The "Naked" French Manicure Will Make You Look Expensive

Rumor has it (actually this is a fact, but rumors are much more fun) that the French manicure was created by Orly founder Jeff Pink in 1975. While working on a movie set, he realized how often actresses needed to change up their nail hues and decided to devise a look that could complement any costume, settling on the classic bare nail with a white tip.

Today, the French manicure still remains one of the most versatile nail art styles we have—it works on any occasion while still, if you choose to go with a chunky, Y2K version à la Selena Gomez, remaining a look. But! As time goes on, we can't help but innovate a little. A world obsessed with soft glam and OOTDs called for something even simpler. Voila! The Naked French manicure.

Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the understated nail art trend. Plus, how to get the look yourself.

The Trend

"The Naked French is a more subtle interpretation of the classic French. It still gives that natural look but it blurs any discoloration for a more refined appearance," shares Georgia Rae, the London-based nail artist responsible for Sofia Richie Grainge's wedding manicure. When creating the look for clients, she often describes it as "your nails but better" or "natural but still 'done.'"

Take Dakota Johnson, for example, who stepped out with the mani while promoting Madame Web in late January. As is par for the course with this look, the nails absolutely did not take center stage. Instead, they served as the perfect backdrop to build her look around. If you happened to glance at her mani, you'd be met with a perfectly pretty, healthy set of nails. And that's that.

"I think this style of manicure will always be trending, it stands the test of time," Rae tells Byrdie. "I know women and have clients that embrace every trend with regards to clothing, hair, and makeup but consistently have a barely-there manicure! It’s all about enhancing the natural beauty of your nails, hands, and skin tone."

Another standby of the trend? The shape. While a Y2K French manicure is typically square, letting the white tips take center stage, the Naked French utilizes any shape your nails prefer—looking especially lovely with natural, round nails.

How to Get the Look

The trick to the perfect Naked French Manicure is thinking sheer. Remember: these are simply your nails, just a little chicer.

"I like to use all sheer shades: a sheer pink for the base and a sheer milky white for the tips to color correct and brighten, almost as you would a concealer under your eyes," notes Rae. "I often mix or layer to find the perfect base shade to compliment my clients skin tone."

If you want to recreate the look at home, you'll want to start by neatening your cuticles. Then, you'll file your nails into your designated shape before cleaning their surfaces.

"I’d then apply a basecoat and one layer of a sheer natural shade," says Rae. (Essie's Mademoiselle is a beloved option.) "Using a liner brush, apply the sheer white shade to the tips, tracing the natural shape of your nail and, lastly, finish up with a glossy top coat."

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