Autumn nail switch-ups are pretty predictable. Let’s see… Pastels make way for deep plums, hot magenta morphes into full-bodied merlot and pale blue becomes an inky navy. Nodding along? Nothing wrong with that (I’m wearing mulberry on my nails as we speak). The same edit of shades seem to get wheeled out every autumn. But, they’re a classic for a reason, right?
If you’re not ready to commit to going alternative with an awkward shade of gawky green (actually rather “in” this season, as it happens), there is another way around things.
Instead of moving away from your favoured nail shades, why not mix up the texture? Think about it: crushed velvet crossbody bags, buttery suede ankle boots, soft, brushed cotton flannel shirts – all spell the start of autumn. So why not apply the same theory to our nails?
A simple change of top coat – specifically a matte top coat – can add a whole other dimension to nails, taking them from glossy and high-shine to soft, muted and perfectly seasonal.
Like our favourite battered biker jacket, a matte finish is cool, edgy and alternative, but it also gives a soft, worn feel to our mani, taking it down a notch and making it feel less “done”. And, like our biker, it’s also an easy way to toughen up a basic outfit, like a sweater and jeans.
And, if you’re #blessed at doing your own mani, you can have a go at experimenting with half and half matte nails, matte tips or matte accents.
If not, it’s still simple to pull it off. You can sweep it all on in one coat and, it doesn’t add extra steps to painting your nails. Instead of sealing everything in with your regular top coat, opt for a matte finish top coat instead. Our favourites include Barry M’s Matte Top Coat (£2.99), OPI’s Matte Top Coat (£15.50) and CND’s Vinylux Matte Top Coat Nail Varnish (£11.95).
