16 Subtle Ways to Upgrade a Nude Manicure
Amp up this classic look with glitter, metallics, and fun accents.
A nude manicure goes with any outfit or occasion — that's why it's so timeless! But even those of us who favor a classic look want to spice things up sometimes. If you find yourself wanting to add a little sparkle over your neutral go-to, these ideas are for you.
Eye Nails
A simple nude mani is the perfect backdrop to a fun eyeball design.
Subtly Dotted Nails
Embrace the simplicity of nude nails and spice things up at the same time with tiny metallic dots and cream-colored accent details.
XOXO Nails
Show your sweet side with this beautiful stamped nail art full of Xs and Os. It requires a little extra patience to accomplish, but the results are so worth it.
Tangerine Tip Nails
At first glance this looks like a typical beige manicure, but upon further inspection you'll realize that the tips are painted a bright orange hue.
Sharp Gold Nails
How stunning are these pointy nails? Just take a beige base coat like O.P.I. Infinite Shine in "The Beige of Reason" ($12, amazon.com) and add a gold racer stripe right down the middle.
Coffee Swirl Nails
Reminiscent of the latte art in coffee shops everywhere, this brown and toffee manicure is the perfect transition into fall.
Abalone Accent Nails
If summer is more your season, keep the vacay vibes strong with this abalone-shell mani. But we must say, it would look great with a cozy white sweater...
Soft Glitter Nails
All night owls need to give this starry metallic mania shot. You'll need to invest in stamping polish and a stamper ($15, amazon.com), but it'll be totally worth it when everyone you meet develops nail art envy.
Gilded Cuticle Nails
Cuticles rarely get the spotlight, but they're headlining this manicure. All you need is a thin outline of gold glitter polish like China Glaze Star Hopping Nail Lacquer in "Counting Carats" ($9, amazon.com) around the edges of your nail and voila!
Dotted Accent Nails
It doesn't get much easier than this accent nail. Just use the round tip of a bobby pin to dot black polish over the taupe base.
Crescent Eye Nails
If you can't have eyes in the back of your head, you can at least have 'em on your nails. This version features beige and gold polish like Essie "Good as Gold" ($8, amazon.com) plus bright eyes on your accent fingers.
Colorful Ombré Nails
This is the perfect way to refresh a days-old mani that's starting to chip. We love the summery neon pink that is used here. Use something like Orly Baked Summer Nail Collection in "Neon Heat" ($8, amazon.com). For fall, pick soft navy or burgundy.
Holographic Glitter Nails
Simple and pretty, this chic manicure strategically places hexagon glitter ($5, amazon.com) in a tiny triangle that's totally eye-catching.
Splatter Accent Nails
Jackson Pollock would be so proud. If you're feeling especially ambitious, add two or three more colors to the same nail.
Gold French Tip Nails
There's nothing more chic than a French manicure — that's why it's a classic! Instead of gold, try a pewter polish like Zoya Nail Polish in "Cassedy" ($10, amazon.com) if you want to match your silver jewelry.
Striped Accent Nails
Bold lines feel really modern, especially when you mix up the direction of the stripes on each accent nail. Tip: Use striping tape ($6, amazon.com) if you're a novice — and you'll look like a pro.
Sam's enthusiasm for makeup is only rivaled by their love of all things relating to cats. In their spare time, they enjoy watching scary movies, putting avocado on everything, and seeing how many shades of the rainbow they can dye their hair before 30.
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