take out your best knit sweater out of the closet-ahhh, so comforting. It is not dull, but it is classic, and it is so, so flattering on all skin tones.
Retro Dots & Candy Colors
This fun toe nail design is a playful 70s energy, rounded polka dots of orange, yellow and black on a nude backdrop. The remainder of the toes are all out Crayola-bright in orange and goldenrod. It looks like fun and a little nostalgic and it practically screams to be worn with platform clogs.
Use a sheer nude base for the big toe (try “Topless & Barefoot” by Essie), and get creative with your dotting tool using polishes like “Sunset Soiree” (Zoya) and “Yellin’ Yellow” by DND. The trick is to add dots without making the nail space too crowded- think balance not symmetry.
Begin with your yellow French tip, and sprinkle dots of decreasing size on the tip line. Allow one dot to dry a bit before applying the next one particularly when you are overlapping.
Frankly speaking, this design reminds me of the old school candy shops and back-to-school fairs. It is the kind of mani that makes you feel good- even on grey days. And, should you feel shy about attempting what are called fun designs, this is a comfortable one to enjoy.
Pumpkin Patch Perfection
It is purely a seasonal delight: clean white toes bounded by warm orange, and two hyper-detailed maple leaves painted right in the middle. It is light, festive, and comfortable to wear like the nail version of a weekend visit to the farmer market in an oversized flannel shirt.
On the white base, I used OPI Alpine Snow, which is incredible at two coats. The contrast toes should be painted with a high-pigment orange such as Marigolden Hour again. The leaf pattern is easier with ultra-thin brushes, begin with the beige background and progressively add yellow and red and brown details with strokes. A stamping plate can be used as well in the event that freehand is not your style.
I prefer to finish everything with a gel top coat to add more dimension. It is the shine that actually makes the color saturation jump–particularly on those cooler, lower light fall days.
I used this one to attend a family reunion in September last year and received more compliments than I thought I would by the aunts. It has a kind of wholesome thing to it, but with a true style, and it is extra sweet with cream socks and sandals. Yes, I said it.
Steel Sky & Maple Gold
It is so peaceful, this soft grey-blue ground–it is the quiet side of September, the side where the light mollifies and the sweaters appear. What makes it different is the golden maple leaf that is hand-drawn and is detailed to perfection with a slight shadow, to give it depth. It’s peaceful, chic, and quietly seasonal.
To re-create this soothing palette, pull out a polish that has this starting gray-blue base, the way one like Essie called Petal Pushers or a Zoya labeled Blu. Do the leaf in a mustard-yellow gel liner- Beetles fall liner set has one that is perfect. A fine detailing brush will assist you in defining the leaf and adding a lightly colored brown stem to give it contrast.
To tell the truth, I think this is the most simple to do on press-ons or tips and then apply it to the big toe-particularly, to make it symmetrical. To achieve that reflective finish I apply a high-gloss gel topcoat. In interviews, nail artist Madeline Poole has talked about how warm-toned accents in blue can make the design feel like it can breathe, which I completely get here.
This is the design of the snuggly girls who dwell in denim and large scarves. It is discreet, considerate and works with a minimalist fall wardrobe.
Sunflower Goodbye
This jovial yellow ensemble waves a final goodbye to summer in the sun and properly transitions to the fall. The star is a single sunflower, painted so exquisitely, that it is an embraceable leave-taking of long days. It also matches with high-shine mustard yellow on the other toes, but it is bright yet soft, confident yet not loud.
To get that poppy yellow, use bee-hind the scenes by OPI. When it comes to the sunflower, you will require a white gel base, goldenrod, burnt orange, olive green and a little brown. The texture of the petals actually comes out when a little dry brush technique is applied- yes even on small canvases such as toes.
I recommend doing the sunflower on just one foot to keep it balanced (unless you want full floral drama, in which case—go off!). It is a good idea to allow the white base to dry fully then to paint the individual color petals one on top of the other.
I had a variation of this on just before labor day weekend and it matched my sunhat ribbon so well. It is something about yellow at this time of year, it is a memory you are not quite ready to release.
Black Velvet & Baroque Touch
All right, now we are going to turn down the volume and turn up the elegance. This matte black combined with soft nude and baroque-style gold leaf detailing is regal in the making. It is spare and sumptuous simultaneously, a touch Victorian, a touch modern art museum.
Go with a rich nude base such as Deborah Lippmann’s “Naked.” You’ll need a matte black polish (try Cirque’s “Memento Mori”) and gold nail foil or art stickers. To go luxe, use gold embellishment charms and glue them with rhinestones.
