Beauty Confessions: This Drugstore Top Coat Makes Cheap Manis Look Expensive

My obsession with nail art began when I realized that my regular trips to the nail salon were eating up too much of my fun-tivities budget. I love glossy nails as much as the next person, but not enough to give up things like books or one more drink at happy hour. It also helped that one of my BFFs lived around the corner from a beauty supply store that sold $1 nail polishes in a million colors. While mastering the art of a mani was easy, getting my new, cheap nail polishes to look as fancy as the Essie and OPI bottles hanging out at the nail salon was another story.

I thought I could make up for my third-rate polishes by slapping a pricy top coat on top of my designs. I splurged on OPI’s Top Coat — big mistake! Yes, OPI’s Top Coat is shiny and very protective, but it’s also so thick, it takes approximately one million years to dry. If you’re still perfecting your brush strokes, using this top coat will only call attention to every smudge and ridge in your mani. And if you’re impatient like me between coats of polish on a nail art masterpiece, it can even make your colors bleed together. No matter how much — or how little — top coat I put on my nails or how much time I gave them to dry, it was a disaster. I thought my at-home mani days were over until I discovered Revlon’s Quick-Dry Top Coat.

I was loyal to OPI’s top coat until I tried Revlon’s Quick-Dry Top Coat

What It Is: Revlon’s Quick-Dry Top Coat ($4) is an ultra shiny, quick-drying protective top coat that speeds up the drying process of your mani and keeps your nails chip-free for longer. If you’re trying out any designs, it’ll blend together your color layers without dyeing the brush, which means you can use it over and over again. This polish is seriously good to the last drop — you don’t have to worry about the top coat thickening over time or drying out.

Where You Can Find It: You can spot this product in any major drugstore. Note: Don’t confuse this product with its twin, Revlon’s Extra-Life No-Chip Top Coat, which lacks the Quick-Dry Top Coat’s magical drying abilities.

Who Should Use It: Everyone who wants their at-home mani or pedi to look salon-worthy should use this top coat. It turns out the secret to a great mani is a great top coat, not fancy polishes (though those definitely don’t hurt!). This polish is a godsend for ladies with a bathroom cabinet full of cheap nail polishes — it’ll make them look like the most high-end brands. It’s also perfect for anyone who hates sitting around and waiting for their nails to dry. Whenever I wear this top coat, friends and coworkers will always ask me where I got my nails done — it’s that awesome.

When You Should Apply: Apply Revlon’s Quick-Dry Top Coat just as your last coat of color polish is drying. You’ll have glossy nails in seconds.

Why This Is My Beauty Confession: I love this product because it lets impatient, broke ladies have pro-looking nails without the price tag or the waiting. While I’ve since started upgrading my polish collection, I love that this top coat takes all types and makes any of my nail designs look better.

Do you use a top coat? If so, which is your fave? Share with us in the comment section below.

Compared to the bright and warm colors you paint on your summer nails, winter nails can sometimes feel a little... uninspired. But this season, we're all about changing up our beauty routines to find something unique, unexpected, and festive. You don't have to be a professional manicurist to get beautiful tips at home, and these ideas for winter nails prove it.

Break out your top coat bottles, because once you see these moody blue hues, seasonal shimmers, and classic Christmas color nail art (not to mention some eye-catching yet easy designs to inspire you) you won't be able to get enough.

50 cute ideas for winter nails to last you until spring

Amazon

Glamnetic Press-On Nails

Party dresses aren't the only thing that'll be sparkling this winter. Add a quick shimmer to your nails with these cute press-ons!

Target

Sally Hansen Traveling Light

This unique purple pick only takes a few seconds to dry, which makes it a great option when you need a concise mani, but don't have a ton of time.

Dear Sundays

sundays L.05

The mix between purple and gray in this hue delivers an understated edge that's to die for.

Nails.INC Baker Street

We love that cobalt blue is *just* the right amount of bold and eye-catching.

Target

ella+mila Unwrap Me

Reds are definitely expected for any winter nails. This flirty shade glides on with absolute perfection!

Amazon

PrettyDiva Silver Chrome Nail Powder

Silver nails are sophisticated and festive, but aren't exclusive to the holiday season the way that a red and green combo are. Plus, dip powder is a simple and easy way to get a salon-quality manicure at home.

Amazon

OPI Nail Lacquer

Paint your nails this gorgeous dark blue shade that has sparkles in it!

Dear Sundays

sundays No.30

For anyone who likes color but doesn't want to overdo it, this muted sage green is a great pick. It's sophisticated, understated, and adds just the right amount of chill for colder days.

OPI It's A Boy! Nail Lacquer

Baby blue has been hot all year long. If you want in on the trend, try adding this pale color to your nails instead.

Orly

ORLY Crawford's Wine

Is there anything classier than red nails? They're a little bit vintage, a little bit sexy, and very eye-catching. Match them to a red lip for New Year's celebrationsfor the cutest match.

