The beauty of this look lies in its subtlety. It’s polished yet minimal, glamorous yet understated. “It’s like no-makeup makeup for your nails,” says celebrity manicurist Julie Ventura, Global Education Manager for ORLY. “Women are moving away from overworked nail art and returning to natural, healthy nails — it’s a form of quiet confidence.”

What Exactly Is the Naked Manicure?

A naked manicure is a back-to-basics approach that enhances your natural nail tone with sheer, milky, or translucent polish. Think soft pinks, creamy ivories, or delicate beiges — hues that flatter every skin tone and make nails look longer, cleaner, and healthier.

The goal isn’t perfection but radiance. “It’s about making nails look naturally beautiful, not covered up,” says celebrity nail artist Erica De Los Santos, who works with high-profile clients across L.A. and New York. “It’s an elevated version of natural nails — subtle shine, perfect shape, hydrated hands, and a whisper of polish.”

This minimalist manicure mirrors a larger beauty shift. After years of maximalism — nail gems, 3D designs, and chrome explosions — 2025 is the year of calm beauty. The naked manicure fits perfectly into the “clean girl” aesthetic dominating fashion, skincare, and lifestyle.

Why Celebrities Love It

The naked manicure has become a red-carpet favorite because it’s timeless and adaptable. Jennifer Aniston pairs hers with tailored neutrals, Taylor Swift wears it with sparkly stage looks, while Nicola Peltz-Beckham and Julia Fox show how effortless can still be bold.

Beyond aesthetics, this trend reflects a mindset shift in beauty culture. Health and self-care now outrank constant reinvention. After years of damage from gel, acrylic, and press-on nails, celebs are embracing recovery — strengthening treatments, cuticle oils, and gentle polishes that let the natural nail breathe.

As Townhouse Nails founder Juanita Huber-Millet explains, “The modern woman wants polish that feels luxurious but respects her nails. It’s the intersection of care and style — that’s what makes the naked manicure irresistible.”

How to Achieve the Look

The naked manicure may look effortless, but achieving that glossy, glass-skin finish takes precision.

Step 1: Prep the canvas.
Start with clean, filed nails in a uniform shape — soft almond, round, or square work best. Buff gently to blur ridges, push back cuticles, and hydrate with oil. Healthy nails are the foundation of this look.

Step 2: Perfect your base.
Apply a strengthening treatment like Epres EpHD or Orly Nail Defense to fortify the nails. This doubles as a primer, ensuring polish adheres smoothly and lasts longer.

Step 3: Choose your polish.
Select a sheer or milky shade that enhances your natural tone. Top celebrity manicurists recommend:

• OPI “Bare My Soul” – soft beige-pink with a warm undertone

• Essie “High Maintenance” – classic sheer pink

• Dior Nail Glow – enhances natural nail color with a translucent glow

• Dazzle Dry “Mind Your Mani” – quick-dry milky cream

Step 4: Finish with hydration.
Seal everything with a glossy top coat and massage cuticle oil once dry. For extra softness, follow with a hand serum or cream — experts love Prada Hand Cream for a radiant, photo-ready finish.

How to Elevate It

Even minimalists crave variety. You can subtly upgrade the naked manicure without losing its clean aesthetic:

• Add a chrome topcoat for a soft, mirror-like sheen.

• Layer a micro shimmer polish for a “glazed donut” glow.

• Try jelly gloss finishes for a translucent, dewy look.

• Mix sheer shades to create dimension — a technique popularized on TikTok as “tonal layering.”

These micro-variations keep the look fresh while maintaining its signature sophistication.

The Beauty Philosophy Behind It

The naked manicure is more than a fashion moment — it’s a reflection of a broader cultural mood. Beauty in 2025 is about restraint, confidence, and clarity. In a world that often feels oversaturated, the most powerful look is the one that breathes.

“Naked nails signal self-assurance,” says De Los Santos. “It’s not about hiding flaws; it’s about embracing who you are, imperfections and all.”

That sentiment resonates deeply with today’s audience, who prioritize authenticity over perfection. It’s why the naked manicure fits seamlessly into other clean beauty movements — skinimalism, soft glam, quiet luxury.

Why It’s Here to Stay

Minimal trends often fade fast, but this one has roots in longevity. Its appeal lies in versatility: it works on all skin tones, nail shapes, and styles. It transitions effortlessly from office to event, from everyday wear to the red carpet.

For many, the naked manicure has become a signature look, the equivalent of a crisp white shirt — simple, iconic, and endlessly reinterpretable.

As Jennifer Aniston once said in a Vogue interview, “The best beauty is the kind you barely notice.” The naked manicure embodies that ethos perfectly. It’s not about doing more — it’s about doing less, beautifully.