As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, it’s time to embrace the beauty of autumn in your manicure. Fall leaf nail art is the perfect way to celebrate the season, combining rich, warm colors with intricate designs that capture the essence of autumn. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most stunning fall leaf nail art designs for 2024, with detailed descriptions and step-by-step instructions to help you recreate these looks at home. Whether you’re looking for something simple and easy or a more intricate design, there’s something here for every nail art enthusiast.
Red and Gold Autumn Leaves
This bold and striking nail design perfectly captures the warmth of autumn with deep red polish serving as the backdrop for gold leaves that seem to shimmer in the light. The design features a mix of large and small leaves, each detailed with subtle veins that add depth and realism to the look. The combination of red and gold is classic for fall and works beautifully on short, square nails. The glossy finish adds an extra layer of sophistication, making this design perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Red Polish: Essie “Bordeaux”
- Gold Leaf Detailing: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Go for Gold”
- Detailing Brush: Young Nails Micro Detailer
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
- Gold Glitter (optional): Ciaté London Loose Glitter in “Gold”
DIY Instructions:
- Start with a clean nail base and apply a layer of OPI Natural Nail Base Coat.
- Paint all your nails with two coats of Essie “Bordeaux” and allow them to dry completely.
- Using the Young Nails Micro Detailer, paint small and large leaves on each nail with Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Go for Gold”. For a more festive look, add a touch of Ciaté London Loose Glitter to the leaves.
- Finish with a generous layer of Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat to seal in the design and add shine.
Orange Monarch Leaf Art
This design is a beautiful blend of subtlety and artistry, featuring delicate monarch butterfly-inspired leaves on a muted gray background. The orange leaves are meticulously detailed, with black outlines and shading that give them a three-dimensional effect. This design is ideal for those who want to embrace fall without going over the top, as the neutral base allows the orange leaves to truly pop.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
- Gray Polish: China Glaze “Recycle”
- Orange Polish: OPI “It’s a Piazza Cake”
- Black Detailing Polish: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in “Black Out”
- Detailing Brush: Orly Detailer Brush
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply Zoya Anchor Base Coat to protect your nails.
- Paint your nails with two coats of China Glaze “Recycle” and let them dry.
- Using the Orly Detailer Brush, carefully paint orange leaves on each nail with OPI “It’s a Piazza Cake”. Outline the leaves with Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in “Black Out” for added definition.
- Seal the design with Essie Gel Couture Top Coat to ensure longevity.
Golden Maple Leaf Elegance
This intricate design features a variety of maple leaves in shades of gold and copper, delicately scattered across a creamy white base. The leaves are finely detailed, with subtle gradients and shading that give them a lifelike appearance. This design is perfect for a Thanksgiving celebration or any autumn event where you want your nails to be the center of attention.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Base Coat
- White Polish: OPI “Alpine Snow”
- Gold and Copper Polishes: Zoya “Goldie” and “Penny”
- Detailing Brush: Pueen 100% Kolinsky Sable Brush
- Top Coat: CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat
- Gold Leaf Stickers (optional): Whats Up Nails Gold Leaf Stickers
DIY Instructions:
- Apply Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Base Coat to your nails.
- Paint your nails with two coats of OPI “Alpine Snow”.
- Using the Pueen Detail Brush, carefully paint maple leaves with Zoya “Goldie” and “Penny”. Add depth by layering the colors and using a light hand for shading. For an extra touch, apply gold leaf stickers sparingly.
- Finish with CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat to protect the design.
Neutral Autumn Abstract
This design takes a more abstract approach to fall leaf nail art, using a mix of earthy tones and minimalist leaf outlines. The base colors are a soft blend of taupe and beige, which serve as a neutral canvas for the black and olive-green leaf designs. The overall look is understated yet chic, perfect for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay Base Coat
- Taupe Polish: OPI “Taupe-less Beach”
- Beige Polish: Essie “Urban Jungle”
- Black and Olive Green Polishes: Butter London “Union Jack Black” and Essie “Chinchilly”
- Detailing Brush: Beetles Gel Polish Brush Set
- Top Coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Start with a base coat of Essie Here to Stay to ensure a smooth application.
- Apply OPI “Taupe-less Beach” on some nails and Essie “Urban Jungle” on others, creating a varied base.