Amazon

Beetles Aquarius Polish Kit

From navy to icy blue, these gel polishes will let you have all the winter nails you could ever dream of. The best part is that with proper application, they can last up to three weeks!

Target

Essie Ballet Slippers

Ballet pink is a great neutral because it's elevated and professional, but it's more fun than beige. Pair this pink with ballerina nails, and feel totally girly!

Sally Hansen

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish

Even though deep green is in the holiday color palette, this peaceful shade can definitely last into the New Year. This polish is chip-resistant and healthy for your nails.

Amazon

essie A Stroke of Brilliance

For some added shimmer and glow, pop this bad boy on your nails – atop a darker color or by itself!

Amazon

OPI O Suzi Mio

We love how romantic and powerful this deep purple is. And if there's anything that should make you feel that way, it's your beauty routine.

Dashing Diva

Dashing Diva Hanukkah Magic

Dark blue and white are a color combo that you can never go wrong with for winter nails. You can wear these tips to your Hanukkah celebrations, but they will also look good any day of the week.

Olive & June

Olive & June Lilac Shimmer

Feminine and flirty, this salon-quality polish is a great way to add some pink Christmas glam to your winter nails if you're not feeling the blues, neons, or reds.

786 Cosmetics

786 Cosmetics Istanbul

This polish is inspired by the shades of the Turkish city it's named after. Not only is it deep and warm, but it also gives you full coverage with a single swipe.

Amazon

OPI Angels Flight to Starry Nights

This shade simultaneously reminds us of the sea, the sky, and all those icy Y2K beauty looks. It looks iconic in every season, so you can wear it all year long.

Pleasing

Pleasing Syrupberry

Add some sweetness to your holiday season with this fruity nail polish color. Pair it with other punchy colors or wear it on its own. Either way, you'll turn heads.

Amazon

OPI Linger Over Coffee

Chocolate brown might be a 2023 hair trend, but you can definitely add it into your manicure, too. The best part is that it'll match your coffee *and* your hot chocolate.

Modelones Going Nude

Wear the shade that matches your skin tone, or mix and match them all for a multi-toned nude look.

Amazon

OPI Como se Llama

This deep wine color will infuse some warmth into your day-to-day as you count down to the New Year.

essie Carols and Caviar

This winter nails color describes exactly what we want out of the season. It's the most luscious blue that you could ever coat your nails with.

Winter Nails Inspo

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Saving Face

Turn your mani into an art gallery with an abstract design that'll make you feel like Picasso. Stick to classic colors like brown and black, or go with seasonal shades.

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A Little Bit French

We'll never get enough of the French manicure. But instead of white tips, spice it up with different colors and overlapping stripes.

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A Jolly, Happy Soul

This frosty little friend is one of the cutest things we've ever seen on a thumb nail. Don't forget the carrot nose!

Image via Bellacures

Jolly Old Soul

Swap your regular mani for a cherry red nail polish that features a Santa hat. It's cute and classy all in one!

[pinterest_embed https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4151824649060813/ expand=1 site_id=19876466]

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Living On The Edge

Create a manicure that feels unexpected yet classic by adding dots around the edge of your nail in red, green, and gold. The empty space is totally eye-catching while the color trio is nostalgic.

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Pastels³

Pick three colors that go well together and layer them for multi-dimensional nails. You can change them up based on the season, or stick with different shades of your favorite color.

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I Like You A Latte

Use different shades of brown for a mani that'll get you in the mood for a mocha. The 70s inspired waves are just the foam on top.

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All-Out Color

Mix wintery details like gold glitter with neons and warm shades usually found in summer for a winter nails match made in heaven. Love!

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Stripes On Stripes

In lieu of an all-white mani, go for one that incorporates stripes or blank space that'll let other colors (or your natural nail) peek through.

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Groovy Baby

Pick shapes and shades that remind you of your favorite decade. Bonus points if it matches your outfit!

Image via Bellacures

Flurries

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, bring some snowy magic to your mani with white polish and a toothpick.

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Star Light, Star Bright

Bring some nature to your look with a galaxy-inspired mani, a delicate snowflake, or try your hand at painting a tree. The world is your oyster!

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𝐍𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒 𝐁𝐘 𝐆 ☁️ on Instagram: "🐻🤎🦔🪵🪹🧉🍩🍪 @glossifyofficial oud, gold digger, ebony & glass yellow @lucypastorellitools_ prep @monicavinader rings. Use MVINSIDER20-0618 for 20% off #MVFall #MonicaVinader #mvinsiders"

Tortoise

A mix of brown, gold, and tan will never go out of style. We're obsessed with the glittery detail and the use of negative space!

