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Nude nails ideas have officially taken the manicure world by storm—and show no sign of slowing down. In fact, neutral nails are so popular that there are now entire subgenres within the trend. This fall the toasted nail trend took off with a seasonal vibe that elevates classic nude tones and proves their subtle versatility. We’ve also seen milk-bath nails, glass nails, and (a forever-trend, at this point) glazed-donut nails all over red carpets and social media. What do all these trends have in common? They all go with absolutely everything, and maximize the “your-nails-but-better” effect.
There”s nothing more timeless or reliable than a nude nail, so why is this quiet luxury trend having such a moment? “I think maybe with all the craziness happening in the world right now, minimalism in beauty feels like a nice balance,” says celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik, whose clients include Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lopez. “We still want to feel beautiful, but not in a ‘look at me’ sort of way.”
Whether you”re in the market for a special occasion mani or an everyday look, nude nails come off as clean, polished, and sophisticated in any setting. While moody shades and dark manicures are always in season for fall and winter, the naked nail knows no season. Plus, they”re the perfect way to freshen up the gloomiest time of year.
Feeling inspired? Here are 11 nude nails ideas—from true classics to modern twists.
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Natural tips
The classic French manicure never goes out of style, but this super-sheer version is our new obsession. Instead of the typical bright whites we often see, opt for a creamy shade that blends subtly with the translucent, nearly-invisible base. The result? A delicate, ultra-sophisticated look. This design is perfect if you’re looking for a discreet yet polished manicure.
Toasted nude nails
Toasted beauty is one of the biggest trends we”ve seen this fall, from makeup to semi-sheer nail looks. Bachik, who coined the term, told Glamour that the perfect toasted mani combines a nude base with “golden-hour tones—like pink iridescence and glowy satin chrome effects.” If a plain nude manicure feels too subtle for your taste, use a nail effect to “toast” your favorite shade—or let some natural nail shine through, like in this version Bachick created for Margot Robbie.
Milky manicure
We’re clearly not ready to let go of our milk-bath nail obsession. After cycling through every flavor of milky manicure, from strawberry to lavender, we’ve landed right back at the original. This trend brings some luxurious depth to the nude nail movement. If you love the look of a crisp white nail, this is the ideal half-step into a true nude mani. It incorporates a semi-translucent creamy coat that’s both understated and eye-catching.
Glass nails
If you love a high-gloss finish on your manicure, glass nails are the perfect nude variation to try. This manicure involves a finish so shiny, your nails almost look see-through. This look doesn’t have the subtle shimmer quality that a chrome powder brings but it still catches light beautifully for an ultra-polished look. It’s also super easy to execute at home. To ensure that your glass nails stay fresh, “I recommend applying a fresh layer of topcoat every three to five days to keep it long-lasting and brand new,” Bachik says.
Light pink ombré nails
Ombré nails are the perfect combination of classic and modern. This design consists of a supersoft and subtle gradient that goes from a nude or light pink base to a milky white tip, creating a subtle and ethereal blurred effect.
Trust that you can lean into the versatility of these nails: They are ideal for any season and look impeccable with any outfit. Though we love the feminine look of these almost-naked pink and white nails, you can play around with all types of color ways when you’re rocking ombré nails.
Nude matte
If you are a fan of discreet nails but want to add a little extra personality, the nude matte finish is for you. This trend keeps nails in skin tones, beige or light pink, but with a velvety effect that adds a fun little zhuzh.
They go with everything from a formal outfit to a relaxed jeans and blazer look, and you can play them up even more with a nude combo nail like this one.
Golden accents
For those who prefer a mani with a little sparkle, nude bases make the perfect canvas for gold details. To maintain the nude nail look, avoid chunky glitters and utilize the negative space of your nail when choosing a design. It’s the perfect nude nail upgrade to wear to parties, special dinners, or just to add a glam touch to your everyday.
Nude chrome nails
If you love the glazed-donut nail trend but don’t want to fully give up the natural look, a light pink chrome mani is all you need. This manicure is achieved with a nude or pearly pink polish or with a chrome powder on top to achieve that sheen we love. Polished, shiny, and fresh.
Micro French
Instead of the typical thicker French manicure line, this version has an ultra-thin line at the tip, creating a subtle, barely-there detail, but absolutely makes the nails look more defined and polished.
Try all sorts of fun colors for your micro French manicure: You can choose classic white, opt for a creamy beige, or even add a pastel color for a fun yet elegant twist. Plus, it looks flawless with both glossy and matte finishes.
Pale pink
Sheer, soft pink is a timeless classic that never fails. Its delicacy brings freshness and femininity to your hands. Plus, it’s the perfect shade for any occasion and on any skin tone. Minimalist traditionalists, this is your go-to.
A version of this story originally appeared in Glamour Mexico.
