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Animal prints have been a mainstay in fashion, but are now more popular than ever ( leopard, anyone?) It only makes sense that the print translates to a manicure.
Tortoise shell nail art is the animal-centric manicure that you need. Brown nails are a fall mainstay, but a tortoiseshell manicure is the richer cousin of the brown base coat color.
Tortoise Shell Nails
Tortoiseshell nails are popping up left and right on celebrities, such as Hailey Bieber, and on social media. The textured pattern on this manicure is what makes it stand out.
The tortoiseshell print gives it a bit of a retro feel, yet the neutral palette and high shine give it a modern spin. With a mix of browns and a bit of black, tortoise nails complete your cooler weather outfits.
Scroll below to find inspo for tortoise shell nails to wear for your next manicure.
DIY Tortoise Manicure
These nails are achievable with a few warm brown polishes, a pitch-black color, a bright yellow and the right brush.
Starting with a warm yellow color as the base, then layer on increasingly darker abstract blobs of warm browns across the nail, ending with the darkest brown (or a bit of black) on top.
For the final touch, apply a top coat for the perfect tortoiseshell look.
French Tips
If you don’t want the tortoiseshell pattern all over your nails, why not opt for some minimalist nail art?
Tortoise tips are the perfect choice for those who prefer a natural look and want to dabble in the pattern.
And the best part? Since they are so customizable, they can be designed to fit whatever shape of nail you prefer. However, these tips are best suited for those who prefer a French manicure.
Neon Tortoise
For those who are looking for a bold look, they will swoon over this tortoise shell manicure that features neon details.
The pop of neon shade brings a bold twist to the classic design. It adds a maximalist twist to the perfect tortoise shell color.
Full Tortoise
Tortoise shell is not a subtle design, but adds a statement to the entire nail. It’s all about layering and blobbing the colors.
A deep espresso adds a layer of depth and an opaque shade. A pitch-black color will give the brown hues more depth.
There is no specific technique for creating the right shade – enjoy the process to create your perfect tortoiseshell nails.
Accent Nails
Try combining the speckled pattern with other colors or even, natural nails for a mismatched and colorful style.
A chocolate color accentuates the brown intricate blobs of the tortoise shell color. A red color is fun and fiery, and provides a contrast to the loose tortoise shapes.
Touch of Gold
If you’re looking to embrace a touch of opulence for your next manicure, look no further than adding some gold.
Pile on the gold for an expensive look or sprinkle some gold flakes for a luxurious moment.
The best part about gold flakes – since there’s no right way to replicate a foil pattern, no one will be able to tell if your design turned out differently than planned.
Gold adds a hint of warmth and depth to the tortoise manicure.
Floral Art
While the tortoise pattern is cute enough on its own, it also acts as a great base for more intricate nail art, including blooming florals.
Each nail may have a different design, but the tortoise print and floral art leads to a cohesive look.
