The cold weather season doesn’t just inspire in us a love for cocoa, candles, and duvets — it encourages us to gravitate toward a darker colour palette. This transition warrants a mani switch-up too. Most of us graduate the lacquers from cherry-red to blood-red, from pinks to blacks, and so on. If that sounds like something you relate to, there’s a new nail-art trend on the block, and it’s quickly becoming a cold-weather staple for many.
What Are Patent Leather Nails?
This nail-art trend features short, dark, and ultra-glossy lacquers endowed with a leather-ish finish — which lends a mirror-like shine to the nails. The popularity of the manicure is courtesy of an increasing bias towards simple, short, and statement-making looks — a much-needed break from stiletto-shaped tips, 3D embellishments, and other categories of maximalist nail art. Here are some looks to take inspo from before the year-end festivities.
Can You DIY It?
Yes. It’s extremely easy to DIY. Just trim your nails, and reach out for a dark, glossy nail polish. Finish with a glazed top coat, and that’s it. Avoid picking shimmery or sheer nail polishes, and look for something creamy and ultra-pigmented instead.
Here’s Some Inspo For Your Next Mani Session
Bloodbath
These blood-red almond-shaped tips are dark, edgy, and intense. There’s something about a darker colour palette that feels almost comforting during cold weather months. This colour plays into the aesthetic effortlessly.
Glorious Green
Greens are attempting to elevate their appeal via nail art, and the darker hues of the colour have succeeded. This shade looks particularly stunning on short, square-shaped tips, and is every bit glossy as it is dark. It’s cosy and inviting, and it stands apart from the blacks and browns.
Basic
This pitch-black shade is a winter it-girl staple. It’s simple yet statement-making.
Galaxy Gallivanting
This deliciously-hued blue is yet another look you can add to your mood board. It’s almost like you’ve dipped your fingers in a galaxy.
Burgundy Bloom
If you’re looking to divorce the blacks for something a little more out there, start off with a shade of burgundy.
Earthy
For something earthy and leather-like, do take cues from this one.
What do we think of this trend?
Featured Image: Instagram