It used to be that you'd spend an hour meticulously painting on your face with the patience of Michaelangelo (or in the least, a YouTuber getting used to their camera equipment) before heading out for a night. But with face masks [1] taking up the larger majority of your mug these days, people are now directing their artistry skills elsewhere — and come fall [2], it will be all about your nail colour [3].
The shift in popularity makes sense: Switching up your manicure [4] is a fullproof way to make a big impact with minimal effort, and while it might be too early to declare nail polish as the new lipstick [5] in these COVID-19 times, all you have to do is open Instagram to be inundated with whatever fancy designs and polish colours sparking joy [6] at this particular juncture. "A lot of companies and manicurists are putting together DIY manicure kits [7] for people to do at home, so I think we'll be seeing a lot more tutorials on Instagram, Tiktok, or YouTube," Sarah Bland [8], celebrity manicurist and brand ambassador for Smith & Cult [9], told POPSUGAR. "I've even been seeing a lot of people match their nails with their masks, which is so cute."
"I've been seeing a lot of people match their nails with their masks, which is so cute."
As for what exactly you can expect people to be wearing in the coming months, she has some ideas: "We're going to be seeing a lot of matte nail looks," she said. "What a lot of people don't realise is that when you put a matte top coat on nail art, it makes it pop even more. We'll also be seeing a trend of shiny-meets-matte within the same manicure [10], like a solid matte base with a shiny tip."
If you're looking for the tools [11] that could earn you an (unofficial) artistry licence, stick with us as Bland breaks down the four coolest nail colour trends to shop this fall. They might not make quite the same statement that a swipe of lipstick would, but they'll make it through a hell of a lot more pumpkin spice latte orders — and that's got to count for something, right?
Fall 2020 Nail Colour Trend: Earthy Emeralds
The biggest theme you'll be seeing across nail colour categories this fall, according to Bland? Deep jewel tones "with subtle, earthy undertones, such as dark hunter greens," she said. This will also go along well with the matte-meets-shiny top coat combo (you know, in case you want to be really on trend).
Essie Nail Polish in Sweater Weather [12] ($11)
Fall 2020 Nail Colour Trend: Earthy Emeralds
Pear Nova Nail Polish in Pineapple Skies [13] ($11)
Fall 2020 Nail Colour Trend: Earthy Emeralds
NCLA Beauty Camo is the New Black [14] ($16)
Fall 2020 Nail Colour Trend: Earthy Emeralds
Olive & June Nail Polish in WFK ($8, available August 20)
Fall 2020 Nail Colour Trend: Sophisticated Neutrals
After quite a bumpy ride these last few months, fall might just be the time to shift things into neutral. "Nude or skin-tone colours are so versatile, and when paired with the shorter nail trend it makes for a super clean look," said Bland. "This season will focus on opaque, darker neutrals that almost lean into a grey taupe shade, which adds more depth and sophistication in comparison to a sheer pink neutral that is more dainty and feminine. It's perfect for giving you that confidence during a Zoom meeting, but also for everyday wear."
Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Doe My Dear [15] ($18)
Fall 2020 Nail Colour Trend: Sophisticated Neutrals
Gucci Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish in 212 Annabel Rose [16] ($28)
Fall 2020 Nail Colour Trend: Sophisticated Neutrals
Orly Nail Polish in Canyon Clay [17] ($9)
Fall 2020 Nail Colour Trend: Sophisticated Neutrals
OPI Neo-Pearl Nail Lacquer in Pretty in Pearl [18] ($10)
Fall 2020 Nail Colour Trend: Ruby Reds
A perennial favourite year after year — and along the theme of jewel-toned colours taking centre stage this season — is a deep red polish hue that falls on the far end on the "seductive" spectrum. Think: vampy blood reds that "help add a bit of drama and seduction to your look," said Bland.
Fast Gel Fast Drying Gel Nail Lacquer by Maybelline [19] ($2.50)
Fall 2020 Nail Colour Trend: Ruby Reds
Onekin Polish in K St [20] ($10)
Fall 2020 Nail Colour Trend: Ruby Reds
Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Lover's Creep [21] ($18)
Fall 2020 Nail Colour Trend: Major Metallics
Another nail polish trend you can expect to see everywhere in the coming weeks: dark and light metallics — in a range of colours. "Hopefully the shiny metal looks will add a little pizazz, even in quarantine," said Bland.
Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Nail Colour in Lava Rocks [22] ($9)
Fall 2020 Nail Colour Trend: Major Metallics
Nails.Inc 45 Second Speedy Gloss in Keeping It Real In Kensington [23] ($9)
Fall 2020 Nail Colour Trend: Major Metallics
Sephora Collection Colour Hit Mini Nail Polish in Girls Night Out [24] ($5)
Fall 2020 Nail Colour Trend: Major Metallics
Sinful Colours Quick Bliss in Ice Ice Cherry [25] ($3)