It is growing colder, the leaves are turning to the golden color and there is that quiet excitement in the air that only fall can provide. It’s the time of warm sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and, yes, a change in our nails to something deeper, darker, and more refined. But here’s the dilemma: how can we repackage a classic to be feeling fresh in fall tortoiseshell nails 2025? In this article I will demonstrate to you how this classic trend is being redefined in a manner that is fashionable, flexible, and so easy to wear during any hour of the season.
Classic Tortoiseshell Elegance
Something luxurious about the old tortoiseshell design is incontrovertible. The combination of amber, caramel, and dark espresso notes introduces a design that is old and new at the same time. The effect stretches the fingers and gives the fingers an editorial finish immediately on almond shaped nails. This appearance is ideal when one wants a design that is not too loud, yet one wants something that makes a statement- it is a neutral look that is never dull.
I tend to use the base colour of OPI in a design like this, Espresso Your Inner Self, and then apply opaque amber-hued gels such as in CND Warm Amber. In the dark spots a thin art brush with Essie of Licorice is quite efficient. Everything is sealed by a high-shine topcoat that produces that glass-like look.
The trick to this at home is in the layering. Dab on the amber, then irregular dark spots, then over and over, until you have that opulent, dimensional finish. In many respects celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein has regularly mentioned that depth is all when it comes to tortoiseshell- it is not about perfectly shaped nails, but rather natural variance.
I personally cannot resist this design on coffee dates and on fall walks. It captures the light in a very approachable manner and it fits best with wooly sweaters or jewels.
Black French with Golden Touch
A modern application of tortoiseshell is animated by a French tip–essentially in black with touches of gold. It is very sparse but luxurious like the fashion version of putting on custom-made black pants and an eye-catching necklace. It is stylish, crisp and definitely in the mode this season.
I would begin with a naked or semi transparent beige base- OPI has a cult favorite called Bubble Bath. In the case of the tips, deep black gel polish should be incorporated topped by gold foil or some kinds of metallic leaf to represent the glowing accents. To have clean French lines a detail brush is necessary.
The process here is simple, first prepare your nails, slop the base color, dry and be careful when placing the black tips at the end of your nails. When healed apply your gold foil patches where they fit best and just secure it with a shiny top coat. The nail trend forecast featured on Elle Magazine indicates that this year is all about elevated minimalism and this design perfectly reflects that trend.
To me this appearance shouts evening glamour. It is the manicure that I would wear to have dinner out or to a fall wedding, it is luxurious without being noisy.
Darkened Autumn Tortoiseshell
This is a darker, more brooding, and darker shade with the tortoiseshell blend taking on a darker tone. A combination of intense chocolate and smoky caramel gives the impression of the design that resembles the mood of days getting shorter and nights getting longer. On rounded nails it is plush but seductive and exudes silent assurance.
To achieve this richness I suggest colors such as Orly Brown sugar over a transparent amber gels. A blend of black and deep espresso polish is the best with darker tones. All about mixing when the polish is still a bit sticky so as to give the blurred natural look.
One nail expert (Julie Kandalec) once stated that tortoiseshell was supposed to feel like the light peeking through glass. With that in mind I always dilute the amber polish with a hint of clear topcoat to give the design that clear look.
It is my favorite design when I do not want something very playful and powerful. It suits in these chilly nights when you put on a leather jacket and go out with your friends.
Warm Caramel Luxe
This design will draw the warmth to the fore and will focus more on golden and caramel colors and less on black. The effect is a tortoiseshell texture that is softer, brighter, almost radiant as the fall light. It gives a dainty, feminine appearance on almond nails, but still relates to the grounded colour scheme of the season.
Materials used can be as basic as OPI Cocoa a Go Go mixed with amber-coloured gels. To provide liveliness, a golden glittery gloss such as the Essie Summit of Style can revolutionize the total radiance.
The overlaying here is almost like watercolor painting-thin layers, patchy areas and time. Give each layer time to breathe by the time the next one is put in. That is what makes the manicure so light with its multi-dimensional glow.
I love this variation since it is more romantic. It is the right mixture of richness and lightness- such as drinking mulled cider on a cold afternoon.
Chocolate Meets Tortoiseshell
Accent tortoiseshell designs on solid chocolate nails are also an ingenious way of of leaning into the trend without committing to it. It is graphic, bold, and gives a modern-yet-inviting contrast between it. The appearance gives that ideal blend of classic tortoiseshell coziness and stylish polish of chocolate brown.
