French Tips Aren't My Thing—I'm Requesting the "Naked French" Instead to Look Polished

If there is one thing I love, it's a minimal manicure. Give me all the sheer nail polishes, Bubble Bath nails and classy neutral nail colours. I might push the boat out with a dark red manicure or a new nail trend every once in a while, but for the most part I favour a neutral hue. There is one minimal nail look that I've never really gotten on board with, and that's a French manicure. While I love the timeless nail art look on others, the stark white tips can almost look too bright on my hands. So, when I discovered the "naked French" manicure via celebrity manicurist Georgia Rae, I was quickly converted. So what exactly is the "naked French"?
What Is The "Naked French" Manicure?
Rather than using a standard white polish to create the French tips, the "naked French" instead uses a sheer white or cream polish. The result is much softer but still has the perfecting effects to make your natural nails look neat—think of it as a skin tint for your nail tips. It conceals while letting your natural nails shine through. "Applying this as a French tip as opposed to a solid white looks so fresh and gives the illusion of naturally perfect nails," says Rae.
Naked French Manicure Ideas
The naked French manicure looks great on short, rounded nails when you want your hands to look pulled together. Apply a soft, sheer pink nail polish first before using a fine-tipped nail art brush to apply a coat of sheer white polish on the tips to define and perfect.
Proof that the naked French mani looks chic on all nail shapes, including this long rounded look.
Yes, this trend also works for short nails. A micro French tip along the free edge of the nail is sure-fire way to ensure your hands look neat.
If you want something a little bolder, opt for a creamy beige tip which will give more definition while remaining more subdued that a bright white French tip. I love this manicure from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Get The Look
Having neat cuticles is key to making this manicure look professional. Sally Hansen's cuticle remover gently dissolves away dead skin around the cuticle, making it easy to remove with a cuticle pusher.
Gently push back the cuticles to create a neat foundation for your polish application.
A sheer pink is a staple of the French manicure. In my opinion, Chanel's Ballerina is the ultimate sheer pink for this look.
For the French tips, use a sheer off-white hue to create a softer look than a traditional French manicure. Essie's Allure is loved by many.
A fine-tipped nail brush will make getting a precise line so much easier. These handy brushes will come in handy for several nail art looks.
I've tried many, many nail polish top coats and confirm that this is the best one out there. It makes my manicures last for over a week, and makes your nail polish look like gel.
To maintain your "naked French" manicure, apply a cuticle oil daily to hydrate the cuticles and keep your nails looking healthy. I keep mine on my bedside table to remind me to apply before bed.
Use a hand cream to keep hands hydrated and happy—we love Byredo's chic hand creams which leave hands velvety soft.
Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman Home and junior beauty editor at Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections.With a degree in fashion journalism from the London College of Fashion, she has 10 years of industry experience and has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.Eleanor’s journalistic focus is providing readers with honest and helpful beauty content. She has interviewed celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson.
-
Simone Ashley Is in the Fast Lane
Since her breakout role in Bridgerton, our Spring Issue cover star has quickly risen to A-list status. Up next, she masters the rom-com leading lady.
By Liv Little
-
The Spring 2025 Shopping Guide: Where to Buy the Biggest Trends of the Season
Your short list of the season's key buys.
By Kristen Nichols
-
In Defense of Angsty Beauty
From "unapproachable" makeup to "anti-pretty" perfume.
By Jamie Schneider
-
Selena Gomez Is Dripping in Jewels at the Oscars—Her "Peach Champagne" Mani Looks Just as Expensive
*Swoon*
By Jamie Schneider
-
Elegant, Subtle, and Painfully Chic—Licorice French Nails Will Be *It* for Spring
This "anti-trend" is one to watch.
By Jamie Schneider
-
If Chanel Nail Polishes Had a Fan Club, I'd Be President—the Trendiest Spring 2025 Shades to Shop
They're impossibly chic.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
This Wildly Popular, Taylor Swift Coded Lipstick Is Rarely in Stock—Now There's a Nail Polish Version
Act fast.
By Jamie Schneider
-
Kerry Washington Just Nailed This Sleeper Hit Shade With Her NAACP Awards Manicure
It's worth copying.
By Maya Thomas
-
Hurry—Selena Gomez Just Cosigned a Major Mani Trend, and Her Exact Color Is Selling Out Fast
It's so good.
By Jamie Schneider
-
From "Exhaustion Blush" to "Party Lips," NYFW's Best Beauty Trends Are Delightfully Unexpected
They'll define the next 10 months.
By Jamie Schneider