When the season changes, it seems that something nudges us to make small changes in our routine as well. We pull out another piece of clothing from the wardrobe, reclaim colors we hadn’t used for months, and, in my case, I also start looking at my nail polishes with fresh eyes. The soft pinks and the almost translucent shades I wore during the summer give way to deeper colors that, all of a sudden, I feel like wearing again.
This autumn, however, I don’t want to limit myself to the usual burgundy. Red darkens toward wine, Bordeaux, or those blood tones that look especially beautiful on short nails. They are easy-to-wear colors and have that ability to completely transform a set of hands without needing to resort to designs or manicures that are too elaborate.
My favorite discovery has been browns. Chocolate, taupe, coffee or chestnut work practically as neutrals and seem to me a much more interesting alternative to black. If you want to take a bit more risk, deep greens and bronze tones achieve that same effect: they add color, while still pairing easily with the autumn wardrobe.
I also don’t plan to abandon translucent nail polishes altogether. Crystal finishes allow wearing bolder tones while preserving part of the nail visible and ensure that even dark colors look lighter. That is precisely my takeaway for this season: wearing autumn colors does not mean all nails have to be dark and opaque. Sometimes it’s enough to change the hue or finish so that a simple manicure looks completely new.
Half Full by Essie.
Half Full by Essie demonstrates that autumn colors can also be worn with transparencies. It belongs to the Glass Nails collection and allows you to modulate the result by adding layers without losing that characteristic translucent and glossy finish. With two coats it is subtler and with a third it gains intensity. A good alternative if completely opaque dark polishes feel too classic to you.
London 53 by Mavala.
London 53 by Mavala is a deep and elegant red, one of those shades you crave again once we leave behind the bright colors of summer. Its formula offers natural coverage and a careful finish, in addition to incorporating a filter that helps preserve the color. The small 5 ml bottle is also practical to carry in a makeup bag or finish it before you tire of the shade.
You Don’t Know Jacques! by OPI.
You Don’t Know Jacques! by OPI moves between brown, gray, and taupe, becoming almost a new neutral for the cold months. Its formula is designed to last up to seven days and the wide brush helps achieve an even coat even when doing the manicure at home. It is especially pretty to rest from the usual burgundies without renouncing a sophisticated nail.
Sangre Toro by Masglo.
Sangre Toro by Masglo pushes red toward a more intense and deeper version, perfect for reclaiming wine tones this season. It has a creamy finish and a vegan 13-free formula that does not require a UV or LED lamp. Its flat brush makes it easy to cover the nail evenly and, combined with base and top coat, aims to achieve a result similar to the gel effect.
Vert Bronze by Hermès.
Vert Bronze by Hermès presents one of the most interesting colors to move away from the classic reds and browns: a deep green inspired by the leather tones of the maison. Its fluid texture creates a thin, smooth, and glossy film on the nail. It is a shade with a lot of personality that confirms that dark green can also work as one of autumn’s unexpected neutrals.
