Jennifer Aniston is forever synonymous with chic and sophisticated style.
From her gold-woven baby blonde hair to her timeless manicures, the actor prefers to keep things understated on the beauty front. And at last weekend’s People’s Choice Awards, Aniston reminded us of her penchant for the pared-down polish job, opting for medium-length nails painted in a warm mocha, the unique neutral making a statement through its subtlety.
A quick analysis of Aniston’s past manicures—often the work of nail artist Shigeko Taylor—reveals a tried-and-true approach, the nail looks providing a wealth of inspiration for those who gravitate toward beauty touches that never go out of style. The looks come down to sleek shapes and enduring hues, the sort of elevated neutrals at home in any era. Another constant? Tips, embellishments, and shimmer are eschewed in favor of single-tone shades.
Take, for example, a soft pink painted over a square-shaped nail, a tipless take on the French manicure that dominated the early aughts. Warm nudes and milky whites are punctuated by the occasional pop of color, even that shade chosen for its era-spanning quality. A medium length is Aniston’s go-to, an ideal pause between minimalism and all-out glamour.
From noir red to last week’s mocha, here are six of Aniston’s most classic manicures.
Mocha Brown
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An ideal mid-winter manicure leans into the cool tones of the season or offers a warming alternative. Aniston’s award-show-ready mocha is defined by a certain amount of spice, the mahogany featuring a ruddy finish reminiscent of Mexican hot chocolate or fresh, vibrant coffee grounds. Taylor took to Instagram to share details about the look, achieved using Aprés shade Blood Moon, the color a complement to Aniston’s vintage Tom Ford for Gucci dress.
Noir Red
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A deep burgundy nail offers just the right amount of noir. The quietly vamp choice is in keeping with Aniston’s sartorial tastes (think: a closet full of solid black pieces), calling to mind a tall glass of wine and furthering a deeply chic agenda. When coupled with black, the moody red polish is a selection strong enough to render accessories (save for some mandated sparkle) superfluous.
Soft Pink
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Square nails painted in a neutral pink are a soft and simple choice that owes inspiration to the early ‘00s. The shape is a fun departure for Aniston, who generally opts for a natural-looking round-off. But when paired with a sheer and delicate shade, a square shape acts as a counter, delivering an ideal amount of playful detailing.
Milk Bath
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Neutrals need not be limited to browns and nudes—whites play into the palette, too. Aniston’s creamy white manicure plays off her floral print dress, the soft yet bright white polish proving that neutrals can indeed pop off. As a bonus, milky whites fit any seasonal narrative, from balmy summer days to chilly winter nights.
Deep Fuchsia
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Looking for a splash of color? Fuchsia is a choice with depth. Aniston’s adaptation of the hot pink hue appears crimson when caught in a certain light, the sort of ‘80s ode that brings a subtle funk to present-tense looks. The shade is made all the more playful with the help of contrasting turquoise and mixed metals accessories.
Peachy Nude
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Nudes chosen to match skin tone make for a monochromatic manicure that keeps the focus on the ensemble and accessories. For Aniston, a nude defined by warm notes of peach serves as an individualized neutral and a natural, elegant extension of the hand—ideal for day-to-night dressing and chic clutch holding.
