The pumpkin spice latte may get all the autumnal bevie love—and inspire a host of different manicures. But apple cider deserves a moment in the spotlight, too, both for sipping and swiping. Apple cider nails are currently all the rage, a stunning seasonal shade that really anyone can try.
“This trend was coined by Selena Gomez and her manicurist Tom Bachik when she wore a transitional, warm, red/orange shade that they called apple cider nails,” says celebrity manicurist Sonya Meesh.
They quickly gained popularity as a perfect option for anyone wanting to lean into the feeling of autumn. “Apple cider nails are trending right now because they perfectly capture the warm and cozy vibes of fall. The shades used work beautifully with fall palettes,” says nail expert Mazz Hanna, CEO of Nailing Hollywood.
Here is everything you need to know about this seasonal mani, including how to create apple cider nails.
What Are Apple Cider Nails?
Picture the rich, golden shades you’d see in a cup of apple cider. Apple cider nails are inspired by these tones, ranging from deep caramel to soft amber, says Hanna. In related news, there’s a wide range of hues that can fall into this category. They range from lighter to dark and have varying undertones—everything from terracotta to reds to copper can fall into the “apple cider” category, says Meesh.
What Makes Apple Cider Nails Different From Other Fall Colors?
Pumpkin spice nails (yes, that’s a thing) skew more toward the orange end of the specturm, whereas apple cider nails have more of a brown or caramel base. And while other fall browns may fall a bit flat, apple cider nails are much more dimensional.
You can play around with the exact shades used, but apple cider nails generally have extra warmth compared to other brown shades. “Unlike a cooler-toned chocolate or espresso browns, apple cider shades tend to have amber or cinnamon undertones that add a cozy glow,” says Hanna. Again, perfectly capturing those festive fall feelings.
Who Can Try Apple Cider Nails?
In a word, anyone. “Apple cider nails can look stunning on any skin tone. The key is to select a shade the complements your undertone. Golden-based hues bring out the glow in warm or olive complexions, while deeper, richer shades beautifully enhance cooler undertones,” Hanna explains. “You also don’t need to have long nails to try this trend. These types of colors are beautiful on any nail shape or length, but I especially love them on short, rounded nails, where the soft curves really complement the warmth of the shade.”
How Do You Create Apple Cider Nails?
This is one nail trend that really couldn’t be easier. You can pick one single color that is apple cider-y; look for warm-toned caramel colors with a hint of golden or amber, suggests Hanna. You can also layer and mix and match a few different ones if you want to experiment with several shades.
Apple cider colors are also perfect for autumnal nail art: “Work the shade into a French, use as a topper, or add into some fall-inspired, more intricate designs,” says Meesh.