- Use Butter London “Union Jack Black” and Essie “Chinchilly” to paint minimalist leaf outlines with a fine detail brush.
- Seal with Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat for a long-lasting finish.
Copper Leaf on Nude
This elegant design showcases copper leaves on a nude base, combining simplicity with a touch of luxury. The leaves are carefully placed, with each nail featuring a unique pattern. The warm copper tones are perfect for fall and look stunning against the neutral background, making this a versatile design that works well for both casual and formal occasions.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
- Nude Polish: Essie “Ballet Slippers”
- Copper Polish: China Glaze “Harvest Moon”
- Detailing Brush: Maniology Detail Brush Set
- Top Coat: Essie Speed Setter Ultra-Fast Dry Top Coat
- Copper Leaf Foil (optional): Moyou London Copper Foil
DIY Instructions:
- Apply Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat to prep your nails.
- Paint your nails with two coats of Essie “Ballet Slippers” for a clean nude base.
- Using China Glaze “Harvest Moon” and a detail brush, paint copper leaves on each nail. Add copper leaf foil for extra texture if desired.
- Finish with Essie Speed Setter Ultra-Fast Dry Top Coat to lock in the design.
Copper Autumn Leaf Art
This elegant design showcases a blend of copper and black leaves encapsulated within a nude, transparent base. The fine, delicate leaf detailing creates a stunning contrast against the soft background, giving the nails a warm, autumnal glow. The intricate placement of the leaves and the subtle shine of the copper make this design both sophisticated and eye-catching, perfect for someone who enjoys a minimalist yet striking manicure.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
- Nude Polish: Zoya “Erika”
- Copper Leaf Detailing: CND Creative Play “Copper Show”
- Black Detailing Polish: Essie “Licorice”
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat
- Detailing Brush: Winstonia Berry Wine Detailing Brush Set
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a thin layer of OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener to protect your nails.
- Use Zoya “Erika” as your base color, applying two coats for a sheer, nude effect.
- With the Winstonia detailing brush, carefully apply CND Creative Play “Copper Show” to create small, copper leaves. Add black accents with Essie “Licorice” for depth.
- Finish with a layer of Essie Gel Couture Top Coat to seal in the design and add shine.
Autumn Leaves on Dark Brown
This design features vibrant autumn leaves painted on a deep, rich brown base, embodying the essence of fall. The use of orange, yellow, and beige leaves against the dark backdrop creates a stunning contrast that highlights the beauty of the autumn season. The glossy finish adds a touch of elegance, making this design perfect for both casual and formal settings.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Brown Polish: Essie “Wicked”
- Orange, Yellow, and Beige Polishes: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri “Orange Zest”, OPI “Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants”, and Zoya “Sahara”
- Detailing Brush: Beetles Gel Brush Set
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Begin with OPI Natural Nail Base Coat to create a smooth surface.
- Apply two coats of Essie “Wicked” as your base color and allow them to dry completely.
- Use the Beetles Gel Brush Set to paint leaves in orange, yellow, and beige, using a light hand to create delicate leaf shapes.
- Seal the design with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for a high-gloss finish.
Burgundy Maple Leaves
This nail art features a rich burgundy base adorned with golden maple leaves, capturing the essence of a crisp autumn evening. The gold accents add a luxurious touch, while the gradient effect on the leaves adds depth and dimension. This design is perfect for those who love a bit of glam with their autumn nails, making it ideal for special occasions.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Base Coat
- Burgundy Polish: OPI “Malaga Wine”
- Gold Polish: Sally Hansen Color Foil “Liquid Gold”
- Detailing Brush: Pueen Precision Brush
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat
- Gold Glitter (optional): Loose glitter for added sparkle
DIY Instructions:
- Apply Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Base Coat to prep your nails.
- Paint your nails with two coats of OPI “Malaga Wine” for a deep burgundy base.
- Using the Pueen Precision Brush, paint maple leaves with Sally Hansen Color Foil “Liquid Gold”. Add gold glitter for extra sparkle if desired.
- Finish with a layer of Essie Gel Couture Top Coat to protect the design.
