No need to do away with your beloved nude nails this summer. The trends are firmly on your side and offer up some truly inventive ways to update classic shades of neutral nail polish.
If you like to keep it simple we’d suggest merging your favourite nude with a flash of metallic nail art. A fine line of gold or silver adds a little something, something to taupes, tans, beiges and mid-browns. The payoff remains elegant and works brilliantly with a scattering of delicate stacking rings as you can see here. Alternatively, ask your manicurist to apply a glitter top coat for a subtle sparkle. Take your lead from Instagram and match your metallic to your jewellery stash to keep it chic.
Fancy something a little more creative? It’s not for everybody but the half moon eye is proving to be a pretty popular addition to flesh-toned manicures the world over. The application technique is simple; first perfect your base colour, then apply a bright white polish in a half moon shape at the bottom of the nail bed. Next, use a black nail art pen to line the edge of your half moon, apply a circle of blue nail polish in the centre, allow it to dry and then add a dot of black to create a pupil. Failing that we love nothing more than adding a stick on nail gem, or three.
Get nearly nude nowFAQs
How can you update nude nails with a modern touch?
You can update nude nails by adding a fine line of gold or silver metallic nail art. This adds a subtle, elegant enhancement to classic taupes, tans, beiges and mid-browns. Pairing metallic details with stacking rings maintains a chic and modern look.
How do you create the half moon eye nail design?
Start by perfecting your nude base colour, then apply bright white polish in a half moon shape at the bottom of each nail. Outline the edge with a black nail art pen, add a circle of blue in the centre, let it dry, and finish with a black dot to resemble a pupil.
Which accessories work well with nude nails and metallic accents?
Delicate stacking rings complement metallic accents on nude nails for an elegant finish. You can also match your metallic nail art to your jewellery to keep your look coordinated and chic.
What is a subtle way to add sparkle to neutral nail polish?
Applying a glitter top coat over your favourite nude polish gives a subtle sparkle without overpowering the base colour. It’s a simple way to bring extra shine to taupes, tans, beiges and browns while keeping the overall look understated.
Can you personalise nude nail art to match your jewellery?
Yes, you can match your choice of metallic nail art—gold or silver—to your own jewellery for a cohesive style. This approach makes your manicure feel custom while staying elegantly understated.