30 Aubergine Nails That Look Ridiculously Chic And Expensive
Ready to fall for the most flattering nail color ever? Aubergine nails deliver drama, depth, and that “wow, who is she?” energy. From glossy plums to velvety mattes, these ideas go beyond a basic purple. Let’s dive into 30 looks that will make your manicure the main character.
1. Glossy Midnight Aubergine

Start with the classic: a rich, glossy aubergine that looks like wet velvet. It’s minimal, luxe, and pairs with literally everything in your closet.
Tips
- Two thin coats for depth without bulk
- Use a high-shine gel top coat
- Cap the free edge to prevent chipping
Wear this when you want a go-to shade that never misses and always photographs well.
2. Velvet Matte Plum

Matte transforms aubergine into something moody and editorial. It absorbs light and looks insanely chic in person.
Key Points
- Choose a non-chalky matte top coat
- Buff lightly for a pillowy finish
- Keep cuticles hydrated to avoid chalky edges
Perfect for evenings out or whenever you want quiet luxury vibes.
3. Aubergine French Tips

Swap white tips for deep purple, and boom—classic becomes cool. The contrast looks crisp without screaming for attention.
Variations
- Thin micro-tips for a subtle finish
- Chunky tips for a bold line
- Reverse French with aubergine near the cuticle
Try this if you love French manicures but want a fresh twist for fall or winter.
4. Chrome-Kissed Eggplant

Add a light chrome powder over aubergine for a smoky, mirror-like sheen. It screams futuristic glam without being loud.
Materials
- Blackened plum base
- Soft gunmetal chrome
- No-wipe top coat
This is your festival, party, or holiday look—shiny, dimensional, unforgettable.
5. Wine-Stained Ombre

Blend burgundy at the cuticle into deep aubergine at the tip. It’s like a Cabernet gradient—smooth and sultry.
Tips
- Use a sponge for seamless blending
- Keep the lightest color near the cuticle for softness
- Seal with glossy top coat
Ideal for special events or anytime you want nails that look airbrushed and expensive.
6. Micro-Glitter Night Sky

Add fine holographic glitter to aubergine for a starry-night effect. It twinkles in the light but stays refined.
Key Points
- Use micro not chunky glitter
- Apply sparingly for sparkle, not shimmer overload
- Top with a smoothing gel layer
Use this for weddings, dinners, or when you want low-key glam.
7. Satin Jelly Aubergine

Sheer, jelly-like aubergine looks juicy and modern. It gives that “glazed” finish without tipping into sticky-sweet.
Tips
- Three thin, translucent coats
- Avoid streaking by floating the brush
- Use a glossy, flexible top coat
Great for short nails and minimalist lovers who still want color.
8. Aubergine And Gold Foil

Deep purple and gold foil is a power couple. The metallic flecks make the base look richer and more complex.
Placement Ideas
- Random shards across two accent nails
- Foil along the cuticle like jewelry
- Diagonal streaks for movement
Wear this to dressy events or when your manicure needs a couture touch.
9. Monochrome Mix: Matte And Gloss

Play with texture by combining matte aubergine with glossy lines. It’s subtle nail art that packs a punch.
How-To
- Paint matte base on all nails
- Draw glossy stripes or half-moons with top coat
- Keep lines thin and precise
Use for office-friendly nail art that still feels creative.
10. Eggplant Marble Veins

Marble nails in aubergine look luxurious and artistic. Mix in smoky grays and inky purples for depth.
Materials
- White and charcoal polishes
- Detail brush for veining
- Sheer plum to glaze everything
Perfect for gel sets and anyone who lives for artsy, bespoke nails.
11. Aubergine Aura Nails

Soft airbrushed halos over dark plum feel dreamy. Think aura nails, but moodier and cooler.
Tips
- Use an airbrush or sponge technique
- Keep the center lighter, edges darker
- Finish glossy for depth
Great for editorial vibes and trend-setters who like whispers of color.
12. Plum Glaze Over Black

Layer a sheer aubergine over black for that oil-slick richness. It looks like melted blackberry jam on obsidian.
Key Points
- One coat black, one to two coats sheer aubergine
- Thin layers to avoid bulk
- Seal with high-gloss gel
Use when you want drama with minimal effort, IMO the easiest wow factor.
13. Negative Space Cutouts

Leave deliberate bare sections against an aubergine base for geometric impact. It looks modern and breathes visually.
Design Ideas
- Diagonal windows
- Half-moon cuticles
- Thin crescent lines
Choose this for a minimalist yet artsy look that grows out beautifully.
14. Aubergine Micro French On Nude

Paint ultra-thin aubergine tips on a sheer nude base. It’s delicate but unmistakably chic.
Tips
- Use a striping brush for precision
- Keep the smile line soft and curved
- Choose a nude that matches your undertone
Perfect for short nails and a clean-girl aesthetic with a twist.
15. Smoky Quartz Plum

