Influenced by the ‘quiet luxury’ the fashion trend that has been referred to as ‘new-age minimalism’ and seeks out designer garments created with the utmost care but without flashy detailing, the idea is filtering into the beauty industry.
Case in point: the growing favour for clean, refined, ‘barely there’ nails finished with transparent polish. It appears the approach, which does away with eye-catching colour and elongated tips in favour of unobtrusive gently rounded or squared off ends, is becoming known as the ‘quiet luxury’ manicure.
The must-have manicure now is perfectly prepped, buffed, smoothed and filed with just a hint of glossy shine.
Even celebrities are getting in on the act, the ‘no-nicure’ – or ‘nonexsistent manicure’ that is barely noticeable, has been a popular choice at red carpet events this year, letting glam gowns and stunning jewellery grab all the attention.
Another trending name doing the rounds on social media for the same idea is ‘soap nails,’ referring to the freshly-washed, and squeaky clean look.
Sheer pink perfection L-R: Kester Black Nail Polish in ‘Babe’; ORLY Breathable Nail Polish in ‘Kiss me, I’m Kind’; Chanel La Base Camelia; Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish in ‘Sheer Fantasy’; OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘Baby Take A Vow’
The trend goes hand-in-hand with the rise in nail health products to help nourish and care for hands and nails the way we do the rest of our skin. Think nail and cuticle serums, files, nail hardeners and oils.
Sofia Richie’s Insta-perfectwedding has been held up as the epitome of chic in many ways, down to the most minute details.
That has included how her nails looked on the big day. The shiny, almost bare set, was perfectly timed for those already monitoring the trend evolution from from flashy talons to a more understated take. She even had a slight variation on the look for the previous night’s rehearsal dinner.
Those of us that admired the set are pleased to pore over the details on how to recreate them ourselves.
How to create the ‘quiet luxury’ manicure
Of course the first step of a ‘quiet luxury’ manicure is significant work to to ensure the skin on our hands and around our nails is in great condition.
Useful prior to polish is to use a gentle exfoliant in the shower, paying attention to the cuticle area. Then apply hand lotion (it’s a good idea to do this nightly) and get to work with a set of cuticle nippers to trim any dead skin threatening to overshadow the illusion your hands have never done a days work in your life, even if the opposite is true.
Then, to the polish.
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London-based manicurist Georgia Rae who calls herself a ‘Minimal Nail Artist’, was forthcoming on sharing the exact approach she used on Richie’s nails.
In a TikTok clip, Rae said that prepared the nails using Navy Professional nail tools to get the nails and the cuticles looking ‘super-clean and super flawless’.
She then shaped them into a soft square shape to match the elegant mood of the wedding weekend.
For the bride’s rehearsal dinner nails, Rae used a single coat of OPI’s popular Funny Bunny polish to create a milky white manicure.
“I decided to do one coat because it kind of allowed Sofia’s natural skin tone to come through and almost created a custom shade for her — which I loved,” shares Rae in a TikTok post.
As for the wedding day, Rae used two coats of Bio Sculpture’s Sweet Candy Breath polish to create a transparent look that wouldn’t overshadow her stunning rings, Chanel couture gown or bouquet.
“She wanted something peachy/pink but still a sheer nude,” says Rae. “I think it complements her skin tone so well.”
Image: (top) @RaeLondonNails