Green and Red Fall Leaf Design
This unique design pairs a soft green base with vibrant red leaves, offering a fresh take on fall leaf nail art. The green background provides a beautiful contrast that allows the red leaves to stand out, while the addition of gold glitter adds a touch of magic to the overall look. This design is perfect for someone looking to add a pop of color to their fall manicure.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
- Green Polish: Essie “Mint Candy Apple”
- Red Polish: OPI “Big Apple Red”
- Gold Glitter: CND Additives Gold Sparkle
- Detailing Brush: Maniology Kolinsky Detail Brush
- Top Coat: Sally Hansen Mega Shine Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat to ensure your manicure lasts.
- Use Essie “Mint Candy Apple” as your base, applying two coats for full coverage.
- Paint red leaves using OPI “Big Apple Red” and the Maniology Kolinsky Detail Brush. Add gold glitter accents with CND Additives Gold Sparkle.
- Seal with Sally Hansen Mega Shine Top Coat for a glossy, long-lasting finish.
Red and White Snowfall Leaves
This design is a playful take on fall leaf nail art, combining red leaves with a white snowfall effect on a deep red base. The leaves are detailed with a subtle green tint, giving them a lifelike appearance, while the white dots mimic the first snowflakes of the season. This design is both festive and sophisticated, making it a great choice for the transition from fall to winter.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: OPI Ridge Filler Base Coat
- Red Polish: Zoya “Janel”
- White Polish: China Glaze “White on White”
- Green Detailing Polish: Essie “Mojito Madness”
- Dotting Tool: Beetles Nail Art Dotting Tools
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Start with a layer of OPI Ridge Filler Base Coat to create an even surface.
- Apply two coats of Zoya “Janel” for a deep red base.
- Use a dotting tool to create white dots with China Glaze “White on White” for the snowfall effect. Add green-tinted leaves with Essie “Mojito Madness” using a fine brush.
- Finish with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat to lock in the design and add shine.
Earthy Tones with a Touch of Gold
This nail design beautifully combines earthy green, rich brown, and matte white tones with delicate gold accents. The gold foil lining at the base of the nails adds a subtle yet luxurious touch, while the white nails feature an intricate leaf design in brown, accented by small, deep red dots that resemble autumn berries. The contrast between the matte and glossy finishes across different nails adds depth and interest to this design, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate understated elegance.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Green Polish: Essie “Sew Psyched”
- Brown Polish: OPI “Chocolate Moose”
- White Polish: Essie “Blanc”
- Gold Foil: Whats Up Nails Gold Nail Foil
- Detailing Brush: Maniology Kolinsky Detail Brush
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply OPI Natural Nail Base Coat to all nails to ensure longevity.
- Paint alternating nails with Essie “Sew Psyched” and OPI “Chocolate Moose,” leaving two nails for the white base.
- On the white nails, use the Maniology Kolinsky Detail Brush to paint brown leaf branches with Essie “Chocolate Moose” and add red dot accents.
- Apply Whats Up Nails Gold Nail Foil to the base of the green and brown nails.
- Seal the design with Essie Gel Couture Top Coat.
Autumn Harvest Color Palette
This vibrant design features a mix of mustard yellow and deep brown, with a white accent nail adorned with colorful autumn leaves. The leaves are painted in shades of orange, red, and yellow, with white dots adding a playful element to the design. The use of contrasting colors makes this nail art stand out, perfectly capturing the lively spirit of the fall season. This design is ideal for those who love bold, eye-catching manicures.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Base Coat
- Mustard Yellow Polish: OPI “Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants”
- Brown Polish: Essie “Wicked”
- White Polish: OPI “Alpine Snow”
- Leaf Colors: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Orange Zest”, OPI “Big Apple Red”, Essie “Playing Koi”
- Detailing Brush: Winstonia Berry Wine Detail Brush Set
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Start with Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Base Coat.
- Paint two nails with OPI “Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants” and two with Essie “Wicked”. Leave one nail white.
- On the white nail, use the detailing brush to paint small leaves in orange, red, and yellow using Sally Hansen, OPI, and Essie polishes. Add small white dots around the leaves for added detail.
- Seal with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.
