Nothing signals fall quite like a dark manicure, and one of our favorite seasonal looks is a chocolate suede set. Think: a rich, brown mani with tons of texture. While the look isn’t new, it’s made a major comeback on our Instagram feeds over the past few weeks. Don’t worry—we’ve saved and screenshotted a few of our favorite takes to give you plenty of inspo. Plus, we chatted with top nail artists to break down everything you need to know to get chocolate suede nails at home or in the salon.
What Is the Chocolate Suede Trend?
According to Aja Walton, celebrity manicurist and Essie ambassador, think of chocolate suede as more than just a shade of brown. “The suede hints at a visual texture that has a soft, luxurious depth,” she says. “Adding a shimmer or cat-eye magnetic element gives the look movement and dimension instead of a flat brown.” In addition to shimmery finishes that add dimension to your nails, Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director of Townhouse, suggests experimenting with matte or suede top coats.
“The chocolate suede nail look blends warmth with a hint of indulgence. It features a rich, cocoa-toned base with a soft matte or satin finish that evokes the plush texture of suede,” Huber-Millet says. “The result is chic and sophisticated, perfect for the cooler months.”
How to Get the Look
To achieve chocolate suede nails, you have two options: doing it yourself at home or visiting a salon. If you opt for the salon route, Huber-Millet recommends getting a gel manicure and asking for gel magnets to create a cat-eye effect. “For the most dramatic finish, start with one to two coats of black gel polish. Next, apply a silver or gold magnetic gel polish (aim for a silk magnetic gel, rather than a glittery or foil variety. This will push the surreal effect),” she says. “Finish by encasing the magnetic gel beneath a coat of dark brown jelly polish.”
You can paint your own chocolate suede nails at home in a few different ways, according to our experts. Of course, you’ll need to find your ideal shade of brown. Huber-Millet’s brand recently launched the Townhouse Flawless Polish Collection, and she recommends using Mocha, Hot Chocolate, or Macchiato for a good chocolate color palette. “For best results, apply thin, even layers, allowing each coat to dry fully, and always seal the free edge to prevent chipping,” she says. “These shades can be paired with a matte or satin topcoat, or even chrome as an add-on for an extra touch of glam.”
Steph Stone, a celebrity manicurist and Essie ambassador, says that you can use the Essie Boho Rodeo Collection to get your chocolate suede on. “On prepped nails, start with Barn Boheme, which has a jelly finish that elevates sparkles,” she says. “Lastly, paint your nails with another coat of liquid sunrise. Since the sparkles sandwich the sheer color, they give the look lots of dimension, emulating the cat eye effect.” Stone says you can also use Liquid Sunrise over opaque shades, such as fringes & saddle, or Sepia Retreat to add a shimmery dimension in a simple way.
