Time to retire your boring, blah polishes.
20 Mauve Manis You're About to See All Over Your IG Feed
Here's the thing: Even though I have about eight million nail polish bottles in my teeny NYC apartment (priorities, amirite?), I still have a hard time veering away from my regular shades (hi, my perfect little black nail polish). But after noticing a shit ton of mauve nail ideas on my Instagram feed lately, I'm officially inspired to branch out. IMO, the coolest thing about mauve is that there are so many shade variations—whether you're looking for something soft and subtle or deep and rich. And to prove it to ya, I went ahead and found the 20 prettiest mauve manicures worth trying immediately, along with all the polishes you'll need to recreate 'em. Tell your old polishes I'm sorry.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below View this post on InstagramA post shared by Paintbox (@paintboxnails)
The combination of light pink and deep mauve make this wavy manicure extra cute. File your nails in a smooth round shape to really bring this look home.
✨Try it with: Pear Nova Nail Lacquer in Ginzaholic
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Nails By Sophia (@nailsbysoph_99)
You can't go wrong with a classic mauve manicure. Opt for a polish that's extra rich and glossy to really take your nails to the next level.
✨Try it with: Nails Inc. Nail Polish in Velvet Velour
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Megan Preville (@hookedondippednails)
Finish off your mauve manicure with a sparkly top coat to add an extra somethin' to your look. Bonus points for recreating this cute almond shape too.
✨Try it with: LNP My Private Rainbow Holographic Nail Polish Top Coat
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Nic | Nail Stylist (@njmnailstylist)
Can't decide which shade of mauve you like best? Grab your five favorite polishes and try this tonal manicure instead. Pro tip: There's no right or wrong way to layer your colors, so have fun with it.
✨Try it with: Deborah Lippmann Bed of Roses Nail Polish Set
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Christine Doan • Nail Artist (@glosshouse)
This style is definitely a little complex (especially if you're a nail-art newb), but there's something so damn pretty about a classic mauve mani with all-over marble detailing. Brush up on your DIY skills or save this one for your next nail appointment.
✨Try it with: OPI Nail Polish Infinite Shine Long-Wear Lacquer in You Sustain Me
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Canishiea J. Sams (@nailsbycanishiea)
Grab two shades of mauve (one light and one dark) and recreate this pretty negative-space mani. My favorite thing about this idea? It's a great option for short nails.
✨Try it with: People of Color Nail Polish in Walk of Fame
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Paintbucket (@paintbucketnails)
Trying to incorporate some ~glitz~ into your mauve manicure? Start with a clean, light-purple base and add some detailing with a sparkly gold polish.
✨Try it with: Sally Hansen Mega Strength in Wild Card
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Paintbucket (@paintbucketnails)
Fun fact: Mauve nails actually look great with a handful of polish colors, as evidenced by this combination of yellow, gray, and berry mauve.
✨Try it with: Maybelline New York Color Show Nail Lacquer in Mauve In Manhattan
View this post on InstagramA post shared by AMY LE • LA NAIL ARTIST (@amyle.nails)
If the pinkier mauves aren't really your thing, you'll love this subdued gray option. Zoom in and you'll notice this nail artist topped off her look with teeny strokes of gold. Cute, right?
✨Try it with: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Dirty Little Secret
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Crystal - Manicure Inspiration (@lovefreshpaint)
If you need a break from your regular winter nail polishes (see: black, gray, and more black), you can't go wrong with a rich mauve. I love how this shade leans a bit more purple.
✨Try it with: Essie Gel Couture in Not What It Seems
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Ever Pretty Beauty Studio (@everprettybeautystudio)
Another option that miiight be best for professional nail artists, these dark-mauve nails look so pretty with gold-foil detailing. Leave part of your nail bare for a nice little contrast.
✨Try it with: Suite Eleven Nail Polish in Jupiter & Mars
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Karen Gutierrez (@karengnails)
Mauve doesn't have to read super moody, btw. This pink shade looks great on its own (I mean, talk about glossy), but gold or silver detailing is always a smart add-on.
✨Try it with: Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer in Coming Up Roses
View this post on InstagramA post shared by 𝙉𝘼𝙄𝙇𝙎 𝘽𝘼𝘽 (@nails.bab)
A fun but unexpected color combo? Lavender mauve and bright tangerine. If negative-space manis aren't in your skill set, try recreating this vibe with alternating polish colors on each nail.
✨Try it with: Zoya Nail Polish in Paz
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Paintbucket (@paintbucketnails)
IDK about you, but I'm a sucker for anything cow print these days. Throw some mauve into the mix with this French-tip inspired manicure.
✨Try it with: Smith & Cult Nail Polish in A Short Reprise
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Canishiea J. Sams (@nailsbycanishiea)
Don't be afraid to get a little abstract with your mauve nails. This blend of mauve, berry, white, and blue nail polish is a great way to experiment with color.
✨Try it with: China Glaze Nail Lacquer with Hardeners in Kill the Lights
View this post on InstagramA post shared by JASMIN (@basecoatstories)
Water marbling definitely takes some practice, but it's very much doable if you take your time (psst: I'd start by watching a few YouTube tutorials). IMO, this is the perfect complement to mauve nails.
✨Try it with: Habit Cosmetics Non-Toxic + Vegan Nail Polish in 44 Lolita
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Megan Preville (@hookedondippednails)
Vibrant purple glitter against mauve nails is always a winning combination. Pro tip: Use a crystal nail file to make sure your edges are as smooth as possible.
✨Try it with: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear in Rockstar Pink
View this post on InstagramA post shared by GEORGIA RAE (@raelondonnails)
A softer approach to mauve nails, this subtle polish is a great year-round color. Just make sure you invest in a good base coat to keep your mani looking fresh.
✨Try it with: Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in 735 Daydream
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Charlotte🌸 (@charsgelnails_)
TBH, I always love the idea of having a statement nail on each hand. This mauve and tortoise duo is a great way to liven up your usual manis.
✨Try it with: Le Mini Macaron 1-Step Gel Polish in Rum Raisin
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Andrea (@simplylovepolish)
The perfect spring-to-fall shade, this bright mauve polish is a great option if you're looking for something a bit more pink. Finish off the look with round edges and clean cuticles.
✨Try it with: Olive & June Nail Polish in LD
This story originally appeared on: Cosmopolitan - Author:Ruby Buddemeyer
