Lately, I've been obsessed with at-home manicures. While I'm the first to admit that I could never mimic the precision of a professional nail artist, there's something so chic about taking a DIY approach. At least I think so. Whenever I sit down to do it, I think of similar scenes from old movies, TV shows, and rom-coms, in which the protagonist is hastily painting her nails before heading out the door. And since I truly believe it's a skill you can develop, I feel a sense of pride and satisfaction when I get the odd compliment on my manicure. "Thanks!" I say, "I did it myself!"

My personal nail polish collection has grown over the years, and these days, it contains timeless, designer shades. It might be girl math, but I'm saving money by skipping the salon, so I figure I can invest a little more in the shades I buy...especially if they're undeniably and timelessly stylish ones from high-fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and Hermès. Ahead, see a list of the classic designer nail polishes that will instantly elevate your at-home manicures.

Chanel

Dior

Gucci

Hermès

October is my favorite month. Here in the Midwest, colorful leaves are strewn across sidewalks, the days still have the slightest glimmer of summer's warmth, and I'm finally able to wear my favorite fall fashion pieces—most notably, soft knits, chic denim jackets, and suede boots. What a time to be alive.

The only thing left to do? Choose a stylish nail color to pair with said fall fashion. For that, I wasn't willing to leave anything up to chance, so I turned to the industry's best trend-spotters: celebrity nail artists. Ahead, see the 11 most relevant mid-autumn nail trends they say are worth wearing right now. Fair warning, though. From botanical shades like moss green to jewel tones like glittering emerald and antique gold, they're straight out of a dark fantasy novel.

Mulled Merlot

"Dark-red, burgundy-adjacent nails are always my first sign that fall has arrived," says Celebrity Nail Artist Stephanie Stone. She confirms the classic color is as relevant as ever, though in some super-specific shades— the first of which is "mulled merlot." For the uninitiated, mulled wine is a warm, spiced cocktail made by infusing red wine with whole spices, citrus, and a sweetener. "Mulled merlot," then, takes its lead from the fall drink, swirling red and purple together to make a rich, wine-stained color. If you ask me, it's undeniably sophisticated.

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Black Cherry

Black cherry is another classic fall color, and for good reason. According to Max Estrada, award-winning nail artist and Founder of eNailCouture, "October is about seductive, sophisticated shades that look almost black until the light catches them," and black cherry is the perfect example. A sultry blend of black, red, and purple, it's even deeper and edgier than merlot. Estrada prefers painting black cherry on dramatic, elongated nails for the most glamorous effect.

Viktoriia Voloshyna, International Judge, Award-Winning Nail Educator, and Founder of Tory Pro Nails Studio in Beverly Hills, California, agrees. "Black cherry is for the girls who love red but want something deeper for October... One thing I always tell clients: dark colors can be beautiful on any length, even long almond. The key is a thin, elegant structure. If the coating is thick, a dark color makes the nails look heavy." That's a good tip for at-home manicure lovers, like me. Working in light layers is the best bet, especially for rich fall nail looks.

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Sheer Shimmer

If deep, dark colors aren't your thing, or you want to mix it up this autumn, Stone has a suggestion—sheer, shimmery, iridescent shades. "I love how a soft, glittery shade looks in the fall," she says. "Especially with a must-have seasonal latte!" These pearly sets look ethereal and angelic, especially when they're set against soft cashmere, creamy suede, or other fall-synonymous fabrics.

She recommends wearing Sally Hansen's Chic’s In Charge ($9) from the Miracle Gel Bold Glam collection. "It's the perfect blend of both sheer and shimmer."

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Moss Green

Sorry, khaki, army, and olive green. Estrada says these are too "predictable" for fall 2026, especially when there's a new, cool-girl shade of green to wear instead—mossy green. A little gray, a little yellow, mossy green is a botanical, earthy hue that feels highly relevant right now. " I love a deep, botanical moss green on an extra-long coffin or stiletto extension, particularly with a little antique gold," he says. "It's a sophisticated autumn color with real personality." I agree.

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Midnight Plum

ICYMI, purple is one of 2026's most dominant color trends, with designers like Loewe and Tory Burch debuting deep aubergine designs. According to Estrada, the most stylish folks will take these deep, dark shades of purple past their wardrobes, incorporating them into their mid-autumn manicures. "Midnight plum," as he calls it, is nearly black until the light catches it, and it flashes purple. An iconic example? OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark ($12). Regardless of which midnight plum shade you choose to wear on your fingertips, Estrada says it's "the manicure equivalent of an expensive velvet evening gown."

Vikki Swan is an award-winning Nail Educator, International Nail Competition Judge, and Founder of Vikki Swan Nail Academy in Los Angeles. She cosigns the midnight plum trend, saying it's "another great option for those who want something a little different while keeping the manicure elegant."

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Dark Chocolate

Dust off your chocolatey nail polishes, people. Deep espresso and cocoa-spiked shades are back and better than ever. "Brown is really replacing black this fall; it's dark, but it looks softer and warmer on the hand," Voloshyna says. Swan seconds this. "Chocolate brown is a beautiful alternative to classic nudes and works well on both short and long nails," she says.

Estrada connects the food-inspired color to an ongoing scent trend. "Fragrance has embraced gourmand notes for years; now I want gourmand nails. Espresso, roasted hazelnut, chocolate, and caramelized nude are deliciously indulgent shades that look like they belong in a luxury patisserie." I couldn't have said it better myself.

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Rich Emerald

Another shade of green that you can't go wrong with this autumn? Emerald. It's associated with love, renewal, and wisdom. It also silently signals sophistication. "Dark green is sometimes an overlooked fall color because people see it and think of 'winter' instead," Stone says. "To me, it’s more of a transitional hue! Sally Hansen’s Rocket Fuel ($9) shade from the Miracle Gel Bold Glam collection comes to mind when I think of opulent nail colors for fall." Plus, "Emerald looks so beautiful with fall sweaters and leather jackets," Voloshyna adds.

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The Burgundy Baby-French

The micro- or "baby"-French manicure has been in for a while, but lately, the experts are seeing clients request it in non-traditional colors, specifically burgundy. "My favorite this season is a deep burgundy French on a cool nude base," Voloshyna says. "I did it a lot recently, and every time, it looks so elegant. It's classic but feels fresh for fall." Swan agrees, saying the burgundy micro-French still feels "minimalist" in nature, yet it's a little more interesting and in-season for autumn.

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Velvet Cat Eye

There's no denying that velvet cat-eye nails are one of the most on-trend nail designs of 2026. These manicures are created using a special magnetic gel polish infused with tiny metallic particles. Before the gel is cured under a lamp, a magnet is held close to the nail. It shifts the metallic particles into a concentrated, shimmering line and gives it a velvet-esque effect. "It has a moving, luminous reflection, almost like crushed velvet catching the light," Estrada says.

Swan says cat-eye designs are trending in general, but it's the softer, subtler ones that are really taking root. These create a "delicate gradient" with a blink-and-you-might-miss-it effect. Yes, it's possible to customize your cat eye.

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Animal Print

Animal print manicures have made 2026 their *moment.* It suits the internet's obsession with all things early-aughts, and it's even A-list approved (celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Dua Lipa, and Hailey Bieber have all taken part in recent months). According to Estrada, it's going to stay that way. "Leopard and tortoiseshell are perennial fashion classics, not novelties," he says. "On longer nails, you have the canvas to make them look truly couture."

Oh, and don't think you have to stick to the classics, like leopard and tortoiseshell. Swan says "Bambi nails," AKA deer-spotted sets, are especially chic right now. "This soft, deer-inspired print looks beautiful as a small accent on one or two nails without making the manicure too busy."

