Almond Nail Ideas in Burgundy: The Rich Fall Look, Step by Step

Burgundy is the fall colour that never looks try-hard. Deep wine on a soft almond shape looks rich, grown-up and easy to wear with knits, denim and gold jewellery. This guide takes you through it step by step, from shaping to a top coat that actually lasts. Save this on Pinterest for later.

glossy burgundy almond nails with gold accent
Image: Finance Haste (original image created for Finance Haste)


Step 1: Shape the almond

File the sides at a gentle angle and round the tip into a soft point. Keep both hands the same length, and check the shape from the side, not just the top. Short almond nails work too: a softer, shorter point still gives the long look.

filing nails into an almond shape

Image: Finance Haste (original image created for Finance Haste)


Step 2: Prep and base coat

Push cuticles back gently, buff lightly, wipe away dust, then apply one thin base coat. A clean, dry nail is what stops burgundy peeling at the tips.

nail prep and base coat on almond nails

Image: Finance Haste (original image created for Finance Haste)


Step 3: Two thin burgundy coats

Apply two thin coats of deep burgundy, sealing the free edge with each coat. Thin coats dry smoother and last longer than one thick coat. For seasonal colour ideas, see our fall nail trends guide.


painting almond nails with deep burgundy polish


Image: Finance Haste (original image created for Finance Haste)

Step 4: Add one gold or blush accent

Keep most nails solid burgundy and leave one accent nail blush pink with a thin gold line, or a burgundy French tip on a nude base. One accent keeps the look rich, not busy.

burgundy almond nails with blush and gold accent nail
Image: Finance Haste (original image created for Finance Haste)


Step 5: Top coat and cure

Seal with a glossy top coat, wrap the tip, and let it cure or dry fully before touching anything. Reapply top coat on day 3 to stretch the shine.

glossy top coat over burgundy almond nails
Image: Finance Haste (original image created for Finance Haste)


Step 6: Keep it looking rich

Apply cuticle oil daily and wear gloves for washing up. Dark polish shows chips fast, so fix a small chip the same day with a dab of colour plus top coat.

cuticle oil care for burgundy almond nails
Image: Finance Haste (original image created for Finance Haste)


Burgundy shade chart

Deep plum burgundy suits cool skin and evening looks. Classic wine red is the everyday winner. Bright cherry burgundy lifts fair skin. Soft blush burgundy is best for a first dark manicure. Matte burgundy looks modern but shows marks sooner, so save it for short nails.

burgundy almond nail shade chart from plum to wine red
Image: Finance Haste (original image created for Finance Haste)


Mistakes to avoid:

- Filing a sharp point that snaps: keep the almond tip soft and rounded.

- Skipping base coat: burgundy stains and peels without it.

- Painting thick coats: they bubble and chip within days.

- Adding gold to every nail: one accent nail is enough.


FAQ:

1. Do burgundy almond nails suit short nails? Yes. A shorter, softer almond still looks elegant, and it chips less.

2. What burgundy shade should I pick first? Classic wine red. It suits most skin tones and works for work and evenings.

3. How do I stop dark polish chipping? Thin coats, sealed tips, a glossy top coat, and cuticle oil daily.

4. Can I wear burgundy almond nails to work? Yes. Solid burgundy with no accent is polished and office-friendly.


Keep Going:

-  Christmas nail ideas for short nails

- French tip nail ideas for every season

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