Fall Beauty Trend: Low-Maintenance Nude Nails Are Here to Stay

Simple nude manicures don’t have to be boring. (Photo: Zoltan / Model: Frankie / Hair: Deycke Heidorn / Makeup: Deanna Melluso / Stylist: Janelle Olson / Nails: Michelle Matthews)

Minimal, nude manicures are back and better than ever perhaps as a rebuttal to the over-the-top nail art that dominated digits in recent years. The most low-maintenance of lacquers, neutral, flesh-toned polish is the most forgiving to apply and easiest to wear since smudges and chips are less noticeable. But why go for nude polish instead of a simple buffing? “I think there are perfect times to wear a totally clean, buffed nail and others where a touch of color, albeit nude, can act as an accessory and add a bit of sophistication and refinement to a style,” says Deborah Lippmann, manicurist to the stars and founder and creative director of her eponymous nail brand. These nudes are not the same sheer pink tones that dominated fingertips a decade ago — in fact, they’re mostly opaque formulas with a high-gloss finish. “Nude nails aren’t just a ‘no polish’ look anymore. A darker beige or deeper mauve or gray make more of a color statement, while still being considered neutrals. The category conceptually of what is acceptable has simply expanded.”

Lippmann insists these versatile shades work for any occasion without being boring. “Nail color is an incredible accessory, and there are so many variations of what we now consider nudes!” she says. “If you are wearing a pattern and a strong lip and eye, it might be preferable to keep nails understated by using a nude.” Likewise, if you’re someone who can’t stand clashing, you’re guaranteed to have a manicure that matches every outfit when wearing a neutral lacquer. You can glam it up, too. “You can add a tiny bit of a sheer shimmer over the top for a subtle ombre effect to make a fancier nude.” In terms of shape, it’s best to keep things natural — Lippmann prefers nude polish on shorter nails with rounded edges.

Deborah Lippmann’s Undressed Shades of Nudes Collection was designed to flatter every skin tone. (Photo: Deborah Lippmann)

Unlike many lacquers that look so different in the bottle than they do on your nails, nude polish removes the guesswork — most shades look gorgeous on a wide variety of skin tones. Lippmann points to her new six-piece Undressed Shades of Nude Collection ($34), which she created to flatter all skin tones. She does have a general rule of thumb to find your most flattering shades. “The paler nudes with a slight pink or peach undertone [like Totally Nude, Flesh for Fantasy, and Born This Way in Lippmann’s set] complement lighter skin tones well. Nudes with a more caramel or mauve undertone [like Bare It All, Natural Woman and Skin Deep in the collection] are more flattering against medium-dark skin tones.”

Whether you love neutral shades or are simply trying on the trend, now’s the time to stock up on chic-but-practical bottles at every price point. Will nude nails ever go out of style? “Never!” Lippmann exclaims. Like a black turtleneck or a great pair of flat boots, nude nails are a timeless fall look you’ll never regret trying.

Related:

Deborah Lippmann’s 15-Year History With Nails

The New Nude Nails Are Actually Bare

Spring’s New Nude Nails: Lavender, Grey, and Camel Are In

The Nail Polish Shades to Make Hands Look Younger, Thinner, and Tanner