“So Pretty—Like Candlelight”: Celebrity Manicurists are Obsessed with Toasted Nails This Fall

      When envisioning fall manicures (as one often does), I tend to think of something dark and moody—perhaps a deep burgundy, a warm brown, or even a bold onyx. On occasion, I might even opt for a witchy purple if I'm in an especially magical mood. While warmer shades can feel somewhat summery, celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik advises that we shouldn’t overlook golden-hour colors as the temperatures drop. In fact, he states that "toasted nails" are set to be a major trend this autumn, and other celebrity manicurists seem to agree.

      Margot Robbie's toasted nails were expertly done by Tom Bachik. What exactly are toasted nails, you might wonder? In essence, they consist of a neutral manicure enhanced with layers that catch the light to achieve a "toasted" effect. "The secret to this style is to use any nude polish with golden-hour tones, such as pink iridescence and glowy satin [and] chrome finishes," Bachik explains through Instagram. These luminous layers elevate classic nude shades while maintaining an elegant and understated look—a harmony that will delight fans of neutral nails. Selena Gomez appears to be a fan of toasted manicures for the fall, as Bachik (her longtime manicurist) recently utilized Essie's Liquid Sunrise to give her nails that warm iridescent touch. Margot Robbie, on the other hand, has a champagne-toned variation in Bachik's nostalgic post shown above—still warm and shimmery, but with less of a pink hue. However, it isn’t just Bachik’s star-studded clientele who are embracing this trend; celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec has also endorsed the rising popularity of fall manicures, demonstrating that this style is here to stay. "This is so beautiful—like candlelight. I did this for a bride last night!" she comments on Bachik's Instagram video.

      To create toasted nails, Bachik suggests beginning with a clean, well-prepared base. "I love the [Tweezerman] Pushy and Nail Cleaner and the Rockhard Cuticle Nippers for precise cuticles, and I use the Stainless Steel Fingernail Clippers and the Professional Nail Files to achieve the ideal shape," he mentions in a statement. After your manicure is set, apply your chosen neutral polish, allow it to dry, and then add a layer of golden-hour tones (like the Essie shade he used on Gomez) on top. Follow with a shiny top coat, such as Bachik's Click Colors in Super Clear, to boost the glossy appearance. "Finish the look with your favorite cuticle oil, and voilà!" he concludes. Forget everything you think you know about fall nail colors—I'll be sporting this warm, candlelit hue throughout the season.

      Shop Toasted Manicure Essentials:

      - **TWEEZERMAN Pushy & Nail Cleaner**

      - **Tweezerman Rockhard Stainless Steel Cuticle Nipper**

      - **Tweezerman Stainless Steel Nail Combo Set**

      - **Tweezerman Professional Nail Files**

      - **Tom Bachik Click Colors - 01 Super Clear**

      - **CHANEL Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour**

      - **Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish - One Day At A Time**

      - **Olive and June The Golden Effect Top Coat**