Celebrity manicures are taking a simpler turn
Sometimes, choosing a manicure feels like another creative assignment. There’s the shape, the length, the color, and then the question of what to put on top. A scroll through celebrity nail artists’ feeds offers a little relief: a rich red, a wash of gold, or a softly blurred tip can be enough.
The appetite for simpler nails has also sparked a conversation about the cost of keeping them done. Some people are skipping appointments altogether, citing the time and expense. Others are calling bare nails a recession indicator. Interest in nude manicures and completely bare nails is growing, with some opting for a sheer coat of color and others putting down the polish altogether.
For anyone who likes a little detail without committing to an elaborate set, here are six directions to save.
1. A classic red, kept short
Red nails rarely need a reinvention. For a fall-inspired manicure, a deeper shade brings richness to even the simplest set. Kendall Jenner’s glossy red nails, created by Zola Ganzorigt for the Academy Museum Gala, are a reference worth saving: one solid color, softly rounded edges, and a modest length.
The shape makes the color particularly wearable. Borrow the same approach with burgundy, chocolate brown, or plum, keeping the finish glossy and the nails neatly shaped. There’s plenty of impact in a full coat of color, especially when the edges are crisp.
2. Barely there gold
Margot Robbie’s brushed sheer gold manicure by Betina Goldstein leaves the nails looking almost bare, with a fine dusting of gold catching the light. Created using Chanel polish, the finish has a soft, brushed quality rather than a glossy shine.
The short length and gently rounded corners add to the natural effect. For a similar look, ask for a sheer wash of fine gold shimmer that keeps the nail visible underneath, with a muted finish.
3. Softly blurred tips
Lisa’s matcha-inspired manicure by Unistella takes a softer approach to color, with pale green tips fading into a sheer nude base. The blurred transition creates a gentle gradient that works with almost any shade. Pink, lilac, and peach are all options if green isn’t your color.
For something more minimal, choose milky white fading into nude for a soft French manicure. Ask your nail artist to diffuse the color at the tips, keeping the transition seamless.
4. A little sparkle goes a long way
Khloé Kardashian’s gem manicure by Zola Ganzorigt shows how a few embellishments can dress up a sheer pink base. Individually placed stones in different colors give each nail its own detail, while the space around them keeps the design uncluttered—even on long, almond-shaped nails.
Try one small gem on each nail, or reserve that sparkle for a finger or two. A translucent pink or nude background gives the stones room to stand out. You can also choose a single gem color to tie the set together.
5. Cat-eye with a velvet finish
Cat-eye nails bring movement to a single-color manicure, with a reflective shimmer that appears to shift as you turn your hands. Demi Lovato’s “crushed cherry velvet” set by Natalie Minerva gives the effect a rich red backdrop, adding depth without extra embellishments.
Magnetic polish allows a nail artist to position the reflective particles into different effects. Ask for a diffused, velvety glow to echo this reference, or a more defined streak for a sharper cat-eye look.
6. Glazed with a peachy glow
Selena Gomez’s “Sunset Frost” manicure by Tom Bachik gives glazed nails a warmer touch. A translucent pink base catches flashes of peach and gold, creating a pearlescent finish that changes with the light. The softly tapered almond shape gives the sheen plenty of room to show.
For a similar effect, ask for a sheer pink base with an iridescent glaze that reflects warm gold. Keeping the color underneath translucent lets the finish do the work. It’s a useful approach to the whole appointment: Choose the detail you want to see every time you look down at your hands.
