It’s no secret that “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter is a top contender for the 2024 song of the summer, and that deep, dark brown shades are dominating beauty trends, from lip liners to 90s-inspired fashion.
As we edge closer to fall, numerous outlets, TikTok manicurists, and beauty aficionados forecast that espresso nails will become the season’s must-have.
We’ve curated a selection of nail inspiration and tips to help you embrace this trend as the temperatures drop next month and the leaves turn, heralding a shift to richer, darker hues in beauty and fashion.
@nailbetch 5 shades of espresso from my polish collection . I personally love them all together. #naturalnails #nails #nailinspo ♬ espresso sped up – anna <3
First Off, What Is A Dark Espresso Manicure?
BeautyTok is always captivated by coffee-inspired makeup trends, with phrases like “latte makeup” gaining viral popularity and sultry, smoky brown eyeliner and eyeshadow becoming the latest craze. This fascination has spilled over into nail art, inspiring trends such as popsicle and champagne nails.
Now, latte and espresso nails have joined the mix. Unlike short-lived nail trends that come and go, these coffee-inspired manicures are anticipated to stay in vogue throughout the autumn season. Espresso nails typically feature the rich, dark shades of espresso coffee, frequently complemented by the smooth, velvety tones of its crema.
@angelique.x_ Espresso Girl Nails #aesthetic #espressogirl #espressoaesthetic #nails #espressovibes #espressonails #manicure ♬ Stylish Jazz HipHop – Future Oriented Triad
Why Are Espresso-Inspired Shades So Trendy For Fall?
As Julita Fagan, nail tech and expert for 14 Day Mani dished to Marie Claire UK: “As we near the end of a bright and colorful summer manicure season, we begin to seek warmth in other ways.” She added: “When we think of breezy autumnal days, there are a few things that come to mind—one of which is a warm cup of coffee. This autumn, espresso nails are set to be a hugely sought-after trend.”
Los Angeles-based nail artist Sigourney Nuñez concurred, telling Allure in a recent interview: “The earthy undertone of espresso brown helps evoke the feeling of groundness which can be really comforting.”
@danahdashti espresso nails for fall #fypシ #fallnails #kuwait ♬ a shot of espresso by andrew garfield – kittieskats
Tips For A Long-Lasting Manicure
Remember Hailey Bieber‘s ever-so-popular glazed donut nails? If you want your espresso nails to have a similar glossy and shiny look, we also caught up with Jemma Wilson, certified nail technician and owner of Almond Nails, for more tips. Wilson says that when it comes to long-lasting espresso nails, “you have two options — either head to a salon and ask for a chrome finish on acrylic nails — or do them yourself.”
If you choose the latter, Wilson recommends firstly “buffing your nails and removing any nail debris.”
@esvynails Espresso Self Gel Polish is such a beautiful rich chocolate brown #nailswatch #diynails #nailart #gelmanicure #gelnailart #nailtech #nailstutorial #nailasmr #gelpolish #trendingnails ♬ a shot of espresso by andrew garfield – kittieskats
She then says to “apply a thin layer of polish (could be gel or chrome powder)” and cure “under a LED/UV lamp if using gel.” Next, she suggests applying the chrome pigment. For the last step, Wilson concludes: “apply the top coat and let it dry.”
Overall, we’re calling it now — espresso nails will likely become fall’s must-have shade just before spooky season sets in (and maybe up until the holidays!)
