It’s important to find balance between light and darkness in our every day lives. That’s a lesson the sun, moon, and Lady Gaga teach us every day. Now, Nicole Kidman is stepping in as a guest lecturer. She even brought an example!

Visual learners, this one’s for you.

Nicole Kidman’s Short Moody Manicure

On Wednesday, July 9, the actress attended the Balenciaga Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2025/2026 show in Paris. While her honey blonde hair was brighter than normal, her manicure was deep and dark.

Kidman tends to play around when it comes to her nail art. She wears them long, short, French-tipped or naked. This time, she went with an ultra-short style.

Celebrity nail artist Romane Martini was behind the look. After filing Kidman’s nails into a rounded-square shape that echoed their natural growth pattern, she painted on the moody polish. And that was that, until the whole world took note.

How to Get the Look

Though the mani appeared black in certain lighting (especially when up against her excellent slouchy suit jacket), a touch of outside-the-venue sunshine showed that it’s actually a super-dark reddish-purple shade. Think the iconic OPI Lincoln Park After Dark, Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Noir, or Manucurist’s Aubergine.

After priming your nails with a good filing session and base coat, paint on a couple thin coats of your polish so the shade is fully opaque.

Then, add a glossy top coat and book it to your highlight appointment. It’s still summer! Even if it’s gray outside, even if a dark mani color is *so* good, we need to indulge in a little brightness somehow.