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❤ Hang Nguyen ❤ on Instagram: "The time has come ✨ #HappyDecember #Christmas I’ll also be doing a “24 Day Painting Challenge”, counting down the days until Christmas. Here’s me painting a candle on the first day 🕯️. I’m learning to paint with gouache and wanted to get familiar with the medium quickly so thought this would be a fun challenge to celebrate the kick off until Christmas. Never down anything like this before so hope I can keep up. It’ll be posted on my YouTube so if you want to follow along and keep me accountable, link is in my bio 🙂✨"

I Can Still Make The Whole Place Shimmer

These glittery nails are perfect for both Christmas and New Year's, which means you don't have to redo your mani before December 31st.

Image via Bellacures

Holly Berries

These red berries are instantly recognizable and very festive. Pick any of your fingers to add these details to, or add a design to each nail.

Hi, Barbie!

Become winter Barbie when you adorn your nails in the cutest baby pink polishes out there. A lil' shimmer never hurt anyone, either.

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𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐦𝐲 on Instagram: "𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐋 ✨🌙☁️⚡️ @the_gelbottle_inc Biab 019 Bling Prepped with @officialnavyprofessional ________________ #hampshirenails #petersfieldnails #naturalnails #biabnails #starnails #celestialnails #thegelbottle #nailitdaily #nailpro #nailsoftheday #nailsofinstagram"

Celestial Nails

Deep gold or chrome is the perfect polish to take a simple starry mani to the next level. The key to painting clean stars is using an ultra tiny nail brush.

Emerald City

Deeper greens were made for winter nails. We love this divided design that also makes a play on French tips.

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Tip Off

A little goes a long way with these chrome nails. They have the classy feeling of a French manicure with the glam look of silver polish.

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Jewels And Gems

Faux gems and nail glue come together to add a 3-dimensional element to any manicure. We're obsessed.

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Diiamond Beauty I Micaela Santos on Instagram: "💗Pop Art Nails💗 . . #nails #nailart #nailsinspiration #nail #nailstyle #naildesign #nailsonfleek #popart #popartnails #newnails #instanails #graubünden #schweiz #stgallen #liechtenstein"

Pop Art Nails

If you want another element to your pop art nails, add a shape to one of your fingers — we love the detail on this heart.

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Candy Cane Lane

We'll literally always say yes to some cherry red nails, especially when there are candy canes involved.

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Taste The Rainbow

Who said Skittles nails were reserved for summer? If you're in desperate need of more color this winter, this mani is the way to go.

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Feeling Romantic

These chocolate brown nails are already looking towards Valentine's Day. Keep the base of your accent nail simple or go crazy with an unexpected neon.

Holly Jolly

If you just can't resist the Christmas holiday, opt for winter nails like these that channel ornaments and decor.

Classically Embellished

These elevated and decorated winter nails are giving everything they need to give for a classy NYE party.

Tag us in pics of your winter nails on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for more inspo! And be sure to check out our podcast episode with Olive & June founder Sarah Gibson Tuttle for tips on DIY-ing your own manis and pedis.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Finding gifts for the person you're closest to can be the absolute hardest thing to do, especially when there are so many things that would make great gifts for him. If you're shopping for the main man in your life this season – whether you call him your dad, husband, fiancé, boyfriend, partner, or your preferred pet names – of course you want to find a gift that shows him just how much he means to you. Just remember that the key to the perfect gift is simply that it comes from you. These stunning gift ideas will help you say "this made me think of you."

Our 49 favorite gifts for men for 2024:

Amazon

RVCA Commonwealth Snapback

This flat-brimmed baseball cap replaces those older, worn-out styles you know your man has been hoarding. The green corduroy fabric on this gift-worthy hat will grace his head perfectly for every season!

Apple Watch SE

Get him motivated to reach his fitness goals with features like fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring, plus he can send a text, take a call, listen to his favorite music and podcasts. You can customize the watch faces and bands to his liking too. It's the perfect gift for the active guy!

Amazon

Every Man Jack Mens Amber + Sandalwood Body Set

This gift set is filled with an ideal assortment of gifts for him. From body wash, shampoo, deodorant, and face wash, your man will have everything he needs to feel fresh – plus, having a good-smelling guy around is the real gift for you that keeps on giving.

Nike

Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit

Be his biggest cheerleader as he reaches his 2025 fitness goals in these best-selling Nikes, made with sustainable materials. We are loving this vintage green.

Target

VANKYO Leisure D30T Mini Wi-Fi Projector

Bring the cinema home to your movie buff with a sleek projector setup for your own private screenings and viewing parties!

Sunswell

Sunswell The R&R Pant

Made from recycled materials for rigorous wear, the Sunswell R&R pants are bound to be a staple in your man's year-round wardrobe.

Amazon

Cosori Pour Over Coffee Maker

This sturdy coffee maker will be a total hit for the caffeine-loving guy in your life. The layered stainless steel filter allows for a rich, creamy flavor in every sip, plus the decanter is holds a whole 34 ounces of brewed coffee to help him wake up!

