Latte makeup emerged as one of the biggest beauty trends of late summer and Fall 2023, and now, naturally, latte nails are the latest iteration of the coffee-inspired aesthetic. And what’s better for transitional and fall seasons? As summer winds down, we’re ready to reset with autumnal neutrals, not to mention cuddle up with cozy drinks and chunky knits. The latte nail trend embodies all of that–and it’s easy to DIY!
So what exactly are latte nails? Manicures in coffee-inspired shades of light tan, caramel, cream, and brown, to put it simply. Here, I’ve taken inspiration from our favorite fall drinks with swirls of cream and chocolate brown to create a nail art design perfect for the transitional season (and beyond)!
As you shift into fall fashion mode–with all the layering pieces, luxe textures, and rich colors–you can sip your go-to latte and wear it on your nails from the coffee shop to the pumpkin patch. Ahead, see how you can recreate these cream and brown fall nails yourself:
Latte Nails
Shop the Look: Chill Outing Light Wash Denim Button-Up Shacket, Toasty Babe Chocolate Brown Knit Button-Up Cropped Cardigan, You’re On My Mind Ivory Pleated Swiss Dot Midi Skirt, Equestrian Aesthetic Black Saddle Bag, Luxe Imagination Gold Pearl Rhinestone Ring Set, Bold Gleam Silver Cigar Band Ring Set
Supplies:
- Sheer neutral gel base shade
- Beige gel polish
- Amber jelly gel polish
- Brown jelly gel polish
- Dark brown gel polish
- Blooming gel
- Wide & flat nail art brush
- Thin nail art brush
- Gel top coat
- Cuticle oil
Instructions:
1. Before starting your nail art application, thoroughly prep the nails for the best, longest-lasting results. Clean up any dry skin from the nail beds, push back the cuticles and lastly, wipe the nail plate clean of residue and oils.
2. Start with 2-3 thin coats of a sheer neutral base shade on all nails except the pinkies, and cure.
3. On the thumb and ring fingers, create a French tip using a thin nail art brush and light beige gel polish. Cure.
4. Paint the pinkies with 2 coats of the beige gel polish and cure.
5. On the pointer and middle fingers, apply a coat of blooming gel polish (do not cure).
6. Next, on a palette place a few drops of beige, amber jelly, brown jelly, and dark brown polishes next to each other. Using a brush or dotting tool, swirl them together to blend the colors. Be sure not to go overboard as you still want the colors to be distinct in the design.
7. Gently pick up this mix of polishes on a wide and flat nail art brush; coming in from outside the puddle and scooping it onto the brush is an easy method to pick up the swirled design.
8. On the surface of the nail, gently float the polish from the brush onto the nail in a subtle swirling motion to get that latte art effect. You can go back and pick up more polish if needed, and perfect the swirls with a nail art brush.
9. Try to leave a bit of negative space around the swirls instead of covering the whole nail–the blooming gel polish will help the colors spread into a more liquid-looking blend. Cure once you’re happy with the design on both nails.
10. Finish with a top coat and cure.
Did you try these creamy brown fall nails? Show us your latte nails on Instagram or TikTok @lulus–and head to our Fall Fashion Shop for more sweet seasonal styles!
Melanie Graves is a self-taught nail art enthusiast who creates colorful, easy DIY designs for fellow home manicurists.
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