From ghastly ghouls to bloodied tips, here’s an expert’s guide on how to do easy Halloween nail designs at home & master this year’s top trends, whether you’re a beginner or pro
It’s official. It’s almost spooky season and we couldn’t be happier. This year, we’re embracing the whole shebang. Think toffee apples galore, visits to pumpkin patches and Hocus Pocus on repeat. And another All Hallows’ Eve necessity? The perfect scary manicure.
With this in mind, we nabbed some time with celeb nail artist Stephanie Staunton, who counts Little Mix among her clients, to get her top tips for mastering a range of trending Halloween nail looks.
"When I say I’m obsessed with Halloween, I really mean I’m obsessed with Halloween," says Stephanie. "It’s the perfect time to be creative, and I love any excuse to create spooky nail art that still manages to look super cute."
From speedy to slightly tricky, and how to give each trend a twist to make it your own, we’ve got you covered. But where to start?
"When beginning any nail look, I always suggest having access to two things. A nail file like Boots Salon Smooth Nail File to ensure the perfect nail shape, and a polish remover, such as Boots Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover to clear up any mistakes along the way."
Terrifying talons, here we come…
Pumpkin spice nails
So you like to give a little nod to the season without going all out? We get it. Enter the perfect autumnal manicure. We’re talking the ideal shade of orange that’s sure to flatter all skin tones. Plus, it’s quick to achieve at home.
1. Begin by applying a thin layer of No7 Stay Perfect Nail Polish Base Coat. It’s fast drying and really increases the wear time of your manicure.
2. Apply Rimmel 60 Seconds Nail Polish in Wild Spice, ensuring to seal off the tips to prevent peeling. Follow with a second coat.
3. Once dry, top with a matte top coat. Something like Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish Top Coat Matte Finish will work well to provide a chip-resistant finish.
4. Complete with a slick of Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream. A small amount massaged into your hands will add serious nourishment thanks to macadamia oil and mallow extract.
Ghastly ghosts
We’re not sure if this ghostly mani is more cute or scary, but either way, this is one social media-storming nail art idea that we’re obsessed with. And turns out it’s not too tricky to recreate either.
1. Start by applying No7 Stay Perfect Nail Polish Base Coat. A little goes a long way.
2. Follow with Natural Collection Quick Dry Nail Polish in Pink Manicure. It dries in 60 seconds and creates the perfect base colour.
3. To create the ghost, sweep on Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Cotton. Apply in a swirling pattern that follows the tip of the nail. It doesn’t need to be perfect!
4. Using Boots Eyeliner Brush, dot on your ghost's face. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Back to Black works well here due to the dark black polish pigment.
5. Once dry, seal with My Mood Nail Polish Super Speedy Top Coat. It’s high shine and is a dream for prolonging and protecting against pesky chipping or peeling.
Blood red nails
Usually squirm at the sight of blood? Us too, but as soon as we saw drippy blood trickle designs making a comeback on Instagram, we knew we had to recreate it. It’s giving Prabal Gurung Spring 2013 (Google it) – and we ain’t mad.
1. We’re back again with our favourite No7 Stay Perfect Nail Polish Base Coat, being sure to cover the whole nail.
2. Follow with Natural Collection Quick Dry Nail Colour in Pink Manicure. Prefer a peachier finish? Try the shade Peach Manicure.
3. For the perfect blood red, look no further than Essie Nail Lacquer in Colour 50 Bordeaux. Carefully paint on red tips in the style of a french manicure, then allow to dry.
4. Create blood droplets with Boots Eyeliner Brush. Start with a dot, then drag the polish back up towards the tip.
5. Top with My Mood Super Speedy Top Coat for a high shine, glossy look.
Cobweb nails
Creepy (and crawly), recreating the spider’s web nails trend benefits from a steadier hand. Stephanie’s top tip? "This is not a Halloween nail design you want to recreate in a rush. Set aside some time and work slowly and steadily for the best, most flawless results," she advises.
1. Begin with No7 Stay Perfect Nail Polish Base Coat and, once dry, follow with Natural Collection Quick Dry Nail Colour in Pink Manicure on two or three as accent nails. The shade Dusty Lavender also works here as an interesting alternative.
2. Apply a bold black, like Boots Polished Gel Finish Nail Colour in 042, across the remaining nails.
3. Begin to create the web shape using Boots Eyeliner Brush. The bristles are incredibly closely packed, allowing for a more precise finish.
4. Seal the deal with My Mood Super Speedy Top Coat.
Cat eye nails
If glam-meets-grunge is your thing, then look to the vampish cat-eyed nails trend. The best part? They’re quick and easy to create at home. Think dark and dazzling, with a holographic sweep of glitter.
1. Begin by applying a thin layer of No7 Stay Perfect Nail Polish Base Coat. As we’ve already established – it’s our failproof go-to!
2. Using Boots Polished Gel Finish Nail Colour in 042, apply a thin coat over each nail. Wait until fully dry and then repeat.
3. Apply a swirl of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Grape Shifter. It’s a quick dry formula, which is great if you’re prone to smudging.
4. Add a finishing layer of unrivalled shine by topping with the My Mood Super Speedy Top Coat.
If you loved our spooky manicure guide, then why not get ahead with these six fun & festive Christmas nail art ideas–it’s never too early!