Amazon

Stanley Stainless Steel Shot Glass and Flask Gift Set

This durable drinking set complete with a flask and shot glasses will be his new BFF for sharing on camping, fishing, or hunting trips. Top it all off with a brand-new bottle of whiskey to complete the gift for him.

Creem

Creem Magazine Subscription

For the music-loving man in your life, a subscription to Creem (the coolest rock 'n' roll mag) will really impress. The publication's covered plenty of classic names in the industry – as well as newer bands – so he's sure to soak up plenty of new knowledge about the scene. There's a handful of annual subscription tiers for the mag starting at just $79.

Amazon

Thermajohn Thermal Shirt

Whether he's hitting the slopes or is braving the cold winter weather to run errands with you, this warm thermal base layer tee will swarm his upper half in comfort, flexibly moving with his each and every move.

Herschel

Herschel Little America Backpack Pro

For his outdoor adventures or social gatherings, outfit him with a cool backpack (literally, this one is insulated) that he can fill with his favorite snacks and beverages.

Ties

Ties The Scientist Sock Pack

Whether it's a stocking stuffer or a smaller gift, a playful set of socks is both practical and personal.

Tie Bar

Tie Bar Navy Travel Tie Storage Case

This tie storage case means business, just like your man does. If he travels for work often, he'll appreciate that you're looking out for his formal-wear.

Amazon

Marlowe. Coffee Bar Soap

This manly bar soap is infused with coffee beans and cocoa butter butter that help tackle even the worst bouts of sweat and body odor. It's definitely long-lasting, too, so he can smell lovely all night long.

Taylor Stitch

Taylor Stitch The Workhorse Jacket

This jacket will hug his bod in the most stylish way, all while keeping him comfy throughout the season's cold weather.

Williams Sonoma

Breville Precision Brewer 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe

For the early risers and coffee-obsessed, a programmable coffee maker means he can wake up to the smell of coffee every day (and no longer has to use wasteful pods for an instant brew).

Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham Italian Leather Desk Set

Whether he's going to work, outfitting a permanent at-home office, or heading back to school, a personalized desk set like this luxe leather one will please the most studious types of guys.

Nordstrom

Ugg Beckett Fleece Robe

If your man loves a cozy night in just as much as you do, a soft robe to lounge around in will make the ultimate gift for him.

Mejuri

Mejuri Flat Curb Chain Necklace

Once you've reached long-term status with your guy, gift him a signature gold chain he can flex for years to come.

Pangaia

Pangaia 365 Heavyweight Hoodie

For the hoodie-obsessed, Pangaia's signature sustainable sweatshirts (and sweatsuits!) are best-in-class.

Etsy

Custom Soundwave Art Print

From a first dance song to the one you always blast together in the car, every guy has their favorite tune. Memorialize it for your music-loving man with this custom art print.

DUER

DUER Performance Relaxed Taper Denim Jeans

A good quality, fresh pair of denim is gonna set him (and his style) so right for the new year. These jeans feature a stretchy fabric that'll allow wear for practically any occasion.

Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham Leather Poker Set

Outfit his next game night with a poker set that's sure to impress and easy to bring on the go for weekend trips and group hangs.

New Balance

New Balance 9060 Sneaker

Secure your status as the greatest of all time by copping him that stylish pair of sneakers he's been eyeing.

Amazon

Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle

If your man is into photography and all things nostalgia, consider surprising him with a retro Polaroid camera set. We bet you'll be his favorite muse.

Manly Bands

Manly Bands The Forged Ring

This sleek wedding band stands up to tough, hands-on jobs with a carbon fiber construction, unlike traditional rings. The inner part is actually made from a Jack Daniel's whiskey barrel, making the perfect personalized touch for gifting the guy who loves a drink.

Uncommon Goods

New York Times Custom Football Book

This isn't just any coffee table book, but one that true sports buffs will actually want to devour – with clippings from his team's history, glory days, and highlights.

Still trying to figure out the perfect gifts for him? Subscribe to our email newsletter for more gift guides!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others and earn commissions, but we always offer genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated. Former reporting by Kaitlyn Ingram and Lauren Black.

October 31 may seem light-years away, but if last-minute Halloween costumes stress you out, then you know it’s never too early to start planning for a killer getup. Makeup and hair are a given, but the perfect costume isn’t complete without an amazing mani. This year we’ve pulled out all the stops with a mega-roundup of the scariest, spookiest, and all-around amazing Halloween nails ever. From black-cat French tips to pumpkin-face nail art to the most stellar sugar-skull nails we’ve *ever* seen, here are 40 manicures that are basically costumes for your nails.


DIY Halloween Nail Art To Try

Brit + Co

Snakebite Nail Art

Okay, technically these have a little bit of red on them. But we think you’ll forgive us and our favorite nail artist SF Party Nail AKA Taylor Watson.

Bellacures

Red Blood French Tips

Your decision to dress as Jason Vorhees for Halloween won't be complete with these red blood french tips. They're the perfect complement to the faux bloody machete you'll be carrying.

