When it comes to fall shellac nails, there’s nothing quite like the allure of autumnal hues and the long-lasting shine of a perfect manicure. The season calls for rich colors, cozy vibes, and designs that capture the essence of falling leaves, crisp air, and warm sweaters.
This fall, embrace the beauty of shellac nails with shades that reflect the season’s transition. From deep burgundies and earthy browns to soft neutrals and pops of metallic, the options are endless for creating a stunning look. Whether you’re heading to a pumpkin patch or simply sipping a hot latte, these nail designs will add a touch of elegance to your style.
Shellac nails are not only durable but also maintain their glossy finish for weeks, making them an excellent choice for the busy days of fall. The application process involves a blend of regular polish and gel, cured under UV light, ensuring that your nails remain chip-free and vibrant through all your autumn adventures. This season, treat yourself to a manicure that not only lasts but also embodies the spirit of fall.
1. Embrace Subtle Texture
Instead of focusing solely on color, incorporate subtle textures that add depth to your nails. Think of adding matte finishes, metallic accents, or even a touch of gloss in strategic areas. This approach creates a sophisticated look that stands out without being overwhelming, making your nails a perfect complement to any fall outfit.
2. Focus on Longevity
Fall can be harsh on nails due to the dry air and fluctuating temperatures. Prioritize longevity by choosing high-quality shellac formulas and ensuring your nail prep is thorough. This includes proper cuticle care, nail buffing, and using a base coat that promotes adhesion. A well-prepped nail ensures your shellac lasts through the season without chipping or peeling.
3. Play with Neutral Shades
While bold colors are tempting, neutral shades can offer just as much impact, especially when paired with fall’s rich textures and patterns. Consider using earthy tones or muted colors that can easily transition from a casual day look to an elegant evening style. Neutrals also provide a versatile base for adding delicate details or accents.
Fall Shellac Nails
19. Chic Neutral Elegance
Essentials:
- CND Shellac Polish in “Field Fox” (Shade)
- CND Shellac Top Coat for an ultra-shiny finish
- UV/LED Lamp for setting the polish
- OPI Cuticle Oil for after-manicure nourishment
Steps:
- Gently file and buff the nails to prepare them.
- Apply a base coat and cure it under the UV/LED lamp.
- Add two layers of CND Shellac Polish in “Field Fox,” curing each coat.
- Seal with the CND Shellac Top Coat for that brilliant shine, then cure.
- Moisturize your cuticles with OPI Cuticle Oil for a flawless finish.
18. Autumn Almond Delight
Products:
- DND Gel Polish in “Pink Nude” and “Caramel Latte”
- OPI GelColor in “Golden Eye” for gold accents
- Fine nail art brush for details
- CND Shellac Top Coat for sealing
- UV/LED Lamp for curing
Steps:
- Shape your nails into an almond style with a nail file.
- Apply a base coat and cure it under a UV/LED lamp.
- Create a gradient by using DND Gel Polish in “Pink Nude” at the base and “Caramel Latte” at the tips. Blend the colors with a sponge or brush, then cure.
- Add gold accents with OPI GelColor in “Golden Eye” using a fine nail art brush, then cure.
- Finish with a CND Shellac Top Coat and cure again.
17. Emerald French Tips
Materials:
- CND Shellac Polish in “Black Pool” for the base color
- OPI GelColor in “Emerald Illusion” for the tips
- French manicure guides (optional)
- CND Shellac Top Coat for a shiny finish
- UV/LED Lamp for curing
Steps:
- Start by prepping your nails with a base coat, then cure them under the UV/LED lamp.
- Apply a coat of CND Shellac Polish in “Black Pool” to create a sleek base, and cure it.
- Either use French manicure guides or freehand the tips with OPI GelColor in “Emerald Illusion,” then cure.
- Seal everything with a layer of CND Shellac Top Coat and cure again.
- Finish off with cuticle oil to keep your nails hydrated and give them a brilliant shine.
16. Spiced Orange Elegance
Supplies:
- CND Shellac Polish in Electric Orange
- OPI GelColor in Black Onyx
- DND Gel Polish in White Marble for accents
- Fine detailing brush for creating the marble effect
- CND Shellac Top Coat for sealing
- UV/LED Lamp for curing
Steps:
- Shape and buff the nails, apply a base coat, and cure.
- Apply two coats of CND Shellac Polish in Electric Orange, curing after each one.
- On the accent nail, use OPI GelColor in Black Onyx as a base. Then, with a fine brush, create a marble design using DND Gel Polish in White Marble, and cure.
- Finish with CND Shellac Top Coat and cure to seal for a long-lasting look.
15. Minty Fresh Sparkle
Supplies Needed:
- CND Shellac Polish in “Mint Convertible”
- Rhinestones of assorted sizes
- Nail glue or gel adhesive for attaching the stones
- CND Shellac Top Coat for sealing
- UV/LED Lamp for curing
Steps to Follow:
- Start by applying a base coat to your nails, then cure it under the UV/LED lamp.
- Apply two layers of CND Shellac Polish in “Mint Convertible,” curing your nails after each coat.
