How To Wear Nude Nails: From The Best Varnishes To The Nail Art Inspo You Need

How to go nude, the Grazia way

the best nude nail polishes

by Grazia Contributor |
Updated on

As titillating as bright, wacky colours may be, nude nails will always be the most polished way to make a chic statement; from the runway to the red carpet and a firm favourite of the royal set. In the way that nude nails are a concept and not a specific shade, so are the options for achieving this naked look. Whether it's nude sparkly nails, nude square nails or even nude coffin nails (otherwise known as ballerina extensions) that appeal, we suggest you read this ultimate guide to nail your next nude manicure...

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©@harrietwestmoreland

The Best Nude Nail Polishes

When it comes to the best nude nail polishes, we're spoilt for choice. A number of our favourite brands have specialist ranges of the perfect neutral base including Nailberry and Nails Inc.

Think of Butter's Sheer Wisdom as the manicurist's answer to a BB cream. The collection is a range of tinted moisturisers for your nails that come in a shade for every skin tone. It's enriched with antioxidant Vitamin E, Tea Tree Oil and Keratin to help hydrate and revitalise dry or brittle nails. We also love Essie's range of affordable colours, which means we can focus on expanding our nude nail tone repertoire.

If you're after a nail investment or giftable option, may we direct you to Christian Louboutin Beauté's luxurious range of nude varnishes? Priced at £38 and named after a capsule shoe collection of the same name, the line-up features shades in matte and metallic finishes across a spectrum of colours.

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©@harrietwestmoreland

Shop our favourite nude nail shades below...

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Gucci, Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish, £24

A glossy, high coverage finish, this vintage inspired nail polish comes in two wearable shades of nude: Ellen Blush, a rosy peach, and Annabel Rose, a creamy, cafe au lait for warmer skin tones.

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Manicurist, Green Nail Polish, £14

Doing exactly as it says on the tin, shade 'Bare Skin' mimics the natural colour of your nail bed for a natural nude top coat colour. It's also vegan with up to to 84% natural ingredients to be kind to your nails and the planet.

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Makeup Revolution Ultimate Nudes Gel Nail Polish, £5

Revolutions budget-friendly ultimate nudes collection compromises of 12 shades from deep cocoa shade 'Beautiful' through to the pale, cool toned 'Special' so there is a shade to suit every tone.

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Essie Nail Colour Ballet Slippers Nail Polish, £7.99

A favourite amongst the royals, this iconic Essie shade suits all skin tones, thanks to its milky-pink hue.

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Peacci, Woody Polish, £12

For an impressive range of tans and deep browns, look no further than Peacci. 'Woody' is a mid toned, chocolate brown that is just as flattering on pale skin as it is on black and brown skin.

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Mylee, The Nudes Gel Polish Trio, £19

Mylee's Neapolitan shades are perfect for switching up your gel colour. Don't have time to get to the salon? No problem, their gel polish remover really does the trick.

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Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish, £8.99

Want to opt for a slightly warmer finish? We love this long-lasting formula from Sally Hansen.

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Nails Inc Gel Effect Varnish, £15

This nude polish has more coverage than some others - so it's perfect if you like an opaque finish.

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Christian Louboutin Nail Varnish, £38

Elevate your mani with one of Christian Louboutin's nude nail shades. With eight shades to choose from, you're bound to find the perfect nude for you.

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Nailberry, A Touch Of Powder, £14.50

Perfect for a barely-there wash of colour, this mani shade is essentially 'your nails but better'.

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Chanel Les Vernis in Daydream, £22

Chanel manis tick all the boxes in colour, longevity and speedy drying time. Love.

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Dior Vernis in Grege, £22

If you find most nude nail shades a bit too pink, try Dior's iconic Grege shade.

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Aldi, SensatioNail Naked Nail Gel 3 Pack, £19.99

Get three shades for the price of one with Aldi's 3 colour kit. You'lll need your own LED lamp for curing, but this at home gel colour guarantees at least 2 weeks of non chip wear.

Nude Nail Art Design Inspiration

Looking to embrace nail art but a minimalist at heart? Why not try a nude nail design. Whether it's an updated classic french manicure, glitter, matte finish or white dots, there are endless subtle ways to upgrade your natural nail. Check out our favourite ideas in the gallery below....

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