If you want to be extra stylish, Voloshyna suggests combining the velvet cat-eye trend with the animal-print one. Let her explain. "Another design that is very popular in my studio is animal print over cat eye. I do a shiny cat-eye gel polish first, then the print, and finish with a matte top coat. The cat eye still shows through the matte, and it gives a really interesting effect."

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Vintage Lace

Scroll through IG and TikTok, and you're bound to see one of 2026's most popular (and ornate) nail designs—something I like to call vintage lace nails. Far from your grandma's doily collection, these manicures are incredibly elaborate and, thus, impressive. They're also utterly charming.

If you're up to the challenge, you *could* try recreating a lacy design with stencils or (gasp!) tiny art brushes. If you're like me, though, you might enjoy walking the path of least resistance and turning to a high-quality press-on set.

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Antique Gold Details

Last but certainly not least, Estrada mentions "restrained, antique-gold detailing" as a top mid-autumn nail trend. "Antique" is the key word. Unlike bright, yellow-toned gold, antique gold leans slightly coppery, even brassy. Whether flat or 3D, antique-gold details look mature, sophisticated, and most of all, expensive. Estrada says these fashion-forward nail looks involve a little experimentation. "Fashion isn't supposed to please absolutely everybody," he says. "If everyone loves your manicure, perhaps you haven't been adventurous enough."

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There are more beauty advent calendars to choose from than ever before. From perfume advent calendars to makeup, there's truly something for every beauty lover to choose from now (personally, I'd rather discover a new beauty product in the countdown to Christmas than uncover stale chocolate in my advent calendar). And for the nail-obsessed amongst us, there's one advent calendar that needs to be on your radar, from one of my favourite nail polish brands, Manucurist.

Manucurist Advent Calendars

Manucurist's Green Flash and Green Polishes are a favourite amongst beauty editors, nail techs and tastemakers alike. The brand makes some of the coolest, trend-led and classic nail colours you actually want to wear. The brand has two different formulas: Green Flash, a gel-nail alternative that cures under Manucurist's LED lamp for a longer-lasting mani; and Green Polish, which has more of a traditional nail polish formula. Having tried both, I can confirm they're brilliant, and you can choose between them in Manucurist's advent calendars.

Time to Flash! Advent Calendar

Time to Shine! Advent Calendar

Shop My Favourite Manucurist Nail Colours

Let's be real. Engagements are meant to be a surprise, but more often than not, brides-to-be have a hunch that the big moment is imminent. As a result, it's common to plan your manicure (ahem, and outfit) before your partner pops the question—or, alternatively, head to the nail salon before snapping and sharing the classic ring photo. (I opted for the latter: bare nails for the actual engagement, then cherry-red lacquer for the celebrations.) Of course, there are no hard and fast rules for what constitutes an engagement nail polish. You should ultimately choose a hue that aligns with your personal style—be it bold, minimalist, or something in between—but there are a few designs that look particularly stunning next to a sparkling diamond ring.

Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec agrees. "I love a fun, bold nail, but for engagement nails, this is a moment where you as a couple and the ring are the focus," she tells me, adding that a solid polish color or very subtle nail art, like French tips, tends to look best. To create the ultimate inspiration board, I consulted Kandalec and celebrity manicurist Stephanie Stone for their most highly requested designs and did some digging of my own from the It-girl IG archives. Scroll on for the 15 best engagement nail ideas, period.

The 15 Best Engagement Nail Designs of All Time

Sheer Pink Almond

If I had to crown one winner, it'd be a sheer pink mani, hands down. "Anything that looks like a natural nail with a healthy glow is the most popular engagement and wedding request I see by a landslide," Stone declares, specifically citing milky pink and sheer beige as her top two favorites. "These [polishes] help the ring really pop because they enhance your hands without distracting from the main event." Opt for an almond shape, too, if you want your fingers to appear miles long.

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Naked Nails

In a similar vein, "naked" nails (aka a sheer base coat or subtly tinted polish) will always be a top choice. Consider Selena Gomez's engagement mani, which featured Chanel's Ballerina for an elegant "your nails but better" wash of color. It's a muted version of the sheer pink design above—a polish so delicate that your nails just naturally appear smooth and shiny.

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Elongated French

There's just something about elongated French tips that screams classic yet retro and gloriously It girl coded. Example: Madison Beer's '60s-inspired set as she said yes to Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. To achieve the same effect, ask for a medium almond shape and make sure the white tips begin past where your actual nails end. If you're short on time, simply pop on a set of press-ons with a similar design. "I saw a viral video where a guy proposed with the ring and press-on nails. Men, take notes!" Stone quips.

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Classic Red

"A classic red always works, especially on a short, slightly rounded nail or a short 1940s almond," notes Kandalec. Devon Lee Carlson's cherry-red engagement nails certainly make a strong case for the slightly bolder look.

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Almond Milk

Like sheer pink, milky-white nails are always a safe bet. An almond shape also never fails to look chic (almond milk nails—get it?), as seen on model Elsa Hosk's engagement nails.

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Pink Chrome

If you're itching to jazz things up just a little, a pink chrome mani instantly adds more zing while remaining chic and understated. "Adding chrome just elevates the look," celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt (the queen of glazed donut nails) once told us. "Whether you want something subtle and glossy or bold and reflective, chrome can be adapted to fit any style or trend."

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Bordeaux

Who says you have to opt for something sheer and neutral? "I adore a bordeaux or oxblood nail, especially for fall engagements," Kandalec shares. "It's perfect on a short, sharp-square or soft-square nail." Fall brides-to-be, bear in mind!

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Jet-Black

An inky-black lacquer also aligns with a fall/winter bridal vibe. Again, a short, square shape will keep the look from feeling too gothic—unless that's your goal. If that's the case, by all means, go for a coffin or stiletto!

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Gradient Pearl

"I just did this French gradient mani with a pearl on hairstylist Tracy Davis, but I can see it for an engagement mani too," notes Kandalec. I concur: That pearl adornment is super delicate, so it won't take away from the rock on your finger.

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Chocolate

Brown nails make for a cool, cozy fall engagement moment. Kandalec agrees, as she notes coffee, chocolate, and espresso are "very trendy right now." Despite practically exploding in popularity over the past year, the polish color remains a classic, so you don't have to worry about falling into a trend trap.

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Butter French

"More and more couples are opting for less traditional stones (versus a white diamond), so you can take that into consideration as well," Kandalec explains. For example, if you have a yellow or champagne diamond, pairing it with a subtle butter-yellow French will look cohesive, not cutesy, and incredibly chic.

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Blush Pink

If you have a pink diamond à la Christian Serratos (a dream!), Kandalec recommends matching it with a blush-pink mani. I mean, just look at how stunning it appears on the actress.

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Colorful Micro French

On the nail art front, a colorful micro French manicure always exudes elegance, and it's the perfect choice if you want something a little edgy that still doesn't take attention away from your ring. Feel free to play around with the French-tip color (burgundy, pink, navy, etc.), but the sleek black polish pictured here looks rather elevated, don't you think?

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Subtle Shimmer

When it comes to sparkle, proceed with caution, says Kandalec. "Too much sparkle may take away from your new ring," she advises, adding that she "would stay away from chunky or colorful glitter." A very subtle shimmer, though—like these frosted nails from nail artist Mateja Novakovic—is Goldilocks.

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Metallic Accents

If a full wash of sparkle still sounds like too much, both Stone and Kandalec suggest adding a simple metallic accent that matches your ring setting, be it platinum, yellow gold, or rose gold. It's a "fun way to add some visual interest," Kandalec tells me, and it does so in a way that complements—never competes with—the sparkly diamond.