Layer aubergine with smoky gray jelly for gemstone vibes. The semi-transparency feels expensive and mysterious.
Materials
- Sheer gray and sheer aubergine
- Fine shimmer topper (optional)
- Glossy top coat
Ideal for anyone who loves moody neutrals that still sparkle a bit.
16. Matte With Gold Studs

Matte aubergine plus tiny gold studs equals Italian-handbag energy. The contrast turns your nails into accessories.
Key Points
- Place studs near the cuticle or as a single dot
- Use nail glue for longevity
- Seal around, not over, to avoid dulling
Rock these for dinners, dates, or whenever you want quiet bling.
17. Aubergine Swirls And Waves

Paint flowing swirls using lighter and darker plums for movement. It’s groovy but elegant.
Tips
- Two-tone plum palette
- Use a long liner brush
- Vary line thickness for depth
Great for medium to long nails that show off patterns.
18. Purple Smoke Tips

Create soft, smoky tips that fade from clear to aubergine. Think French, but smudged and mysterious.
How-To
- Build the gradient with a sponge
- Keep the deepest color at the free edge
- Gloss to blur any harshness
Use this when you want an edgy twist that still looks refined.
19. Aubergine And Rose Gold Lines

Thin rose gold lines over a deep plum base add warmth and precision. The metallic plays beautifully with purple undertones.
Design Ideas
- Vertical pinstripes to elongate nails
- Chevron tips for structure
- Single accent nail for subtlety
Perfect for office-to-cocktails transitions and polished style.
20. Berry Glass Nails

Build translucent layers of plum for a stained-glass effect. It looks luscious and glossy without heavy pigment.
Tips
- Use jelly polishes
- Finish with a gel-like top coat
- Keep layers thin for clarity
Great on shorter nails and nail extensions alike for a syrupy finish.
21. Eggplant Cat-Eye Magnet

Magnetic cat-eye polish in aubergine bends light in the coolest way. The shifting stripe looks like silk.
Materials
- Cat-eye magnetic polish in deep plum
- Magnet wand
- No-wipe top coat
Wear this when you want “how did you do that?” reactions—seriously.
22. Inky Plum French With Matte Base

Matte nude base, glossy aubergine tips. The texture contrast gives a modern, editorial spin to the French.
Tips
- Prep matte layers last before glossy tips
- Keep tips ultra-crisp
- Choose a cool-toned nude for synergy
Ideal for minimalists who still love detail.
23. Aubergine Half-Moon Deco

Reverse French with a crisp half-moon cuticle in either nude or metallic. It nods to vintage manicure glamour.
Design Options
- Nude half-moon with aubergine body
- Gold half-moon for extra luxe
- Micro-dotted border for art deco flair
Perfect for retro lovers and holiday events.
24. Marble Ink Over Aubergine

Use alcohol inks over a cured aubergine gel to create fluid art. The result looks like dyed silk with no effort.
Tips
- Work in small, diluted drops
- Use isopropyl alcohol to move pigment
- Seal with a thick top coat
Great for one-of-a-kind looks that spark compliments.
25. Aubergine With Silver Glitter Cuff

Add a thin glitter “cuff” at the cuticle. It’s like a delicate necklace for your nails.
How-To
- Paint base color and cure/fully dry
- Trace a slim arc near the cuticle with glitter
- Smooth with a gel top coat
Wear for subtle glam that grows out gracefully.
26. Tonal Dotting Accents

Use lighter and darker aubergine dots for a playful, textured look. It’s simple but surprisingly chic.
Tips
- Vary dot sizes
- Cluster near the tip or cuticle
- Keep most nails plain for balance
Great for DIYers who want easy nail art with minimal tools.
27. Aubergine With Tortie Accents

Pair deep plum with tortoiseshell accent nails for warm, high-fashion contrast. The caramel tones make the purple pop.
Palette
- Aubergine base
- Amber, brown, and black for tortie
- Glossy top coat
Use this combo for fall looks and cozy outfits.
28. Eggplant Chrome French

Do a French tip using aubergine chrome powder. The reflective edge looks razor-sharp and futuristic.
Tips
- Create a clean tip base first
- Rub chrome on no-wipe top coat
- Seal thoroughly to prevent wear
Perfect for nights out and statement manicures.
29. Mixed Finishes: Suede And Sparkle

Alternate nails: some suede-matte aubergine, others with fine sparkle. The contrast feels editorial and intentional.
Key Points
- Keep colors within the same plum family
- Limit glitter to micro for sophistication
- Balance hands symmetrically
Choose this to keep things interesting without going full maximalist.
30. Minimalist Line Art In Plum

Over a sheer nude, draw ultra-fine aubergine line art—abstract squiggles, tiny constellations, or micro florals. It’s delicate and creative.
Tips
- Use a 5–7 mm liner brush
- Thin your polish slightly for flow
- Keep negative space generous
Ideal for artsy vibes that still feel wearable every day, FYI.
That’s your aubergine inspo buffet—rich, versatile, and anything but boring. Pick one, mash up a couple, or rotate them all season. Your nails are about to carry the outfit, trust me.
