If glazed donut nails were your summer fling, meet your new long-term obsession: toasted nails. Coined and popularized by celebrity manicurist, Tom Bachik, this cozy, neutral mani trend is everywhere right now—from minimalist nail artists on Instagram to red carpets and even Selena Gomez's wedding day. Warm, rich, and quietly luxurious, toasted nails are what happens when latte tones meet a soft-focus filter. They’re subtle, yes, but make no mistake: this is the shade that’ll carry you from pumpkin patches to holiday parties (and every oat milk latte in between).
What Are Toasted Nails?
Think of toasted nails as the moodier cousin of milky nails and the elevated answer to a basic beige. The tone? A warm, golden-tan with hints of caramel, brown sugar, and sometimes even a kiss of cinnamon. It’s that in-between hue—not too nude, not too brown—that makes your hands look instantly more polished, like they’re wrapped in a cashmere throw.
This isn't your grandma’s beige. Toasted nails have depth. There’s a little bit of heat, a soft glow, and often a creamy or glossy finish that adds just enough something to make them feel current. They're neutral without being flat. Classic without being boring.
If Hailey Bieber’s glazed nails were the beauty version of dewy skin and fresh fruit, toasted nails are the PSL of manicures: warm, cozy, and ready to transition into your fall wardrobe.
Why Toasted Nails Are Having a Moment
The rise of toasted nails makes perfect sense right now. They align perfectly with the current wave of “quiet luxury." Think clean lines, elevated basics, and understated elegance. These aren’t nails that scream for attention, but they will definitely get compliments in the coffee line.
Here’s why everyone’s suddenly toasting their nails:
- They’re ultra-flattering. The warm undertones in toasted shades work across skin tones. Whether you’re porcelain, olive, or deep, there’s a version of toasted that makes your nails look effortlessly chic.
- They match everything. From camel coats and ribbed knits to your favorite worn-in denim, toasted nails are as versatile as your capsule wardrobe.
- They look expensive. There’s something about a warm, glossy neutral that just feels elevated. Like you definitely have a signature fragrance and your favorite hand cream isn’t from the drugstore.
Toasted Nails vs. Other Neutrals
Let’s break down how toasted nails stack up against other popular minimalist manis:
Milky White Nails: Cool-toned and ethereal, milky nails give glazed skin energy. But they can sometimes lean too stark for fall. Toasted nails are their warmer, richer sibling. Think oat milk vs. whole milk.
Barely-There Beige: A mainstay for minimalists, but often too flat or cool-toned to stand out. Toasted nails offer that same polish with more warmth and dimension.
Chocolate Brown Nails: Bold and statement-making, but not always everyday wearable. Toasted nails give you the same fall vibes with a softer, more versatile finish.
TL;DR? If milky nails were all about looking clean and fresh, toasted nails are about looking intentional. Soft, but not invisible. Warm, but never loud.
How to Get the Toasted Nail Look
The best part about toasted nails? They’re easy to wear and even easier to DIY.
Ask your nail tech for:
- A nude with golden hour tones and a glowy satin finish
- A creamy, opaque finish or a subtle sheer wash for a softer effect
- An almond or short square shape for a polished, modern vibe
- A glossy topcoat for extra shine
Shop Toasted Shades:
OPI, Barefoot in Barcelona
A dark beige nude that makes a beautiful base for the classic toasted look.
Essie, Gilded Galaxy
A peach-pearl satin chrome polish. It’s often layered over a solid base, but it’s perfect on its own for a toasted mani.
OPI, Ginger Snapped
A toasty brown with a copper shimmer coating, this shade is perfect when you want something a little richer and a little toastier.
Pro tip: Pair with a nourishing cuticle oil (we see you, dry fall air) to keep the whole look crisp and healthy.
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