18 Nude Nail Art Ideas That Are Anything But Boring

07.07.2022, 11:24 allure.com

The nude nail is the white T-shirt and jeans of manicures — it never goes out of style. We'll always have a soft spot for elaborate nail art, bright colors, and deep jewel tones, but sometimes, we find ourselves in a more minimalist mood. That's where the nude manicure, a legend in its own right for so many reasons, comes in. It's a classic go-to for everything from weddings to fashion shows to casual weekends; it looks as good with a formal gown as it does at the office. "Nude is the perfect natural canvas. It's like a tinted moisturizer for your nails," says Brooklyn-based nail artist Anna Miles. "It goes with any outfit and jewelry. It's timeless, kind of like an 'upgrade' on your body's already-beautiful factory settings." There's a reason nude shades like Essie's Ballet Slippers, OPI's Bubble Bath, and People of Color's Brown Sugar Babe are so iconic — they work on a wide range of skin tones, and give your nails a rather tidy overall look. That said, nude nails can mean different things to different people; some are attracted to the "mannequin hands" look, where the polish so completely matches your skin tone that it gives the illusion of longer, sleeker fingers and nails. Others prefer something more sheer, to let their natural color peek through. Then there are those who favor an opaque, creamy color for a more uniform vibe.