The leaves are changing, the air is crisp and the nights are longer. It can only mean one thing – Libra season has arrived. Taking the spotlight from 23 September to 22 October, this sign is all about celebrating sophistication, beauty and harmony. And with a trip to the nail tech at the top of their birthday wish list, we can’t help but wonder: which mani best captures a Libra in all its glory? Let’s find out.
How To Tap Into The Libra Aesthetic
Libras are known for their charming, kind and romantic personalities, as well as their craving for peace and balance (hence the scales). They’re ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and sensuality – which can influence their appreciation for beautiful things. Being an air sign, they’re also pretty sociable. You’ll find Libras like to engage with people from all walks of life, and thrive in most social settings.
These traits encourage Libras to seek out a personal style that really oozes sophistication and refinement. This sign is a natural trendsetter, and a Libra will pay a good deal of attention to their attire (and their nails). ‘For a Libra mani, it’s all about beauty, balance and harmony – as this aligns with Libra’s love for anything aesthetically chic and elegant,’ agrees manicurist and Mylee Senior Ambassador, Tinu Bello.
@thenaillologist libra nails for libra szn ♎️✨ Step by step description: • paint a layer of matte top coat and cure • using a sponge, apply patches of the three shades of pinks and blend them together, then cure • put a layer of matte top coat and cure • draw the star sign in non-wipe top coat and cure • rub chrome over the design and brush away any excess • apply top coat I have used latex peel here so that the gel does not touch my skin, if you don’t have this please make sure to wipe away any of the gel that does touch your skin before curing #nailinspo #nails #libranails #starsignnails #nailtutorial #autumnnails ♬ greedy – Tate McRae
Create The Look: Libra Nails
There are plenty of avenues to go down when it comes to creating the perfect set of Libra nails. You can spell out your sign in constellations, scales, birth stones and letters – or go a little more abstract with dreamy colour palettes, symmetrical designs and trendy finishes (chrome is always a winner for this sign).
Below, Tinu shares her top nail designs for Libra:
Air Sign Pastels
‘My first suggestion would be to use soft pastel shades like baby pink, light blue and yellow, inspired by Libra’s air element,’ suggests Tinu. ‘I recommend using one of these shades to create a whimsical base.
‘Then to elevate the look, and add even more airiness, you can create a gradient or ombré effect for a soft transition between your pastels,’ she continues. ‘To do this, apply your base coat and let it dry. Then, using an ombre brush, gently blend two nail polish colours on your nail with soft horizontal or vertical strokes until the colours transition seamlessly, before finishing with a topcoat to lock it in.’
@lightslacquer creating a pastel rainbow ombre mani on my nails polishes used: Juke Box Baby, Forget Me Nots, Coney Island, Love a Lot Bear, Funshine Bear, Bikini Bottoms, Bedtime Bear, Dear Diary and Eat My Shorts#nails #nailpolish #nailinspo #nailsoftiktok #nailart #nailtutorial #diynails #diymanicure #naturalnails #nailsathome #nailhack #diynails #diynailsathome #easynails #easynailsathome #ombrenails ♬ som original – j_nypc
Tinu tells us you can either stop here, or add more details for an extra luxurious finish. ‘Adding subtle embellishments like small gold or silver foil accents or dainty stars on one or two accent nails will complete the look,’ she says. ‘It will also complement Libra’s sophisticated and romantic nature.’
Channel Venus
The next look is all about channelling Libra’s ruling planet, Venu. ‘You can feature the zodiac symbol in this design,’ says Tinu. ‘Start by using a nude or a blush base. Then incorporate minimalistic black or white line art, using an ultra fine brush, in the shape of Libra’s scales, or a Venus symbol. You’ll need patience and a steady hand, but the payoff is worth it.’
@jadecarlanails ⚖️ #libranails #zodiacnails #goldchrome #chromenails #chromenailinspo #goldnailideas #astrologygirls #libragang #libragirls #libranailinspo ♬ original sound – sp33dsongsx
For an extra touch of Libra perfectionism, symmetry across the nails is key. ‘You could play with symmetry by having mirror-image designs on each hand, which reflects Libra’s love of balance,’ agree Tinu. ‘A touch of shimmer in your top coat will add a final touch that reflects their well-known sense of style.’
More Libra Manicure Ideas
1. Opal Nails
The official birthstone for Libra is opal. Symbolising luck, hope, love, transformation and uniqueness, this is a stone befitting the romanticism of the star sign. You can incorporate the stone into you mani with stickers and gems, or through an opal-like finish.
2. Spell It Out
With the Y2K renaissance sparking a resurgence in name necklaces, it only makes sense to see the trend crop up in the nail salon. Libras can wear their sign loud and proud with these graphic Libra nails.
3. In The Clouds
You can tap into your air sign with this dreamy manicure. Capturing the peachy tones of sunset from the clouds, it’s finished off with stars and a Libra constellation.
4. Fall French Mani
Being autumn babies, it only makes sense that seasonal French tips would make a great fit for Libra. Opt for shades of maroon, auburn and pumpkin spice for the perfect fall palette.
5. Micro Illustrations
Ideal for shorter nails, you can really amp up the daintiness of your manicure with teeny tiny symbols and illustrations – Libra-inspired, of course – to celebrate this sign.
6. Celestial Doodles
Good with a brush? You can (literally) channel the stars with whimsical doodles of suns, moons and constellations over a galaxy-inspired base.
7. Pink Chrome
One colour heavily associated with Libra is pink, representing the sign’s love of beautiful things as well as its sweet and loving nature. You can bring out the best of this colour with a trendy chrome manicure.
8. Gilded Nails
This luxurious-looking manicure will tap into a Libra’s affinity for sophistication and elegance – as well as its appreciation for the finer things in life.
9. Red Frenchies
Bold and dramatic, these cherry red French tips will appeal to a Libra’s flair for romance and timelessness.
10. Pastel Ombre
A perfectly blended ombre effect in soothing colours can symbolise balance, which is central to Libra’s personality. Choose pastel shades (pink and blue will resonate most for this sign) that flow harmoniously together for the perfect look.
Featured image: Getty Images
