Halloween Nails Inspired From Our Favorite Horror Films

Aside from the endless supply of candy and the excuse to play dress up, Halloween is the perfect opportunity to revisit some of our favorite horror films. (No joke, I watched AMC’s Monster Fest all weekend). To celebrate some of the cult classics this season, CND came up with these nail art designs you can recreate on the couch right in front of the TV—either with an at-home gel kit or regular nail polish, if you prefer.

The Redrum

Inspired by “The Shining,” starring Jack Nicholson, this look is a simple black nail with ‘redrum’ in red lettering. For those who haven’t seen the movie, ‘redrum’ is ‘murder’ spelled backwards. (Spooky, right?)

Created by Heather Reynosa-Davis, CND Education Ambassador

*Note: Reynosa-Davis told us how to recreate the manicure with gel. (This is actually the exact design and method they used for the Blondes Fall 2013 runway show), but curing the nails isn’t essential. That said, if you want to ensure the look lasts two weeks, you can purchase the CND UV Lamp at cnd.com. 

Step 1: Apply a thin layer of CND Shellac Base Coat ($15.95, cnd.com) and cure for 10 seconds in the CND UV Lamp.

Step 2: Apply two thin layers of CND Shellac in Wildfire ($15.95), a deep red. Cure each layer for two minutes.

Step 3: Apply a thin layer of CND Shellac in Black Pool ($15.95); do not cure.

Step 4: Use a stylus (or thin nai art pen) to etch the letters into the wet Black Pool revealing Wildfireunderneath. Cure for two minutes.

Step 5: Apply a thin layer of Shellac Top Coat ($15.95) and cure for two minutes.

Step 6: Wipe with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol to remove top film.

The Alien

This intricate alien on a night sky background is inspired by Steven Spielberg’s ’70s sci-fi classic, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

Created by Tori Bastian, CND Education Ambassador

Step 1: Apply two coats of CND Vinylux in Steal Gaze ($4.95), a metallic gray, and wait for it to dry (8.5 minutes).

Step 2: Using a striping brush, draw two large almond shaped eyes using CND Vinylux in Black Pool ($4.95).

Step 3: With the striping brush, outline the shape of the alien’s head and fill in the surrounding area with CND Vinylux in Midnight Swim ($4.95), a dark navy.

Step 4: For additional effect, use a sponge dipped in CND Vinylux colors of choice to create a nebulous, space-like-look. Let dry for one minute.

Step 5: Apply CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat ($4.95, cnd.com).

The Dracula

Of course, CND included the ultimate classic — Bram Stoker’s 1931 classic, “Dracula.” The nail is meant to mimic the vampire’s fangs dripping blood! Almond-shaped nails are an essential for this one.

Created by: Kris Kiss, CND Education Ambassador

Again, Kiss described the look using shellac (or gel) polish. For a speedier mani, use regular polish. 

Step 1: Apply CND Shellac Base Coat ($15.95) and cure for 10 seconds in the CND UV lamp.

Step 2: Apply two coats of CND Shellac in Cream Puff ($15.95), an off white. Cure each layer for two minutes.

Step 3: Apply CND Addictive n Black Pigment ($15.95) from cuticle towards the center.

Step 4: Apply CND Addictive in Red Pigment ($15.95) from the edge towards the center.

Step 5: Apply drops of isopropyl alcohol randomly on black pigment area.

Step 6: Lightly apply CND Shellac in Wildfire ($15.95), a deep red, over red pigment area and cure for two minutes.

Step 7: Lightly dust CND Additive in Steel Dreams ($15.95), a metallic gray, over black pigment area.

Step 8: Apply CND Shellac Top Coat ($15.95) and cure for two minutes.

Step 9: Wipe with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol to remove top film.