Anne Hathaway’s ‘Ruby Gloss Manicure’ Is the Most Timeless Autumn Nail Trend: How to Recreate It

2 min read

Anne Hathaway just marked the return of the autumnal red manicure with a striking “ruby gloss” nail look. The Devil Wears Prada star took to the streets of New York ahead of the Bvlgari “Serpenti Infinito” celebration last week, sporting a high-shine, gemstone-inspired nail color and a matching glossy red lip. While there’s arguably no manicure more evergreen or classic than red nails, this rich, vinyl hue brings a modern edge to the traditional beauty motif.

“We’re seeing reds become much deeper and richer for autumn,” says Susan Carroll, founder of Notting Hill beauty destination Young LDN. “Bordeaux, oxblood, black cherry and wine shades are all particularly popular, along with burgundies that have a slightly brown undertone. They feel warmer and more sophisticated than the brighter tomato and coral reds we tend to see during summer.”

While Hathaway’s “coconut water” nails are beginner-friendly and require minimal precision, her latest style demands more expertise than you might think.

“Preparation is everything with a red manicure because such a bold color will highlight any imperfections,” advises Carroll. “Start with neatly shaped nails and well-prepped cuticles, then make sure the nail plate is completely clean before applying your base coat.”

She recommends two thin coats of red rather than one thick coat, allowing each layer to settle before applying the next.

“It’s also worth taking a little extra time around the edges,” she says. “Red is unforgiving if it bleeds into the cuticle, so leave a tiny amount of space around the nail rather than taking the polish right up to the skin. A small clean-up brush can make a huge difference to the finished result.”

As a final touch, always finish your manicure with a high-shine top coat for a glossy effect. When it comes to shape, Carroll recommends a short, softly squared nail for a chic and timeless feel, or an almond or oval shape to give deeper reds a soft, elegant finish.