Bold Matte Autumn Leaves
This matte nail design is a striking combination of autumn colors, featuring deep red, earthy green, and bold orange shades. The accent nail showcases a minimalist leaf design in contrasting black, yellow, and green. The matte finish gives this design a modern, sophisticated edge, making it a great choice for someone looking to make a statement this fall.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
- Matte Top Coat: Essie Matte About You Top Coat
- Red Polish: OPI “Malaga Wine”
- Green Polish: Essie “Mojito Madness”
- Orange Polish: OPI “A Good Mandarin is Hard to Find”
- Detailing Brush: Beetles Gel Brush Set
DIY Instructions:
- Apply Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat.
- Paint nails with OPI “Malaga Wine”, Essie “Mojito Madness”, and OPI “A Good Mandarin is Hard to Find”, alternating colors.
- On the orange nail, use the Beetles Gel Brush Set to paint a simple black leaf outline with yellow and green accents.
- Apply Essie Matte About You Top Coat to give the nails a matte finish.
Playful Orange and Nude
This design is a fun and playful take on fall leaf nail art, featuring bright orange nails paired with a nude accent nail adorned with a 3D autumn leaf. The orange nails also have small dots for added texture, while the nude nail showcases a detailed leaf with a touch of glitter. The combination of textures and the pop of color make this design perfect for someone who wants a bold yet playful fall manicure.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
- Orange Polish: China Glaze “Orange Knockout”
- Nude Polish: Essie “Sand Tropez”
- 3D Leaf: Whats Up Nails Autumn Leaf Nail Art Stickers
- Dotting Tool: Beetles Nail Art Dotting Tools
- Top Coat: CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Start with OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener.
- Paint nails with China Glaze “Orange Knockout”, leaving one nail for Essie “Sand Tropez”.
- Apply the Whats Up Nails Autumn Leaf Nail Art Sticker on the nude nail and add small orange dots using the dotting tool on the other nails.
- Finish with CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat to protect your design.
Elegant Gold and Copper Leaves
This design is the epitome of elegance, featuring delicate gold and copper leaves on a soft, sheer white base. The metallic accents catch the light beautifully, making the nails look luxurious and refined. The overall design is understated yet sophisticated, perfect for someone who wants to embrace the fall season with a touch of glam.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay Base Coat
- White Polish: OPI “Bubble Bath”
- Gold and Copper Polishes: Zoya “Ziv” and “Autumn”
- Detailing Brush: Orly Detailer Brush
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Begin with Essie Here to Stay Base Coat.
- Apply two coats of OPI “Bubble Bath” for a sheer white base.
- Use the Orly Detailer Brush to paint delicate gold and copper leaves with Zoya “Ziv” and “Autumn”.
- Seal with Essie Gel Couture Top Coat for a glossy finish.
Bold Contrast and Geometric Leaves
This design is a striking combination of mustard yellow, deep navy blue, and crisp white, adorned with abstract leaf patterns. The matte finish of the mustard and navy nails contrasts beautifully with the glossy white accent nails, which feature a mix of black leaves and geometric shapes. The overall design is modern and chic, perfect for someone who enjoys bold, contemporary styles.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
- Mustard Yellow Polish: OPI “Never a Dulles Moment”
- Navy Blue Polish: Essie “Bobbing for Baubles”
- White Polish: OPI “Alpine Snow”
- Black Detailing Polish: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri “Black to Black”
- Detailing Brush: Winstonia Berry Wine Detail Brush Set
- Matte Top Coat: Essie Matte About You Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat to all nails.
- Paint your nails with OPI “Never a Dulles Moment” and Essie “Bobbing for Baubles”, leaving one or two nails for the white base.
- On the white nails, use the detailing brush to create abstract leaf designs with Sally Hansen “Black to Black”.
- Apply Essie Matte About You Top Coat on the mustard and navy nails for a matte finish.
Warm Tones and Leafy Layers
This design is a warm, inviting mix of orange, yellow, and peach tones, layered with delicate black leaf outlines. The matte finish enhances the softness of the colors, while the leafy details add a touch of nature’s beauty. This look is perfect for those who want to celebrate autumn’s warmth with a playful yet elegant manicure.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Orange Polish: Essie “Tangerine Tease”
- Yellow Polish: China Glaze “Sun’s Up, Top Down”
- Peach Polish: OPI “Got Myself into a Jam-balaya”
- Black Detailing Polish: Revlon ColorStay “Stiletto”
- Detailing Brush: Maniology Kolinsky Detail Brush
- Matte Top Coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Matte Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Start with OPI Natural Nail Base Coat.
