Anne Hathaway's Ruby Gloss Manicure Sets the Tone for Autumn Red

Anne Hathaway marked the return of the autumnal red manicure last week with a striking "ruby gloss" nail look, paired with a matching glossy red lip, on the streets of New York ahead of the Bvlgari "Serpenti Infinito" celebration.

The Devil Wears Prada star wore a high-shine, gemstone-inspired red that gives the most evergreen manicure in beauty a modern edge. Red nails never left. This season, the shade has simply gone darker.

"We're seeing reds become much deeper and richer for autumn," says Susan Carroll, founder of Notting Hill beauty destination Young LDN. "Bordeaux, oxblood, black cherry and wine shades are all particularly popular, along with burgundies that have a slightly brown undertone. They feel warmer and more sophisticated than the brighter tomato and coral reds we tend to see during summer."

Precision matters

Hathaway's earlier "coconut water" nails were beginner-friendly and required minimal precision. The ruby gloss look demands more technique.

"Preparation is everything with a red manicure because such a bold color will highlight any imperfections," advises Carroll. "Start with neatly shaped nails and well-prepped cuticles, then make sure the nail plate is completely clean before applying your base coat."

Carroll recommends two thin coats of red rather than one thick coat, allowing each layer to settle before applying the next. Rushing the application shows.

"It's also worth taking a little extra time around the edges," she says. "Red is unforgiving if it bleeds into the cuticle, so leave a tiny amount of space around the nail rather than taking the polish right up to the skin. A small clean-up brush can make a huge difference to the finished result."

Shape and shine

A high-shine top coat is non-negotiable for the glossy, vinyl effect that defines the trend. On shape, Carroll recommends a short, softly squared nail for a chic and timeless feel. Almond and oval shapes also work, giving deeper reds a soft, elegant finish.

For salons and nail brands, the message is direct: as celebrity sightings push deep reds back into demand, expect bordeaux, oxblood and black cherry to dominate autumn color collections and service menus.