- Dab a small amount of nail glue or gel adhesive where you want the rhinestones to go.
- Carefully position each rhinestone using a nail art tool, then cure again.
- Complete the look with a CND Shellac Top Coat to lock in the stones, and cure one final time.
14. Matte and Metallic Fusion
Supplies:
- CND Shellac Polish in “Hot Pop Pink” and “Black Pool”
- OPI GelColor in “Lincoln Park After Dark” for a burgundy shade
- DND Gel Polish in “Bronze Burst” for a metallic touch
- Matte top coat for a non-shiny finish
- CND Shellac Top Coat to add shine to the metallic accent
- UV/LED Lamp for curing
Steps:
- Begin with a base coat and cure it using the UV/LED lamp.
- Apply two layers of each chosen color: “Hot Pop Pink,” “Black Pool,” and “Lincoln Park After Dark,” curing each layer under the lamp.
- For the accent nail, use DND Gel Polish in “Bronze Burst” and cure.
- Apply a matte top coat to all nails except the metallic accent and cure.
- Finish the metallic accent with the CND Shellac Top Coat for a glossy shine and cure.
13. Baroque-Inspired Opulence
Supplies:
- CND Shellac Polish in “Nude Knickers”
- OPI GelColor in “Big Apple Red”
- Gold chrome powder for adding a sculpted touch
- Precision sculpting tools for detailing gold accents
- CND Shellac Top Coat for a glossy finish
- UV/LED Lamp for curing each layer
Directions:
- Shape your nails into a long almond shape and apply a base coat, then cure with the UV/LED lamp.
- Apply two layers of CND Shellac Polish in “Nude Knickers” as your base, curing after each layer.
- Use OPI GelColor in “Big Apple Red” for the striking red accent nails, curing each layer.
- Add the gold chrome powder to your selected nails and use fine tools to create intricate designs, then cure.
- Seal your look with a layer of CND Shellac Top Coat for protection and shine, curing after application.
12. Sunny Autumn Florals
Materials Needed:
- DND Gel Polish in “Sunshine Yellow”
- CND Shellac Polish in “Cream Puff” for the accent nail
- Floral water decals for the floral design
- OPI GelColor Top Coat for a protective finish
- UV/LED Lamp for curing the polish
Step-by-Step Process:
- Start by applying a base coat to all nails and cure them under the UV/LED lamp.
- Paint all nails, except for the accent nail, with DND Gel Polish in “Sunshine Yellow.” Apply two layers, curing each one after application.
- For the accent nail, use CND Shellac Polish in “Cream Puff” and cure it under the lamp.
- Carefully place the floral water decals on the accent nail using tweezers, then cure.
- Finish by applying a coat of OPI GelColor Top Coat to seal the design and cure under the lamp.
11. Earthy Autumn Leaves
Materials Needed:
- CND Shellac Polish in “Sage Scarf” for the nude base color.
- OPI GelColor in “Espresso Your Style” for the brown nails.
- A black nail art pen or fine brush to create the leaf design.
- CND Shellac Top Coat for sealing the design.
- UV/LED Lamp for curing the polish.
Steps to Follow:
- Prepare your nails by applying a base coat and curing it.
- Apply two coats of CND Shellac Polish in “Sage Scarf” to the accent nails and OPI GelColor in “Espresso Your Style” to the other nails, curing after each coat.
- Use a black nail art pen or fine brush to carefully draw leaf designs on the nude nails, then cure them.
- Seal your work with CND Shellac Top Coat and cure it for a lasting finish.
10. Midnight Blue Elegance
Essentials:
- CND Shellac Polish in “Midnight Swim”
- CND Shellac Top Coat for a glossy finish
- UV/LED Lamp for setting the polish
Steps:
- Begin with a base coat and set it under the UV/LED lamp.
- Apply two layers of CND Shellac Polish in “Midnight Swim,” curing each layer.
- Finish with the CND Shellac Top Coat to boost shine and durability, then cure.
- For a polished look, apply cuticle oil for extra moisture.
9. Monochrome Chic with a Twist
Products:
- CND Shellac Polish in “Nude Knickers”
- OPI GelColor in “Black Onyx”
- Zebra print nail decals or a fine nail art brush for the design
- CND Shellac Top Coat for finishing
- UV/LED Lamp for curing
Steps:
- Start by applying a base coat and cure it using the UV/LED lamp.
- Apply two coats of CND Shellac Polish in “Nude Knickers” to the nails you want to be nude, curing after each coat.
- Use OPI GelColor in “Black Onyx” to create the zebra print on selected nails, either with decals or a fine brush, and then cure.
- Finish by sealing everything with the CND Shellac Top Coat for a long-lasting finish, and cure.
8. Autumn Ombre French Tips
Products Needed:
- CND Shellac Polish in “Nude Knickers” for the base color
- DND Gel Polish in “Spiced Pumpkin” for the tips
- Sponge to create the ombre effect
- CND Shellac Top Coat to seal the manicure
- UV/LED Lamp for curing the polish
Steps:
- Apply a base coat and cure using a UV/LED lamp.