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Why Trust Who What Wear

At Who What Wear, trend reporting is our bread and butter. Our editors have a knack for spotting the latest in-demand beauty looks—often before they hit the mainstream—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned manicurists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders for their personal takes. Together, this ensures every trend report is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

In addition, we focus on products that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our curated selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

ICYMI, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show took place in Los Angeles earlier this week, and it had all sorts of surprises. Most notably, Kylie Jenner made her VS debut in the $50 million Fantasy Bra, and Tate McRae performed her new single "Housewife" on the runway. Angelic hair and makeup looks abounded. Big, bouncy blowouts! Long, fluttery lashes! Glowing skin! It was the aesthetic of my Pinterest-perusing dreams: early aughts nostalgia mixed with 2026 modernism.

As is often the case, the "blink and you might miss them" details brought me the most joy, and McRae's manicure was number one on my list. Between the red carpet camera flashes, I spotted her milky French manicure, but it wasn't until celebrity nail artist Analysse Hernandez posted an up-close look that I noticed the gilded cursive detail. Now, I'm convinced it's the chicest nail look I've seen all season.

Tate McRae's Gilded Calligraphy Manicure

McRae's almond-shaped milky French manicure is stunning on its own, but the gold cursive "angel" brings it to the next level. If I had to guess, I'd say this just ignited a new manicure trend, and I want in on it now.

Hernandez posted a full product breakdown on Instagram. See every item ahead.

The Exact Products

Welcome to Who What Wear UK's Next in Beauty Awards 2026. Here, we are crowning and celebrating the very best in beauty, from game-changing industry innovators to the tried-and-tested classics that remain mainstays in our bathroom cabinets and makeup bags. To help us find the worthy winners, we called upon our esteemed panel of industry experts, hard-to-please editors and in-the-know influencers, who put each and every product to the test. We enlisted our judges to document and share their testing for every product they tried, so you can see all the winners in action—as well as those very important before-and-after results.

After much testing, swatching and reviewing, we've handpicked the very best products across our skin, hair, makeup, body and nail and fragrance categories, as well as some other special accolades. These are the crème de la crème from each category that have been awarded our prestigious Best in Class status. Ahead, you'll find the top nine beauty products pioneering efficacy, innovation and real results. Join us in applauding our Best in Class winners of 2026.

Who What Wear UK Next in Beauty Awards 2026: Best in Class

Best in Class: Skin

When it comes to skincare, we're always looking for brands that combine efficacy with cutting-edge innovation. For us, that brand is SkinCeuticals, and P-Tiox Cream is a stellar example. This powerhouse moisturiser contains a patent-pending formula packed with peptides, niacinamide and lipo-hydroxy acid, and works to plump, smooth and hydrate the skin. No wonder our judges couldn't get enough.

"I was blown away by just how much difference this made to my skin," said Eleanor Hartley, medical director at Hart Medical. "[I saw] impressively visible improvements in skin quality, texture, pores and visible lines after only a week of use. My skin was fresh and hydrated without feeling heavy; the cream turns into a watery gel and feels lightweight and invisible with no residue. The INCI list is seriously strong, with some major clinical evidence behind the individual ingredients and the formulation as a whole. It is glass skin in a jar."

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Best in Class: Makeup

There are so many makeup categories that choosing a Best in Class winner can be difficult. But this year, Chanel made it easy with its Les Beiges Serum Concealer. A true skincare/makeup hybrid packed with hyaluronic acid and white camellia extract, this serum-like formula becomes one with your complexion for radiant results.

"If, like me, you adore a no-makeup makeup look, then this is the concealer you absolutely must have on your radar," says Who What Wear UK beauty director Shannon Lawlor. "It leaves skin looking healthy and glowing, and delivers just enough lightweight coverage to make you look and feel alive. I never want to be without it."

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Best in Class: Hair

We all have different hair types, so finding a product everyone loves is no mean feat. However, I haven't met anyone who hasn't fallen in love with Hersheson's Almost Everything Cream. Designed for wet or dry hair, it can condition, define curls, boost shine, smooth and more.

"Ever since this product launched, I have refused to be without it," says Shannon. "It is the single most impressive multi-tasker around—whether I want a slicked-back look, air-dried coolness, glossy curls or lived-in texture, this cream does it all."

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Best in Class: Fragrance

Fragrance is subjective; what smells good to one person might not smell good to another. But if there's one thing our expert judges agreed on, it was that Parfums de Marly Athénaïs smells amazing. It's no surprise, really, with a blend of bergamot, orange flower, jasmine sambac, vanilla and amber.

"As a fan of Parfums de Marly and the iconic Valaya fragrance, I had high hopes for this," says Who What Wear UK beauty editor Eleanor Vousden. "It's a spring-like scent and conjures the very colour of the bottle. It's bright, juicy and citrusy with an ambery-floral trail."

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Best in Class: Nails

This year, we've noticed an increased demand for at-home nail products that deliver a professional finish, and when it comes to nail tools, you can't go wrong with Navy Professional. If you're going to invest in one thing from the brand, make it the Doris Curved Manicure Pusher.

"I know several manicurists who swear by Navy Professional, and this dual-ended tool makes tidying your cuticles effortless thanks to the curved edge that gently lifts away dead skin from the nail plate, making whatever nail colour you're using apply more seamlessly and last longer," says Vousden. "Most nail tools are an eyesore, but this is a beautiful thing to have in your manicure kit, and is a delight to use."

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Best in Class: Body

2026 was definitely the year body products got a glow-up. Shower gels, lotions, deodorants... our entire bodycare routines have been elevated. The product that stood out the most? Dove's Raspberry & Rose Whole Body Deodorant Spray. Designed to be used wherever you need it (not just underarms), it smells incredible and is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive.

"Not only does this smell great, but it also performs better than most other deodorants I've ever tried," says Lawlor. "I'm a naturally sweaty person, and this stuff has held my hand through one of the hottest summers on record."

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Innovation of the Year

Our Next in Beauty Awards champion innovation, and if there's one brand that blew our judges away in that arena, it's clinic-born Japanese brand Takami. More specifically, Takami's Daily Renewing Soft Peel.

"Exfoliation can be tricky for sensitive skin, but this gentle formulation means that anyone can use it," says Who What Wear UK beauty contributor Perdita Nouril. "I was super impressed with how it dialled up my skin’s brightness and worked to minimise the look of pores, all whilst keeping my skin barrier happy and hydrated."

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Breakout Brand

Speaking of exciting and innovative brands, our Breakout Brand award goes to Rocco.

Founded by broadcaster and creative director Laura Jackson, this brand is all about skincare that does good, but more importantly, feels good. Rooted in the connection between your skincare and your mood, Jackson has created a simple line of products which all feature Rocco's mood-boosting scent, FaceFeels. The aim? To make skincare fun again.

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Social Media Sensation

There's no denying the influence social media can have on trending beauty products, and this year, our Social Media Sensation award goes to Trinny London's Naked Ambition Azelaic Exosome + Vitamin C Serum. This innovative formula combines slow-release vitamin C with azelaic acid exosomes for glowing results.

"This product definitely helps brighten the skin, even skin tone and is an easy addition to your routine," says Who What Wear UK editor-in-chief, Jane McFarland. "I have been using various products from Trinny's range and thoroughly recommend this one."

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Industry Icon

Luke Hersheson has dedicated his career to redefining what great hair looks like. His distinctive vision and creativity have informed every Who What Wear UK trend report of the past decade, and from his work behind the chair to his influence on fashion, beauty and celebrity culture, his impact goes far beyond the salon. That being said, his impact on the salon world has also changed the game—introducing us to the concept of the super salon, he has created beauty utopias around London. He’s built a career on challenging conventions whilst making great hair feel accessible for all with his blowdry bars and lazy-girl-approved cuts, which is why he is a worthy winner of our Next in Beauty 2026 Industry Icon award.

