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Moscow Mule Nails Are Taking Over

A holiday chrome you’ll love.

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gold chrome manicure, aka Moscow Mule nails
IG: @paytonmanis

The holidays are the ideal time to indulge in a crafty, seasonally appropriate-cocktail. And mani-lovers agree! Moscow mule nails are the latest trend to take over our Instagram feeds, breaking the ice on what's sure to be a nail trend-packed holiday season. And for our first truly winter-appropriate trend to take off, Moscow mule nails are perfectly in line with a year of elegant, shimmery, but understated looks. And they're super easy to achieve!

What Is a Moscow Mule?

If you're looking to match the look, a Moscow mule is served in a cold copper cup. While this enhances the flavor profile of the cocktail (made with ginger beer, vodka and lime), it's also become the distinctive signature of the drink. We're not looking to embody the holiday cocktail itself but the cup it comes in.

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These mugs usually have hammered finishes or are ultra-reflective. Finding the perfect copper shade in an effect polish is definitely a simple way to "nail" this trend (pardon the pun). Effect polishes can also embody the misty look of condensation on the mug when the icy drink begins to melt.

Moscow Mule Nails Are the It-Mani of the Season

The shades we're looking for balance a light brown with a distinctive red-orange undertone that makes copper stand out from the crowd. But you also have a fair amount of wiggle room, as these mugs vary quite a bit in color and finish. From a true orange copper to cooler, brushed metal shades, there's a perfect match for everyone. Ultimately, you want a warm metallic neutral perfect for the colder months. This way, Moscow mule nails are a soft entry into the sparkle and brightness of the holidays. Just seasonal enough with an edge, like your perfectly spiked cocktail.

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The Perfect Shades for Moscow Mule Nails

1 / 7

Ella + Mila in Champagne Pop ($11)

This gorgeous metallic shade carries hints of rose, perfectly capturing the vibe of a frosty Moscow mule mug.

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Ella + Mila in Champagne Pop ($11)
2 / 7

INLP in Muse ($10)

Warm and cozy while retaining a gorgeous shimmer, this shade of super-reflective copper holographic polish is a show-stopper.

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INLP in Muse ($10)
3 / 7

KB Shimmer in RV There Yet? ($12)

This shade's holographic formula shifts between a warmer copper and a cooler bronze while a hypnotizing shimmer brings it all together.

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KB Shimmer in RV There Yet? ($12)
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4 / 7

Londontown lakur Enhanced Colour in Sugarcane ($16)

This is another hugely popular shade for the Moscow mule mug. A little cooler in tone than most coppers, this shade is perfect for anyone looking for a subtle take on this trend.

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Londontown lakur Enhanced Colour in Sugarcane ($16)
5 / 7

Olive & June in Sundance Shimmer ($9)

The rosy undertones in this shimmer polish are the perfect match for the Moscow mule mugs you tend to see in specialty stores. Pinks in copper products tend to show with age, giving this shade an antique elegance.

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Olive & June in Sundance Shimmer ($9)
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6 / 7

OPI Nail Lacquer in Millennium Mocha ($12)

This shade is a truer copper, with a more forward orange tone like many actual Moscow mule mugs. This metallic brown shade sparkles with copper and golden tones when caught in the light.

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OPI Nail Lacquer in Millennium Mocha ($12)
7 / 7

Essie Gel Couture in Sun-Day Style ($11.50)

Leaning closer to bronze than copper, this warm, rich shade sparkles with red undertones for the perfect holiday shimmer.

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Essie Gel Couture in Sun-Day Style ($11.50)
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