5 Practical Magic Inspired Nail Ideas With Impeccable Autumn Vibes

Spooky season is all about snuggling up under a blanket and binging your fave autumnal movies. But it doesn't feel quite right without spooky nails, and we can't imagine anything cozier than watching "Practical Magic" for the millionth time with a midnight margarita and matching mani. The 1998 movie stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as witch sisters Sally and Gillian, tasked with defeating an evil curse before it destroys everything they know and love. And the movie's spooky aesthetic lends itself perfectly to moody and mysterious manicures. We're talking Halloween-esque nail looks but with a heavy witchy twist and an extra dose of autumn. 

We've collated some of the most spellbinding "Practical Magic"-inspired nail looks in anticipation of an autumnal original movie re-watch and in celebration of a sequel heading our way.

To incorporate the dark vibes of "Practical Magic" into your manicure, start with a glossy, dark black polish — because black nails can be an adult staple! Sparkly moons, stars, or swirls on top are perfect for creating that mysterious and magical aesthetic, or leaves and pumpkins will give a more obvious autumn look. The glitter color is totally up to you, but oranges and golds will match the natural shades of the season, while silvers, greens, or purples are more witchy. This is perfect for a party; Halloween or otherwise!

What says witchy autumnal vibes more than black rhinestones? For all the Libra babies (like Gwen Stefani and Kim Kardashian) or Scorpio stars (like Katy Perry and Ciara) who have birthdays around spooky season, a subtle, glossy pink nail base with black rhinestones dripping from the tip is perfect for celebrating in style. It captures the bewitching charm of "Practical Magic" and the moody time of year without being too on the nose, and can easily match almost any ensemble.

Tortoiseshell manicures were a big trend in autumn 2023, and we can see the chic style becoming an autumn staple year after year. The orange and black shades make a great background for autumnal and witchy nail art. Gold spiderwebs are "Practical Magic"-esque, while ghosts featuring orange leaves are more autumnal. Other "Practical Magic"-inspired nail art ideas to try? A cauldron, witch's hat, or broomstick. If you don't have a steady hand or a nail art brush intricate enough, get a similar effect with gold nail stickers.

"Practical Magic" sees Sally, Gillian, and their aunts drinking midnight margaritas after Jimmy's death, so a night-inspired manicure is on theme for the movie and season. Avoid being too generic by thinking outside the box with magically metallic chrome nails. Apply a dark, iridescent chrome powder that shines blue, purple, and pink, as this will give a mysterious and enigmatic finish. A similar look can also be achieved with iridescent polish, or by layering sheer pink or purple sparkle over a dark blue base. It's perfect for autumn, but can be worn any time of year.

"Practical Magic" features so many candles. They're all over the movie poster, too. So candle nail art will bring the dark magic aesthetic into your manicure. Start with a dark, fine glitter polish — very witchy — then paint a lit candle on each nail. You'll need a white shade, cream (for the dripping wax), and a red, yellow, or orange (for the flame). This may be tough to do yourself, especially on your dominant hand, so this may be one for your nail tech.