The classic nude and French manicures have been around forever. They are kind of the “little black dress” version of nails that go with everything and are always appropriate. I love that lately people have been doing slight variations on the classic look that keep the same neutral feel but add a bit more of a modern flair that brings the nude mani into current trends. The good news is that you don’t have to be a professional nail technician to pull them off either! Here are 3 of my favorite (and easy to do!) options:
Supplies:
-emery boards and buffing block
-nail clippers
-white nail polish
-nude nail polish
-topcoat polish
-rounded tip guides
-painter’s tape
-small paintbrush
Start out by trimming your clean nails and shape them with your emery boards to your desired length. Use a buffing block to buff each nail, and then apply several coats of your nude polish. This will be the starting point for each manicure. Make sure the polish is totally dry before doing any of the manis that use tape.
The Half Moon: For this look, use your tip guide to block off the rounded area near your cuticle and paint in the area with white polish. Complete a second coat of white if needed, and, when mostly dry, carefully peel off each guide to reveal your design underneath. Finish with a clear topcoat.
It’s like a reverse French tip—so cute!
The Half Slash: Cut your painter’s tape into strips and place them diagonally across your nail to block off the front section of each nail. Use your white polish to fill in the top half of each nail. Use a second coat if needed. When the polish is mostly dry, peel off each strip and finish with a top coat once the white section has set.
I love the graphic quality to this look. It’s a bit more bold than the others, but still not so crazy that it can’t go with everything.
The Polka Dot: Use a small rounded tip paintbrush to create a white dot right above your cuticle. Use a brush that is thick enough to create your desired size dot by simply placing it once on the nail when it’s full of polish. That way, all your dots will be the same size and thickness. Allow the dots to dry and use a topcoat to seal.
I think this one is my current favorite. It’s actually the easiest one to do (even though it looks so precise), but seeing all those tiny dots when I look down just makes me smile. As you can see, you don’t have to be a trained professional to get into some of the current manicure trends, and keeping the colors white and nude will ensure that whichever look you pick will compliment your outfits regardless of color scheme. Which mani is your favorite look? xo. Laura
Credits// Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
40 Comments
These are fun! I think they would be awesome with other colors, too!
I’m not that into nail art, but these are so neutral that I really want to give them a try.
What’s the nude color that you used?
I love these ideas – I really want to try out that angular one with bolder colors! And I appreciate that you used painter’s tape, because that’s something I’ve actually got kicking around my house. 🙂
Oh I love it!! I need to start taking some vitamins to make my nails grow strong enough to have long enough nails for this! Or cut them low and start again!
Melanie | http://tootsplusdill.blogspot.com | Toots + Dill
ooh love them all but I think I love the first best! Also loving your rings! Where is that crescent ring from??
http://asequinloveaffair.com
Love these! Very easy and a good result. http://www.hannamarielei.com
Very cool! I’m in love with the half slash!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
Your nails are beautiful! I love them all!
http://sprinkleofroses.blogspot.co.uk/
Super cute! Also, where is your moon ring from??
Laura, you have such pretty hands. I’ve noticed before but it’s especially obvious with a post like this.
Yep. Definitely going to have to try these!
I love the half slash the most!
http://annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com
I am so untalented when it comes to nail art! I may have to try these. They look so easy and simple.
Mikayla | http://www.aseersuckerstateofmind.com
These look like so much fun! I’m definitely going to try it!
What is the nude color you used?
The half slash one is my favorite!
Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Liebste Grüße ♥
Mai von Sparkle & Sand
Gorgeous neutral nails! This is definitely the only way I’m into nail art, if it’s nice and subtle just like this.
Ooo this is so effective! Love the mauve colour x
Hannah | Oh January
These look great! But I can’t do such a good job on both hands to save my life! Have you considered using Jamberry? http://bit.ly/1SWni40
I can’t even decide which on I like more!
http://laurabret.blogspot.com
I love nail art that’s really simple like this, I’ll probably still manage to find a way to mess it up though! Half moon is my favourite.
LOVE the second one!!
http://www.kelseymarie.co
Really liking the dot nails and diagonal line painter’s tape idea. Helloooooo Pinterest!
http://www.throughmyowneyes.com
Beautiful nails! I never thought of using painters tape…so helpful for those of us with unsteady hands.
Aaaah, I just did the diagonal manicure last week!
I got it done at a nail kiosk and I think it was a little over the head of the nail tech. Turned out okay but definitely not fantastic. But I only paid $7 for the manicure- I live in Indonesia so that’s typical. If I had paid $25+ for the same gel mani in the US I probably would have been much more disappointed!
I love these manis! They’re such a fun take on a traditional look!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
The second look(?) is so gorgeous! Xx
http://www.yumiandyuji.blogspot.kr/
So cute! definitely trying this! and I am in LOVE with the moon and star ring!!
These are all great – I will definitely need to try the slash. I’d also love to know the nude colour you used 🙂
Moon ring? love it! Where to buy?
Hi Tracy! You can find it here: http://www.shlomitofir.com/ 🙂 -Jacki
It’s from Moorea Seal 🙂
Laura
It’s from Moorea Seal 🙂
Laura
Aw, thanks!
Laura 🙂
Use a Bobby Pin Tip for an easy polka dot look, it’s so easy and the possibilties are endless! check pinterest 🙂
For now I’ll try no 2
I wish I could do my own nails this well! ♡♡
xoxoBella | http://xoxobella.com
Like everyone else – in love with those rings. Gorgeousness.
I really enjoy all the manicures, specially the last one 🙂
xx
angie
https://paintmeyellowmag.wordpress.com/
These are so fun! I just started a business with Jamberry and was searching for good nail inspiration! You didn’t disappoint! Love these styles!