Welcome to Who What Wear UK's Next in Beauty Awards 2026. Here, we are crowning and celebrating the very best in beauty, from game-changing industry innovators to the tried-and-tested classics that remain mainstays in our bathroom cabinets and makeup bags. To help us find the worthy winners, we called upon our esteemed panel of industry experts, hard-to-please editors and in-the-know influencers, who put each and every product to the test. We enlisted our judges to document and share their testing for every product they tried, so you can see all the winners in action—as well as those very important before-and-after results. After much testing and reviewing, the results are in. Join us in celebrating the best body and nail products of 2026.

Who What Wear UK Next in Beauty Awards 2026: Best in Nails & Body

Best Nail Tool

Achieving a professional-grade manicure requires the best tools, and none performs as well (or looks quite as chic) as Navy Professional's Doris Curved Manicure Tool.

"I know several manicurists who swear by Navy Professional, and this dual-ended tool makes tidying your cuticles effortless thanks to the curved edge that gently lifts away dead skin from the nail plate, so that whatever nail colour you're using applies more seamlessly and lasts longer", says Who What Wear UK beauty editor Eleanor Vousden. "Most nail tools can be an eyesore, but this is a beautiful tool to have in your manicure kit, and is a delight to use," she adds.

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Best Nail Polish Product

Achieving a long-lasting DIY manicure at home is almost unheard of, but the 14 Day Manicure The Complete Nail Gloss System impressed our judges with its hard-wearing formulas that remain chip-free for days on end.

"This set was really gorgeous to use. Not only is the packaging chic, but the polishes also feel high-quality and look really glossy on the nail," says Who What Wear UK deputy beauty editor Grace Lindsay.

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Best for Nail Health

Our judges have tried hundreds of nail-health products, but Sally Hansen's Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil Nail Treatment left their nails feeling notably stronger and longer in just a few weeks.

"My nails are prone to breakage and are also bendy and thin, and my cuticles have seen better days after cutting them," says Eleanor. "Since using this, I've seen a visible difference in my nail health. My nails are stronger, less bendy and less prone to snapping. My cuticles look much healthier and less dry, too," she says.

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Best Nail Enhancement

Whilst we'll always favour an in-salon manicure, for those doing their nails at home, this builder gel is a high performer to have in your manicure kit.

From sculpting nails and fixing breakages to encapsulating nail art, its uses are endless. Mylee's Super Pigment Builder Gel Nail Polish formula also comes in a range of wearable, neutral shades and provides the perfect manicure with just two coats.

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Best Bath/Shower Product

39BC has brought the historic ritual of bathing back into the modern day, and its Bath and Shower Oils are just as sensorial as they are beautiful in your bathroom.

"I wanted to try this as soon as it launched, and I was curious to see if the product lives up to the hype and beautiful packaging. It looks and feels like a treat; it really elevated my everyday shower," says senior branded content editor Felicia Pennant. "It's so indulgent, and I'm excited to try the other fragrances, as the Fig Milk is divine."

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Best Body Exfoliator

The Ameliorate Transforming Body Exfoliant is more than just a body exfoliator. From smoothing bumps on the backs of the arms to turning dry shins satiny soft, it's a game-changer for making your skin soft and silky.

Combining AHAs with bamboo granules, it works to slough away dead skin whilst the brand's LaH6 skin hydration complex and a cocktail of shea butter, coconut oil and cocoa butter leave your skin silky from top to toe. It's become a mainstay in our judges' bodycare routines.

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Best Body SPF

Finding a good body SPF can be tricky; however, Augustinus Bader's The Solar Shield impressed our judges so much.

Not only does it offer broad-spectrum sun protection in a luxuriously nourishing texture, but it also contains the signature TFC8 complex found in all of the brand's products, which delivers notable results with regular use. "I began regularly using this on my whole body as a moisturiser, and wow: my skin improved massively in just a few days," says Sharmadean.

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Best Body Tool

Stylpro's Red Light Full Body Panel impressed our judges for its ability to adapt to different areas of the body, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of LED all over.

"I think this LED device is great value for the price, especially considering that most LED masks cost upwards of £300 alone, and this panel can be used on the face and elsewhere on the body," says Eleanor. "The flexible material makes it easy to use on the chest, limbs or anywhere else you want to reap the benefits. I've loved adding this into my routine, and find the red light provides a great boost to my mood, which is a welcome bonus heading into the winter season."

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Best Hand Product

From the hydrating yet lightweight formula to the impossibly cute pebble packaging, this hand cream is a must for any handbag or desk. It leaves hands moisturised and soft without feeling sticky, and has an uplifting scent that boosts your mood every time you reach for it. "This little pocket-friendly hand cream is so useful, and it leaves my hands feeling softer," says junior branded content editor Humaa Hussain. It's the perfect hand cream to keep in your bag," she says.

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Best Gradual Tanner

Gatineau's Golden Glow Gradual Tan Cream already has a loyal following amongst the Who What Wear UK team, and it impressed our judging panel with its easy-to-use formula that leaves a natural-looking glow without a hint of streaking or patchiness.

"I now understand why people rave about this product: it's easy to apply, smells lovely, isn't sticky and gives a beautiful, even glow that builds into a radiant tan with no streaks or patchiness in sight," says Who What Wear UK copy editor Georgia Seago. "I'd buy it again because it's so good," she says.

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Best Body Tanner

Good self-tanners can be hard to come by. Few deliver express results, an even tan and a long-lasting finish, but St. Tropez's iconic formula ticks all the boxes and more, maintaining its status as one of the very best tanning formulas around. "This is the most efficacious at-home tan formula around," says Who What Wear UK beauty director Shannon Lawlor. "The whipped mousse texture makes application foolproof; the fragrance is incredible and the tan itself is a 10/10," she adds.

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Best Deodorant

A good deodorant is arguably the hardest-working product in any bodycare routine, and Dove's Whole Body Deodorant Spray has become our judges' most trusted choice to keep them feeling fresh throughout the day.

"Not only does this smell great, but it also performs better than most other deodorants I've ever tried," says Shannon. "I'm a naturally sweaty person, and this stuff has held my hand through one of the hottest summers on record," she says.

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Best Body Hydration

This may be our beauty team's favourite body lotion of the entire year, and our judges rated it for its intensely hydrating formula that sinks in quickly.

"I'm obsessed with the serum-like texture of this body lotion, which feels soothing and hydrating on the skin, whilst sinking in within 20 seconds," says Eleanor. "I love how it leaves my skin with a healthy glow, and it has encouraged me to moisturise the skin on my body more regularly because it's such a joy to use," she says.

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Best Supplement

There are hundreds upon hundreds of supplements on the market, but We Are. Regular.'s 01. Bowel + Bloat Relief made us sit up and take notice thanks to its gut-health benefits.

It is formulated to help support bowel regularity, which in turn can help to support the skin from the inside out. "Destigmatising constipation is important, and this product does it very well," says consultant dermatologist Dr Mary Sommerlad. "Magnesium citrate and vitamin C are well-known gentle laxatives, so they offer an alternative to more aggressive osmotic laxatives."

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To refer to a French manicure as a nail trend is, quite frankly, ridiculous. It’s possibly the most classic nail look of all time, and one of those manicures that never goes out of style. The timeless combination of crisp white tips with a nude base is returned to time and time again by nail artists, but as we head into autumn, we’ve spotted that many are switching out those iconic white tips for something more seasonal. Enter: the black French manicure.

Providing the same understated look that makes the original manicure so enduring, the darker tips of the black French mani simply give the whole look a little more edge. "Black tips work particularly well for autumn because they complement darker clothing, leather, tailoring and all those richer seasonal textures," explains award-winning nail artist Max Estrada. "You still have the sophistication of a classic French manicure, but the black gives it a little more drama and attitude." Plus, the darker colour palette feels particularly fitting for autumn when deep burgundies, chocolate browns and moodier hues tend to dominate both manicures and pedicures.

