We think it's worth the forewarning that dressing up your nails [1] takes on a completely different meaning once October arrives. With Halloween [2] on the not-too-distant horizon, it's time to shift your Pinterest boards from summery sets to moodier alternatives like the classic french [3], chrome finishes [4], and dark and vampy nail-polish hues [5]. While it's conventional to stick with orange when it comes to spooky season, in recent years, Halloween [6] nails have been taken to new heights. Take cues from unofficial nail aficionados like Megan Thee Stallion with her light-up nails [7] or even Kylie Jenner and her black sparkly nails [8], which are the ultimate Halloween vibe.
To find the most popular — and in some cases, unexpected — Halloween nail colors for the spooky season, we tapped celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein [9], who has created looks for Blake Lively [10] and Jessica Chastain, to name just a couple of her A-lister clientele, to weigh in. Check out her picks ahead.
Halloween Nail Colors: Rich Metallics and Duochromes
Want to play up the mystical feel of Halloween [11]? Try it on your fingers. "Rich, metallic purples and duochrome blues and greens create an unexpected look," Gerstein says.
She named the LeChat Dare to Wear Metallux Nail Polish in Hypnotic [12] ($12) as one of her favorites for its blue-to-green shift.
Halloween Nail Colors: Rich Metallics and Duochromes
ILNP Eclipse Black to Red Ultra Chrome Nail Polish [13] ($13)
Halloween Nail Colors: Rich Metallics and Duochromes
Cirque Colors Shimmer Nail Polish [14] ($15)
Halloween Nail Colors: Rich Metallics and Duochromes
Orly Breathable Treatment Nail Polish in Elixir [15] ($11)
Halloween Nail Colors: Pumpkin Spice
You can't go wrong with a pumpkin hue for Halloween [16] month. Gerstein loves LeChat's Perfect Match Mood polish in Pumpkin Spice [17] (which is available only in salons) for this look. "It transitions from pumpkin orange to a faint caramel shade depending on your body temp [and glows] like a jack-o'-lantern or the eyes of a black cat."
Halloween Nail Colors: Pumpkin Spice
Habit Nail Polish in 49 Tandoori [18] ($18)
Halloween Nail Colors: Pumpkin Spice
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Neons in Sundown Socialite [19] ($10)
Halloween Nail Colors: Pumpkin Spice
OPI Nail Lacquer in Suzi Needs a Loch-smith [20] ($11)
Halloween Nail Colors: Deep Purples
Dark colors are a fall staple. Get the look using the OPI Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish in Raisin' the Bar [21] ($14), or one of the following nail polishes.
Halloween Nail Colors: Deep Purples
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color in Go Garnet [22] ($6)
Halloween Nail Colors: Deep Purples
Essie Nail Polish in Wicked [23] ($11)
Halloween Nail Colors: Deep Purples
Nina Ultra Pro Nail Polish in The Grape Gatsby [24] ($3)
Halloween Nail Colors: Spicy Mustard Yellow
Gerstein named mustard yellow nail polish — like the Cirque Colors Crème Nail Polish in Urbanized [25] ($13) — as another warm option to try during the weeks leading up to Halloween [26].
Halloween Nail Colors: Spicy Mustard Yellow
Static Nails Liquid Glass Lacquer [27] ($16)
Halloween Nail Colors: Spicy Mustard Yellow
Orly Here Comes The Sun [28] ($11)
Halloween Nail Colors: Spicy Mustard Yellow
Ella + Mila Lost City Nail Polish [29] ($11)
Halloween Nail Colors: Red Patent
Candy-apple-red manicures are both sweet for Halloween [30] and a trend that one expert foresees sticking around through the entire season.
"Red, burgundy, berry — these deep shades are emblematic of fall and represent a sophisticated twist on quintessential bright red nail polish while still being feminine and classic," nail expert and eponymous brand owner Jin Soon Choi previously told POPSUGAR. "They are timeless colors that cross from classic to modern and feminine to bold — making them perfect for all autumn occasions."
Re-create the nail look using the Butter London Come to Bed Red [31] ($18), or one of the following options.
Halloween Nail Colors: Red Patent
Essie Nail Polish in Mrs. Always Right [32] ($10)
Halloween Nail Colors: Red Patent
Auda Beauty Polish in The First Lady [33] ($19)
Halloween Nail Colors: Red Patent
Olive & June Nail Polish in SC [34] ($9)