The naked manicure is 2025’s prettiest nail trend—and it’s so easy to recreate

There was a time when nails were treated like mini canvases—glazed, glittered, and covered in OTT accents. But 2025’s manicure trend is taking a quieter route. Now, the most covetable manicure isn’t the predictable fall palette but something that is barely there. We're talking about the “naked manicure”, and it’s proof that sometimes less really is more.

So what is it, exactly? Instead of a thick layer of colour or sparkle, the naked mani is built on translucence. Think sheer pinks, milky beiges, warm ivories, and that glossy, glassy finish. It’s subtle. It’s chic. It’s what you would wear to a board meeting, brunch, and to bed with equal ease.

Now it might look effortless, but the prep is anything but. The naked manicure is all about quiet luxury—where the tiniest details make the loudest statement. The colour is subtle, yes, but every element counts: the clean, soft shape, perfectly pushed-back cuticles, hydrated skin, and that flawless, high-shine finish. It’s less about colour and more about care. Think of it as skincare for your nails—meticulous, mindful, and oh-so-satisfying.

Here’s how to master polished perfection from start to finish, turning your manicure into a little luxury ritual rather than a basic afterthought.

Pristine prep 

The essence of a flawless naked mani starts with strong, healthy nails and hydrated hands. You want to enhance your natural nails without bold colours or layered designs. Start with a soak. Warm water, a hint of lemon juice for brightness, and a few drops of almond or coconut oil for extra softness. Add a spritz of rose water and gently pat your hands dry with a soft towel.

Shape it up 

File your nails to a consistent length. Given its clean, minimalist nature, short or medium-length is ideal. You can opt for round, square, oval, squoval, or almond nails. Avoid overly long or pointy nails as they might take away from the minimalist appeal. Buff gently, removing ridges. Push back your cuticles and layer in the moisturiser. Pat your hands with a rich serum or thick cream and let it soak in.

Sheer, milky, translucent polish 

Now it’s time for the “your-nails-but-better” effect. Pick your favourite nude polish that complements your skin, and toy around with that palette. Hues like nude beige, baby pink, milky white, creamy ivory, light caramels, warm toffee, and even a hint of espresso glaze are all perfect picks. If you want a tiny edge, opt for micro-French tips or ultra-subtle chrome powder, like Hailey’s glazed doughnut nails, for instance, which are a fun cousin to the naked mani. Keep it very simple: the fewer the coats, the less the tendency to chip. Add a base coat only if required for an even base. Add two sheer polish coats, then a glossy topcoat. Top it off with cuticle oil and hand serum to keep it all hydrated and glowing.

Luxe moisturising touches 

With a minimal manicure, any flaw shows. So, nail the maintenance. Invest in high-quality hand creams and cuticle oils. Be gentle whilst pushing your cuticles or buffing your nails. Nutrition matters: your hair and nails reflect how your body feels, so make sure you’re eating healthy and drinking plenty of water. The appeal of the nude manicure is in how it feels. It’s clean, intentional, elevated. It’s the kind of manicure you pair with a cashmere sweater, a candlelit bath and a glass of bubbly. 

Pro tip: Consistency is key. Nail health doesn’t transform right before your manicure. You need to look after your nails every day, so make sure you moisturise your hands well daily before bedtime.

Lead image: Getty Images 

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