While sapphire hues and glazed-donut nails (with a chocolate twist?) had us all buzzing toward the end of summer, the time for velvet nails is now. The latest nail art trend is all about bringing texture to your manicure this fall.
These new autumn nails have been sweeping TikTok, as users take velvet – an essential fall fabric – and replicate the look on their nails. Velvet manicures add dimension to your nails, giving them a jaw-dropping, shimmering texture.
“When it catches the light, it’s such a gorgeous finish,” nail artist and content creator Vivian W tells Bustle. “It can be recommended for everyday wear, special occasions and even bridal.”
Velvet nails refract the light in a pretty unique way, offering up an iridescent glow. They can be versatile, too, as you can channel anything from a galaxy look to a softer rose gold lustre.
MIZHSE 9D Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish Chameleon, Amazon, $29.
Get the velvet nail look at home
If you don’t have time to head to the salon, all you need to give yourself a velvet manicure is a specific type of polish. Different brands call it different things, but essentially you need a cat-eye, magnetic or velvet gel, which usually is sold alongside a magnet. Some of our favourite magnetic gels include the MIZHSE 9D Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish Chameleon (Amazon, $29), the BORN PRETTY Rainbow Cat Magnetic Eye Gel Polish (Amazon, $36) or the MTSSII Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish (Amazon, $30).
While the polish is uncured, you can play around with the texture and pattern using the magnet. Then – once you’ve found the look you like – you cure it under an LED lamp.
That’s all it takes to wow your friends with some glistening velvet nails this fall.
Related: DIY for the desperate: this is how to remove your gel nails at home.