Even better, the versatility of the original French manicure remains. An ultra-fine black tip will appeal to minimalists, whilst a thicker or more graphic tip is perfect for those who prefer a more experimental manicure. Plus, you can play around with the base colour, from milky nudes to tonal shades, depending on how classic or modern you want your final black French manicure to be.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up all the inspiration you need to embrace darker tips, and the best products to create your own black French manicure at home.

11 Black French-Manicure Ideas

Square nails have been the chicest shape of 2026 and they look so chic teamed with these perfectly precise black tips.

We're going dotty for this playful set, which nods to autumn's animal-print nail trend without going full throttle.

Mix-and-match manicures always look cool, as this classic black French manicure and colour-block set proves.

This re-creation of Sabrina Carpenter's film-strip-inspired manicure for this year's Met Gala is seriously glam.

Who knew that switching the direction of the nail tip from horizontal to diagonal could create such impact?

Embellished nails were bookmarked as one of 2026's biggest nail art trends, so I love the way that this set combines pearl detailing with glossy black French tips. Seriously chic.

You'd need a seriously steady hand to nail these ultra-fine tips, but we're big fans of this minimalist style.

There's something about this abstract black nail design that feels made for spooky season. I've got it bookmarked as a genuinely stylish option for this year's Halloween mani.

Move over, polka dots: studded nails are an edgy alternative for autumn.

Turning the classic French manicure entirely on its head, this set teams glossy black tips with a matte charcoal base for a really striking result.

Sometimes simple is best, and these almond-shaped black tips are so wearable.

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Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts, including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

A classic French manicure remains timeless year-round, but I love a seasonal twist on a classic nail trend. And as we head into autumn, I'm seeing a far more colourful spin on the neutral French mani for the dreary, cooler months.

Colour-block French manicures have been emerging over the summer in bright colourways, but now I've begun to spot contrasting French tips in suitably autumnal combinations. Think burgundy with a baby blue tip, or mocha brown punctuated with a sliver of chartreuse. If Mark Rothko did manicures, then this is exactly how I'd envision them.

Colour-Block French-Manicure Ideas

The options are endless with this contrasting trend. Opt for two clashing colours, or go with a whole palette of colour-blocking with different shade combinations on each nail. I adore this trio of burgundy, baby blue and yellow.

This trend is perfect to pair with other nail art too, such as this stunning cat-eye finish and nail gems. I especially love the two-tone contrast of two similar shades.

I'll be trying this deep merlot and baby blue combo, which I can't get enough of and looks particularly good on short nails.

If you're in the mood for brights, then you'll want to save this contrasting French manicure, which also features a reverse French tip at the base of the nail for even more colour-blocking possibilities.

Shop Colour Pairings:

Dark Red + Baby Blue

Chartreuse + Mocha

Vanilla Cream + Dusty Blue

Some manicures are great because of their precision—the smoothly clipped cuticles of a Russian manicure, the seamless gloss of a Japanese gel job. While the advanced techniques behind these high-end manicures make them worth ogling at, nail art is, admittedly, what gives a look the most personality. The only problem is that those intricate sets—the mismatched ones with different designs on each nail that celebrities and tastemakers can't get enough of—can steal a sizable amount of your time and money. Luckily, I've found a loophole that requires no skill with a brush, involves zero drying time, and costs less than $20.

I have been practicing nail art for more than 10 years, so you can imagine my relief after trying a set of nail art stickers. Instead of hunching over my hands with a detail brush for two hours straight, the finest lines and most intricate shapes could be pressed onto my nails with an applicator—adding extra intrigue to colorful polish or an editorial edge to bare tips. The best part? This painstaking process no longer consumes a chunk of my day, nor could it go awry with a small smudge. My friends have always complimented the artsy nails I like to sport, but they love them even more now that they can achieve the same looks at home for less than a Sweetgreen salad. Below, see the best nail art stickers to add to your collection, whether you're a novice or seasoned pro.

The Best Nail Art Stickers of 2026, at a Glance

• Best Overall: Deco Beauty '90s Baby Nail Art Stickers
• Best Budget: Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Accents
• Best Mini: Inked by Dani Rebel Nail Art Temporary Tattoo Pack
• Best Rhinestones: Manucurist Rhinestone Nail Art Sheet
• Best Metallic: Olive and June Foil Accent Pack

Best Overall: Deco Beauty '90s Baby Nail Art Stickers

Best Budget: Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Accents

Best Mini: Inked by Dani Rebel Nail Art Temporary Tattoo Pack

Best Rhinestones: Manucurist Rhinestone Nail Art Sheet

Best Metallic: Olive and June Foil Accent Pack

What to Look for in Nail Art Stickers

• Design: One of the most important qualities to keep in mind when searching for the best nail art stickers is your personal design preferences. Brands like Deco Beauty offer the most variety in their sticker sheets and range among their line of decals, providing everything from dainty florals to edgy designs for reasonable prices.
• Size: Nail stickers can range greatly in size, from mini decals like the Inked by Dani Rebel Nail Art Temporary Tattoos to rhinestone variety packs. Whether you prefer dainty nail art accents or looks that pack more of a punch, you'll find your ideal assortment from the list above.
• Quantity: The quantity of stickers in a pack is another important characteristic to keep in mind while shopping for your perfect pick. Some options, like the Manucurist Rhinestone Nail Art Sheet, come with as many as 600 individual stones, whereas others, like the Olive and June Foil Accent Pack, come with under 50. Depending on the frequency of your looks or the intricacy of them, it may be more advantageous to nab a sheet with more options than not, but if you are simply experimenting with this look, it may be a better idea for you to grab a sheet with fewer stickers to prevent waste.

How do I apply nail art stickers?

Whether you want to adorn a freshly painted set or naked nails with stickers, there are a few preparatory steps you should take before slapping these decals onto your tips.

• Gel: Paint one to two smooth layers of your color of choice, curing each layer under a UV lamp. Once the color is cured, paint a clear topcoat over the nails. If using regular stickers, wait for the topcoat to be fully cured (read: dry) before picking up a sticker with tweezers and pressing it carefully onto the nail, smoothing out any accidental ridges. If applying rhinestones, follow the instructions above until the topcoat. Once your base color is cured, apply a layer of clear topcoat, but before curing it under the lamp, apply the gem(s) to the wet polish with tweezers and then cure the nails. To seal everything in, apply another layer of topcoat over the rhinestones to lock the look in.
• Regular polish: When applying stickers to regular nail polish, it's imperative to wait for your color and topcoat to fully dry before sticking any decals onto the surface, or else you risk smudging the paint job underneath. Once dry, peel a sticker off the sheet and carefully press it onto the nail, ensuring the edges are smooth so the decals won't lift prematurely. If using rhinestones, apply topcoat in small dots where you want to add your stones to give the gem something to adhere to. At this stage, you can seal in both the gems and stickers with a final layer of topcoat.

What's the difference between nail art stickers and wraps?

While nail art stickers and wraps are both easy ways to achieve creative manicures at home, they serve entirely different purposes. Nail art stickers are designed to be applied in sections on the nails and can be secured with their self-adhesive backings or a strong topcoat. Nail wraps, on the other hand, are adhesive strips made to fit the shape of a nail bed. These polish strips are activated and hardened by the heat from UV lamps, offering an art-forward look in minutes—arguably a faster yet more mistake-prone manicure shortcut than nail art stickers.

How We Chose the Best Nail Art Stickers

Who What Wear beauty editors found the best nail art stickers on the market by researching, testing, and cross-referencing several sticker and gemstone sheets from both prominent and niche nail brands. They evaluated each option for durability, design offerings, and quality across natural nails, press-ons, and gel extensions before selecting the five top winners above.

