Behind the Trend

Whether you blame it on Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso, the viral latte makeup trend, or the beauty world’s obsession with anything coffee, mocha, or latte related (especially in the fall), it’s no surprise that the coffee found its way into the realm of fall nail art. Any quick scroll through #nailsoftiktok and your fyp is soon to be filled with influencers reporting back on their shimmery java-toned nails. We like to attribute it to a natural need for warmth and coziness as we leave behind the bold, bright shades of summer (and the fact that we can’t wait to wrap our hands around a hot PSL). All it takes is a good base coat, a coffee-toned nail polish shade, a little chrome powder, a top coat and you’re a coffee chrome queen.

Chrome Coffee Nail Inspo

1. Cocoa Coffee Chrome Nails

Tom Bachik created this stunning mani on the love of our lives, Selena Gomez, calling it coffee chrome nails and we ran to our nail artists to recreate the look. A deep purple-mocha nail shade on almond nails with a gold finish created a moody cocoa-gold hue that had us at hello. Bachik used two coats of CND Shellac Gel Polish in Purplexity here, but if you don’t want to go the gel nail route, a layer of a deep brown shade with gold iridescence will absolutely do the trick.

2. Shroom Cold Brew Chrome Nails

Of all the coffee and brown chrome nails we’ve come across on our chrome mani deep dive, this mushroom-toned set of ten had us craving a calming cup of jo. A silvery chrome finish adds an “ice queen” theme fit for the cool weather of the season. We tried CUCCIO COLOR Nail Polish is True North for this look and topped it off with a silvery-blue chrome powder to recreate the look.

3. Espresso Dip Chrome Nails

If dripping in espresso were a look, this stunning ombre coffee chrome nail set is the vibe. It reminds us of a hot cappuccino topped off with sweet brown sugar and a dollop of whipped cream (yum!). This look can be tricky to diy, so take this nailspo to your nailtech for a flawless execution. If you have short square nails, have them filed into short almond nails with clean, pushed back cuticles for an elongated look.

4. Iced Black Coffee Chrome Nails

They’re dark and moody (just like we are sometimes), and they’re perfect for spooky season. Look for a deep, spicy brown polish like WE ARE FLUIDE 7-Free Polish in Desert Dawn (it’s super shiny and chip-resistant), and top it off with a chrome powder like NATASHA DENONA Duo Chrome Top Coat in Lavender followed by a top coat for a pearlescent, icey glow.

5. Hazelnut Latte Chrome Nails

Everything about this look is warm, toasty, and curl-up-by-the-fire cozy. It’s like someone dropped a melty bar of milk chocolate into a hot cup of coffee and made a delicious sweet treat for your nails. At the nail salon ask for a milk chocolate colored gel nail polish for staying power and have your nail artist top it off with a light layer of a gold chrome powder finish.

6. Gradient Coffee Chrome Nails

When it comes to nail designs, we love a good ombre, gradient effect. This look ends with a pearly white chrome polish at the pinky, almost like the foam on top of your cappuccino. Want to diy? Choose your coffee shades and paint them on from darkest to lightest, starting with your thumb nail. Paint a pearly white polish on your pinky like TRUST FUND BEAUTY Nail Lacquer in Ride or Die and top all of your digits off with a layer of silver chrome powder.

7. French Tip Aura Chrome Nails

When it comes to nail art designs, there are some classics that just withstand the test of time (like French tip nails). Mash those up with the look of ethereal, chrome-lined aura nails and you’ve got a fall mani work of art. Seriously, we think these belong in a museum.

8. Coffee Mirror Chrome Nails

If you’ve done the tiniest bit of scrolling for fall nail inspiration, chances are you’ve come across the Moscow Mule nail trend, a coppery-chrome mani that mimics the copper mugs used to hold our favorite winter cocktail. This look follows suit but gives it a lighter, blonde roast twist topped off with shimmery chrome and reflective shine that you can almost touch up your lipstick in.