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21 days. That’s how long it’s been since my last nail appointment. Usually, I’m an every two-weeks type of girl, but it was during that appointment when my nail tech that my nails needed a break from the acrylics. However, it’s almost time for the break to be over, and I’ve been searching Pinterest for a new style for the Fall time. When I saw the tortoise nail design come across my home feed, I knew I had to add my personal touch to my next nail appointment. After you read about my take on this trend, you’ll ask your nail tech to grab the supplies for your DIY.
The inspiration for the sophisticated and chic tortoise shell nail design comes from the endangered Hawksbill Turtle’s beautiful tortoise shell. An amber-like hue of yellow is the base color of the Hawksbill’s shell. On top of the yellow base are black and chocolate brown spots outlined by white lines.
If you’re a beauty historian, you can trace the tortoiseshell’s unique pattern back to the 1800s. Antique furniture, jewelry, and this luxurious hair clip from the 1800s all contain tortoise. It was considered a symbol of wealth when paired with modern opticals by the 1920’s. Celebrities like Jackie O often sported oversized tortoiseshell glasses when running away from the paparazzi. Fortunately, the Hawksbill Turtle was placed on the endangered species list because hunters hunted them in great numbers for their shells.
The beauty world mimicking the tortoiseshell pattern for nail design is a creative way of admiration for Hawksbill Turtleshell design.The first appearance of the tortoiseshell-inspired nail design was in 2019. Then again, in 2023, we saw the beauty world go crazy on Hailey Beiber’s tortoise shell-designed nails. The nail design found its way back onto our nails in 2024, and I don’t mind it at all.
Tortoiseshell-inspired nails are the perfect accessory to match the tortoise-designed shoes and purses that brands tend to drop in the fall. Try adding the popular fall pattern to your shoe collection with a pair of Jefferey’s Campbell Creativity Slingback Pump in the color tortoise. Pair the pumps with an all-black leather moment or a dark denim number. My current tortoise accessory obsession? This must-have MME Tortoise Heart purse is MME’S shoppers’ fall favorite. I would find a way to make this heart-shaped acrylic tortoise-designed bag the co-star of every look.
However, asking your nail tech for the tortoise design this fall could cause more attention than you’re used to. Symptoms include everyone asking you “if they could see your nails?” or randomly talking with your hands, hoping they ask if they can see your nails. It happens to the best of us. Here are a couple of ways to “edit” this design, which you can call your own.
French Tips:
Is this the first time doing animal print? Ease the tortoise design into your life with French tips. It’s a fun way to add a twist to a class design. Bonus: You can add a touch of metallic glam by lining the French tip with gold nail art.
Add Jewelry
Fashion rule #4: Adding jewelry to any outfit that feels basic will help elevate it to a new level of slay. And this rule is the same with nail designs. Level up your tortoise nails with gold or silver jewelry like the cute silver balls.
Mix and Match
An easy way to personalize the tortoise design this fall is to mix and match it with jewel-colored tones. This tortoise and turquoise (try to say that three times fast) design blends, greeting a seamless, unique look. Take elements from with element and customize it to fit your fall mood.
Go for the Gold
Go for the gold by adding gold specks to your tortoise shell nail design. They’ll provide a warm, shimmering glow to your day on those cold autumn days.
For those of us who proudly hold the title DIY babe, the Tortoiseshell gel color kit should be in your shopping cart like yesterday. Finding the exact color you need in the nail polish section to recreate this nail design can be tricky. This award-winning nail kit takes the guessing out of the process. It comes with the four colors and the smooth brush you need to give you the perfect tortoiseshell design every time:
Tortoise Shell
Blackest Black
Midnight Chocolate
Marrone Brown Glass
My nail tech said I must wait an entire month until placing a new set, which means ten more days.Until then, I’ll be daydreaming about all the photos my fabulous nails will be the star of.
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