This look does require precision. I tend to use tweezers and little topcoat to prevent over flooding the design when I apply the gold leaf. Then rub the black nails with a matte topcoat to give them that suede look.
I am speaking the truth: this design made me think that I was supposed to be drinking red wine in a gallery. It is classic, completely unsurprising on toes, and yet it is just right on colder nights and heavy heels.
Neon & Leopard Shock
Here’s one for the bold girls (or for those of us who flirt with bold from time to time): neon chartreuse polish, a crisp white backdrop, and a skinny strip of leopard print. It is not your standard September palette- but it works, because it is so opposite to the neutrals of the season.
Apply the neon as Electric Daisy by Orly, the white as Blanc by Essie and the print band with a striping tape or leopard water decal. This look is all about precision. This is most convenient to me, to paint the neon, allow to dry thoroughly, then put on a thin strip of gold polish and dot the leopard details over it.
This one definitely makes a statement, but if you wear a lot of neutral shoes (or no shoes—hello, spa season!), it becomes a fun little surprise. I would combine it with minimalist slides or even white sneakers. Just something about the color play makes your outfit feel styled even if it’s just jeans and a tee.
Red Glamour with Silver Lining
Classic red, meet your edgy cousin. The style combines a high-shine scarlet foundation and swooped silver glitter accents which appear as falling stardust. It is not excessively themed, yet it reflects the light in the most appropriate ways. One part chic, one part festive, and 100% eye-catching.
The base color was the Big Apple Red by OPI, and I also used a silver glitter liner of the Born Pretty Nail Art set. You can also apply loose glitter and topcoat to make it look more textured, but I personally adore the clean sweep appearance.
Paint on two coats of your red, allow them to dry and then gently dust over the top third of each nail with the silver. You may make them diagonal, vertical or staggered; but make them slim and alike.
This one feels like September date night. It is flirty, bold and completely wearable with a berry-toned pedicure or even bare nails on your hands. And silver glitter for fall? Criminally underrated.
Sunset Ombre Glow
I like how this ombr is golden yellow to ripe tangerine, something about it reminds me of the last warm summer evenings turning into fall. It is daring and gentle, as the sky at 7:15 PM late in September. The high gloss square shape enhances the brightness of the colors and this is an ideal transition style between pool days and pumpkin patches. This isn’t just a pedicure—it’s a mood.
To get that seamless blend, I recommend using OPI’s “Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants” (for the yellow base) and “My Chihuahua Doesn’t Bite Anymore” for that juicy red-orange. A nice sponge to blend and a sheer topcoat to seal everything with a candy like finish. And, of course, if you prefer gel, combine The Gel Bottle Bellini and Caesar to create an even deeper gradient.
There is a little patience involved in doing an ombr at home like this. I begin with two coats of the lighter colour, sponge the darker on the tips and blend gently. Don’t rush the sponge step—it’s where the magic happens. I also clean the cuticle using a small angled brush dipped in remover as precision is the key here.
This outfit shouts to me, I am not ready to say goodbye to summer yet. It is the color that makes you feel like you are holding a cocktail in your hand even though you are on the couch with LaCroix. Wouldn’t you know this as cute with a tan & a flowy midi skirt?
French Contrast with Animal Energy
The set of this elegance of the French tip on the big toe and the wild energy of the monochrome animal print are combined. It is gentle but fun, and completely surprising in the most pleasant manner. The nude-pink base is minimal and gives a sophisticated touch, whereas the spots in black and white are edgy. This is not your ordinary French, this is French with a tattoo on it.
When duplicating this makeup, begin with Essie nail polish in Ballet Slippers to that clean nude. To do the tips, you can either follow a French sticker guide or go free hand using a fine-tip brush and a clean white polish such as Zoya in Snow White. For the spots, you can go DIY with black polish and a dotting tool or cheat a little with nail art stickers—no judgment here!
My favorite is to put a gel foundation on to make it durable and then paint the details with acrylic paint and seal with a shiny top coating. This way, your art stays sharp for weeks. Make sure you cure each layer in case you are using gel- particularly the French tip.
To be frank, I would wear this design with black sandals and long trench coat. It’s city girl energy but still relaxed. Something like: I read The Cut, yes and I even wear UGGs at home, yes. You get me?
