Anne Hathaway launches the ruby gloss manicure, the definitive red nail trend of autumn
Choosing a red nail polish sounds simple enough, until you realise that every detail matters: the prep, the application, the finish. That is precisely what the ruby gloss look worn by Anne Hathaway on the streets of New York reveals, just ahead of the Bvlgari “Serpenti Infinito” celebration. A high-shine, gem-bright red lacquer, worn with a matching lip for a striking head-to-toe effect.
Why ruby gloss is the colour of the season
Red nails have never truly gone away, but they reinvent themselves every autumn. This year, it is a deep, vinyl-finish version that takes centre stage, a far cry from the bright or coral reds of summer. According to Susan Carroll, founder of Young LDN, the Notting Hill beauty destination, shades grow richer and warmer as the season progresses.
She points to burgundy, oxblood, black cherry and wine tones, as well as burgundies with a slightly brown undertone. These shades, she says, carry a sophistication and warmth that the brighter reds of summer simply cannot deliver. Anne Hathaway’s ruby gloss sits squarely within this trend: a rich, vinyl-glossy red that gives a timeless classic a thoroughly modern edge.
This shift towards deeper reds is no coincidence. It reflects a desire for more intense, enveloping textures that feel in tune with the mood of autumn. The result is a manicure that manages to feel both current and enduring.
The key steps to nailing a ruby gloss manicure at home
Unlike more forgiving nail styles, ruby gloss leaves no room for shortcuts. Susan Carroll is unequivocal: preparation determines everything. A red this saturated will highlight the slightest imperfection, whether that is an unprepared cuticle or an uneven nail surface.
- Start with nails that are carefully shaped and cuticles that are properly prepped.
- Make sure the nail surface is completely clean before applying your base coat.
- Apply two thin coats of red rather than one thick one, allowing each layer to settle before adding the next.
- Leave a slight gap between the polish and the skin to avoid flooding the cuticles.
- Use a small clean-up brush to correct the edges and sharpen the finish.
- Seal everything with a high-shine top coat to achieve the glossy effect that defines ruby gloss.
Every step counts. Carroll is particularly insistent on edge management: red is a colour that bleeds easily onto the skin, and that one detail can turn a polished manicure into a messy one. Taking the time to tidy up with a fine brush makes all the difference.
Which nail shape works best with this deep red
Colour alone is not enough: nail shape plays a decisive role in how a ruby gloss manicure ultimately reads. Susan Carroll suggests two directions depending on the effect you are after. For a chic, classic result, she recommends a short nail with slightly rounded edges. This shape suits all hand types and gives a clean, modern look.
For darker, deeper shades, like those dominating this autumn, an almond or oval shape brings a softer, more elegant touch. These elongated shapes visually lengthen the finger and pair particularly well with brown-toned reds and deep burgundies.
The choice of shape is therefore just as strategic as the choice of shade. Together, they define the character of the manicure: understated and assured, or soft and refined. Either way, ruby gloss is best worn with intention, from the care taken in preparation right through to that final stroke of high-shine top coat.
