From Aura Nails To Shiny Chrome, Purple Is Dominating Fall Manicure Trends

Purple nails are quickly becoming fall's hottest manicure trend. Witchy purples are marking the season change, welcoming cooler weather and radiant autumn foliage. Moody purple tones offer something different for fall, steering away from the pumpkin orange and mustard yellow manicure tones that tend to dominate in autumn. Purple nails set a strong vibe, mimicking the colors one would find in a robust glass of merlot, or in the dreamy darkness of a velvety midnight sky. 

The beauty of purple manicures is that there's something for every aesthetic. For those who love neutrals, a soft milky lavender offers a muted version of purple that's totally fitting for fall. For those gravitating toward edgier manicure trends of the season, purple dazzles in a chrome iteration or an aura manicure. And for those who love a classic style — think a dark purple like a midnight plum or a rich merlot — this is where you'll find your beat. Plus, the shade is celebrated as one of the best end-of-fall manicure colors that will seamlessly transition to winter. Purple is as gorgeous on long nails as it is on short nails; It's a universally flattering shade and heralds the dark sumptuousness of late fall evenings.

Amethyst purple nails are as luxe as it gets, and with chrome nails trending so hard this fall, a purple iteration is the perfect choice. The reflective, metallic finish gives the nails a touch of velvety texture — a perfect visual for cooler fall days as everyone unearths their cozy sweaters and velvet jackets. Since there are so many trendy chrome nail variations for a magical metallic manicure, purple brings the look to the next level with its royal flourish. 

While any shade of purple looks dazzling in chrome, there's something distinctly eye-catching about this amethyst tone above. It's bold enough that it can hold its own in a season when darker manicure tones dominate, while still being light enough that there'd be no mistaking it for black. And yet it's more substantive than a pastel tone, which might feel more suitable in the spring.

For the ultimate witchy fall manicure, purple cat-eye nails are the real winner. This particular look works best when the base is quite dark, so opt for black or a deep midnight purple to add that Gothic autumnal charm. Then, apply your magnetic gel polish in a brighter purple shade and shape the shimmer to create that distinct cat-eye look. The dark base is moody enough to suit the season, while the purple cat eye adds a brightening reflection to offset the dark base color. 

This manicure looks flattering on everyone, and with so many cat-eye nail ideas that look flattering on older hands, this purple-toned manicure is a bold look that anyone can pull off. The three-dimensional light streak creates a mesmerizing shimmer to flatter any nail length or shape; of course, long nails give a little more runway to the sensational glow, but a purple cat-eye manicure would look equally lovely on short nails.

Aura nails, a massive manicure trend at the moment, get their name from their diffused color palette. The nails feature soft, gradient tones that are meant to look like an aura, replicating a person's energy field. The center of the nail features a burst of color that fades into the base nail color at the edges. It's a compelling manicure trend, and purple tones make this vibey look even better. 

To achieve the multi-dimensional tone aura nails are known for, you'll need to reach for a makeup sponge. Start by applying the base shade of purple. Then take the same base shade of purple and outline a circle on a small sponge. Then, in the center of the sponge, apply a lighter shade of purple and gently press the sponge into the nail. The effect is a diffused halo of dual tones that mimics a spiritual energy field. Even better, because the manicure is in purple, the nails give off a crystal ball effect, creating a very vampy vibe.

Not all purple manicures have to be bold. For those who prefer more neutral tones, a milky lavender manicure is an ideal option because it embraces the purple trend without skewing too dark. Not everyone wants to wear browns and oranges in the fall, so the diluted lavender shade offers a wider array of autumn manicure choices. It's universally flattering and looks sensational on shorter nails, too. 

While milky lavender is technically a pastel shade, it's still a stunning choice for fall. It reads as a cool-toned neutral, so it matches the shift toward cooler weather, foggy mornings, and frosty evenings. It's also a softer tone, swapping out the heavier, vampy shades that tend to dominate in autumn for something more muted, making it a compelling choice for those with an aversion to dark nail polish colors. The cloudy purple hue works beautifully with cozy autumn layers, like cashmere sweaters and long trench coats.

Nothing is as classically fall as the gourmand trend of a blackberry manicure. In low light, the nails are so richly dark that they look almost black, but upon closer inspection, they radiate a warmer, deep purple reminiscent of nutrient-rich blackberries. The dark manicure has style roots in '90s grunge makeup aesthetics, so it has a hint of nostalgia to it, reminiscent of the perfect dark harvest. 

Harness your inner fortune teller with this seasonal manicure. The blackberry trend really pops when the polish has a hint of shimmer and sparkle to it as well, creating an iridescent finish that balances out the darkness. Plus, the high-shine adds a feminine touch. It looks flattering on short nails cut into round or square shapes, but particularly stands out on almond tips. Even coffin tips pop with a blackberry manicure. This is a gorgeous and deliciously appetizing autumn nail trend.