When you think of fall manicures, you likely imagine something dark and moody. A chocolate brown or a vampy black cherry are usually the go-tos. But butter yellow? That practically screams spring!
Not according to Rihanna. Just last night, the singer and pop-culture icon sported a pastel, butter-yellow mani for the Fenty Hair launch at Selfridges in London (with a pale-yellow teddy coat to match!), proving that this trending color has actually become a year-round staple. Keep scrolling—we grabbed all the details from her manicurist below.
(Image credit: Getty Images / Dave Benett)
We can thank celebrity nail artist Jenny Longworth for the Butter Yellow debut. Longworth (who also works with Harry Styles, FYI) dubs the look “melted butter,” since she adds a chrome topper for some subtle sparkle (you know, just like a glistening pot of heated butter). She uses The GelBottle Inc’s Gel Polish in the shade Queen Bee and then tops it with the brand’s Iced Chrome Pigment.
Butter-yellow nails are nothing new (the color has been trending among the fashion set since last spring), but “melted butter” puts a fresh spin on the sophisticated mani. It’s bright yet muted, which makes it relatively easy to pull off year-round (as opposed to a coral “Palm Beach grandma” lacquer). Butter yellow might not be the most obvious choice for a fall manicure, but it can certainly add some life to an autumnal outfit.
Not to mention that it pairs well with any palette. Wearing all gray? A pale-yellow mani can brighten up the ensemble. Opting for browns and hunter greens? Butter yellow complements those earth tones quite well. Loving burgundy outfits as of late? Yellow digits provide a gorgeous contrast.
As you can probably guess, Rihanna’s manicure has made me rethink everything I knew about fall nail trends. Catch me with butter-yellow tips instead of my usual moody plum! After all, when Rih gives a beauty trend her stamp of approval, I’d bet all my money it will become the next big thing.
Shop the Trend
The GelBottle Inc
Gel Polish – Queen Bee
The exact shade Longworth used on Rihanna!
The GelBottle Inc
Iced Chrome Pigment
She then layered on the brand’s chrome powder.
The GelBottle Inc
Extreme Shine Top Coat
Finally, she layered on this topcoat “for the ultimate finish.”
Opi
Nail Lacquer in Bee-Hind the Scenes
Here’s another butter-yellow shade that looks oh-so-creamy.
JinSoon
Nail Polish in Tulle
This one’s even milkier, so much so that it almost reads winter white.
Olive and June
Nail Polish in Bunny Slope
How can you not cop a polish named Bunny Slope?!
Sundays
Nail Polish in No. L.04
This option leans a bit brighter than the typical pale butter yellow. Still, it’s so on-trend.
Erinde
White Pearl Chrome Nail Powder
Here’s another popular (and affordable) chrome powder. Act fast—it’s almost sold out!
Chanel
Le Vernis
Butter yellow Chanel nail polish. Need I say more?
Glamnetic
Press on Nails in Yellow Pop
For melted butter nails in a pinch, you can’t go wrong with these press-ons.
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