Midnight Matte with Golden Foil
Layering is the name of the game in the fall and that means your polish too. It is a contrasting look velvety matte navy base and jagged suggestions of gold leaf. The result? Luxe. Understated. Dramatic. Think nighttime walks, crisp air, and leather jackets. It is the pedicure version of lighting a 50 candle simply because.
My favorite base is Cirque Colors Storm King-matte-finish polish that does not fade out when it dries. Then I apply small pieces of gold foil to the tacky layer and pat it down with a silicone nail tool. Also, remember to topcoat it with matte because you do not want to dull the gold.
This one’s surprisingly easy at home. Paint, press, topcoat. You can skip a few toes if you’re not ready to commit to full drama—just do the big toe as an accent and keep the rest solid. Plus, foil covers up chips like a charm. No one tells you that.
Every time I use dark matte polish in gold, they think I have been in a salon for hours. Nope—it’s just a trick of the finish. This is my favorite one to wear with boots and dark denim. Bonus? It is always stylish sticking out of thick socks or Birkenstock clogs.
Sunflower Season Energy
Sunflowers in September? Always. This design is something cheerful and unashamedly so: the orange petals, the golden core, the pure white bottom. It is the final summer fling, and all is about to be rust and burgundy. It’s artful, whimsical, and yet surprisingly wearable.
If you’re going full DIY here, I recommend starting with a base of OPI “Alpine Snow.” On the flower, you will require small brushes or even toothpicks to paint the shape of the petals using yellow and orange polish. Essie’s “Tangerine Tease” and “You Do Blue” (for detailing) work well. Place a dotting tool or nail pen to add a few black dots in the middle.
This is certainly one of those looks that you have to give yourself time. My favorite one is to do the sunflower on the big toe and the rest in a matching orange so as not to overwhelm. And if you mess up a petal? Just layer another on top. That’s nature, baby.
I am always attracted to flower pedis during this period of the year compared to spring. They simply go with burnt orange sweaters and golden-hour walks. Plus, they spark joy—and that’s reason enough.
Cherry Pop with Minimal Art
Red is timeless, but this shade? It’s fire-engine, pin-up, cherry pop perfection. The glossy red on all the toes shrieks of confidence, but that little flower on the pinky? She’s soft. She’s playful. She’s the wink after the statement. This is the type of polish you apply when you need to feel complete without getting analytical.
I have had the Dazzle Dry in Cherry Jubilee before and it dries so quickly. On the flower, I would suggest a white nail pen, or acrylic paint and a fine paint brush, and draw a dot in the middle with silver or even a small gemstone, should you feel extra. And you can leave the art off and go classic red, yes. Still stunning.
It’s hard to mess this up. Two coats of red, topcoat, and you’re basically done. If you’re adding the flower, do it after the base has fully dried. Take your time with this part? we don t want to smear it and have our hearts broken.
I keep returning to red toes since they are just perfect. They go with everything, they wear throughout the year, and even chipped sandals become stylish with them. To be honest, it is my I have no idea what to wear and I want to feel cute go-to.
Zebra Vibes, Monochrome Mood
There is always something about black polish that says, I am not here to play. However, when combined with a single accent of zebra stripes, it becomes editorial. This manicure is the most stylish way to play with high contrast. The black toes make the style more earthbound and mysterious, whereas the white-and-black print creates the unpredictable touch. It’s clean, fierce, and very fall-forward.
To get this luxe-meets-wild effect, I recommend starting with a jet black like “Licorice” by Essie or “Never Have Too Mani Friends!” by OPI. For the zebra stripe, you can either hand-paint using a micro-liner brush and white gel paint (try Gelish “Arctic Freeze”) or use zebra decals if you’re in a rush. Just cover it with top coat-matte or shiny, depending on your preference.
A trick of mine is to use liquid latex around the nail when doing zebra stripes-clean up is easy. Begin with two coats of white on the big toe and dry off and work in with free-flowing irregular lines. Zebra is forgiving. The messier, the better.
This aesthetic caused me to feel as though I wanted to be on a rooftop in NYC with an espresso martini in my hand despite the fact that I was just going shopping in sneakers. It is subtly confident and matches everything, just like a decent leather jacket.
Crimson Petal Whisper
A red nail polish reminds me of the first cold weather, when you can finally wear your favorite sweater. This design is differentiated by the delicate white petal art- which is a slight touch of floral to tone down the drama. It’s romantic without being precious, bold without being loud. This is the color of warm evening dinners, cinnamon lattes and fall bouquets.
