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    1. Beauty
    2. Nails

    October's Kicking Off the Week's Best Nail Looks with Inherently Witchy Vibes

    It's time for some spooky-chic manicures.

    Siena Gagliano's avatar
    By Siena Gagliano
    Published 3 October 2026 In Features

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    a collage of six images featuring black, red, and witchy nail designs for the first week of october
    (Image credit: IG @cyka_nails | @diananailedit | @bw.nails)
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    I’ve been waiting very patiently to get a little witchy with my vibe, and October has finally given me permission. This week’s best nail looks are moodier than what I've been seeing lately, with spooky season starting to make its way into the details. And as someone who will take any excuse to lean into the darker side of my beauty routine (I'm a little woo-woo, what can I say?), I’m very much on board.

    We’re not at tiny ghosts and spiderwebs quite yet; the Halloween influence is more subtle right now. Think about the greens and browns that would be in a witch's potion, glossy black details that are more chic than scary, or a manicure with darker celestial vibes.

    Consider this week's best nail art as my preferred way to ease into October. Keep scrolling for the coolest manicures and plenty of inspiration for your next appointment.

    Star-Crossed

    Close-up of a mixed manicure with gold glitter, black-and-white star designs, tortoiseshell accents, and rhinestones

    (Image credit: IG @diananailedit)

    A lot is going on here, but that's what makes it so fun. Tortoiseshell sits alongside rhinestone stars and zebra print; gold adds a little glam, while the glossy finish across all the nails pulls it all together.

    chanel,

    Chanel
    Le Vernis - 157 - PHÉNIX
    $34
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    Witching Hour

    A close-up of long almond-shaped nails with nude polish, black French tips, curved black lines, and small silver accents, paired with silver rings

    (Image credit: IG @bw.nails)

    Black details always feel right once October hits. I love how thin these lines are underneath the French tip, especially with the diamond gem additions and sheer nude base. This manicure would suit the chicest witch out there.

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    Belle Noire Nail Polish

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    Belle Noire Nail Polish
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    Something’s Brewing

    Two thumbs show colorful nail art, with one lime green and gray design and the other a metallic swirl pattern

    (Image credit: IG @_citre)

    It's October, so I may be slightly influenced, but when I look at these nails, all I see is a witch's brew. The murky green and brown swirls really drive the vibe home.

    Wall St

    Cirque Colors
    Wall St
    $13
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    Supernova

    Close-up of long, pointed nails with colorful chrome designs, metallic details, and rhinestones

    (Image credit: IG @diananailedit)

    There’s no shortage of detail here. Metallic finishes shift from silver to blue to pink depending on the nail and lighting, with crystals and tiny star accents layered on top. Definitely maximalist and oh-so celestial.

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    Birthday Suit

    ILNP
    Birthday Suit
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    Pick Your Poison

    Mismatched manicure with red, black, chrome, and 3D white flowers

    (Image credit: IG @cyka_nails)

    Each nail does something different, from glossy red to silver to oversized white flowers. I also love the bare nails mixed in—they give your eye somewhere to land.

    Opi Nail Lacquer Amore at the Grand Canal | Opaque Bright Red Nail Polish

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    Espresso Yourself

    espresso brown manicure with a gold diamond ring

    (Image credit: IG @caitlin_reanails)

    Proof that a solid color can still be one of the best manicures of the week. The deep brown and extra-glossy finish are a nice palate cleanser between all the super extravagant designs if you want something a little subtler.

    LONDONTOWN, Midnight Mocha

    LONDONTOWN
    Midnight Mocha
    $16
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    Crystal Ball

    silver metallic nails with gold and burgundy next to a suede miu miu bag

    (Image credit: IG @nailsocietyy)

    Calling these a "crystal ball" may be a slight stretch, but they're magical nonetheless. The flashes of silver, gold, and burgundy are so artistic.

    Miss Machina

    Chillhouse
    Miss Machina
    $12
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    Tortoise After Dark

    tortoise shell nails and french with gold and gold rings

    (Image credit: IG @nailsbylexih)

    I’m already sold on tortoiseshell for fall, but pairing it with burgundy makes it feel even richer. Keeping a few nails solid also lets the design shine.

    Essie Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish

    Essie
    Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish - Cold Brew Crew
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    For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

    Siena Gagliano
    Siena Gagliano
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    Beauty Editor

    Siena Gagliano is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes and edits reported features, trend stories, and expert-backed shopping roundups. Before joining the team full-time, she was an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she specialized in SEO-first beauty content and commerce strategy. Her bylines have also appeared in Allure, ELLE, Bustle, Well+Good, Popsugar, and Women's Health, covering everything from the best products for brighter, glowier skin to the science behind face mapping. Curious about the behind-the-scenes magazine life and her go-to beauty picks? Follow her on Instagram at @sienagagliano.

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