Whether you’re a fan of the warm, foamy taste of a latte or just love the vibes that come with it, you can’t deny that you’ll head straight to your local barista the second the temperature drops. So, it’s no surprise that this trend is making its way into the beauty world, first with Tiktok’s viral “latte makeup” trend, and now with the latte nail trend.
There’s no denying that neutrals have been trending for the better part of the past year. Whether it’s the “clean girl” or “quite luxury” aesthetic, there’s no doubt that the barely there polish trend is here to stay. And latte nails are the latest iteration of that trend with a new twist for fall/winter. Let’s see what this trend is all about and how to recreate it with different nail shapes.
What Are Latte Nails?
Latte nails are characterised by their neutral colours, ranging from a pale taupe to a dark brown hue. These colours are inspired by the components of a typical latte, such as espresso, milk, foam, and the silky beige colour created when cream and coffee come together.
If you're a fan of simple, solid nails, you can rock the trend with coffee-hued polishes. If you're a nail art lover, you can show off your creative side with modern designs and patterns. And if you're a coffee lover, you can dream of cosy cafes filled with the smell of dark roast. Or, if you're a pumpkin spice lover, you can add some pumpkin spice to your manicure. No matter how you go about it, this trend is super easy to rock, especially as fall rolls around.
Latte Nail Inspiration
Check out some of our favourite latte nail ideas from the internet!
1. Pumpkin Spice Latte
Image courtesy: Instagram - @jadeandpolished
Whether you're a pumpkin spice fanatic or eagerly awaiting the end of the PSL season, there's no denying their dominance in the fall. Dive into the spirit with a pumpkin-colored manicure. To nail that perfect latte look, go for a polish that sits between frosted and muted orange. If you're unsure, reach for one with a yellow-brown undertone. It's the perfect way to add a touch of autumn to your fingertips!
For your perfect pumpkin spice latte nail look, grab Lakmé Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Color - Silk Caramel. This gel-like nail colour ensures a lasting finish and an incredibly high gloss with each stroke. The innovative applicator design effortlessly glides over your nails, giving you that glossy perfection in just one quick swipe.
2. Mocha Swirl
Image courtesy: Instagram - @thaliamatcha
For those who can't resist adding chocolate sauce and cocoa powder to their drinks, this manicure is perfect. Its modern style captures the essence of a tasty mocha latte without being too overwhelming or tacky. Against a base of marbled cream and brown tones, this design showcases a sophisticated and creative appearance.
3. Cappuccino Ombré
Image courtesy: Instagram - @alexiaxnails
For true aficionados, distinguishing between a latte and a cappuccino is a subtle art. The cappuccino boasts extra layers of frothy foam, resulting in a light and airy appearance. This airbrushed ombré design mimics this effect, seamlessly blending a milky hue with nude for a polished look. This chic manicure works on any nail length or nail shape, though longer extensions provide more canvas to showcase the stunning gradient.
4. Espresso Beans
Image courtesy: Instagram - @nailsbyyagal
A great espresso drink always starts with the perfect bean - one that is carefully roasted and boasts a radiant shine from its natural oils. Although this nail trend typically emphasizes the creamy features of the drink, an espresso-coloured polish and shiny top coat are a refreshing change. And for those with shorter nails, this shade looks especially stunning.
The Lakmé 9 to 5 Primer + Gloss Nail Color - Woody Desk is your key to achieving the Espresso Beans nail look. This deep, rich shade provides a sophisticated and timeless appearance to your nails, resembling the deep tones of espresso beans. With its quick-drying formula and long-lasting glossy finish, this nail color ensures your nails stay flawless and vibrant through your busy days.
5. Triple Espresso Shot
Image courtesy: Instagram - @overglowedit
There are times when a little extra caffeine can give you the energy you need to get through the day. And interestingly enough, that same boost of caffeine can also add some life to your manicure. Take inspiration from this nail design, which combines a rich espresso hue on three nails with creamy colours on the remaining two. For an added touch, try using a contrasting polish to delicately outline the edges of your painted tips. For an extra touch of style, try using a contrasting polish to gently outline the edges of your painted nails.
One of the great aspects of the latte trend is its emphasis on colour which provides the perfect opportunity for you to unleash your creativity. So go ahead and experiment with different shades of brown and give your nails the same vibe as your favourite coffee!
FAQs about the Viral Latte Nails
What are latte nails?
As the name suggests, latte nails showcase an array of neutral, coffee-inspired tones spanning from light taupe to deep brown. These shades mirror the elements found in a latte: the velvety espresso, smooth milk, airy foam, and the silky beige tint born from the union of cream and coffee.
How can I achieve the latte nails look?
To achieve latte nails, select a nail polish range with colours resembling the various components of a latte. Look for shades that mimic the rich coffee, creamy milk, and frothy foam. Apply these hues to your nails to capture the cozy and sophisticated vibe.
Are latte nails suitable for all nail lengths and shapes?
Absolutely! Latte nails are versatile and complement various different nail shapes and lengths. Whether you prefer short and square nail shape or long and almond shaped nails, you can achieve a stylish latte nail look.
Written by Kinnari Ashar on Oct 13, 2023