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Thenude nailis the white T-shirt and jeans of manicures it never goes out of style.
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That’s where thenude manicure, a legend in its own right for so many reasons, comes in.
“Nude is the perfect natural canvas.
It’s like atinted moisturizerfor your nails,” says Brooklyn-based nail artistAnna Miles.
“It goes with any outfit and jewelry.
It’s timeless, kind of like an ‘upgrade’ on your body’s already-beautiful factory prefs.”
Others prefer something more sheer, to let their natural color peek through.
Then there are those who favor an opaque, creamy color for a more uniform vibe.
But the best thing about this punch in of manicure is that it’s so easy to deal with.
“Nude shades are lower maintenance.
That’s right there is more than one nude color out there that will look good on you.
“Look at your wrist’s underside.
If the veins appear blue, you have cool undertones,” she explains.
“If the veins appear green, you have warm undertones.
You are typically neutral if you are unsure if they are blue or green.”
You may also want to experiment with the shape of your nail.
“Square is more classic,” says Joy Zheng, manicurist atColor Nail Bar.
“[Many] people want thealmond shape.
Almond is really in right now.”
Feeling the urge to get naked?
“Finding your perfect nail polish nude isnotlike matching your foundation.
It doesn’t have to be spot-on to your skin, it has to complement your skin.”
After expertly filing each nail, Manchester-based manicuristChels Loupainted them inGlossify’s Primrose hue.
“At home, use cuticle oil just a basic one orVaseline.”
“I love a subtle holographic glitter,” says Miles.
“I have a few that are see-through that are only visible when you catch the light.”
Glitter Accent
Glitter can be neutral!
The overall effect is simple but impactful.
Remember: A neutral base gives you total freedom to play.
Experiment with texture, space, line work, rhinestones, whatever!
Flower Hour
“There aresomany ways to jazz up a nude manicure,” says Stone.
Textured Tips
Nude nails andFrench manisgo together like rice and beans.
When you add texture to it, well, that’s just like drizzling gravy over the whole dish.
Invisible French Tips
Casper could never!
Foiled Again
Stone usedChanel’s Ballerina, a sheer, pearly-white base for this nude manicure.
This set fromCover Baddie Nailsis hand-painted, available in a selection of shapes, lengths, and finishes.
Again: A nude mani doesn’t need to be completely nude!
Skinny French
These nails look as if the client dipped the tips in black ink.