Why Trust Who What Wear

At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

Summer nail trends have served their time. Gone are the days of sheer pink shades and milky-white manicures, and in their place is a myriad of autumn nail trends, including a large number of sophisticated dark nail shades. In my opinion, nothing looks chicer at this time of year than a deep, dark, glossy manicure. Of course, you've got classic shades like black, navy and burgundy. But what other dark nail colours will be trending this autumn? Well, that's where I come in.

As a beauty editor who writes about nail trends daily, I know how to spot a sought-after shade, and this season, I've spotted celebrities, fashion insiders and nail experts sporting some of the most stylish dark nail colours out there. I also reached out to a range of nail artists at one of my favourite salons, So Shell, who confirmed these colours are about to be huge. Below, I've created the ultimate edit of this autumn's most popular hues, from timeless choices to new favourites. Trust me: you'll want to see them all.

6 Dark Nail Colours for Autumn 2026

1. Chocolate Gloss

Chocolate brown comes back into style every single autumn, and when I spotted Hailey Bieber sporting a glossy chocolate hue on her nails this month, I knew it was time for the nail colour trend to make its return for 2026. Nail artists at So Shell agree, citing milky chocolate and mocha brown as two popular shades this season.

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2. Autumnal Aubergine

Aubergine is making waves in the fashion and beauty industries this season. I love this rich purple hue; it's fun yet classic. Plus, it's a stylish take on the usual burgundy shades we see this time of year.

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3. Classic Navy

I know this nail trend is nothing new, but as a beauty editor, I come back to it every year, so it would be wrong of me not to include it in this roundup. It's always a popular autumn choice for people who want something a bit softer than black.

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4. Merlot Manicure

Deep red and burgundy hues always come into their own in autumn, but this merlot shade has been doing the rounds on social media. Smooth, rich and sophisticated, this manicure would look perfect with a matching glass of red in hand in a cosy winter pub.

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5. Olive Green

I usually shy away from colour, but olive green is my new favourite hue. Every fashion insider is reaching for this shade at the moment, and I happen to think it makes for a pretty chic manicure. So Shell tells me that whilst it's a less common choice, it's proving popular this season.

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6. Polished Onyx

You didn't think I'd do this roundup and not include a classic black hue, did you? "Polished onyx" is the sleek, glossy way to wear black nail polish this season, with a high-shine top coat for ultimate impact.

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At this time of year, I often expect the same neutral nail colours to come into fashion. Chocolate brown, black, milky white... they all look sophisticated in the colder seasons. However, yesterday I was scrolling through my Instagram feed, and I came across what can only be described as the most expensive-looking neutral nail shade for October and beyond.

Spotted on expert nail artist Mateja Novakovic, this nail colour sits somewhere between grey and beige, with a warm, pearly undertone that looks so elegant. The nail polish in question? Tweed by Manucurist.

Manucurist Tweed Nail Polish

Sorry, but how chic is this colour? I wouldn't normally gravitate toward these tones this time of year (I'm more of a burgundy nail gal myself), but imagine this nail polish paired with neutral knits this winter.

As you can probably see, the polish has a very slight shimmer that makes your natural nails look plump and healthy, too.

I already know this colour will be spotted on the most stylish hands this season, so I plan on adding the Manucurist polish to my basket ASAP.

Whether you like normal nail polish or a gel manicure, the brand offers both options in this sophisticated shade. I'm taking a little break from gel nails, so I plan to treat myself to the regular polish, which offers long-lasting wear and a high-shine finish. If you're already a neutral nail lover or you're simply looking for a new autumn manicure colour to switch things up this season, I think Tweed is the answer...

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Even though thousands of nail polishes launch every year, only a select few shades seem destined for mass popularity and true timelessness. These are the polishes that are unanimously loved by celebrities, professional nail artists, mainstream consumers, and even royalty—shades that become household names, are instantly recognizable, and are perpetually requested at the salon.

Over the last 20 years, a handful of notably influential nail polishes have retained (or even increased) their fame and fandom, but three hyper-specific formulas stand out in particular: Chanel Rouge Noir (formerly known in the U.S. as Vamp), Essie Ballet Slippers, and OPI Lincoln Park After Dark. Decades later, we’re diving into the history and lore behind each of them.

Rouge Noir—Chanel’s iconic blood-red hue—debuted in March of 1994 at the brand’s fall/winter 1994 fashion show in Paris. Karl Lagerfeld’s youthful collection was boundary-pushing and legendary, highlighting faux fur–trimmed tweed, iconic teddy bear backpacks, and bedazzled accessories (like cell phone cases) that would eventually inspire the wardrobes of Cher Horowitz, Dionne Davenport, and Tai Frasier in the 1995 mega hit Clueless. The models’ rich garnet nails also drew attention. Just two days before the show in Paris, Heidi Morawetz and Dominique Moncourtois (the director and international director of Chanel’s makeup creation studio) joined forces to cook up an at-home mix of red and black pigments until they landed on the perfect shade. According to Interview’s 2011 discussion with Morawetz, mixing their own polish shades wasn’t uncommon, but in this particular case, she was inspired by the glossy black finish of eyes and nails when looking at old black-and-white photos. Thus, a noir-inspired shade of crimson was born, and neither Morawetz nor Moncourtois had any inkling of the absolute pandemonium the color would create among the show’s editorial attendees.

Before the end of 1994, the color had been commercialized under the name Vamp in the United States and could be bought by the bottle, albeit with a practically constant sellout risk. Madonna wore the shade in her late-1994 “Take a Bow” music video, which led to nationwide shortages and mass-retail waiting lists by 1995. Rouge Noir was the global name for the polish, and in 2015, it became the one and only shade title as the previous moniker, Vamp, was retired when Chanel reformulated Le Vernis. To this day, Rouge Noir remains one of Chanel’s best-selling nail shades and has inspired other products from the designer, including 1995’s matching Rouge Noir Lipstick (famously beloved by Drew Barrymore) and additional nail polish shades like Metallic Vamp, a silvery purple, and Very Vamp, a luxurious brown, both of which were discontinued in 1997. In 2015, Chanel even celebrated the shade’s 20th anniversary with its very own Vamp Attitude Holiday Collection.

Additional Rouge Noir lore includes a hotly debated myth regarding the nail polish’s presence in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film Pulp Fiction, which featured Uma Thurman as crime-boss wife Mia Wallace. Pop culture fable will say that Thurman’s dark red manicure came courtesy of Vamp, but the movie’s production timeline seems to disprove that belief since filming took place in the fall of 1993, months before the shade hit the runway in March of 1994. But the polish’s pop culture punch doesn’t stop there. Nicole Kidman sported the shade in 1994 on the red carpet for the Interview With the Vampire premiere, and in 1995, actress Demi Moore reportedly bought a floor tester bottle straight from a display at Barneys in Beverly Hills due to national shortages. Even though Rouge Noir wasn’t the first deep red to hit the mainstream polish market (Essie’s best-selling shade Wicked launched around the same time, and dark red hues date all the way back to the 1930s), Chanel’s polish felt fresh, edgy, and chic, ultimately becoming one of the defining nail colors of the 1990s and beyond.

If someone asked you to name a pale-pink nail polish on the spot, more likely than not, Essie’s Ballet Slippers would immediately come to mind. Despite the fact that it’s 44 years old, its mass popularity has retained supremacy. According to Essie HQ, Ballet Slippers remains the brand’s top-selling shade with one bottle sold every two minutes. The “your nails but better” shade of pink made its debut in 1982, just one year after Essie Weingarten launched her eponymous polish line, and the rest is history. As the story goes, when Weingarten was growing up, her mom would take her to the local salon to get her nails done if she had done well in her ballet class. The creation of the shade is a nod to that tradition and the delicately luminous pale pink of classic ballet slippers. Of course, there have been plenty of pop culture moments since the early ’80s that have contributed to the color’s mega popularity. Perhaps most notably, the shade is a known favorite of the British royal family. In 1989, Queen Elizabeth II’s hairdresser sent Essie a letter requesting the shade, stating that it was the only color Her Majesty would wear on her nails. Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is also rumored to favor the shade. Then, of course, there are the cameos Ballet Slippers has made in popular novels like The Devil Wears Prada in 2003 (yes, the blockbuster was a best-selling book before it became a quintessential movie of the Y2K era) and Don’t You Forget About Me, the 11th installment of the iconic Gossip Girl series, in 2007. Naturally, it was the shade Blair Waldorf used to paint Serena van der Woodsen’s nails while growing up on the Upper East Side of New York City.