Brit + Co

Golden Ratio

Perfect for the lazy-girl nail artist who wants to hit two holidays with just one mani. Do this on Halloween day and then carry it all the way into the New Year!

Brit + Co

Cute Cat Ear Tips

This is a great mani option for anyone and everyone who wants to be on the couch with their cats at any given moment. Just use a thinner brush to make the triangles for the ears. You can use another brush or even the tip of a bobby pin to dot on the eyes!

Bellacures

Burgundy Nails With Gold Flecks

Craft a sweet witch's brew to match your burgundy nails with gold flecks.

Keiko Lynn

Black + White FTW

We’re loving this multimedia version of *all* the Halloween themes.

Bellacures

Black With White Spider Nail Design

If you don't have a fear of spiders, let this white spider design help you craft the perfect Halloween treat.

Depois Dos Quinze

Stitch of Lilo & Stitch

Let these Hawaiian nails add some fun to your Halloween costume. Don’t worry, they won’t cause as much havoc as you think.

Bellacures

Black and White Spooky Halloween

Your scary Halloween costume won't be complete with this black and white nail design.

Bellacures

All That Glitters

If you love all things glam, you don't have to wait until New Years to go crazy with the glitter. Pick darker colors to make this mani extra moody.

Halloween Nail Art Inspo

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Liza Waitzman on Instagram: "I hope these skeletal nails helped with her anatomy exams 🤣🤣🤣🤣 💀💀💀 • • • #anatomynails #anatomy #skeletalnails #skeletonnails #skeleton #lizawaitzman #dasnailhaus #nailgamestrong #ntnaliza #sandiego #sandiegonails #nails #nailart #dopenails #nailsonfleek #love #ilovemyjob #notd #nailsdid #nailsifinstagram #nailsmagazine #nailsmag #allhandpainted #handpaintednailart"

Bony Gal

Keep your Halloween digits looking eerie with a skeleton design scattered along your nails. A matte black and red polish underneath looks even more appropriate for the holiday.

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• B R I T N I E S U E • on Instagram: "Natural almond shaped nails. Yes... NATURAL! Files By Less keeps the integrity of your natural nails in mind at all times! . . . Model: @j_me_katherine 🕷🕷 . . . Use code: brit05 at checkout for an additional 20% off PLUS FREE SHIPPING! #nailsbybritnie #handpainted #utahnails #naturalnails #marblenails #spidernails #gelpolish #blackout #dualcoat @nailpromagazine @unitednailcommunity @filesbyless"

Feelin’ Spidey

Scare the ish out of all the arachnophobes with your spooky spider nails.

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Ashley Cristobal on Instagram: "👻"

Spooky Minimalist

A ghostly manicure instantly puts you in the Halloween spirit. Plus, if you’re more of a minimalistic gal, this simple design will ring true.

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Cactus Blossom Nail Studio on Instagram: "Client #nailie! Nails for the Sturgis Rally! #gelpolish #gelmanicure #sturgis #sturgisrally #skullnails #bikernails #chrome #chromenails #floralnails #stripenails"

Sweet Skulls

Even if you’re not a fan of Halloween, these designs let you take part in October fun without the spook factor. This manicure is trendy and colorful and will match any outfit you pair it with.

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Brittney aka Nailgazms ✨ on Instagram: "My client decided to change up her shape and go BOLD! #nailgazms #halloweennails #halloween #mattenails #nailfoil #pointednails #stilettonails #nails #nailart #nailtech #nailsmagazine October.23.2016"

Mixed Finishes

You don’t have to deck out your digits in skulls and ghosts to be festive. A fancy orange and black mani gives you just the right amount of edgy flair.

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Rebecca McParland on Instagram: "I see you 👀 #handpaintednailart #handpaintednails #orangenails #summernailart #summernails #nailtrends #shortnails #coffinshapenails #shortcoffinnails #eyes #eyenails #eyenailart #weirdnails #cutenails #creepynails #lovenails #nailartist #nailartqueen #nailart #naildesigns #nailideas #bestnailtechs #bestnailsalon #awardwinningsalon #blueeyes #nailstyle"

Orange Evil Eye

The evil eye can mean a curse in many cultures around the world. What better way to celebrate the spooky holiday than with protective nails featuring these talismans?

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Madeline Poole on Instagram: "@sally_hansen cuticles :)"

Twist on a French

Pair your black polish with a simple white to elevate and invert this classic, yet very Halloween-appropriate, finish.

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Shimmer and Spiders

Statement nails featuring sparkles and spider webs turn the dial up on Halloween glam. Balance it out with a neutral gray shade as your base color or keep it negative with a bare nail layered with a top coat.

