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Instagram Beauty Nails How to Get the Perfect Nude Manicure, According to Hailey Bieber's Nail Artist How to Get the Perfect Nude Manicure, According to Hailey Bieber's Nail Artist Nude nails are never as easy as they seem. Here, nail artist Zola Ganzorigt shares her secrets for getting it right.
Call it the “quiet luxury” manicure, or the “ angel ” manicure, or “ soap nails ,” should you be so inclined. Nude and neutral manicures have never been more of the moment, as evidenced by the internet’s obsession with branding the look with ridiculous (albeit catchy) names. The truth is, nude nails will always be popular for their clean, effortless look—but that doesn’t mean that there’s anything effortless about the process of getting the perfect nude manicure.
Just ask celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, who works with the patron saint of nail trends, Hailey Bieber, and also serves as OPI’s global ambassador. “Instead of looking for one shade that works perfectly for everyone, I like to build a custom nude for each client,” she tells Bazaar. “That’s what makes nude nails so personal; the same shade can look completely different depending on the skin tone, shape, and finish.”
Ahead, Ganzorigt shares her five rules for getting the perfect nude manicure, so you nail it every time.
“I don’t think the perfect nude has to exactly match your skin tone. I actually love a little contrast,” she says. “I always look at what their undertone is first: warm, cool, neutral, or olive. Then, I choose a nude that complements it.”
“For me, the best nude is one that makes your hands look instantly polished and elegant. I love nudes with a little dimension, for example, soft pinks, creamy beiges, peaches, and caramel tones,” she adds. “It should feel like an elevated version of your natural nails. I’ll always love glazed donut nails. There’s something so timeless and luxurious about a fresh, high-shine finish. It feels modern, minimal, and expensive.”
“When the color is sheer, the nail prep becomes even more important because you can see everything underneath. I focus on creating a smooth, clean nail and am careful not to over-file or over-buff,” she says. “I also pay extra attention to the cuticle area. It’s important to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated with oil between manicures. With a sheer nude, the goal is for the natural nail underneath to look beautiful on its own. The polish should enhance it, not hide it.”
“The shape and length can really change the way a nude reads. For shorter nails, I love milky pinks and translucent nudes. It gives a clean, fresh, ‘my nails but better’ effect,” she says. “On longer almond or oval shapes, I love warmer beige, caramel, and rosy nudes because they create a really elegant, elongated look.”
“I don’t believe in strict rules,” she adds. “Sometimes the most beautiful nude is one that gives you a little contrast.”
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