To imitate this, you’ll want a deep brown polish, say OPI’s “Chocolate Moose” and your tortoiseshell amber and black layers on alternate nails. Combining the two finishes in a single manicure will make the appearance easier to wear in case you are testing the waters with the trend.
Home wise I tend to use solid nails with tortoiseshell patterns with a high-shine topcoat. It also helps the design not to appear overwhelming and still provide that editorial appeal. Such a mix was recently featured by Harper’s Bazaar as one of the most flexible pairs of the fall- and, frankly, I could not say otherwise.
To me this design is fun but sophisticated. It is the type of manicure that leaves a trail of compliments wherever you go; at the coffee shop line to the office.
Amber Fire Tips
The design immediately impresses me with its audacity- the tortoiseshell is stretched to the very ends, shining in its warm amber and blazing orange color without the bottom being natural and transparent anymore. It is so playful on the traditional, nearly like having tortoiseshell sunnies in nail shape. The almond shape of the design makes it look sharp yet wearable on daily basis.
In order to nail this appearance, I would begin with a transparent pink base such as Essie Ballet Slippers base. To the tips, I would mix an amber jelly polish with accents of burnt orange- consider CND “Amber Glow” overlaid with a lighter polish such as OPI “A Good Man-Darin is Hard to Find”. Decay the depth with a fine brush stippling in black polish, to that tortoiseshell work.
I would suggest that at home we work with nail art brushes and a makeup sponge. Amber and orange colors are diffused by the sponge and fuse without problems. Celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards said that tortoiseshell tips are the ideal place to get a design without clients being fully covered. I could not concur more–it is fresh, fun and yet classy.
Personally, I can not resist this design in October. It possesses that pumpkin-spice scent with a mature fashionable touch. It is the type of manicure that gets you compliments in the process of holding your coffee cup.
Mocha Meets Amber
This appearance is a mix of deep mocha nails with traditional tortoiseshell accents; the combination of depth and vibrancy in a single set. The sleek finish is further promoted by the almond shape and the contrast between the opaque brown and the translucent tortoiseshell makes the design sophisticated although it will never be dull. It is as though you are matching a custom-made coat and a statement scarf- seamless perfection.
To make the mocha base, I would recommend OPI’s “Cliffside Karaoke” which is a creamy and neutral brown. To create the tortoiseshell look, a translucent amber gel, such as the Amber shade of The Gel Bottle over nude polish, applied to black areas in a dotted fashion.
Patience is the difference in the application technique. Apply your amber layers in a thin coating, then cure, then apply the darker spots, and so on. Advice commonly left by nail artist Naomi Yasuda: do not fear imperfection: organic variation is what lends designs such as tortoiseshell such lifelike quality. After her tip I never have two nails that look exactly alike.
I believe that such a design is ideal on a work day when you are going to have something professional yet full of personality. It goes well with fall coats in camel or deep chocolate and your nails feel like an extension of your outfit.
Emerald Contrast
This design combines shiny green finish with accent tortoiseshell nails, and I have to admit- it is gorgeous. The deep emerald makes a rich contrast in jewel-tones that accentuate the tortoiseshell pattern even further. It is handy, cool and adaptable on shorter square nails.
Mat-wise, I’d pull out Zoya in Hunter or Essie in Off Tropic to get that velvety green base. The tortoiseshell accents are designed in the most convenient way with amber jellies applied with transparent brown over. A shiny topcoat is not negotiable- it is what holds the entire look together.
When you are doing this at home use the green polish on alternate nails and use the tortoiseshell on the rest. Some advice I’ve learned at Paintbox Studios: add one drop of clear polish to your amber color to make sure the look isn’t muddy but glassy.
I can relate to this design in warm nights when I desire some festive nails which are at the same time comfortable to use. It is like putting your favorite emerald ring on- traditional yet got a contemporary wiggle.
Deep Cocoa Tortoiseshell
This manicure reaches into the darker fall tortoiseshell nails 2025 with solid cocoa nails paired with warm tortoiseshell accents. The cumulative impact is enriching, rich and strong -like a well brewed espresso. The rounded form makes it more friendly and soft, but strong and elegant at the same time.
I would recommend such polishes as OPI’s how great is your dane to use as the solid cocoa shade, and the amber and caramel jellies to use as the tortoiseshell nails. Maintaining the contrast is best done using the high-shine gel polish- it will make the cocoa look thick and creamy on the less opaque tortoiseshell.
At home, use alternate solid and patterned nails to make the look not too heavy. The tortoiseshell design has the advantage of applying sheer polish three or four coats- do not hurry this step, but remember that the cumulative effect is what gives depth.
