As summer time winds down, we possible aren’t the one ones feeling bittersweet in regards to the season change. Whereas it is unhappy to place the swimsuits, summer time nail artwork and seaside days behind us, we’re wanting ahead to fall nail colours, sweaters and altering leaves. However proper now, smack in the course of the summer-to-fall transition, we’re dealing with a really particular manicure dilemma: We’re beginning to crave the richness of fall, however we’re not fairly able to ship our brilliant summer time shades into hibernation. Enter: summer-to-fall transition nails, the glad medium between the 2 seasons.
As an alternative of leaping straight from sizzling pink and neon orange to oxblood and darkish chocolate, transitional manicures borrow a bit of from each—suppose dusty variations of your favourite summer time colours, heat neutrals and earthy shades that subtly nod to the upcoming season. This time of 12 months, pair your transitional nail polish colours with basic nail shapes and lengths. “I’m seeing clients gravitate toward two shapes the most: almond and short square,” says New Jersey and New York movie star nail artist and educator Erica De Los Santos. “Almond continues to be a favorite, especially for clients who like a little length. It gives the nails a softer, more elongated look and works beautifully whether they’re keeping the design simple or adding nail art.”
In the meantime, “short square nails are definitely having their moment,” she says. “Clients are loving a shorter, clean, more natural-looking manicure that still feels polished and put together. I’m seeing more clients choose a practical length that works with their everyday lifestyle without sacrificing style.”
Forward, the perfect summer-to-fall transition shades to attempt for this in-between second.
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Sage and Olive Inexperienced Nails
“Green is another easy transition color,” says De Los Santos. “If you’ve been loving lighter sage greens for summer, start moving into olive. It’s still a pop of color, but the earthy tone makes it feel much more fall.” Attempt Sally Hansen Xtreme Put on Nail Polish in Pound the Pave-Mint ($4).
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Mauve Nails
“You really can’t go wrong with mauve,” says De Los Santos. “It’s a great neutral when you’re not ready for those darker fall colors yet. You still get a little bit of pink, but it’s muted enough to start giving fall.” Attempt Essie Expressie Fast-Dry Nail Polish in Get A Mauve On ($10).
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Cherry Purple Nails
“Instead of immediately going super dark with burgundy, start with a rich cherry red,” says De Los Santos. “It still has that sexy, bright red feel, but it’s deeper and richer than the reds we normally reach for during summer.” Attempt Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Pompier ($34).
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Blue-Grey Nails
“If you’ve been wearing all those bright blues this summer, try bringing some gray into your blue,” says De Los Santos. “A smoky blue-gray still gives you color, but it feels a little softer and more muted for the change of season.” Attempt Olive & June Gel Polish in Classic ($12).
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Sheer Shades
“I will always say sheer nails work in every season,” says De Los Santos. “Instead of completely changing your sheer manicure for fall, change what you pair it with. Try a sheer pink or nude with a chocolate, burgundy, navy, olive or even black French tip. It’s such an easy transition.” Attempt Zoya Bare Manicure Perfector in Pink Perfector ($12).
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Golden Orange Nails
“Orange is definitely going to be one of my favorites for the transition,” says De Los Santos. “It’s a beautiful orange cat-eye that still feels fun and bright enough for summer, but the golden warmth makes it a color I can see being a huge favorite going into fall.” Attempt The GelBottle Inc Gel Color in Golden Hour Magnetic ($21).
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Jelly Nails
“I’m not ready to give up jelly nails just because summer is ending,” says De Los Santos. “The trick is going a little deeper with the color. Think berry pink, plum-purple, smoky blue or even a deeper wine jelly. You still get that translucent jelly look, just with more fall energy.” Attempt Nails.INC 45 Second Speedy Gloss Prepared To Jelly in Aria ($8).
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Mushroom and Taupe Nails
“If you’re a nude girl, try switching your regular nude for a mushroom or taupe,” says De Los Santos. “You’re still staying neutral, but those gray and brown undertones make the manicure feel a little more fall without being too dark.” Attempt Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish in Tassel Free ($13).
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Caramel and Toffee Nails
“Before we get into those really dark chocolate browns, I love caramel and toffee tones,” says De Los Santos. “They’re warm, creamy and look especially pretty when you still have that end-of-summer glow.” Attempt OPI Nail Lacquer in Route Beer Float ($12).
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Dusty Rose Nails
“For my pink girls who are not giving up pink for fall, you don’t have to,” says De Los Santos. “Just take your pink a little dustier or deeper. A muted rose gives you the pink you love without feeling too bright or summery.” Attempt Essie Nail Polish in Everlasting Optimist ($10).
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Plum Nails
“I love plum for this time of year because you can play with how deep you want to go,” says De Los Santos. “A brighter, juicy plum still works for the end of summer, and as we get further into fall you can start going deeper and richer.” Attempt Manucurist Inexperienced Nail Polish in Victoria Plum ($14).
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Champagne & Bronze Chrome
“Yes, we are still doing chrome,” says De Los Santos. “Instead of the super bright white or pearl chrome from summer, start warming it up with champagne, soft gold or bronze. It’s the same beautiful effect, just with a fall twist.” Attempt Essie Metallics Nail Polish in Imported Bubbly ($10).
