Be it the facial steamer used by Victoria Beckham or a hair oil Scarlett Johansson can’t live without, ‘Celebrity Approved’ details the most beloved celebrity beauty products (and trends) and how they use or wear them.
From the Critics Choice Awards to the Golden Globes, 2023 has so far been the year of the ‘naked nail’. Think clean, shiny manicures with natural nail lengths, the equivalent of dewy, fresh-faced makeup.
Celebrity nail artists such as Tom Bachik, Zola Ganzorigt and Michelle Humphrey have been busy recreating the ‘naked nail’ look on clients such as Margot Robbie, Phoebe Dynevor and Cate Blanchett respectively, as they attended some of the most high-profile events earlier this year.
A-listers including Nicola Peltz, Jennifer Lopez, Anya Taylor-Joy and Selena Gomez have also all debuted the natural manicure at various awards and launches recently.
But the trend isn’t just popular among celebrities. Bold colours and over-the-top nail art are becoming a thing of the past as more people opt for nude shades across nail salons.
However, the ‘naked nail’ look isn’t only achievable by professional nail artists. In fact, it’s pretty easy to recreate from home. Here’s an edit of exactly what you need to recreate this year’s most in-demand manicure at home.
What is the ‘naked nail’ trend and why is it so popular?
The ‘naked nail’ trend, along with the no-makeup makeup look, is an example of the shift towards embracing natural beauty.
The trend is more than just choosing a nude shade and having a natural-looking manicure. It sees an emphasis on finding the correct colour for your skin tone and undertone, along with a super shiny and glossy finish.
In addition, keeping your nails and hands moisturised is another essential part of the look. Cuticle oil and hand cream are must-have products in order to both maintain your manicure and to tie in that glowy, hydrated look.
If you’re a long nail, stiletto shape, or acrylic lover, this is the point at which you need to look away. The ‘naked nail’ is all about natural nail lengths. And when deciding what shape to go for, choose a rounder and softer option to enhance your nail’s natural shape.
How to choose the perfect nude hue for your undertone
When up against lots of different nude hues, it’s important to understand your skin’s undertone; this will help you find the most flattering shade for your skin.
“While skin tones range from deep to fair in colour, the undertone refers to the shade within that colour – cool (pink or blue), neutral (balanced) or warm (yellow or golden) undertone,” explains Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of Townhouse nail salons.
“There are lots of ways to discover your undertone; I would recommend looking at the colour of your veins on the inner part of your arm,” she says. “If they are blue, you have a cool undertone, if they are green, you have a warm undertone and if they blend into your skin or show a mix of blue and green, you have a neutral undertone.”
She suggests that if you have a cool undertone, opt for a soft, rosy pink, but if you have a warm undertone, pastel peach nudes, a rich chestnut or a tawny beige will look stunning against your skin. For those with a neutral undertone, choose a rosy beige .
Recent celebrity natural-nail inspo
Phoebe Dynevor at the Critics Choice Awards:
Nicola Peltz at her 28th birthday party:
Margot Robbie at the Golden Globes:
Jennifer Lopez at The Grammys:
Selena Gomez at the launch of Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Collection:
Cate Blanchett at the SAG Awards:
A step-by-step guide on how to recreate the ‘naked nail’ manicure at home
To start with, pick the shape and length you want, then file them down. The ‘naked nail’ works best with a squoval shape (square with rounded edges) for a softer look.
Then, apply a base layer and let them dry before starting on the nude polish.
After finding the right colour for your skin tone, apply the nude polish. Depending on how sheer you want it to look, one or two coats should be enough.
Next, if you need to tidy around your nails, dip a cotton bud in nail-polish remover and scrape away any polish left around your nails. Once the polish has dried, add either a clear top coat or one with a shimmery effect, depending on the finish you are after.
Finally, don’t forget to apply cuticle oil and hand cream for maximum hydration.
There you have it! Clean, natural and healthy-looking nails, fit for an A-lister.