Looking for the best nail trends? When Margot Robbie and America Ferrera sashayed down the red carpet at the Oscars this year, it wasn’t just their shimmering gowns that got our attention: The nudetoned lip gloss-like hues on their nails were a definitive sign that Barbie-core had morphed into a more muted ballet-core.
“Nails are an easy way to tap into major seasonal trends,” says Oli Antunes, manicurist for Mavala Switzerland. Softer hues – think baby pink, butter lemon, milky white and peachy coral – are a seamless fit in the shift towards ‘quiet luxury’. “A craving for simplicity and restraint seems to be en vogue, perhaps as a reflection of today’s tougher economic times. We are embracing ease and simplicity in nails … think sleek finishes, minimalist nail art, shorter lengths and sophisticated updates to classic styles.”
Even the timeless French mani has had a makeover, from the nail length (it’s the short nails’ time to shine!) to the nail shape (slightly square) and colour (milky hues replace the traditional stark white). “Thin lines on the tip are also trending over thick edges, again playing into the movement towards simplicity, elegance and restraint,” says Oli. “But you will need a generous dose of patience to create a seamless finish.”
Using a guide makes it much easier to achieve a clean line on the tip – Mavala make French Manicure Sticker Guides and Esmio has a nifty flexible French Tip Tool for beginners. They are particularly handy if you’re considering a more playful approach to this classic look. “A fun and wearable way to inject colour is to create pastel tips in multiple shades,” says Oli. “Chrome has also been big in nails for a while now, and adopting silver or chrome as a French manicure tip is also a sleek way to add sophistication to a summer outfit.”
Glazed, glassy and lip gloss-like shine are also still going strong, echoing the trend that has dominated skin and hair in beauty. “Glass nails typically start with a clear or semi-opaque milky base, then are finished with a layer of reflective chrome for a luminous effect,” says Natalie Ferrari, founder of The Parlour Room in Sydney.
“They’ve grown in popularity as they’re suitable for nearly any occasion, can be customised easily with nail art and don’t require as much upkeep as a bolder statement nail colour or design.”
According to Oli, better-than-natural nails require precision prep to pull off. “You can’t achieve it with build-up on nails so a buffed and clean nail plate is essential,” she says, adding that a base and top coat are non-negotiable for protection and adhesion. “A great tip is to cap the nail by applying a small amount of topcoat on the free edge and to reapply top coat every two or three days for added longevity.”
It’s also worth considering the type of polish you’re using – ‘10-free’ or ‘12-free’ refers to the number of chemicals your nail polish is free from, and gel is generally considered superior to traditional acrylics. However, you will need an LED lamp to cure gel polish as it won’t set properly on its own. That holds true for new plant-based gel alternatives like Manucurist Green Flash too but, unlike traditional gel options, their colours come off easily with non-acetone polish remover.
One or two versatile colour choices will emphasise minimalism. “Coral will forever be a summer favourite as it’s an easy way to add a pop of colour that complements sun-kissed skin,” says Oli. “White also looks striking if you’re opting for a fresh summer vibe.”
Look 1: Modern French
“French manis are so versatile. A chrome tip is stunning as a trend and pastel tips offer an alternative to traditional white tips,” says Rochele Hanna Politis, Esmio Australia co-founder. We love:
1. Chanel La Base Camélia, $49.
2. Manucurist Green Flash LED Nail Polish in Milky White, $31.
3. Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers, $8.
Look 2: Pastel power
“Pastels offer a romantic and whimsical vibe,” says Oli Antunes, manicurist for Mavala Switzerland. “They are very feminine, so a short, rounded curve is preferable to a blunt square edge on the nail.” We love:
1. Revlon Ultra HD Snap! in Think Pink, $13.95.
2. OPI Infinite Shine Nail Polish in Faux-Ever Yours, $25.
3. Chanel Le Vernis in Ovni, $48.
4. Esmio Australia Cami Cancun, $29.
5. Mavala Switzerland Pastel Fiesta in Rimini, $9.95.
Look 3: Chrome & glass
“Glass nails make any look seem polished, sophisticated and effortlessly clean,” says Natalie Ferrari, founder of The Parlour Room. We love:
1. OPI Infinite Shine in Work from Chrome, $24.95.
2. Kester Black in Suncatcher, $22.
3. Mavala Prismatic in Pink Light, $9.95.
This article originally appeared in the October 2024 issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly. Pick up the latest issue from your local newsagent, or subscribe so you never miss an issue.
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