10 Autumn Nail Colours You Should Try Now, According To The Pros (2024)

What autumn nail colour will you try this year? As the temperatures drop, we tend to swap warm, beachy sunset hues for deep midnight shades. “Autumn is the season for cosying up – it represents comfort and nostalgia,” says nail artist Hang Nguyen, author of Nail Art Deck. “It’s the perfect time to be inspired by colours and art that bring a sense of warmth as the weather cools down.”

For Jin Soon Choi, founder of JINSOON, autumn’s trending polishes are inspired by both the runways and natural world. “People take inspiration from the changing leaves and weather, but I get mine from the campaigns and fashion shows I work on,” she says. “I’m fortunate to be able to see the latest fashion designs and colour palettes first hand.” Still, Choi says that autumn is ultimately all about deep, moody and earthy hues – though 2024 may see an outlier or two.

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Short or long, nail health is a key factor this autumn and it’s all about the prep work in a manicure – think flawless cuticles – rather than just the colour on top of the nail. “A clean manicure with a natural buff is a great way to remove any staining. I recommend focusing on the health of your nails before you opt for dramatic nail shades,” says Mazz Hanna, CEO of Nailing Hollywood. Also trending? A matte finish, which gives this season’s most popular polishes a cosy, luxurious feel.

As with any mani, nail care is of the utmost importance. Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec loves a waterless manicure to help colour last longer. “They are becoming more commonplace now,” Kandalec says. “When a nail tech reaches for a warm soapy bowl of water, expect your nails to swell, and then polish chips sooner.”

Read more: The Key Autumn/Winter 2024 Trends To Know Now

Here, some of the industry’s top nail artists share the autumn nail polish colours that will define the cooler months. From vampy shades to glamorous metallics, there’s a shade for everyone.

Ballet pinks

“Sheer Fantasy by Essie is the perfect neutral pink for anyone that just wants a clean glossy nail,” says nail artist Steph Stone. “It offers less opacity than other neutral pink polishes and really gives your nails a naturally healthy ‘glowing’ appearance.”

Essie Nail Lacquer in Ballet Slippers

Essie Nail Polish In Mademoiselle

Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in 111 Ballerina

OPI Nail Polish in Bubble Bath

Earthy greens

Olives made the list of nearly every nail artist we interviewed for this story. “It is neutral enough to go with any outfit but brings a playful element to it,” says Goldstein, who loves CND’s Vinylux in Cap and Gown. Stone opts for JINSoon’s Green Clay, a lighter olive shade. “This is an easily overlooked colour palette, but once you try it on you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes a favourite,” she enthuses.

Essie Core Nail Polish – 789 Win Me Over

OPI Nail Polish In $elf Made

Gucci Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish – 712 Melinda Green

Essie ExprEssie Khaki Green Nail Polish

Misty morning blues

Though autumn is usually associated with deeper hues, there’s something to be said for using a lighter shade as the seasons change. Chanel’s Le Vernis in Muse is a favourite of Goldstein’s for its atmospheric feel. “This colour reminds me of early foggy mornings in the autumn, especially in northern California,” she says. Channel the dreaminess of a chilly beach day with a pale blue/grey hybrid.

Chanel Le Vernis in Muse

OPI Your Way Nail Lacquer Collection in Verified

OPI Nail Polish Xbox Collection Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish Can’t CTRL Me

essie Nail Polish 374 Salt Water Happy

Spiced burgundy

Autumn’s reds are inspired by foliage and spice, and the best burgundies reflect that season-specific combination. For a solid starting point, Chanel’s Bois Des Isles comes recommended by Stone and Goldstein. “It has the perfect combination of red, brown and orange undertones,” says Goldstein. “It is intense and rich, yet not too deep, making it one of my favourite colours for autumn.”

Essie Nail Colour Shearling Darling Nail Polish – Dark Burgundy

Chanel Le Vernis Bois Des Îles

Beauty Pie Wondercolour™ Nail Polish Riot Act Red

Dior Vernis In Nuit 1947

Warm browns

“Warm brown tones create a cosy, comforting feeling that’s ideal for sweater weather,” says Nyguen. Whether cinnamon, milk chocolate, or light roast coffee, Hanna likes to finish with a matte top coat to make the shade feel even warmer.

Essie Core 897 No To-Do

Nails Inc. Caught in The Nude Nail Polish

Eggshell white

Eggshell is one of the most sumptuous shades, but to get it right, a perfect finish is essential. “I am a big fan of off-white eggshell colours for autumn, especially with a matte top coat,” Goldstein says, pointing toward Colour Department’s Coconut Water. “It reminds me of soft cashmere.”

The Bridal Edit By Georgia Rae French Blanc Gemini Polish

Chanel Le Vernis In Glaciale

Chanel Les Vernis – 101 Insomniaque

Essie Nail Lacquer

Bright pinks

Barbiecore just won’t go away. Though some eschew brighter polish jobs in autumn, Stone likes to ignore the rules, and will be championing a few coats of Gucci Vernis a Ongles in Valentina Fuchsia – A.K.A. the perfect hot pink. “Pink is forever and this bright will offer a youthful pop of colour in your autumn wardrobe.”

Chanel Les Vernis – 143 Diva

OPI Nail Lacquer In Welcome To Barbie Land

Essie Nail Polish – 20 Lovie Dovie

Essie Nail Polish – Watermelon

Cool matte black

Inspired by the Christian Cowan autumn/winter 2024 show that she worked on, Kandalec loves a black nail with a matte finish for the cooler months. “The matte finish looks chic and leather-like,” she says. “Perfect for autumn.” She used CND’s Black Pool and Matte Shellac Top Coat.

OPI GelColor in Black Onyx

Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Crystal Black

Metallic shine

“I love a metallic tip,” Kandalec says. “It’s an understated way to dress up your mani.” You can opt for gold in cool, warm or yellow tones or gunmetal silver, and so on – there’s a colour for everyone.

Manucurist Mermaid Natural Nail Polish

Opi – Tinsel-Tinsel 'Lil Star

Wondercolour Nail Polish in Gold Drops

Essie Luxeffects Nail Polish In Set In Stones

Bright orange

Autumn doesn’t have to be all muted earth tones or moody colours. Try some of the fun, bright shades you’ve been using all summer to add some fun to your fingertips. “Bright orange shimmer works as a perfect transitional shade from summer to autumn,” says Kandalec. “[It also] gives a holiday nod in the winter.”

Hermès Les Mains Nail Polish in Orange

Essie Original Nail Polish in Break It Sundown

Essie Nail Polish – Meet Me At Sunset

Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer Vernis in Pop Orange

10 Autumn Nail Colours You Should Try Now, According To The Pros (2024)
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