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✨ on Instagram: "In Loveeeeee ✨ #biancascantina #chicagonails #chicagonailtech #littlevillagenails #nailsofinstagram #cateye #purple💜 #nailed #nails💅 #nailart #nailporn #nailswag #naildesigns #nailsonfleek #nailsaddict #nailgasm #ombre #ombrenails #blacknails #blackombrenails #blackandnude"

Scratch It Up

Destroyed ombre nails feel spooky but still stylish. Achieve this jagged mani look by coating your nail with black and using a scratcher tool to uncover the natural hue underneath.

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Sarah Berry on Instagram: "Super cute black cat 🐱 Halloween nails for Lisa! I couldn't find the artist's name, but the inspo was found on Pinterest! 😽 #berrygoodnailz #nailart #freehandnailart #nails #blackcat #blackcatnails #halloween #halloweennails #halloweennailart #catnails #catnailart #cateyes #gelish #harmonygelish #blacknails #opiproducts #opi #gelnails #naturalnails #portland #portlandmaine #maine"

Spooky Kitty

Instead of opting for the scary nail art route, go spooky. Cute, pointy-eared kitties are purrfect for Halloween.

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Chillhouse on Instagram: "For the inner artist in you 🎨 Tier II Design “Matisse” by @dawasnailart."

Squiggly Black Lines

Start off with a neutral base coat, then get funky with dark and random squiggly lines.

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𝖛𝖆𝖑𝖔𝖗𝖎 𝖇𝖔𝖘𝖘 on Instagram: "Blood in water for Ciara💉♥️ . . . #gaudyoctopusnails #thenailroomslc #bloodynails #bloodnails"

Bloody Nails

This spine-tingling nail art will give you all the holiday feels this October. Drip polish down from your cuticles, and clean up your skin with a nail polish remover-soaked cotton swab. Done and done.

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Moody and Matte

Feel like sporting your artsy side? Paint an entire creepy scene onto your nails for a unique mani. Adding a matte top coat lets the designs be seen even better.

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Marble Print

This looks tough but is actually fairly easy. Begin by using black nail polish and a small brush dipped in acetone, draw on lines with the polish and then blur them by swirling with the brush.

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Paintbox on Instagram: "This graphic, black + white mani is a minimalist’s dream."

Art Dark-O

One small black line from top to bottom of your nail bed makes for an artsy addition to a skeleton-inspired Halloween look.

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Candy Corn

It’s easy and it’s a classic. Just a warning: You may have to resist the urge to nibble your fingers!

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Natalie Pavloski on Instagram: "Lewks for @_toandfrom_"

Shattered Nails

Give your fingers some sharp angles to give the illusion of jagged nails.

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Natalie Minerva on Instagram: "MATTE + GLOSS by @natalieminerva 💅🏼✨✌🏼to book an appointment with Natalie at NAIL SWAG #dtla please call/text 213-458-5989 or book online at NAILSWAG.COM #gelnails #nailart #nailswag"

Matte and Glossy Meet

Spice up the typical matte nail with a glossy French tip.

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Delia on Instagram: "It’s Summertime for the Monsters! I’m still feeling the Halloween manis with a summer spin, so what do the monsters do in the off season? Wear pastels and eat ice cream, of course! I was SO inspired by @superninjaflyingmonkey’s recent pastel pop art Frankenstein mani that I immediately started planning my own version. Since I do not have the fantastic Frankie eating ice plate Jolene used, I had to get creative. This mani was so fun to do! The down side is that I literally spent my entire day yesterday working on it! I’m quite proud that I managed to use a completely different color combo on of my 10 fingers! That probably had a lot to do with how time consuming it was! 😅Not to mention the tiny details in the ice cream and popsicles almost killed me! And a double layered reverse stamp, too. You better believe I’m keeping these on ALLLLL week, ha. I will try to get some help taking pics of my right hand later. Anyway I hope you guys like my Frankie and his bride pastel pop art mani! #frankensteinnails #popartnails #uberchicbeauty #BMS201 #essieblossomdandy #chinaglazelimeafterlime #chinaglazewhipitgood #fingerpaintshueknew #salonperfectbellini #sallyhansenpinkblink #summernails #halloweennails #everydayishalloween #reversestamping #advancedstamping"

Frankenstein Stitches

We’re already haunted by this funky, yet totally appropriate Frankenstein pop art.

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shoreditch nails on Instagram: "Loooving these Picasso inspired nails for @francescasaffari #shoreditchnails"

Picasso Line Art

Halloween doesn’t have to be all about zombies and mummies. Instead, try a fine-art approach that’s still wacky enough for the holiday.

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Olivia Gordon on Instagram: "#nightmarebeforechristmasnails #nightmarebeforechristmas"

Halloween Collage

Can’t decide which Halloween fave to go with? Use a different nail for each October 31 icon so no one misses out.

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Maddie Paulson on Instagram: "It’s a classic. And it’s my favorite. #jackskellingtonnails #mattenails #nailsarefriendsnotfood"

Jack Skellington

We love this black, white, and sparkly tribute to a Halloween classic.

