Burgundy is the nail color that never really goes out of season. It's rich in fall, festive in winter and elegant all year, and it works on every nail length from short squoval to long almond.
Below are nine burgundy nail designs, the exact words to use at the salon, and how to pick the burgundy that suits your skin. Wearing burgundy shoes too? Our burgundy heels outfit ideas show how to repeat the color.
What are burgundy nails?
Burgundy nails are painted in a deep red-purple wine shade, somewhere between red and plum. They can be glossy, matte, chrome or velvet, and they're often paired with gold accents. Burgundy suits most skin tones and is a classic choice for fall and winter.
Burgundy nail designs
Save the one closest to the look you want. That's the photo to show your nail tech.
1. Glossy wine red
One deep burgundy shade on every nail with an extra-glossy top coat. It's the classic, and it looks expensive on any shape.
Ask for:medium almond, solid deep burgundy gel, extra-glossy top coat.
2. Burgundy French tips
A sheer nude base with a burgundy tip. It's subtle enough for work and still feels seasonal.
Ask for:sheer nude base, thin burgundy French tip, glossy finish.
3. Matte burgundy
Burgundy with a velvety matte top coat. It looks soft and modern, especially on short nails.
Ask for:short squoval, burgundy creme, matte top coat.
4. Burgundy chrome
A burgundy base with a chrome powder for a metallic, liquid shine. It's the most festive option here.
Ask for:burgundy base, red or burgundy chrome powder, glossy top coat.
5. Burgundy and gold leaf
Glossy burgundy with flakes of gold foil on one or two accent nails. It's elegant and catches the light without looking busy.
Ask for:glossy burgundy, gold foil flakes on the ring fingers.
6. Burgundy tortoiseshell
Burgundy and amber blotches layered under a glossy top coat, a warm, wine-toned twist on classic tortoiseshell.
Ask for:tortoiseshell in burgundy and amber, two accent nails, solid burgundy on the rest.
7. Burgundy ombre
A soft fade from pink-nude at the cuticle to deep burgundy at the tip. It's softer than a solid shade and grows out gracefully.
Ask for:nude to burgundy ombre, blended with no visible line.
8. Burgundy with a nude accent
Burgundy on most nails, with one nude accent nail carrying a fine burgundy line or heart. It's playful but still grown-up.
Ask for:burgundy on most nails, nude accent nail with a fine burgundy line design.
9. Burgundy and black aura
A burgundy center fading out to near-black at the edges, like a glowing aura. It's dramatic and perfect for evening.
Ask for:aura nails, burgundy center airbrushed into a near-black edge.
Which burgundy suits you?
- Fair, cool skin: a blue-based burgundy or plum wine.
- Warm or olive skin: a brick or brown-based burgundy.
- Deep skin: rich, saturated burgundy and burgundy chrome look especially striking.
Not sure? Choose a classic wine red, which sits between warm and cool and flatters almost everyone.
Keeping burgundy nails looking fresh
Dark shades show chips more than pale ones, so ask for a strong top coat and add a fresh layer every few days. Keep cuticles oiled and avoid using your nails as tools. Burgundy gel usually lasts two to three weeks.
FAQ
Do burgundy nails suit everyone?
Almost everyone. Choose a cooler, plum-leaning burgundy for cool skin and a warmer, brick-leaning one for warm skin.
Are burgundy nails good for winter?
Yes. Burgundy is one of the most popular fall and winter shades, and gold accents or chrome make it festive for the holidays.
What nail shape is best for burgundy?
Every shape works. Almond looks elegant, square and squoval look modern, and short rounded nails are the most practical.
What goes with burgundy nails?
Gold jewelry, neutral outfits, black, camel and cream. Burgundy also pairs well with burgundy shoes or bags for a coordinated look.
The bottom line
For a first burgundy set, choose glossy wine red on a medium almond, and add gold foil if you want something festive. Save the design you like, show it to your nail tech, and browse more nail ideas.
