"Dirty Martini" Nails Are the Stylish (But Controversial!) Manicure Trend I'm Supporting in 2026

      There are timeless nail colors that most people tend to agree on. I'm referring to hues like cherry red (with Chanel's Pirate being a classic choice) and soft pink (where OPI's Bubble Bath reigns supreme). On the other hand, there are nail colors that are a bit more, how should I put it, specialized? Some adore them while others are not fans. Often, these divisive colors are favored by the fashion elite. A prime example is olive green. Personally, along with nearly every beauty editor I know, I consider it remarkably stylish. Celebrities seem to share the sentiment; Kendall Jenner and Selena Gomez have been seen sporting olive-green manicures, and Hailey Bieber flaunted olive-themed nail art for her 28th birthday.

      While olive green has been my staple for years, I've noticed an uptick in its popularity on Instagram and TikTok lately—particularly among the fashion set and celebrity nail artists. Determined to whimsically embrace every beauty trend that resonates with me, I’ve decided to dub it the “dirty martini” manicure. Much like my favorite cocktail, I find olive-colored and olive-themed nails to be both simple and sophisticated. They are a reliable choice all year, especially in winter. So, whether you enjoy your dirty martini with vodka or gin, with two olives or three, I’m sure you’ll appreciate it even more if your manicure complements it. Below, I've included some of my favorite examples of dirty martini nails, along with the best olive-colored nail polishes for you to try.

      You can’t go wrong with short, olive-colored nails, particularly with a glossy finish.

      Olive nail polish also looks fantastic on long, almond-shaped nails.

      This limited-edition Hermès nail polish shade is unfortunately out of stock. However, there are still plenty of lovely olive-toned shades available (more details on that shortly).

      I’m obsessed with this dark olive color on square nails.

      Don’t hesitate to mix olive green with other shades, like this lovely petal pink.

      This "dirty martini" manicure appeals to me because A) the red-and-green color pairing is so stylish, and B) it resembles a creative representation of a pimento-stuffed olive.

      I'm a fan of this chic, 2D nail art designed by celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein. It’s a testament that dirty martini nails can still be fashionable, even when interpreted literally.

      This impressive 3D nail art by celebrity nail artist Iram Shelton is fantastic and was handmade, if you can believe it. I only wish I had the skill to replicate it.

      Shop the Best Nail Polishes for "Dirty Martini" Nails:

      gitti

      Nail Polish in Pine Leaf

      This Berlin-based brand offers the trendiest shades, like this one named Pine Leaf.

      SSONE

      Nail Lacquer in Lichen

      Ssone's nail polishes present "a palette of living colors inspired by natural elements."

      Essie

      Nail Polish in Willow in the Wind

      Essie is a go-to brand, and I’m fond of this vibrant olive hue.

      Manucurist

      Quick Dry Intense Color in Khaki

      For a deeper, richer tone, try Manucurist's Quick Dry Intense Color in Khaki.

      LONDONTOWN

      Lakur in Sedona

      This shade is a great starter, as it sits between true olive green and soft sage.

      ORLY

      Nail Lacquer in Artist's Garden

      The gray-yellow undertones in this polish are simply perfect.

      OPI

      Nail Lacquer in the First Lady of Nails

      This OPI polish reminds me of a luscious, plump, glossy olive.