When it comes to selecting a nail polish colour, there are two types of women in this world. The first has a signature shade (or perhaps two or three on rotation depending on the season) and who definitely doesn’t need a colour chart to pick her shade. The second loves all of the things (in this instance, colours)—the girl that changes up her fingertips to match her outfit, mood or the occasion and usually spends more time deciding on said colour than getting the actual manicure (don’t worry, we totally understand… SO many options!).
No matter which kind of gal (or boy) you are, we get it, selecting nail shades is no easy task, especially when it’s a brand new season.
With the arrival of old mate autumn, there are so many questions we have, like, is dark red still a thing? Are grey nails still cool? Do people do gelato coloured nails anymore That’s why we’ve enlisted the expertise of Aussir-born, LA-based colour expert and colour trend curator Tamara Sheeran. Not only is she an expert trained in personal colour analysis; she has also published a book on what your nail colour says about you and co-owns one of Los Angeles’ hottest nail salons, Enamel Diction (talk about a serious #GIRLBOSS). If we were to put our autumn nail shade of choice in the hands of anyone, we couldn’t think of any hands safer than Tamara Sheerans’.
Here are the trendiest polish shades to adorn your digits with this season…
#1 Ink Blue
A go-to autumn alternative to black, Sheeran says that an ink blue or cobalt shade is perfect for the paler winter version of you—and THE best accessory for a sleek all-black outfit.
Try: MECCA Cosmetica Artistry Nail Polish in Cobalt Blue or MECCA Cosmetica Artistry Nail Polish in Camilla.
#2 Burgundy
This season’s must-have, the deeper the better says Sheeran. Add a little luxe polish with lacquer to any autumn ensemble. Best paired with tan accessories, grey knits and denim.
Try: OPI Infinite Shine in Can Beet!
#3 Shimmering Grey
Not even the gloomiest storm clouds will be able to dull your mood when you have a flawless grey mani. Sheeran says try dialling up your shades of grey with a touch of metallic this season (another BIG nail trend).
Try: Essie in No Place Like Chrome, a neutral metallic grey shade that will make your digits sparkle and will suit any skin tone.
#4 Nude
For the minimalists in all of us, nude nails look impossibly chic and add polish any outfit. If you’re a fair-skinned beauty with cool undertones, opt for a baby pink says Sheeran.
Try: CND Vinylux in Winter Glow for those with cooler skin tones or for those with warmer skin tones try Sephora Formula X in Blushing.
#5 Green
Meanwhile in the fashion world, khaki is considered a neutral this season, so it’s also a go-to for your nails! But be warned; not everyone can pull off green nails, it’s best suited to those with olive or medium skin-tones. Sheeran says stay away if you’re fair; as it will make your hands look sickly (ick!).
Try: BUTTER London in British Racing Green.
#6 Purple
The numero uno colour of The Oscars, channel Prince and get your royalty on by dipping your digits into all kinds of purple shades this autumn, from violet to grape to lavender.
Try: Smith & Cult in Fauntleroy or KIT Cosmetics Nail Polish in Roll In.
Image credit: Lumina