Plenty of Hollywood’s elite have also worn the shade, including Emma Stone for the 2018 Academy Awards and Met Gala, Lady Gaga during her award-season spree for A Star Is Born in 2018 and 2019, and even Barbra Streisand, who is reportedly a huge fan of the pale-pink classic.

In the fall of 2005, OPI debuted its now-iconic Chicago Collection. Upon its release, the public immediately swarmed for collector-worthy shades like Got the Blues for Red and Chicago Champagne Toast, but there was another (even bigger) future hit in the mix: Lincoln Park After Dark, perhaps one of the most influential nail polishes in history and a shade that the brand credits with actually rewiring the definition of “mainstream” when it came to nail color. Lincoln Park After Dark wasn’t a traditional play on the pinks and reds consumers had historically gravitated toward. Instead, it represented a moody nod to goth counterculture. It quickly soared to superstardom and has maintained its popularity and demand to this day. As for its inspiration, Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood is known for being mysterious (and some say spooky) at night, which made it the perfect locale to inspire the brand’s now classically enigmatic shade. According to OPI cofounder Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Lincoln Park After Dark (LPAD for short) was a game changer that extended past OPI as a brand and disrupted the global polish industry in its entirety. Post-launch, dark nail colors and trends catapulted, and shoppers around the world were snapping up LPAD at four times the rate of other OPI colors. Lori Pantel, chief marketing officer at Wella North America, shares that LPAD is a top 10 OPI shade all year round, with sales noticeably spiking once fall hits. Another fun fact? A bottle of the shade is sold nearly every minute and a half around the world. At the time of its launch, black was becoming a go-to neutral in the fashion world, and Lincoln Park After Dark offered people a version of the trend that they could wear as an accessory on their nails. The signature blend of black and aubergine looks almost black but has a tad more warmth that complements every skin tone. The color delivers the quintessential drama and edginess of a gothic black manicure with a touch of refined softness that initially made it feel completely novel. According to the brand, Lincoln Park After Dark gave people a new way to wear dark color, and what began as a daring departure from traditional nail color went on to become one of OPI’s most iconic, enduring fan favorites.

In addition to the shade’s colossal consumer fan base, it’s also beloved by many celebrities. Directly following its launch, reality star Lauren Conrad frequently wore LPAD throughout filming for The Hills, and Kylie Jenner has publicly touted it as her go-to shade of dark polish. Sandra Bullock has been known to wear the color on the red carpet, and musician Lizzo is another confirmed fan. (The internet also loves to speculate regarding potential, yet unconfirmed, Taylor Swift LPAD sightings.) Thanks to the color’s strong associations with fall, the OPI community has even founded an unofficial holiday to honor the shade on September 1. According to the brand, Lincoln Park After Dark Day has become a highly anticipated ritual that fans look forward to and inherently signals the return of rich colors, cozy routines, and overall excitement for a fresh summer-to-fall transition.

ICYMI, Dove Cameron's glorious destination wedding happened, and we can't stop thinking about it. On September 24, Cameron married her partner of three years, Italian musician Damiano David, in his home country of Italy. If there's ever anyone we can count on for unconventionally chic inspo, it's Cameron, and her wedding attire totally fit this bill. Throughout the weekend, Cameron served look after look and was spotted in everything from an oversize pantsuit to a dramatic bell-sleeved dress. She somehow managed to keep everything elegant and true to the nuptially appropriate white theme while still doing something a little more unique.

Keeping with the tone, this extended to her nail looks. Of course, she had several. For the ceremony, she went for a good soap nail vibe, but the after-party was a different story. She opted for a far less conventional bridal nail look, and I've never screenshotted something for my own wedding inspo so fast. Luckily for us, Cameron's nail artist was kind enough to pass along all the details about both of her stunning wedding nail looks. To see close-up pics to save, learn how she did it, and shop the exact polishes she used, keep scrolling.

The Wedding Nail Look

Cameron's nail artist, Mel Shengaris, created both her ceremony nail look and after-party look. Honestly, there's so much to love about both. I'm not even mad that Cameron decided to go with a simpler design initially. She had a good reason! According to Shengaris, Cameron wanted to keep her nails natural and delicate (an almost clear, soapy look) to complement her dreamy Valentino gown. For just a touch of something more, she added tiny pearl accents on each nail right against the cuticle.

Shengaris created this simple, complementary look using Aprés products. FYI, those are actually Cameron's natural nails. Shengaris said she'd grown them long while she was in Italy leading up to the wedding weekend, but they decided to cut them down a bit and shape them into a soft almond shape. For the base, Shengaris used the Aprés Base Gelcoat ($13), and then she applied one thin coat of Light & Shadow Sheer Gel Couleur ($15) in Breathless and Builder Top Gelcoat ($15) to give her natural nails some extra strength.

Before curing the topcoat, Shengaris added the pearls on each nail just to give the look a little something extra. Shengaris even used the Aprés Light & Shadow Soft Gel Builder ($15) in Blush on her toes to give them a hint of sheer nude color and then topped it with Light & Shadow in Breathless.

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The After-Party Nail Look

This look is where things got interesting. For the after-party, Cameron wore these unique press-on nails. I'm obsessed with the marble finish and chain accents. They definitely are bridal while also turning the notion of traditional nails on its head. Shengaris shared that she made the press-ons ahead of time in L.A. and flew them over so she could make a quick change for Cameron during the festivities. Cameron wore them over her gel wedding nails with sticky tabs so they could be easily removed at the end of the night and her original manicure would remain perfectly intact.

To create this look, Shengaris used almond-shaped Gel-X tips and painted on a coat of Astral Gel Couleur ($13) in Celestial. Before curing the second coat, Shengaris used a dotting tool to swirl the uncured gel into a delicate, twisted marble design. This shade is perfectly named with its pearly silver notes. Shengaris said it caught the light beautifully and worked perfectly for a unique bridal manicure. The chains also add something really fun to the look while bringing attention to her gorgeous ring.

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I'm not sure about you, but personally, I find there’s something particularly appealing about dark purple at this time of year. As summer starts to fade and my autumn wardrobe comes into focus, I find myself drawn to shades that feel richer and more considered, without going all the way into the dark, dramatic palette of winter, and the same can be said for my nail colour.

Don't get me wrong, I love a glossy brown manicure, but I'm not quite ready for them just yet. Dark purple is therefore my happy place. Plus, the beauty of purple is that there’s plenty of scope to make it feel wearable, from muted mauve to glossy plum, aubergine and rich grape tones.

It also works beautifully with the colours that tend to dominate our fashion trends in early autumn, such as camel, grey and cream, making it an easy shade to carry through the transitional weeks. Ultimately, whether you prefer minimalist nail art or an all-over statement shade, it’s a colour that can be as understated or as bold as you like. Below, I've rounded up 13 dark-purple nail designs to bookmark now.

13 Dark-Purple Nail Designs to Try Now

1. Mystic Winter Purple

This high-shine rich purple is a colourful antidote to the neutral manicures that crop up this time of year.

2. Grape Micro-French

These grape micro-French tips are a chic and subtle nod to the purple trend.

3. Plum Croc Print

For something much bolder, opt for this deep-plum croc-print mani.

4. Blackcurrant Ombré

Ombré gets a glamorous update with a dusting of glitter, creating a deep, moody manicure that catches the light beautifully.