To me, this design is the manicure version of a wool coat wrap around yourself it is bold, stabilizing and so seasonally appropriate.
Layered Neutrals with Tortoiseshell Accent
This design is a smart combination of a variety of neutral shades -rich chocolate, soft beige, and caramel- and one tortoiseshell accent nail. It is playful but refined and it reminds me of color-blocking in fashion. The almond shape extends the design and makes it contemporary and sleek without any feeling of overindulgence.
I would suggest Espresso Your Inner Self (dark brown by OPI), Ladylike (beige by Essie) and clear amber gels on the nail (tortoiseshell). Balancing is the trick: combining matte and glossy finishes may bring the design to the next level.
In order to make this at home, you need to begin with the solid nails and then use one finger (typically the ring finger) to the tortoiseshell design. It is also a low-cost alternative- fewer nails to design will take less time and materials, yet the overall impact is impressive.
Personally I adore this as it is a little style story. It taboos, I love neutrals, but I am not afraid to play. And that, isn’t that what the fall fashion is all about?
Rich Amber Glow
This design is in the spirit of tortoiseshell: warm amber colours shining on smoky backgrounds. Its timeless silhouette is achieved through an almond shape extending the fingers and extending the pattern to the luxurious appearance. It’s the type of glim that is tugged together but not too loud- a fashionable necessity in autumn tortoiseshell nails 2025.
To do this, I would employ the help of clear gels such as CND, Amber Glow as the groundwork with Essie, Wicked as a shadow colour. A fine nail painting brush is used to add irregular spots, and a glossy nail topcoat to keep the shine intact.
It’s all layers of color, you just go step by step: first add pure amber, then cure, then add some darker spots, repeat and put a glossy seal on the end. Commonly used in Nails Magazine is the idea that tortoiseshell designs are supposed to mimic the appearance of light passing through glass, and to do so you must layer.
In my case, it is the manicure which goes well with gold rings and warm sweaters- it is like having a touch of autumn with me wherever I go.
Soft Golden Tortoiseshell
This variation is less dark and a bit lighter with more golden caramel colors diluting the entire design. On medium almond nails, it is lighter, not to dramatic, yet entirely fall-appropriate. It is a warm but bright effect, as of sunshine penetrating gray skies.
In the case of colors, I would use OPI color; Honey Rider with Amber by The Gel Bottle. A little black polish added with fine brush also makes the brightness obtain a balance.
One of my home tricks is to use a dotting tool rather than a brush on the darker areas- it gives the spots a more natural and organic look. Once celebrity nail artist Miss Pop commented, the more authentically it appears, the more untidy it appears and tortoiseshell is the exemplification of this.
I would use this design during day activities- brunch, shopping or even the office. It is very subtle yet still stylish, and this shows that tortoiseshell does not necessarily have to be gloomy and gloomy.
Bold Leopard-Inspired Tortoiseshell
In this one the tortoiseshell pattern acquires a more daring, nearly leopard-like contour. The design looks aggressive and trendy with more contrasts and darker spots. The print is well elongated on oval nails and is among the best interpretations of this trend.
On the material side, I would begin with playing koi by Essie, which is an obvious base of burnt orange and proceed to the layers of translucent brown gels with the use of sharp black polish to give it a definition. The trick is to stretch the spots further than normal, and lean into that animal-printing.
This trick is easy: make bigger dark spots and leave the amber color to protrude. This makes the appearance look sharp and not untidy. Harper Bazaar declared that animal prints in nail art are coming back in 2025, so it is an ideal trendy selection.
I would choose this manicure at night outings or when I feel that I want nails to be the statement piece. It is daring, un-ashamed and is sure to make people look.
Layered Depth on Short Nails
Here is an indication of how tortoiseshell can survive even on shorter nails. The design itself is aimed at the overlapping of translucent browns and ambers in lighter stripes to achieve the look compact yet, nevertheless, with rich details. It is practical, low-maintenance and classy simultaneously.
To this, OPI Suzi Loves Cowboys and CND Amber Glow go well together. I would use the thin brushes and apply it in several layers to replicate this look of that glassy see-through look.
The advantage of having shorter nails is that they are less difficult to maintain and they also take less time to design. Nail expert Jin Soon Choi frequently suggests short, shiny nails to women with hectic schedules- it is fashionable without being too fussy.
I am fond of using this version in everyday. It is flexible, minimal and is the perfect fit to those who want to adopt fall tortoiseshell nails 2025 without having to commit to long shapes.
