Anya Taylor-Joy's Dark Nails & Berry Lip Are A Witchy Summer Vibe
Our take
Anya Taylor-Joy’s recent cover shoot for *The Hollywood Reporter*, featuring a striking combination of dark nails and a deep berry lip against a sun-drenched beach backdrop, isn't merely a beauty trend; it’s a carefully constructed visual narrative echoing a broader shift in aesthetic sensibilities. The juxtaposition of the traditionally “witchy” makeup elements—the gothic darkness—with the summery, breezy setting creates a compelling tension, a quiet rebellion against the predictable. It’s a sensibility we’ve seen ripple through various aspects of lifestyle, from curated travel experiences to considered design choices, reflecting a desire for depth and complexity beyond surface-level trends. This aligns with a growing appreciation for nuanced artistry, a feeling that mirrors the sophisticated approach we highlighted in [The Zoe Report’s 2026 Readers' Choice: Best Gears To Gourmet Restaurants], where the focus is less on ostentatious displays and more on the quality of experience and the intentionality behind the choices. Similarly, Zendaya’s recent red carpet look, as analyzed in [Zendaya's Latest 'Spider-Man' Red Carpet Look Is Subtle Method Dressing At Its Best], demonstrates a similar understanding of how aesthetic choices can communicate a deeper persona and intentionality.
The beauty industry has, for some time, been caught between the fleeting nature of viral trends and the enduring appeal of timeless elegance. While maximalist aesthetics still hold their place, there's an undeniable rise in appreciation for understated sophistication, a preference for pieces and looks that tell a story rather than simply shouting for attention. Taylor-Joy’s makeup is a perfect embodiment of this. It’s not about following a rigid formula; it's about creating a mood, an atmosphere. The dark nails, in particular, feel subversive and powerful, a nod to the historical association of dark colors with strength and mystery, while the berry lip adds a touch of sensual femininity. This quiet confidence resonates deeply with the modern woman, who seeks to express herself authentically, without relying on fleeting trends or external validation. It’s a feeling of self-assuredness that transcends the specific makeup application, mirroring the parental choices discussed in [I'm a Parent Who Works in Fashion—This Designer Stroller Collab Is a Dream], where practicality and design are seamlessly intertwined, reflecting a thoughtful lifestyle.
This approach to beauty aligns seamlessly with the "quiet luxury" ethos that's rapidly gaining traction. It's a rejection of overt displays of wealth and a celebration of understated elegance, quality craftsmanship, and timeless style. The focus shifts from acquiring possessions to cultivating an atmosphere of refined taste. Taylor-Joy’s aesthetic isn’t about owning the latest designer handbag; it's about embodying a sense of effortless cool and self-assuredness. It’s about *being*, rather than simply displaying. The visual language employed speaks to a generation that is increasingly conscious of the impact of their choices—both on themselves and on the world around them. This shift is about curating a lifestyle that reflects personal values and resonates with inner authenticity. The beauty choices become an extension of that narrative, reflecting a cultivated sense of self rather than a desire to conform to external pressures.
Ultimately, Anya Taylor-Joy’s “witchy summer vibe” is more than just a trend; it’s a reflection of a cultural shift towards a more intentional, expressive, and emotionally intelligent approach to beauty and style. The convergence of darkness and light, of power and femininity, creates a compelling visual language that resonates with a growing audience seeking authenticity and depth. As we move forward, will we see more celebrities and influencers embracing this nuanced aesthetic, and how will this influence the broader beauty landscape, pushing beyond fleeting trends toward a greater appreciation for enduring style and personal expression?
Anya Taylor-Joy knows how to play the part of a witchy woman. Not to say the actor doesn’t have range; her Emma Woodhouse was pitch-perfect, and there’s an entire generation that best knows her as Mario’s beloved Princess Peach. But many of her most iconic roles — including her breakout in The Witch and her (minor spoiler!) upcoming turn in Dune 3 — really lean into her inherent ethereality. And so does her latest shoot for The Hollywood Reporter, which sees Taylor-Joy hitting the beach with long, dark nails and a vampy deep berry lip.
For the cover story of the June 16th edition of the trade publication, shot by photographer Myles Hendrik, the Furiosa star hit sea and sand in a series of gauzy, lacy, and silky garments—mostly in white and soft hues of pink and yellow—by designers including Magda Butrym, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, and Rabanne. To juxtapose the soft styling, Taylor-Joy’s longtime makeup artist Georgie Eisdell gave the actor a rich berry lip that would look right at home in a silent film. It served as the focal point of the makeup, which was otherwise quite pared-back and natural.
That’s not to say the rest of the glam was pared-back, however: On her fingertips, Taylor-Joy wore a set of long almond nails, swathed in dark (potentially even black?) polish. The nails were created by celebrity manicurist Kim Truong, who filed them into sharp points at the ends for maximum claw effect. Completing the witchy beauty trifecta, hairstylist Gregory Russell styled the star’s signature platinum blonde mane into the subtlest of beach waves, with the perfect hint of texture.
Taylor-Joy is on a bit of a cover girl streak; the Lucky lead is also gracing the most recent issue of L’Officiel, in a whimsical shoot photographed and directed by surrealist star Szilveszter Makó.
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