5. Lightning-Bolt Purple

These mystical purple lightning-bolt nails bring a playful, high-voltage twist to the autumn manicure.

6. Plum Jam

This rich, juicy shade feels cosy and chic without veering into the usual brown and burgundy territory.

7. Polka Dots on Heather

A soft heather base gets a playful update with delicate polka dots, proving that autumn nails can be pretty and playful without feeling overly sweet.

8. Deep Aubergine

Deep aubergine is a perennial autumn favourite, offering an almost-black take on purple that feels super chic.

9. Negative-Space Lilac

This muted lilac makes a case for a negative-space mani.

10. Chrome Mulberry Dip

This dipped-effect mani has a cool, liquid-metal finish that feels anything but predictable.

11. Plum Floral Accents

A mix of deep-purple and blue floral accents on a creamy neutral base keeps this manicure feeling fresh.

12. Magenta Curved French Tips

Classic and timeless.

13. Boysenberry

I'm simply obsessed with this shade.

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Anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm very much a nail trend minimalist, tending to stick to nudes, pinks and, of course, my beloved French manicure. However, there's just something about the chillier weather that always makes me want to get something slightly more interesting on my hands. Nothing too crazy, of course, rather a design that will earn me compliments without feeling too out of my comfort zone.

And whether I'm scrolling my TikTok FYP, Instagram feed or Pinterest boards, it seems like the most stylish people cannot get enough of velvet nails at the moment.

They're stylish, versatile and strike the perfect balance between elevated and classic. And if the cat-eye craze that inspired velvet nails and is still going strong 10 years later is anything to go by, it’s clear that it's going to be way more than just a fleeting microtrend.

What Are Velvet Nails?

Much like the very popular cat-eye nails, velvet nails are created by applying a gel nail polish with magnetic pigments to the nails, which can then be "shaped" into various designs with a special magnet. The difference lies in the fact that whilst traditional cat-eye nails feature a single, sharply focused bright line of light (resembling a cat's eye), velvet nails feature more evenly dispersed magnetic particles, which create a sparkly, multidimensional sheen.

This makes for a fuzzy but glowy-looking velvety texture on your nails, almost like your favourite party-season dresses, bags and trousers, hence the name. And I think that we can all agree that whilst these nails will look chic at any time of the year, they'll really come into their own as party season approaches. But the best part? Between gorgeously deep neutral tones and bright, playful pops of colour, there’s a velvet nail style to suit everyone.

Keep scrolling to see my edit of the best velvet nail manicures to save for your next salon visit.

Velvet Nail Inspiration

1. Espresso Velvet Nails

This might just be my first manicure of the upcoming season.

2. Nude Velvet Nails

This nude velvet set is perfect for minimalists who want to try out the trend.

3. Deep Teal Velvet Nails

What a gorgeous colour!

4. Gold Velvet Nails

Did someone say "party season"?

5. Silver Velvet Nails

There's something about this silver velvet mani that feels equally as classic as it does fresh.

6. Royal Purple Velvet Nails

Proof that the velvet trend works just as well on shorter nails.

7. Red Velvet Nails

Imagine these with an all-black outfit.

8. Black Velvet Nails

So dreamy.

9. Sage Green Velvet Nails

This sage green hue will feel just as pared-back as any neutral.

10. Burgundy Velvet Nails

Burgundy is synonymous with the colder months.

11. Aubergine Velvet Nails

No notes from me.

12. Deep-Blue Velvet Nails

This ombré blue effect is so mesmerising to me.

13. Turquoise Velvet Nails

Turquoise nails are having a moment.

14. Charcoal Velvet Nails

Elegant and elevated in equal measure.

15. Pink and Green Velvet Nails

For those who prefer a slightly bolder manicure, why not opt for this two-tone velvet design?

The Best Products for Velvet Nails

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

I’m the first to admit that my feet are always the first thing to fall off my radar once autumn arrives. At pretty much the first hint of a chill in the air, I’m happily packing away my sandals in favour of cosy socks and boots. In fact, I pretty much instantly forget that I even have toes. My pedicure routine essentially hibernates until spring, when I rediscover my feet in a mild panic and am faced with the reality of several months of neglect.

This year, though, I’m trying to break the cycle. For starters, autumn 2026 is delivering some seriously tempering pedicure trends. Rich chocolate browns, deep reds and shiny black shades all suddenly feel a lot more chic and interesting than summer’s bright polishes. And there’s something particularly satisfying about a dark, glossy pedicure peeking out from a pair of loafers, even if I’m the only person who knows it’s there.

And perhaps that’s the bigger beauty lesson here: just because our feet might be spending a lot of the next few months hidden under socks and boots doesn’t mean they should be completely forgotten. Autumn is actually the perfect time to give your feet a little attention—and it means that you’re not starting from scratch when sandal season returns.

How to Prep for an Autumn Pedicure

Autumn and winter can be surprisingly hard on feet, so keeping them in good condition now makes sense, rather than waiting until the first sunny weekend of the year to wonder why they’re suddenly dry, rough and in desperate need of attention.

“I always say your pedicure routine shouldn’t stop just because sandal season is over. If anything, autumn is when you need to be more on top of your toenail maintenance, because we’re going back into closed-toe shoes and boots,” explains celebrity nail artist Milly Mason. “Make sure your shoes fit properly and, most importantly, keep your toenails short. If toenails are left too long and your shoes are too tight, the repeated pressure of them hitting the inside of closed-toe shoes can cause trauma to both the nail and the toe.”

As for caring for your feet themselves, Mason recommends using a foot mask every single night along with a cuticle oil. “Consistency is key, and applying these nightly really helps to keep the feet soft and hydrated as we move into the colder months,” she explains.

How to Wear Pedicures in Autumn

Taking a maintenance-first approach to pedicures in autumn doesn’t mean that there isn’t room to have a little fun with them too. “I always encourage my clients not to neglect their pedicures just because their feet might be hidden away,” says Mason. Autumn naturally provides a moodier, more expensive-looking colour palette, and Mason tends to use a lot of rich, glossy colours during the season. “A deep chocolate brown, classic black or a beautiful dark red always looks incredibly chic on toes,” she explains. “I think we’ll also see lots of rich, earthy shades this autumn, particularly olives, moss greens and burgundies.”

If you’re not that fussed on colour, then Mason also points to “bare pedicures”, which focus purely on the condition of the feet and nails and thinks that Japanese pedicures will be popular too. “It’s such a chic alternative to colour,” she explains. “Like the Japanese manicure, the natural nail is carefully buffed to create a beautiful high-gloss shine without any polish, leaving the toenails looking smooth, seamless and healthy.”

Autumnal Pedicure Inspiration for 2026

Brown manicures are going to be huge for autumn 2026, so it makes sense that the colour will dominate our pedicure choices too. This deep, dark, chocolate shade is utterly delicious.

I'll be switching my usual bright red pedicure for this sultrier deep wine shade for autumn.

Struggling to commit to a pedicure colour? A French pedicure makes for a classic choice year-round and always looks stylish.

As soon as the seasons shift, an opaque black pedicure with a high-shine top coat makes for the chicest option for toes.

Mason mentioned shades of green coming through as a more unusual pedicure choice for autumn, and this shimmering jade pedicure has me totally convinced.

This combination of glowy skin, expertly-groomed toenails and a beautifully sheeny finish makes for the perfect low-maintenance pedicure.

Toffees, caramels and creamy coffee hues have been growing in popularity since spring, and make the perfect transitional pedicure colour too.

Burgundy nails for autumn isn't exactly groundbreaking, but why does it need to be when it always looks this good?

Mason coins this the "naked pedi" with a focus on really healthy skin and smooth, buffed toenails. It's simply perfect.

The Best Products for Autumnal Pedicures

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts, including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.