Nude Nails That Will Always Have Our Hearts

Nude nails fall into the same category as a plain white tee or an oversized blazer – they’re classic, they’re simple, but done right – and tailored perfectly to you – they can elevate an outfit and work with everything.

Barely there caramel tones, soft beiges and milky pinks add an effortless polish that works for both minimalists and maximalists. Whether you love a clean, glossy finish or a softly buffed look, nude nails create a refined base that never competes with your overall look. “The nude nail is something you cannot go wrong with, you can team it up with any OOTD, and it will work – it goes from day to night without any issues,” confirms celebrity manicurist, Michelle Humphrey, who counts Dua Lipa and Sabrina Carpenter among her clients.

What are nude nails?

The look taps up the colours that nails are naturally – sheer pinks, soft beiges, warm caramels and creamy taupes. The result is a clean, elegant finish that feels effortless and versatile, though don’t be fooled into thinking they only refer to a narrow colour palette. “You may not believe it, but a nude nail is actually a diverse colour palette, ranging from neutral pinks, to beige tones, grey tones, mauvey tones, and various shades of brown,” says Michelle, who adds that everyone should have a selection of shades in their nail wardrobe.

Choosing your perfect nude also depends on your undertone and personal style, so experiment with a few options to ensure you find the shade that feels the most natural and flattering for you.

How to wear nude nails?

Far from being boring, nude nails look elegant in their own right, but they’re also the perfect base for artwork on top. The experts know this well, often choosing a neutral base to highlight their detailed designs – like gold accents, abstract details or a playful take on a French tip.

Nail art aside, a simple nude manicure in a sheer or opaque shade will deliver a clean finish that can cheat healthier-looking nails in an instant. “There’s a growing appreciation for quietly luxurious nails,” says Lina Thomson, beauty expert at Nails.co.uk. “It’s all about clean lines, simple silhouettes and nude colour palettes,” she says.

According to Thomson, designs such as milky nails, glazed donut nails, barely there French, and lip gloss nails “perfectly capture the essence of this quiet luxury trend.”