Chic Square-Edged Tortoiseshell
This style makes the trend more modern with a square shape of the nail and tortoiseshell makes it look sharper and more stylish. The pattern is more dramatic and it is deeper, and the high shine finish helps in adding a luxe feel.
In the case of the base, we have Essie with her Mochachino, and there we apply sheer amber gels, and black polish to add depth. Applying a shiny topcoat is important here particularly when it has a square shape since it aids in softening the edges to the eye.
It is done just like other tortoiseshell designs: apply an amber wash, apply dark irregular spots, dry, rinse, that sort of thing. The squared silhouette in this version makes it pop, it is more editorial, almost like off the runway.
Personally I would wear it in structured blazers or statement coats. It is got that urban-chic feel of fall that is elegant and just edgy enough.
Tortoiseshell French with Golden Studs
This design is inspired by the traditional French manicure and turns it into a trendy bold and stylish manicure by replacing the white tips with tortoiseshell and adorning them with small gold studs. It is glamorous but not too much, such as having statement earrings to a basic outfit. The shape of the design takes on an even sharper almond shape with the studs reflecting light in the most classy manner.
I would begin with a naked polish like the Essie polish, in the shade called Mademoiselle. In the case of the tips, apply black accents to the amber-coloured gels to create that tortoiseshell look. Little metallic studs which can be found in brands such as Swarovski or Daily Charme can be fastened using nail glue or a thick topcoat.
Precision is the trick when applying at home. Apply the tortoiseshell tips with French tip nail guides or with a thin brush. After curing, put your studs and topcoat afterwards. Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann calls nail jewelry a way to make otherwise-boring manicures an accessory and this design does just that.
I love this fashion in times of special occasions. It is simple yet goddess-like and ideal to be used at a party at the holidays or even at a wedding guest.
Dark Luxe Tortoiseshell
This shape is tilted to the extreme, dark, melancholic hues- almost black, yet with some streaks of amber coming through. The richness is forceful, as is dark chocolate sprinkled with caramel. It is theatrical, stylish and a little bit enigmatic, the final energy of fall tortoiseshell nails 2025 on longer almond nails.
I would grab OPI’s base color of Lincoln Park After Dark and overlay the translucent ambers. In this more elaborate version, a gel system provides a greater control as layering is the createor of depth.
At home, the most effective is the work in ultra-thin layers. Coat with dark base, dry, i.e. add irregular amber washes, dry, and repeat the procedure. In interviews, nail artist Tom Bachik has said that depth in nail art is always a matter of patience and here, it is certainly the case.
I would reserve this manicure as a nighttime outing- it seems the nail version of throwing out a satin dress and heels.
Black and Tortoiseshell Mix
This is the final juxtaposition: black glossy nails that have tortoiseshell accents. It is brash, graphic and impossible chic. The design is grounded with the black nails, which leaves the tortoiseshell even more shining in contrast. This mix of solid and patterned is contemporary and looks wearable to anyone.
To this end, apply a jet-black polish such as Essie has in the shade of licorice on alternating nails, and reserve the others to your tortoiseshell design. It maintains the design sleek and time-saving and yet appears editorial.
It is easy: one paints his/her black nails, then covers the remaining ones with the ambers and dark spots in a transparent way. The two finishes do not match and applying a glossy topcoat brings the manicure together.
On a personal level I believe that this design is an excellent way to start with someone who is not comfortable with full tortoiseshell. It’s cool but not too trendy, such as a leather jacket with denim pants- you feel put together immediately.
Glossy Duo: Black and Amber
This appearance extends the black-amber mix even deeper, with even more nails being covered with solid black, with several tortoiseshell accents. It is dark, theatrical and fits colder days. The oval shape of nails is light enough to reduce the intensity of the nail shape and make the manicure feel sophisticated and not bulky.
Materials: OPI “Black Onyx” to use as the solid nails and translucent amber gels to use as the tortoiseshell. An oily surface is imperative in this case, as the gloss upgrades the black and amber jointly.
At the house, I would suggest that nails and location be alternated and they be tried out. The contrast is best always when the tortoiseshell nails are in the middle and have very black nails on both sides. The manicure fits the design proves the words of nail stylist Chaun Legend who has stated in interviews that in bold manicures, the contrast is everything.
To me, it is the best date-night manicure. It is daring, love-alike and the gloss finish renders the look almost jewellish in low light conditions.
