This pretty, earth-tone purple takes inspiration from creamy clay and evokes a sense of calm. This can be a tricky color to nail (pun intended). Some mauves lack a luster that can make them rather drab, while others are a little too pigmented, making them a basic purple. But Manucurist Nail Polish in Rose Mountbatten gets the shade just right, with a mixture of pink and brown undertones. We also love Dior Vernis Nail Polish in Dansante, a lush mauve with pink undertones.
Merlot
Annie Blay
“I love a dark nail year-round, but this one is especially important this fall,” says Jay Arnold, co-founder of CND. The cherry cola color trend dominated last fall and winter, but as we look toward this coming fall, we anticipate merlot nails taking over. Like cherry cola, merlot has a dark red base but replaces the plum undertones of the soda-inspired color with brown ones. “This shade is dark and mysterious, yet exudes energy and richness,” says Arnold.
Our favorite merlot shades include Addiction Tokyo Beauty Bloody Merlot (for its vibrant color and fast-drying formula) and Sienna Sacred (for the luxe, creamy finish). If you’re strapped for time, reach for press-ons like Olive & June Glue Press-Ons in Obsessed. The slightly pointed almond shape and deep burgundy color will give you the perfect vampy manicure.
Glossy black
Jin Soon Choi