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Disney Princesses

If you can’t decide which Disney princess you want to be this year, then just be all of them! This mani shows off their goofy side because even a Disney princess knows how to have fun too.

Halloween Nails You Can Buy

Dashing Diva

Dashing Diva Glow Potion Gloss Palette

Add some magic to your nails with a glow-in-the-dark set that features all your favorite Halloween motifs with a fun color palette.

Etsy

Black Bat Halloween Nails

Switch up your base color every time you add one (or multiple) of these stickers, and you'll get a different look every single time!

Etsy

Black Spider Web Press On Nails

The coolest part about these Halloween nails is the two-in-one finish they have. Even though they're monochromatic, the glossy and matte textures provide some unexpected contrast. (via LilyNailsArt/Etsy)

Etsy

Ghost Nails

The detail on these tips stand out against the simple base, and add a spooky touch to all your fall outfits!

Glamnetic

Lady Web

Give your spidery web nails a cute update with these press-on nails! The glitter will make them less spooky as you brew one of your famous Halloween cocktails.

Walmart

Salon Perfect Matte Checkered Cat Nails

Witchy nails are meant to be as chic as they are thrilling. Lucky for us, Salon Perfect understood the assignment when they created these cute matte checkered cat nails!

Walmart

Salon Perfect Black Moon Ombre Nails

Dressing up as a mysterious and sexy tarot reader for Halloween? Don't forget to add these black moon ombre nails to your costume.

Want more Halloween nail art and beauty inspiration? Be sure to check out our Pinterest page!

This post has been updated.

Gilmore Girls simply wouldn’t be the same without Lane Kim. Played by Keiko Agena, Lane is much more than just Rory’s best friend. She’s feisty, hilarious, and can totally keep up with Lorelai and Rory’s hectic conversations (something not EVERYONE in Stars Hollow can do cough Kirk cough). However, the actress recently revealed how she really feels about playing a complicated, and sometimes controversial character like Lane.

Here's what Keiko Agena had to say about playing Lane Kim on Gilmore Girls.

Even though Lane and Rory are inseparable throughout the series’ seven-season run, Keiko recently revealed she’s actually super close to two other Gilmore Girls cast members: John Cabrera (who played Brian) and Sean Gunn (who starred as our beloved Kirk)!

“There is this kind of lovely nostalgia for that time, and yet also we have years since then,” she says on a recent episode of the Dear Felicity rewatch podcast (via People). “I [have] gone to both of their weddings. Our friendship is part Gilmore Girls and appreciation for that crazy time, and then part just like a million other things.”

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

The insane nostalgia surrounding Gilmore Girls means that everyone has their own annual Gilmore Girls rewatch…and that as we get farther away from the 2000s, the more glaring some of the show’s choices are. Fans have been vocal about Lane’s story arc on the show (namely the fact she had to shelve her dreams of being a rockstar when she got pregnant), and Keiko herself has thought about it more critically in recent years.

“The best thing is to have a Korean American writer [and a] Korean American actor,” she says. “I don't think that that role, cast that way, would happen today. But at that time, in 2000, it was such a different time that I definitely know I wouldn't have said no or pulled myself out of that situation at that time...Now it's just a mix of just having gratitude for having gone through that experience and having that experience.”

But even with its flaws, no one can deny how special Stars Hollow and the Gilmores are — and how much Lane has meant for people. Brit + Co writer Aleena Malik notes how Lane's experiences "mirrored many of my own, and, at a time when there was such little Asian representation, this was extremely impactful."

“In a weird way, I feel like I want to honor the experience that people had from the show, and what it meant to them, especially young Asian people," Keiko Agena says. "Because I get that comment a lot, about what it was like for them to see someone like that on screen.”

“I think I'm at a transition point in my life where I have to let go of the pressure that I put on myself to be the best version of who it is that I think that you love,” she continues. “Because I love her too. I can tell, when I meet someone who knows Gilmore Girls or who loves Lane, it's like, I recognize that love. I see that you love that person.”

What do you think about Lane Kim's character arc when you rewatch Gilmore Girls? Let us know on Facebook!

I thought I'd discovered all of the best celebrity book clubs this year, but writing about the new novels debuting in 2025 proved I haven't. I saw an upcoming book — a riveting story that reads like how Succession might unfold in a Black family — was was surprised to find Mindy Kaling's stamp of approval. She's one of the brilliant minds that wrote for The Office, one of the best fan-favorite NBC shows to date. Also, she gave the world six seasons of The Mindy Project and multiple seasons of The Sex Lives of College Girls, continuously proving that she's as great of an actress as she is a screenwriter or producer.

Knowing this, I think it pans out that the 8 books on her book club list have intricate stories and equally pretty covers for reading that feels attainable.