When I want a sexy fall red, I personally go to OPI and use Malaga Wine or Zoya Margo. I have a white gel liner such as Le Mini Macaron nail art pen to make the petals; it is precise and easy to manage. You may also use white acrylic paint in case you feel more comfortable with that medium. Don t forget a high shine top coat to seal the depth.
You might as well omit the petals in case you are in a hurry and simply use the red. But if you’re feeling creative, lightly sketch the petals on one or two accent toes. It’s more about the vibe than perfection. When I work with gel I normally cure it in layers to keep the lines sharp.
It is one of those designs that I put on when I feel like being softly powerful. The red is forceful, but the florals respond, I am considerate as well. And it is actually pretty when compared to a mug of something hot.
Burgundy Gloss for Bare Days
Nothing beats a rich burgundy in September. It’s classic, low-maintenance, and effortlessly chic. This design has no additional bells and whistles and that is precisely its strength. No art, no sparkle—just pigment, gloss, and intention. You do not need anything more when you are wearing a color this rich.
My go-to shades of this color are Butter London, Afters or Essie, Berry Naughty. They apply buttery smooth and give that mirror-gloss finish. The difference here is a good glassy top coat, such as Seche Vite. Darker colors, I would always advise the use of a base coat that fills in the ridges so that the surface remains ultra-smooth.
This is a true beginner-friendly pedicure. Just trim, file, base, color, and topcoat. The biggest key? Let it dry. Patience is your best accessory. Two even coats are usually enough—no overdoing it.
I wear this color when I’m feeling grounded. It is sexy and not trying to be, such as dark lipstick and no other make up. Honestly, it’s a staple—like denim and good boots.
Retro Print, Modern Rhythm
This is the print that keeps on giving. Red-and-white houndstooth combined with solid white and red nails is a retro-modern twist that looks like it was pulled out of a fashion editorial in the first half of September. It is graphic, playful and a bit unexpectedly, which is what we need after months of pastel.
To replicate this I would use Sally Hansen Red-iance and White On as base colors. The houndstooth, on the other hand, decals, unless you are really good at freehand. This print even has press-on choices that look salon-ready after top coated and filed down.
To create a refined effect, you need to alternate solid and patterned toes, the big toe being your print base. Apply the decals to slightly tacky polish and smooth them out and topcoat heavily.
I receive compliments on print pedis every time I wear them. It is a minor thing that seems such a choice of fashion. Add this to your rotation when you’re feeling bold and slightly nostalgic.
Black Cocoa Meets Wild Gold
Those deep cocoa polish edged in flash of gold leopard? Fall perfection. It is as though you are wearing your favorite chocolate-brown turtleneck… on your toes. The metallic accent is wild and luxe balanced, and the dark base is warm and polished. It is contemporary and slightly spicy- like cinnamon in coffee.
My favorite to do this is with a Deborah Lippmann called the Dark Side of the Moon, and then leopard print with a metallic like Good as Gold by Essie. And there are fabulous foil sticker alternatives with a similar gold-animal effect that can make this look doable even if you aren t especially confident with a brush.
My tip: paint the design on the accent toe as your other toes dry. To make that gold line, you can use a striping tape to help you, and fill in the animal shapes with a dotting tool or stamping plate. Just go slow—it’s worth it.
Whenever I put this combo on, I immediately feel like my ensemble is 20% more put together. Even if it’s leggings and an oversized hoodie, this mani says “I planned this.” Because sometimes, beauty is in the tiniest details.
Neon Bloom for the Bold
Wearing neon in September is something so rebellious, and that is why I love it. This spunky highlighter yellow is obnoxious, in-your-face, and wonderfully out of season. The delicate black floral art on the big toe adds just the right amount of elegance to balance out the neon’s energy. It is as though sunshine took a little black dress moment.
In order to get this glowing effect I adore ORLY Glowstick to get that famous neon pop. To the flower, a black stamping polish such as Maniology Straight Up Black will do the trick and more so with a thin brush or a stamping plate to get the precision you want. And when you want that neon to really pop, do a white undercoat first–the secret sauce with brights.
Neon work is somewhat tricky at home. I prefer to use three thin coats without getting patchy and fully dry each one. And then I enter in with the artwork on one toe. A silicone stamping tool may be used or a detailing pen may be used directly. Don not omit the shiny top coat- it is the sealant to the brightness and fading.
This one surprised even me. I have worn it on a dark week in early fall, and it made my entire mood brighter. Strangers smiled at my sandals. My jeans looked cooler. My whole day got sassier. Who said neon had to stay in July?
