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15 Tortoise Nail Ideas for this Fall, the Trend that will be your New Obsession

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This fall, tortoise nails have become the most elegant and versatile trend. Their brown, orange, and gold tones make them the perfect autumn manicure.

tortoise nails

And it’s not just about the classic smooth tortoise effect—everything from French tips to combinations with colors like pink, green, and brown. Tortoise nail designs offer endless possibilities. We’ve selected 15 ideas to take this fall nail trend to the next level.

15 Elegant and Unique Fall Nails

Tortoise shell nails are the perfect representation of the warm tones of autumn. This dark fall nails designs combine patterns in brown, gold, and amber, creating a marbled effect that is both elegant and timeless.

In addition to their natural beauty, the tortoise style lends itself to being combined with other nail art designs, ranging from minimalist looks to autumn nails decorated with patterns and golden details.

Technique for Creating the Tortoise Effect

The charm of tortoise nails lies in their ability to capture the texture and finish of a tortoise shell with a blend of classic colors like brown, amber, and gold.

Although there are different methods, the most commonly used and easiest to do at home is the Marbling Method:

  • In this method, polishes of different colors are blended on the nail to create a fluid and organic pattern. Start with orange, followed by brown, and finish with black.
  • It’s important to create layers and play with transparencies to add depth to the design, giving it a more realistic appearance.
  • Use fine brushes to apply the colors unevenly, replicating the natural look of a tortoise shell.
  • 👉 Watch the step-by-step video

Combinations and Design Ideas

While a full tortoise nail manicure sounds tempting, you might want to experiment with fresh, youthful, and aesthetic combinations. Try creating a tortoise effect on French tips, or add nails in other autumnal colors like green or pink, or gold details for a festive look.

tortoise shell nails
@phoebesummernails
diy tortoise nails
@nailsbyalsn
manicure with patterns
@m.o.n.a.j

The most commonly used colors to pair with tortoise nails designs are orange, brown, green, pink, purple, white, black, red, and navy blue. Use a solid color across your manicure and add the tortoise effect on 1 or 2 nails.

All of them are very autumnal colors, but they’re also perfect for winter nails, Halloween manicures, and Christmas.

autumn manicure brown and tortishell
@charsgelnails_
september manicure blue and brown
@charsgelnails_
green tortoise nails
@nails.by.iz
tortoise nails tutorial
@disseynails
tortiuse nails with white
autumn nail manicure
tortoise nails and black

If you prefer minimalist and subtle tortishell nail designs, choose to apply the tortoise effect only on the tips of the nails, creating a French manicure.

It’s a great way to add a modern yet classic touch to your daily manicure for the months of September, October, and November.

tortishell nails design
@heluviee
pink and tortoise nails
@naileditbeauty
tortoise nails french tip

Lastly, if you have an event and need to show off party nails, such as for a wedding or graduation, add some sparkle to your manicure by combining tortoise nails with gold accents in the form of gold leaf, lines, or fully gold-colored nails.

dark fall manicure
@phoebesummernails
tortoise nails with gold
@phoebesummernails

We have more ideas on our Pinterest board. Check it out and follow us! We post inspiring content every day.

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This fall, give your autumn manicures a twist with the trend of the moment: tortoise nails. With their warm tones and elegant finish, these nails are not just a fashion trend but a personal style statement that only the most authentic dare to wear.

Don’t forget to explore other articles for women and find your version in all aspects of your life. Find your “Glow” at Glowmess!

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about me

I am Isabel. Content manager at Glowmess. Passionate about social media, the blogging world, and always on the lookout for the latest trends and fashions for women.