As the autumn leaves start to fall and cozy nights watching When Harry Met Sally begin, it’s time to swap out our summer brights for colors that feel like Vince Guaraldi’s jazz in It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown! This fall, a new nail trend has taken the beauty world by storm: Moscow Mule nails. Since last month, these nails have been trending on TikTok and are perfect for cocktail lovers. These nails embody the warm, metallic copper of the drink’s signature mug, making them the perfect transitional shade for the season.
What’s behind the Moscow Mule nails trend?
Inspired by the glamorous cocktails featured in Sex and the City, nail art incorporating cocktail themes emerged as a summer trend, allowing fans to express their love for these iconic drinks through vibrant and creative designs.
Some of its popularity can be traced back to TikTok, where users are sharing their cocktail-inspired manicures in droves. Leading nail polish brand OPI has been quick to jump in on the fun, promoting its new Metallic Mega Mix Fall 2024 collection as the must-have polish for the autumnal evolution of this summer trend.
In a viral TikTok that has garnered more than 370,000 views, OPI showcases the shade Millennium Mocha, which captures the essence of autumn with its unique copper tone. This striking polish features a reflective, multidimensional finish that catches the light beautifully, making it a standout choice for fall nail art.
And as fall brings a slew of activities – from apple picking and pumpkin spice lattes to cozy bonfires and holiday gatherings – Millennium Mocha serves as a perfect companion for all of these occasions. Whether worn alone for a sleek, sophisticated look or paired with intricate nail art, this shade adds a touch of elegance to your seasonal outfits.
The comments are divided for this trend. Under OPI’s video, some claim that the shade is “just copper.” However, one user commented, “Is no one getting that moscow mules come in copper mugs? and only copper mugs?”
The trend of renaming nail sets to a cocktail or food can be traced back to strawberry-glazed nails and blueberry milk nails. On TikTok, @theegirlrachel recalled the criticism of that trend, “Why are we mad at the girlies making cute names for nails?” she said in the TikTok. “What’s the issue?” She brings it back to the comment section of OPI’s TikTok.
“If I want to call it ‘bottom of the barrel brown,’ I’m gonna call it that. I’m gonna run with it for months, and months, and months,” she said in the TikTok.
If you’re looking to get these nails this fall, you can ask your nail tech for a dark brown shade with metallic chrome on top or a metallic copper shade.
What other fall cocktail nail ideas can I send to my nail stylist?
With this spirit in mind, why stop at Moscow Mule nails? Here are some other cocktail-themed nail ideas from Spoon University that showcase how imaginative names can elevate the nail art game.
The Pumpkin Spice Martini is a creamy fall cocktail that combines vodka, pumpkin puree, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, served in a chilled martini glass and often garnished with whipped cream. This festive drink inspires a stunning nail design featuring a rich brown undercoat, topped with OPI’s shade Liquid Fire, a vibrant, orangey-copper shade.
A Mulled Wine is a warm and cozy blend of red wine infused with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, often sweetened with orange zest and served hot, making it the perfect drink for chilly evenings. Inspired by this festive beverage, the nail design features a deep burgundy undercoat, capturing the rich essence of mulled wine, topped with CD Rom-antic, a deep metallic red.
The Elderflower Tonic is a refreshing cocktail inspired by the enchanting atmosphere of Practical Magic, combining gin, elderflower liquor, tonic water, and lavender for a floral and slightly sweet flavor. This whimsical drink and nail design evokes a sense of magic, with a royal purple undercoat topped with FunMetal, a dazzling purple metallic shade.
The Green Apple Sangria cocktail is a fall-filled drink that combines white wine with crisp green apples and grapes, creating a vibrant flavor perfect for apple pickers. To capture the essence of this seasonal beverage, the nail design features a forest green undercoat, topped with Cos-mo Money, a dazzling green metallic shade. This combination reflects the cocktail’s bright and fresh vibe while adding a touch of glam, making it an ideal choice for those looking to embrace fall with a pop of color.