While we've gotten pretty good at executing at-home gel manicures, we can't help but think of how nice it could be to give our nails some breathing room away from that perfect-looking (but sometimes damaging) cured lacquer.
Fun fact: Several nail polish brands have upped the ante by improving their traditional nail polish formulas to look, feel, and perform more like a gel without the need to cure it under a light. And, of course, if you purchase an at-home gel nail kit, you have even more gel nail polish options available to choose from!
We're taking stock of the best new fall gel nail colors we're most excited to wear. Ahead, check out the seven shades we're swooning over, whether gel or gel-adjacent. Scroll for the mood board and shop the ones that speak to you most.
1. Matcha Green
This neutralized seafoam shade is an absolute dream. It totally functions like a burst of color without being over-the-top bright.
Aprés's Popped Pistachio shade is the perfect soft-toned green. This gel formula provides an amazing color payoff and includes a revolutionary in-bottle bush made from PBT fibers, giving it the same density as a Japanese nail art brush. It allows for more precise color application and is great for both beginners and nail artists. You can also opt for a slightly lighter cool-toned green like the Essie shade below.
2. Tawny Red
This gorgeous and complex red calls in hints of brown, orange, and even yellow—all the shades that comprise the ultimate fall color palette. It's the perfect hue to channel the changing leaves.
Orly's GelFX Nail Colors are just what we need to get in a fall manicure mood, and we're especially loving this earthy scarlet hue. It's offered in the professional-grade gel formula for long-lasting gel manicures, but if you're not set up with a GelFx LED Lamp ($175), you can enjoy the same shade in the brand's traditional polish formula.
3. Ivory
Tone down bright whites with this classic soft ivory. Go for an opaque finish by adding more coats or hang back with a barely there, sheer finish. The choice is yours.
This gel-effect duo is all you need for a long-lasting gel manicure—no curing light required. Layer on three coats of Birthday Suit for a bold, full-coverage look or just swipe on one coat for a more natural finish. Either way, you'll get a shiny, ivory manicure that looks just like gel.
4. Shades of Gray
From light gray that looks like wet cement to mid-toned gray reminiscent of a cloudy sky, there's something for everyone is this fall-appropriate color family. We've been bopping up and down this spectrum all season.
In case you need more evidence that this polish color is majorly trending, check out this collab between nail savant Deborah Lippmann and fashion designer Jason Wu. It's the perfect cloudy day gray and comes in the tried-and-true, dual-patented formula made to perform just like cured gel.
5. Warm Chestnut
If you find yourself reaching for lattes in the fall, you might notice the similarity between that frothy drink and this nail color. It's slightly warmer than your average beige but just a shade or two too light to be considered brown.
This perfect shade sits right at the intersection of deep beige and light brown. It's the perfect elevated neutral that looks slightly different yet complimentary on a wide range of skin tones. A quick hit of Chanel's Le Gel Coat on top, and it'll stay shiny and in tact for days.
6. Goldenrod
Think of this shade as a wheaten-leaning yellow that's a lot less in your face than your typical summertime canary. It's more of a burnt yellow, if you will.
Who says you have to leave yellow nails behind once falls hits? Combine it with the base and top coats from OPI's Infinite Shine line, and the glass-like glow and lasting power will make you reconsider ever visiting a nail salon again.
7. Metal and Chrome
If you've been waiting for a little flash, you found it. Get your Tin Man on with shiny metallic shades and gleaming chrome hues that will add some extra energy to your manicure. Try everything from shimmering silver polishes to bronzy rose golds.
Revlon's answer to the salon-quality manicure at home is its Gel Envy polish, which binds to your nails without even using a base coat. Create the chrome manicure of your dreams without curing it under an LED light. Just seal with the Diamond Top Coat, and you're ready to go.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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