French manicures have never looked so edgy.

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Close up image of a hand with chain nail art against a white background

But first things first: Every look began (and ended) with very well-moisturized cuticles.

Bold Ombre

In the category of easy nail art that looks impressive, ombre always comes out on top.

By adding more polish as you get closer to the tip, you create the ombre.

Close up image of a hand with ombre nail art

The same can be said when you add acrushed velvet finishto your manicure.

If you dont have a trip to Japan planned, these pigments are also available on Etsy.

A magnetic polish can give you a similar velvety effect without as much fluffiness.

Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Rouge Noir bottle of dark burgundy nail polish with black cap on white background

No judgment and you’re free to still keep it fresh and go a little moody.

This fall, gray-brown is replacing your expected beige.

The shade first caught our eyes at Vivienne Westwood and Mark Fasts most recent shows.

For Tmrw Signature Nail Polish in For Later bottle of pale pink nail polish with black cap on light gray background

Its a little brown, its a little gray, Yamanaka says.

Its cool, but not too strong.

As Goldilocks might add, its just right.

Close up image of two hands with red nail art against a white background

And, much like burgundy, Yamanaka says this shade complements all skin tones.

With a finish inspired by your favorite designer purse, the vampy hue is actually quite sophisticated.

To achieve a pebbled look, Yamanaka added a few tiny dots of shiny black polish on top.

GlitterNailArt Flocking Velvet Powder knocked over clear jar of red velvet nail powder on white background

Want to take the look even further?

Its as rich-looking as it is low-key.

The key to the pristine finish here, Yamanaka says, iscuticle care.

Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Goldie Red bottle of red nail polish with skinny ridged pink beige cap on white background

Flat studs are slightly less perilous but equally cool.

But when it catches the light, its clearly two-tone geometric art.

Otherwise, you’ll wind up with a stark contrast, not nuance.

Close up image of a hand with chain nail art against a white background

Yamanaka loves the combination of deep violet and forest green.

When it comes to the design, Yamanaka encourages going freehand.

Now watch Rachel Bilson’s beauty routine.

Close up image of a hand with chain nail art against a white background

Olive & June Nail Polish in CHM hand holding bottle of pale nude pink nail polish with white cap on matching background

Brooklyn Charm Vintage Rhodium Plated Dainty Curb Chain six thin silver chains laid out diagonally across a white background

Close up image of a hand holding up a coffee cup with long pink nails against a white background

ILNP Nail Polish in Abundance bottle of orange to green shimmery duo chrome nail polish without a lid on white background

Mooncat Nail Polish in Fake Halo square bottle of shimmery pink peach nail polish with geometric black cap on gray background

Close up image of a hand with dark nail art and a gold bracelet against a white background

Essie Nail Polish in Crochet Away bottle of light pinky brown nail polish with white cap on white background

Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Duelliste bottle of brown nail polish with black cap on white background

Close up image of a hand with dark nail art with black gems against a white background

Close up image of a finger with dark nail art and black gems against a white background

Nails Inc Whatever The Leather Effect Nail Polish rectangle bottle of black leather effect nail polish on white background

Jinsoon Nail Lacquer in Absolute Black rectangle bottle of black nail polish on white background

Close up image of a hand with neutral nail art wearing a gold ring against a white background

OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath bottle of pale pink nail polish with black cap on white background

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Naked bottle of camel nail polish with black cap on white background

Londontown Perfecting Nail Veil #6 bottle of camel nail polish with black cap on off white background

A bottle of cuticle remover.

Close up image of a hand with dark nail art with spikes and a chain against a white background

DSHIJIE Nail Art Punk Cone Metallic Spike Studs set of black studded press on nails and plastic container with black, silver, and gold nail art cone studs on white background

Wokoto Geometry Metal Gold Nail Charms eight plastic dishes of gold, silver, and rose gold nail charms with a set of black press on nails, tweezers, and a white pencil on white background

Close up of a hand with color blocked nail art against a white background

Emilie Heathe Nail Artist Polish in Big Night Out round bottle of dark purple nail polish with nickel cap on off white background

CND Vinylux Long Wear Nail Polish in Aura bottle of dark green nail polish with black cap on white background