Elegant Elongated Tortoiseshell
A smooth almond form and a more natural feel is achieved by using a sleek almond shape and very thin and long tortoiseshell strokes. The pattern is not in the thick patches, but is stretched out and it appears refined and sophisticated. It has a vintage, almost timeless look as of tortoiseshell sunglasses that never become outdated.
I would suggest such polishes as Zoya “Dea” used as the base on the caramel, and Essie “Licorice” as a faint accent. The peculiarity of this design is to keep the patches thin and long it makes it less playful and more elegant.
At home, you could use a striping brush, not a dotting tool to stretch out the pattern. It’s the way you get those longer lines of amber and brown. Celebrity nail expert Betina Goldstein regularly underlines the importance of brush difference in nail art makeup and here it counts.
I would name this my daily luxury manicure. It is work-appropriate and yet has the same fall coziness, elegant and classy enough to use on a weekend.
Soft Gradient Tortoiseshell
Such a manicure is an ideal combination of tortoiseshell in its traditional version, as well as a gentle gradient design. The design is a mix of sheer nakedness into richer shades of amber and chocolate forming a fancy ombré that is trendy without being too strong. It also appears to be well-balanced on medium almond nails and can be enjoyed by a person who does not overload with color.
In order to do this, I would suggest OPI bare my soul at the base, and then cover it with jelly like shades of amber. Essie Licorice is hand in hand with the darker accents, particularly when a fine brush is used to apply it in uneven areas. The gradient is made smooth by its glossy topcoat.
The method entails construction of the design gradually. Smear the nude, then put the amber on the base with a sponge and apply the darker spots. Pro nail artist Mei Kawajiri stated on more than one occasion, Blending is your best friend and here, the statement could not be more valid.
To me, it is the ideal design that suits day to day activities in fall, comfortable enough to work in and yet presentable enough to be purposeful. It’s subtle luxury at its best.
Moody Autumn Layers
Here we witness tortoiseshell that is pushed to the extremest levels. Layers of dark amber, mahogany and almost black make nails feel sexy and theatrical as they enjoy red wine by candle light. The long almond shape causes the colors to seem even more intense, which makes the manicure look high-fashion finish.
I would choose such shades as Zoya “Cinnamon” with the help of having amber and black translucent gels. It is the opaque and translucent tones combined in depth, which professional kits of CND do especially well.
In developing this at home ensure that the layers are thin. Apply blotches of amber irregularly, cure, deep espresso blotches, cure, etc. I have tried this appearance at some time in front of a dinner out and the manner in which it reflected the light made me feel that my nails were jewels.
Such a construction is reminiscent of the meaning of fall luxuriance: fat, cozy, and unashamedly brash.
Classic Glossy Tortoiseshell
It has the tortoiseshell appearance in its most elementary manner–warm amber over deep chocolate spots, all finished with an ultra-glossy surface. Its shape is an oval nail shape that makes it easy to wear and timeless and the colors are almost three-dimensional because of the shine.
On materials, I would recommend using Orly “Brown Sugar” and over it, translucent ambers such as CND “Amber Glow.” Essies Licorice is crispy black with the application of a striping brush.
It is all about irregularity in the application, tortoiseshell must never appear homogeneous. Once, celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein noted that it is the imperfections which make tortoiseshell beautiful and when I recreate this style, I remember that.
This is a personal design that I would choose when I need something classics. It is timeless yet it fits just right during the fall when one can wear chunky knits and loose-fitting coats.
Tortoiseshell with Gold Leaf
This manicure takes tortoiseshell to the next level of an overlay with gold leaf flashes. The mixture of the amberer tones and the metallic glitter are festive but refined, as the autumn leaves are receiving the sun rays. It is childish yet adult enough and it suits every person who desires glittering nails.
I would replicate this using the OPI coca-cola red mixed with clear topcoat to give warm undertones, clear ambers and black. With the shimmer, foil sheets such as Daily Charme are ideal- cut them irregularly to create the most natural look.
It is very easy: first make your tortoiseshell design, cure it and after that, carefully apply pieces of gold foil over the sticky surface and finally top it all with a topcoat. Elle Magazine has observed that metallic accents are taking over fall nails and this design nails the trend.
I would use this outfit with parties or evenings out. It is stylish yet a bit of over the top, the type of nail polish that makes you find yourself wanting to wave more just to display.
Warm Brown Depth
This version has dropped into more warmer browns, and it makes them into a tortoiseshell pattern that is warm and grounded. The impact is not as dramatic and more friendly yet just as stylish. The design extends the hand on the almond nails and adds elegance to it.
