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The season for moody manicures is upon us. Picture autumnal shades like rich reds, warm browns, and true blacks. “The color that made me a nail queen is Chanel Vamp,” shares nail artist Miss Pop.
“The deep, rich chocolate with a hint of gold shimmer was so gorgeous in the ’90s and now that very color is back for Fall!” To inspire your dark fall manicure, browse the below sleek and sultry looks.
True Black
Black polish will always be chic. This manicure shows the inky shade on a sharp square nail for an added level of badass. Because black is such an intense shade, it's imperative to keep the polish application clean and within the lines. Use a brush dipped in acetone to clean up any mistakes as you go.
Brown Velvet
While the velvet polish effect (which is created with magnetic polish) looks great year-round, it’s especially fabulous during the cooler months. This look features a brown jelly polish topped with a golden velvet polish.
Sultry Burgundy
A burgundy manicure screams sweater weather. This look features a super-dark shade for lots of depth and intrigue.
Dusty
For a look that's moody without being too dark, reach for muted, dusty shades. This cool-toned brown has undertones of gray and purple
Green Marble
This green marble look is absolutely perfect for fall. It's made even more special with the addition of teensy tiny flecks of gold leaf.
Dark Academia
Have fun with a dark fall nail look by introducing some sparkle. This manicure gives strong dark academia vibes, with its pewter base and golden-taupe finish.
Graydient
Often, gradient designs go from the tip of each nail to its base. Instead, this gradient takes things horizontally, shifting from black on the pinky to gray on the thumb, each nail with a reflective shimmer topper.
Iridescent Butterfly
For a black look that has a touch of whimsy, introduce shimmer. This look features stunning iridescent silver butterfly wings on a few nails.
Celeste
Dark as the night sky, this chalky blue is a wonderful option for those who want a strikingly dim look without going black.
Nearly Black
However, if you want a black shade that reads a bit softer, reach for a deep charcoal.
Dark Chocolate
There’s nothing quite like a ’90s-esque dark brown nail. This shade brings a sense of warmth and strength to any look.
Tortoise Tips
For a moody look with a bit of breathing room, go for a pattern with a lighter base, like tortoiseshell. This look is especially airy thanks to the nature of the French tip design.
Emerald
Although the leaves are changing to warmer hues, greens remain a fabulous color for fall. This emerald hue is particularly dreamy, with its strong blue undertones and high-shine finish.
Vampy Tips
If you want that tip look without the levity added by a sheer base, go for a two-toned look. This design features an iridescent plum base topped with a maroon tip.
Black Rose
This gothic look is such a vibe for fall. It features an icy, iridescent white base topped with glossy black roses framed in thorns. The look is taken to the next level by a shadow detail behind the rose, done in a dusty blue polish.
Bordeaux
As we swap the white, rosé, and orange wines of summer for full-bodied reds, it's only fitting to allow wine hues to influence our manicures.
Amber
This breathtaking manicure features a marbled blend of black and brown jelly polishes with golden holographic flecks and chrome powder.
Black and Gold
This black manicure gets a bit of air thanks to milky nude additions outlined by gold glitter.
Vampy Red
A deep red with purple undertones on a sharp stiletto nail is a wonderfully vampy look for fall.
Dark Green
Dark manicures can still be playful, as shown by this manicure that uses a deep green polish to create a blobby design on a milky white base.