6 Chic October Nail Ideas to Try This Month, According to a Celebrity Manicurist
Pumpkin Chrome
· CosmopolitanThe month of October is synonymous with daily pumpkin-themed drinks, leaves crunching under our feet, and endless reruns of Gilmore Girls. Which means there’s no better time to lean into beauty trends that bring all the autumnal, cozy, and Halloween vibes.
Whether you’re looking for a subtle nod to the fall season with some moody polishes or are fully leaning into spooky season, there are tons of nail ideas to choose from. As Cosmo’s resident mani-obsessed beauty editor, it’s my literal job to scour the internet for all the best October nail trends to try. Plus, I spoke with Los Angeles-based nail artist Sigourney Nuñez, the mastermind behind some of the most iconic Halloween manicures on the internet, for all her favorite October inspiration.
Ahead, the best nail trends to try for cozy fall nights all the way through October 31.
@tombachik
@overglowedit
There’s a perfect chrome color for every season, and for autumn, it’s none other than pumpkin-inspired polishes. The reflective finish is a simple way to embrace spooky season without any intricate designs, plus it would look super chic paired with your Halloween costume. As for the ideal shade, Nuñez says, “I am personally loving Sally Hansen's Flame on You, it's a metallic pumpkin spice with copper undertones.”
Autumn Color Blocking
@overglowedit
@polished_yogi
Color blocking, or “Skittles” nails come back season after season, and there’s something about the fall take on the alternating polish trend that feels extra elevated. Go for neutrals like beige and brown, and pair them with autumn-ready hues like olive and plum for a manicure that’s equal parts simple yet chic.
Burgundy and Olive
@tendrehands
@nailartbysig
A burgundy and olive pairing is the epitome of an autumnal match made in heaven, and there are endless ways to wear the shades together—from plaid designs to polka dots. “Burgundy and olive are fall staples for a reason,” explains Nuñez. “While they look amazing on their own, when you pair them together, it’s like wearing an entire fall color palette on your nails.”
Candy Corn Aura
@samrosenails
@nailartbysig
A playful way to lean into Halloween without going for full pumpkin-emblazoned fingers is a candy corn-coded gradient. Complete with white, yellow, and orange tones in a confectionary-inspired pattern, they’re actually super simple to DIY with just three shades and a sponge.
Spooky Tips
@nailartbysig
@samrosenails
“In 2019, I did a ghost-inspired french tip that went viral and has a whole life of its own now,” Nuñez explains. “It’s definitely become an October staple and I’m excited to see what renditions people will create this year.” You can get the look by starting off with a neutral base, then paint on little ghouls with white polish in a swirly design for the spooky look.
Playoffs Polish
@nailartbysig
@nailartbysig
October baseball is finally here, which means it’s time to match your fingertips to your favorite team! So while you’re intensely texting your friends all night about the game or indulging in a stadium dog, you can have your nails cheering on, too.
Meet the Expert
- Sigourney Nuñez is a Los Angeles-based nail artist and content creator. She’s worked with brands including Sally Hansen, Pleasing, and more.
Why Trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmo who covers all things nails—from the latest polish launches to the newest manicure trends.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.