- Paint your nails with alternating colors of Essie “Tangerine Tease”, China Glaze “Sun’s Up, Top Down”, and OPI “Got Myself into a Jam-balaya”.
- Using the Maniology Kolinsky Detail Brush, paint black leaf outlines on the nails.
- Finish with Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Matte Top Coat for a smooth matte finish.
Black and Yellow Fall Elegance
This design is a bold combination of black and yellow, creating a striking contrast that’s sure to turn heads. The accent nails feature delicate black leaf designs on a nude base, adding an element of sophistication to the overall look. The glossy finish enhances the depth of the colors, making this design ideal for someone who loves a daring yet refined manicure.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Base Coat
- Yellow Polish: OPI “Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet”
- Black Polish: Essie “Licorice”
- Nude Polish: Zoya “Taylor”
- Detailing Brush: Orly Detailer Brush
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Base Coat.
- Paint your nails with OPI “Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet” and Essie “Licorice”, leaving a few nails for the nude base.
- On the nude nails, use the Orly Detailer Brush to paint delicate black leaf designs.
- Seal the design with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for a high-gloss finish.
Vibrant Multicolored Leaves
This playful design features a mix of autumn colors—burgundy, orange, green, and white—combined with vibrant white leaf patterns and black dots. The gold accents add a touch of luxury, making this design both fun and sophisticated. This look is perfect for those who enjoy a more artistic, colorful approach to fall nail art.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
- Burgundy Polish: Essie “Bordeaux”
- Orange Polish: China Glaze “Orange Knockout”
- Green Polish: Essie “Going Incognito”
- White Polish: OPI “Alpine Snow”
- Black Detailing Polish: Revlon ColorStay “Stiletto”
- Gold Foil: Whats Up Nails Gold Nail Foil
- Detailing Brush: Beetles Nail Art Brush Set
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Start with OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener.
- Apply a mix of Essie “Bordeaux”, China Glaze “Orange Knockout”, and Essie “Going Incognito” on different nails.
- On the white nails, use the Beetles Nail Art Brush to paint white leaves and add black dots. Apply gold foil accents for added luxury.
- Finish with Essie Gel Couture Top Coat to protect your design.
Elegant Burgundy and Taupe Leaves
This elegant design pairs deep burgundy with soft taupe, accented by delicate leaf and berry designs. The addition of gold glitter on the pinky nails adds a touch of glam, making this look perfect for both day and night. This design is ideal for someone who wants a chic, sophisticated fall manicure with a bit of sparkle.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay Base Coat
- Burgundy Polish: OPI “Malaga Wine”
- Taupe Polish: Zoya “Portia”
- Gold Glitter: CND Additives Gold Sparkle
- Detailing Brush: Winstonia Berry Wine Detail Brush Set
- Top Coat: Sally Hansen Mega Shine Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply Essie Here to Stay Base Coat.
- Paint nails with OPI “Malaga Wine” and Zoya “Portia”, leaving an accent nail for gold glitter.
- On the taupe nails, use the Winstonia Berry Wine Detail Brush to paint burgundy leaves and berries.
- Add gold glitter to the pinky nails and seal the design with Sally Hansen Mega Shine Top Coat.
Colorful Autumn Blooms
This design is a vibrant celebration of autumn colors, featuring a mix of navy, orange, and burgundy, with a floral accent nail in white. The combination of colors is both bold and harmonious, making this design stand out. The floral details add a delicate touch to the otherwise bold color palette, perfect for someone who loves a mix of floral and autumn themes.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
- Navy Polish: Essie “After School Boy Blazer”
- Orange Polish: OPI “A Good Mandarin is Hard to Find”
- Burgundy Polish: Essie “Bordeaux”
- White Polish: OPI “Alpine Snow”
- Floral Stickers (optional): Whats Up Nails Autumn Floral Stickers
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat.
- Paint your nails with alternating colors of Essie “After School Boy Blazer”, OPI “A Good Mandarin is Hard to Find”, and Essie “Bordeaux”.
- On the white nails, apply Whats Up Nails Autumn Floral Stickers or use a detailing brush to paint the floral designs.
- Seal the design with Essie Gel Couture Top Coat for a glossy finish.
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