Fall Leaf Nails: How to Paint an Autumn Leaf in 6 Steps

Fall nail art · 6 steps · one leaf per hand

A leaf is a pointed oval with one center line. The Solid Cream Autumn palette gives you orange, gold, red and green in one box, so a two-color blend takes minutes.

1. 1

   Prep and base

   File, buff and wipe the nail, then dehydrate with pH Bond. Brush on a thin coat of base coat, cap the free edge, and cure.

   TipPrep once, carefully, and the art will sit better.

2. 2

   Pick a ground

   Cream, nude or soft mocha makes a leaf pop. Apply two thin coats and cure each. For a moody look, use Super Black.

   TipA fully cured ground keeps the leaf edges clean.

3. 3

   Paint the leaf shape

   Open the Solid Cream Autumn palette and load a fine brush with orange. Paint a pointed oval, wider in the middle, off to one side of the nail. Cure.

   TipLeave a little ground showing so the leaf has room to breathe.

4. 4

   Blend a second color

   While the leaf is wet, touch a little red or gold at one end and blend it in with the brush. Cure. A two-color leaf looks more natural.

   TipTilt the nail slightly so the gel settles where you want it.

5. 5

   Add the vein

   With Black detailing gel or a deep brown, draw one center line from the base of the leaf to the tip, then two or three short side lines. Cure.

   TipWipe the brush between lines so each one stays thin.

6. 6

   Seal and finish

   Seal with Diamond No Wipe Top Coat for gloss, or Super Matte Top Coat for a velvet finish. Cure and finish with cuticle oil.

   TipPrefer a shortcut? The Leaves stickers come in 11 styles.

Leaf colors and tools

Solid Cream Collection, AutumnMSRP $11.95

Detailing Gel Fall/Winter CollectionMSRP $135.00

Detailing Gel 01 BlackMSRP $7.50

Leaves Nail Art Stickers, 11 stylesMSRP from $1.00

Duo Liner Brush 18mm - 21mmMSRP $16.95

Detail Nail Art BrushMSRP $9.50

Prep and finish

Nail Prep PH BondMSRP from $8.25

Soak Off Gel - Base Coat 0.5ozMSRP $7.25

Diamond Soak Off Gel No Wipe Top Coat 0.5ozMSRP $7.25