Keep scrolling to learn about every book picked by Mindy's Book Studio

Amazon

The Vibrant Years by Sonali Dev

Anyone would be happy to be a million dollars richer, but not Bindu Desai. She's shocked, but she's also dreading the discovering of something that happened when she was younger. The only way she feels she can bypass this unfortunate event is by choosing to move to Florida. The problem with that is her daughter-in-law Aly still lives with her. As unexpected as this move is, Aly tries to find the bright side in it. She figures that this will give her a chance to reach a turning point in her career.

Then there's Aly's daughter, Cullie. As successful as she once was in the tech industry, Cullie's been struggling and has to face her investors. She's not completely helpless because they're in love with the idea of a dating app, but Cullie doesn't really know what it means to be immersed in the romantic world. Left with no other choice, she'll have to lean on her grandmother Bindu and her mom Aly to help her do what's felt impossible — date. You know, for research purposes.

Amazon

I'll Stop the World by Lauren Thoman

The deaths of Justin Warren's grandparents have followed him most of his life and he can't stand it. He's also over the fact he lives in a town where opportunity and excitement don't exist. Despite never meeting his grandparents, it seems nothing good has come from him being born.

Stuck with making odd choices left and right, Justin eventually meets Rose Yin. The ironic thing is that he discovers she lives in a time before he was born, meaning he's somehow landed himself back in time. And guess who's still alive at this point? His grandparents.

In order to get Justin back where he belongs, he and Rose have a short amount of time to figure out what could've cause this time jump. Also, they'll have to try to rewrite history by preventing something that triggers his grandparents' deaths.

Amazon

The Better Halfby Alli Frank & Asha Youmans

Nina Morgan Clarke has been through a lot between her divorce and making sure her daughter Xandra settles in nicely at boarding school. But now it's her time to shine as a the head of Royal-Hawkins School. She's been waiting for this moment and it's finally hers.
To celebrate, Nina and her bestie Marisol decided to go on a girls' trip. Just as she's finally trusting that everything's going according to plan, Jared Jones makes an unpleasant appearance. He's all ego with his Harvard education and knows how to get under Nina's skin. Suddenly, Xandra's making huge accusations at school while Nina's embracing something that she never thought she would.

Only one question remains: Is this truly the better half of Nina's life?

Amazon

Woke Up Like This by Amy Lea

Charlotte Wu takes her organizational skills seriously and wants to make sure prom is flawlessly executed. She's doing well until a little mishap causes her to face-plant into J.T. Renner. He's the last person she wants to run into, but she doesn't remember much besides waking up years later as a 30-year-old woman. By her side is the sexy bane of her high school existence — J.T. Renner.

They're both confused about their adult lives and how they went from hating to loving each other, so they let curiosity lead the way. What they both discover is there was also more to their high school selves than they initially knew about. As much as they yearn to be teenagers again, they'll have to figure out if they want things to change or stay the same now that they know there's love between them.

Amazon

Almost Surely Dead by Amina Akhtar

Dunia Ahmed went from being an amazing pharmacist to having her case talked about in the world of true crime. No one knows where she is as she's disappeared without a trace. Prior to that, she lived in New York and was dealing with the fallout from her engagement as well as the grief from losing her mom. In her mind, things couldn't get any worse until she realizes someone wants her dead.

Amazon

Friends in Napa by Sheila Yasmin Marikar

Raj and Rachel Ranjani are excited to spend time with their trusted friends in Napa Valley. They have a beautiful itinerary that includes spending time at their mansion, wine tastings, and more! But, these friends haven't seen each other in a long time.
From a cold welcome to the fact the Ranjanis don't seem to be on the same team, one weird thing after another happens. There's old arguments and rekindled crushes that rips this friend group to shreds. Worse, one of them doesn't make it make home because they're discovered dead. But, who could've wanted to kill them in the first place?

Amazon

Sorry for the Inconvenienceby Farah Naz Rishi

Farah Naz Rishi's freshman year of college was amazing in her eyes. She managed to move on from her last relationship and mom's marriage expectations, making her feel like she could do anything. She even stopped looking for love until Stephen came into view.

Neither of them feel butterflies at first, plus Farah knows there's no way Stephen would gain her mom's approval. But time gives way to a burning flame that becomes a solid bond because Stephen is there for all of Farah's ups and downs. He's become the one person she trusts with her all of her feelings and intimate moments in a platonic way.

But, sometimes love is hard to ignore when it's a slow burn that gives way to something that defies familial and societal rules.

Amazon

Drop Dead Sisters by Amelia Diane Coombs

Remi Finch doesn't get along with her family at all and knows there's nothing she has in common with her sisters. She has too many anxious thoughts in her mind that makes her keep everyone at arm's length. But, a family reunion convinces her to at least try. It all sounds great until someone dies where they've been camping.
The sisters develop an elaborate scheme to dispose of the body and eliminate the chance others will discover what happened. It's an odd way to start bonding, but sometimes traumatic things have a way of making people realize what's important.

Don't forget to check out Jenna Bush Hager's December book club pick after this!

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