I’m not the best at keeping up with regular manicures, even though I do enjoy following nail trends. So, this season, I’m intrigued by and think trying out the no-makeup manicure is quite practical and sustainable. Also known as the “naked” or barely-there mani, this “no makeup” nail is about enhancing your natural nails rather than covering them up. Think of it as your nails but better with a simple shade and topcoat to subtly amplify your natural nails and, in some cases, the appearance of your hands. It’s completely effortless as it may appear — and that’s kind of the point. As in a no-makeup face, you want your natural beauty, but better, to shine through with a no-makeup mani.
Careful prep and precision are the keys to a no-makeup manicure. Trimming and filing your nails is the first step to this mani. Some nail silhouettes best suited to the “naked” look include an elongated soft oval to complement a barely-there shade, while micro-tips also work for a simple and sheer nail. Other more natural shapes like rounded and soft almond make for sophisticated, yet easy, nail ends. You want to avoid any pointy or squared-off nail shapes, and obviously, no press-on or nail extensions if you can help it. This manicure trend is about embracing your natural nails.
Once you have your shape, lightly buff with a simple buffer block to enhance your nails’ natural sheen. Then, wash your hands and nails before any polish or pre-treatment. My go-to base for any mani is Sally Hensen’s Repair + Rescue Super Strength Nail Strengthener. Or you can use a standard base coat or even a clear polish like Wet n’ Wild’s Wild Shine Clear Nail Protector. If you’re in a rush, then consider a combo product like Manicurist’s Active Bright polish that works to both strengthen and brighten nails with semi-opaque “nude” shades as well as brighter tones that work with a single layer of application and can be built up for a bronzy satin, yet natural finish.
If you’re going with a clear base coat or a colorless pre-treatment, then next up is polish. Yes, a “naked” or no-makeup manicure still uses a polish. The right kind depends on your nail bed and skin tone. Kur’s Perfecting Nail Veil Collection offers up to six shades in various neutrals and subtle tints to find the best match for your skin and nails. In general, those with cool or fair skin pinkish or lightly lavender hues like Essie’s Talk to the Sand Enamel polish. For warmer olive skin, check out a shade like Olive & June’s Coconut Shimmer Gloss Long Lasting Polish. For darker, rich skin tones, try Zoya’s Professional Lacquer in Desiree. You can, of course, layer different polishes to get a customized tone perfect for your individual nails, but that course can take some trial and error to achieve the ideal no-makeup manicure for you.
To finish your no-makeup manicure once you’ve perfected your ultimate nude tone. Simply apply a top coat or another layer of clear strengthening treatment, then complete it with a setting spray like DeMert’s Nail Enamel Fast-Drying Finishing Spray. Or give an even higher shine to your nails with clear lip gloss. Swipe on some NYX’s Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss in Sugar Glass for some dazzling sheen to your naked nails.
No matter how you finish off your manicure, be sure each round of application dries before the next. You can get a fairly inexpensive nail dryer for at-home use. You can get a fan-like apparatus such as Londontown’s Flash Dry Nail Fan from Nordstrom that works on my nail polishes and finishes. Or, for gel-specific products, you can go with something a bit more high-tech, like Sally Beauty’s LED/UV Curing Light dryer that uses, as the name suggests, LED lights to “cure” or dry gel-based polish.
Also, take care of your hands, which you should be doing no matter the state of your nails. Be sure to apply sunscreen on the backs of your hands and regularly moisturize to provide a healthy “easel” to the “canvas” of your no-makeup mani.
Pared-back and beautifully simple, this nail trend is effectively the equivalent of a tinted moisturizer for your nails, adding polish and glow while letting your natural nail shine through.
The key to the look is opting for sheer, neutral tones with a shiny finish. You’re aiming for a “clean,” healthy, well-groomed look that’s so versatile for this season.