- Paint on two coats of CND Shellac Polish in “Nude Knickers,” curing each layer with the lamp.
- Use a sponge to blend DND Gel Polish in “Spiced Pumpkin” onto the tips, achieving an ombre look. Cure again.
- Finish by sealing the manicure with CND Shellac Top Coat and curing one last time.
7. Crystal-Clear Glam
Supplies Needed:
- CND Shellac Polish in “Nude Knickers”
- Assorted clear rhinestones
- Nail glue or gel adhesive for rhinestones
- CND Shellac Top Coat
- UV/LED Lamp for curing
Steps:
- Shape your nails and apply a base coat, then cure under the lamp.
- Apply two coats of CND Shellac Polish in “Nude Knickers,” curing after each one.
- Use nail glue or gel adhesive to attach the rhinestones to the accent nail, arranging them in your preferred design, then cure.
- Finish with a CND Shellac Top Coat to secure the rhinestones and add shine, then cure again.
6. Forest Green Ombré
Materials:
- CND Shellac Polish in “Cream Puff” for the base color
- OPI GelColor in “Lincoln Park After Dark” for the green gradient
- A fine sponge for creating the ombre effect
- Clear rhinestones and nail glue for the accent nail
- CND Shellac Top Coat for sealing the design
- UV/LED Lamp for curing
Steps:
- Apply a base coat and cure it under the UV/LED lamp.
- Paint two layers of CND Shellac Polish in “Cream Puff,” curing each coat separately.
- Use a fine sponge to blend OPI GelColor in “Lincoln Park After Dark” from the tips toward the base, creating the ombre effect, then cure.
- Add rhinestones to the accent nail using nail glue, then cure.
- Finish with a layer of CND Shellac Top Coat and cure to seal everything in place.
5. Bold Geometric Statements
Materials Needed:
- CND Shellac Polish in “Wildfire” (red), “Cream Puff” (white), and “Black Pool” (black)
- Detailing brush for precise application
- CND Shellac Top Coat for a shiny finish
- UV/LED Lamp for setting the polish
Steps:
- Start by applying a base coat and curing it under the UV/LED lamp.
- Use the detailing brush to carefully paint with CND Shellac Polish in “Wildfire,” “Cream Puff,” and “Black Pool” to create your geometric design. Cure after each layer.
- Seal your design with a CND Shellac Top Coat and cure it.
- Finish with a cuticle oil for added moisture and shine.
4. Subtle Elegance with Gold Accents
Supplies Needed:
- CND Shellac Polish in the shade “Nude Knickers”
- Gold chrome powder for the accent nail
- Nail art tools to create the gold accent
- Matte top coat for a matte finish
- CND Shellac Top Coat for sealing
- UV/LED Lamp for curing
Steps:
- Shape your nails into an almond style and apply a base coat, then cure with a UV/LED lamp.
- Apply two coats of CND Shellac Polish in “Nude Knickers”, curing each coat.
- Use gold chrome powder and nail art tools to add a textured gold accent on the feature nail, then cure.
- Apply a matte top coat to the nude nails and cure.
- Seal the gold accent nail with CND Shellac Top Coat for a glossy finish, then cure again.
3. Bold Matte Blue
Materials:
- CND Shellac Polish in “Azure Wish”
- Matte top coat for a matte finish
- CND Shellac Top Coat for a glossy look (if desired)
- UV/LED Lamp for curing
Steps:
- Start with a base coat and cure it under the UV/LED lamp.
- Apply two coats of CND Shellac Polish in “Azure Wish”, curing each layer.
- Use a matte top coat to get a matte finish, then cure.
- If you want to add a glossy accent, apply CND Shellac Top Coat to one nail for contrast, then cure.
2. Golden Yellow Shine
Materials:
- DND Gel Polish in “Sunshine Yellow”
- OPI GelColor in “Gold Foil” for the marble accent
- A fine detailing brush to create the marble effect
- CND Shellac Top Coat to seal
- UV/LED Lamp for curing
Steps:
- Apply a base coat and cure it using the UV/LED lamp.
- Apply two coats of DND Gel Polish in “Sunshine Yellow,” curing each layer with the UV/LED lamp.
- Using OPI GelColor in “Gold Foil” and a fine brush, create the marble design on the accent nail, then cure it.
- Finish with a layer of CND Shellac Top Coat to seal and add shine, then cure it under the lamp.
1. Abstract Artistry
Supplies Needed:
- CND Shellac Polish in “Beige Knickers” as the base color
- OPI GelColor in “Alpine Snow” for the white details
- Detail brushes for creating abstract patterns
- Gold leaf or foil for extra accents
- CND Shellac Top Coat for the final finish
- UV/LED Lamp for curing each layer
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start with a base coat and cure it under the UV/LED lamp.
- Apply two coats of CND Shellac Polish in “Beige Knickers,” curing after each layer.
- Using OPI GelColor in “Alpine Snow” and a fine brush, paint abstract designs on each nail, then cure.
- Add gold leaf or foil accents as desired, and cure again.
- Finish by sealing the design with CND Shellac Top Coat and curing one last time.