To this, I would suggest the colors such as Essie Mink Muffs on the base with overlaying translucent ambers and darker brown highlights. Warmth is the aim, so make the blacks as minimal as possible, allowing the caramel hues to be seen.
In technique I prefer to apply a single layer of amber, sprinkled with a few brown spots, to dry, and then do the same two or three more times. This adds depth and does not overweight the nails. Hint: when you combine a little clear polish with your amber the design will be luminous.
I would love to wear this throughout the season- it is neutral enough to be worn on a daily basis but is also stylish to be special. It is the tortoiseshell version of your favorite fall coat: classic, warm and never-endingly flattering.
Minimalist French Tortoiseshell
This manicure adds a new twist to the French tip by using the fragile tortoiseshell as the accents, instead of the white one. The tips are brought out by the sheer nude base and the almond Shape also lengthens the hand beautifully. It is simple, elegant, and adaptable- the ideal quiet luxury version of fall tortoiseshell nails 2025.
In the case of the base, I would opt with Essies Ballet Slippers or OPI Put It In Neutral. The suggestions entail clear amber polish jelly, and jet-black marks to make it look deeper. The design is made to look smooth and smooth with a glossy gel topcoat.
The trick is everything about control- apply a striping brush to the thin, rounded tips and overlay it with small black spots. Less is more when it comes to the modern French manicures, and this design proves this claim by pro manicurist Jin Soon.
As an individual, I would put it on when I wish to speak classy nails. It is subtle, but the tips are made of tortoiseshell which makes it rather eye-catching.
Tortoiseshell with Golden Veins
This is a design that places small golden lines on the tortoiseshell groundwork, very much resembling veins of light running through amber. It is classy and not too dramatic and short oval nails make it convenient to wear every day.
To polish this I would use Zoya, Nyssa, nude base, over an amber tortoiseshell. Nail foils or metallic gel paints are the best to use to attain the golden streaks. A brush that is used to apply the lien needs to be thin.
At the house use the tortoiseshell, and then put on some metallic touches very sparingly. Elle magazine identified metallic accents as one of the most powerful nail trends in 2025- and when combined with tortoiseshell, it has an elevated feeling and not flashy.
I would use this appearance on evening out. The gold is beautiful to catch the light and it also feels like a nail jewelry.
Studded French Tortoiseshell
This design is a mixture of two luxuries- tortoiseshell tips and delicate gold studs. Nude bottoms make the tips stick out and the decoration gives it a touch of glitz to remain sexy. It is trendy and smooth like a wallet of gold with a designer bag.
Essie Mademoiselle is ideal in the case of the nude base. The tips need amber and black gels that are transparent and the studs can be obtained at Swarovski or Born Pretty nail accessories.
How to do it: initial your nude base, then apply tortoiseshell tips before applying studs around the smile line, a few at a time. Close with a heavy gel layer on the top to make it stick. This design was inspired by the words of celebrity nail artist, Deborah Lippmann who has stated that studs make the nails have an instant couture feel.
I can imagine this manicure being ideal at holiday parties, it is whimsical, elegant and looks stunning when enveloped in a glass of champagne.
Classic Full Tortoiseshell
This nail polish has the full coverage tortoiseshell on all nails. It is bold, layered and high-shine which makes it the ideal seasonal statement. The almond shape makes it classy and gives the pattern room to pattern the nail completely.
In this appearance, I would apply opaque gels- The Gel Bottle natural colors of Amber topped with extremely dark brown and black. The gel topcoat must be glossy, as tortoiseshell should at all times have a glossy top.
At home, patience is key. Apply the layer by layer pattern dividing with curing. Nail stylist Naomi Yasuda always writes that something makes the tortoiseshell nails feel real and I cannot disagree.
In my opinion, this is the best autumn manicure ever- it is like having a fashion accessory in your fingernails.
Caramel-Dark Blend
This variation is inclined to caramel colours and warms the classic tortoiseshell to something kinder and sweeter. The trend is a little less heavy with more golden brown than black; this makes it wearable but stylish.
I would recommend OPI, Espresso Your Inner Self with clear caramel gels. A sponge is used to diffuse the lighter tones in order to give them a soft glow.
This is accomplished by keeping the dark spots to bare minimum to allow the caramel shades to dominate. This I have found especially effective with clothing that is calm and neutral in color, such as beige sweaters and brown shoes, since the nails also reflect the same warmth.
This design is friendly and at the same time stylish. It is a favorite that I will wear throughout the season particularly on casual days when I would like my nails to be styled well but not over the top.
