Buzz
Photo: nailsbylauren.o/InstagramAs autumn arrives, a glossy, deep red manicure exudes timeless sophistication. Last year, TikTok went wild over 'cherry mocha' nails, and this year, the shade is still making waves as a must-have fall color with staying power.
This rich, dark hue resonates with various generations and fashion styles, from grunge to ‘90s preppy chic. We spoke with a nail artist in the know to discover the secret behind its popularity and how you can master this manicure at home.
What Are Cherry Mocha Nails?
Cherry mocha nails combine a rich, sultry mix of dark cherry and chocolate tones. Nail artist Lauren Ortega adores this shade, calling it a timeless classic. 'It’s like the fall edition of the iconic red nail. It's rich and universally flattering, offering both an edgy and refined look at once.'
If you've noticed that posts under the #cherrymocha tag all look strikingly similar, that's because the color in question is an actual nail polish. The shade sparking all the buzz is from DND Gel, aptly named Cherry Mocha. Ortega believes it looks great on all nail shapes, adding, 'My two favorite shapes for this shade are soft almond nails at any length or a short square style.'
How to Apply Dark Polish Without Streaks
Dark nails can be challenging to apply perfectly, but with the right techniques, it’s doable. 'For dark polish, always use a high-quality, pigmented formula and work in thin coats,' advises Ortega. Cheaper or old nail polish will struggle to provide the same smooth coverage.
Avoid overloading with product—two light coats are all you need for flawless, streak-free coverage. Ortega recommends following these steps for a perfect application:
- Start by applying a thin coat of polish to the center of the nail, working from cuticle to tip.
- Then, return to the edges with similar strokes. To get close to the cuticle, position the brush near it, leave a small gap, wiggle the brush closer, and drag it down the nail.
- Immediately after the first coat, use a liner brush to carefully paint the sides and cuticle area. Ortega says this step ensures the cleanest finish.
- Once the first coat has dried for a few minutes, apply the second coat following the same method as the first two steps.
