Whether rainbows or rose quartz, this year has kept us busy on the nail trend front, but one thing that remains constant is the need for a classic, neutral manicure. Rather than a traditional barely-there pink, the latest shade taking over our feed is '90s-inspired brown. From cool toned cappuccino hues through to deep mahogany, the shade set to be big this winter is a seasonally appropriate hot cocoa kind of brown.
Searches for deep brown shades are up with brown nail inspo everywhere from brown tips to seventies swirls, proving that a touch of dark, winter ready colour is still a firm favourite in salons for the colder months. If you needed anymore proof, Hailey Bieber is the latest celeb to share the hot chocolate manicure on social media, affirming it's A-list endorsement, making this hug in a bottle the new-season nude you’ll long to wear time and time again.
Neutrals were huge on the catwalk this season from Dior's clear nails to peachy clean at Erdem, and for those would usually choose a darker aubergine or black polish, a chocolate brown is a softer option that works against all skin tones (and with almost anything in your wardrobe).
How To Get The Hot Cocoa Manicure At Home
To recreate the look at home, all you need are a solid topcoat and a dark brown polish with a glossy finish.
- Start by prepping nails as normal. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle stick and trim away any dead bits with cuticle clippers like the Mylee Cuticle Nippers, £14. Buff the nail and use a wipe to remove any dust or oil on the nail plate.
- Shape your nails using a glass nail file, these tend to be gentler on your nails than emery boards. Mimic Hailey's look and go for an oval-shaped tip.
- Apply a layer of base coat to prevent staining and to help give the colour a base to grip to. Nails INC. Back to Life Recovery Treatment and Base Coat, £15, contains conditioning, nail-strengthening oils to nourish damaged nails, particularly those transitioning between gel manicures.
- For the deepest, rich colour, apply two coats of the brown polish, and finish with a clear top coat for the glossiest, hot cocoa finish.
SHOP: The Best Deep Brown Nail Varnish On The Market
SHOP: The Best Deep Brown Nail Varnish
1 of 7Nailberry, Hot Coco, £15
2 of 7Mylee, Wellie Boots Gel Polish, £7.50
3 of 7Essie, 49 Wicked Nail Polish, £7.99
4 of 7Rimmel, 60 Seconds Rita Shades of Black Nail Polish, £3.49
5 of 7Hermes, Les Mains Hermès Nail Polish, £42 at Selfridges
6 of 7Nails. inc, Caught In The Nude Nail Polish in Copacabana Beach, £8
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