25 Straightforward, Foolproof Halloween Manicures

Skeletons and the undead alike will love this minimalist nail art manicure. It uses only two shades (Jinsoon Absolute White and Polka Black, $18 each), one brush, and a little bit of smudging. Halloween nails in just three steps—voilà!

Instead of an intricate, painstakingly detailed manicure, opt for glossy black paint and nothing else. It'll add to your witch costume, albeit subtly, but it's also chic for the week post-holiday. See? We're saving you time and money. 

If an angel costume is more your speed, this sparkly, glammed-up look is for you. It's far less complicated than it seems. All you need is a sparkle-infused nail polish and one hand to paint it on. Bonus points for the clear base color to keep things mess-free. Luckily, Jinsoon makes the perfect shade—Absolute Glitz ($18).

If you're musically inclined, dress up like David Bowie himself and offer up a Ziggy Stardust–inspired manicure. Again, just two shades are needed (and you can spell out whatever lyric you love most). 

For sweet, candy-themed costumes or hospital volunteers, try this icing-inspired manicure that'll keep your look coated in sugar. You'll need two color—red and a light pink—and a steady hand while drawing the curves. 

Nail artist Madeline Poole created this candy corn confection for the Halloween candy devotees. The ombré effect is a bit more involved since you'll have to do some blending, but the final product is worth the work in spades.

Poole worked on this orange look as well, dangling a shimmering string of jewels for some added light-reflecting goodness. This manicure will keep you on theme for the pumpkin-filled holiday while still proving to be chic.

Incorporate the signature orange and black color pallet into your next manicure for a Halloween-appropriate style that's still super fun.

For those adding a little gore to their costume, take a neutral manicure and add a little drop of polish to keep things creepy (use this manicure by celebrity manicurist Mar y Soul as inspiration).

If jumpsuits and fast automobiles are your thing this Halloween, try these easy-to-paint flames on a jet-black manicure. They're as sporty as they are fierce, just like you.

If you're a fruitarian (or you're dressing up like Strawberry Shortcake), these adorable berry nails are right up your alley. With green, red, and white for the seeds, all you need is a brush and a dotter for detail.

Dress up the usual all-black feline manicure with a spotted leopard look. It takes no time at all after picking up black, brown, and beige polish at your local drugstore. 

This camo-print design combines neutral colors and looks great with that olive green military jacket you pair with everything.

After you've nailed the tie-dye game, deck your nails out in an equally psychedelic style, including but not limited to a few recreationally related items that really send the message home.

If you're looking to throw on a plaid shirt and overalls, this adorable manicure is for you. Dressed in a farmer-chic style, it's important to keep track of your animals ,and this way, you've got them all in one handy place—your nails!

Opt for a white base and show off your sneaker knowledge. This detailed design can be recreated easily using a few handy press-on stickers.

Dot on a few intentional dabs of black polish for a minimalist Halloween manicure that goes with every costume, from Audrey Hepburn to Charlie Chaplin.

This ultra whimsical nail look compliments the sparkliest of wings for a modern fairy design. Adorned in shimmering crystals, you'll be as bejeweled as Tinkerbell with her fairy dust in Neverland.

If you're not into a full Halloween getup this year, go for a sparkly glitter-dipped manicure for a still seasonally appropriate look. This DIY take includes full-on edgy glitter for a fun design.

If you don't have your ruby red slippers close by, add a few dazzling gems to a deep red manicure for a twist on the classic movie look. Playing into your Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz costume, this sparkling red manicure looks great against blue gingham.

It's time to break out your handy Lycra suit. This holographic nail design is simple (it just requires a few coats of paint) and works for more than one costume. Pair your out-of-this-world holographic nails with a neon green look for a simple full-on alien costume, or go the Britney Spears "Oops!... I Did It Again" route with an iconic red PVC catsuit. The choice is yours.

Black cats are a Halloween essential, so why not paint a few on your nails for good measure?

Mix and match Minnie and Mickey's signature looks for a cheerful and Disney-inspired addition to your Halloween costume. Bonus points if you wear Mickey's iconic shorts and yellow shoes.

Match manis with a bestie or loved one and be each other's lobsters for Halloween.

Peel-off stickers get the job done here (and they look amazing). These stickers from Olive and June are our personal favorites.