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5 Ultra-Chic Summer Manicure Ideas According To Harriet Westmoreland

The queen of the minimalist nails shares her go-to summer manicure designs with ELLE UK.

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If the words 'minimalist manicure' and 'clean girl nails' has entered your beauty vernacular, chances are you're familiar with nail artist, Harriet Westmoreland. The Yorkshire-based manicurist now finds herself jet-setting all over the globe tending to the hands of celebrities such as Zendaya and Rochelle Humes alongside an exclusive list of private clientele who are all clamouring for that signature Westmoreland glow on their nails.

Westmoreland's penchant for plump, impeccably groomed finishes, micro French tips and delicate designs - think little dots and hearts, the tinier, the better - took social media by storm as it brought a whole new perspective to nail art. While there's always space for OTT nail art and hi-vis hues, Westmoreland's subtler take felt fresh, grown-up and sophisticated; it's stealth wealth for your nails. With residencies at Claridges and Soho House under her belt, along with partnerships with OPI and now, Chanel, Westmoreland shows no signs of slowing down. After all, elegant nails will always be in demand.

Speaking to ELLE UK from sunny Barcelona, Westmoreland shares her favourite summer time looks from milky pastel hues to a new take on the sheer manicure, all done with a glossy finish, of course.

‘I always enjoy a gloss because after a couple of days, the matte finish can pick up different things like make-up and newspaper (stains) and look a bit grubby,’ she explains. ‘When your gel gloss starts to look a bit dull, just wipe it with a bit of acetone-free nail polish remover so it looks like new.’

If you prefer a DIY, non-gel mani, Westmoreland recommends investing in a great base and top coat, name-checking Chanel Le Gel Top Coat and OPI Nature Strong Base Coat. Try a tapered shape or keep it soft and square for a refined finish.

5 Summer Nail Trends According To An A-List Manicurist

Sheer 2.0

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'There'll be a shift from pinky sheers to sheer browns,' says Westmoreland, explaining that similar to pinks, the browns used will have varying undertones from yellow to blues and reds, which will make it warmer. If you've been searching for a 'true nude', the opting for the sheerest coat of brown such as Chanel Le Vernis in Légende, might just be the answer.

Olive undertones will suit almost every shade of brown. Warmer browns complement those with pink or yellow skin undertones.

Try...Chanel Le Vernis in Légende - £29

Bare It All

Having great nails doesn't have to involve a coat of polish. 'Spend time on prepping your cuticles, shaping the nail and then buff it to a really nice shine,' says Westmoreland. In her kit, you'll find Navy Professional buffers. 'You need a high grit buffer for a perfectly smooth nail; it'll almost look like it has a gloss topcoat on it.'

With no gels to hide behind, it's important to maintain the health of your hands and nails. Use an exfoliating scrub weekly and keep a hand cream and cuticle oil on you at all times.

Try...Chanel L'Huile Camelia Hydrating and Fortifying Nail Oil - £28, Navy Professional Elizabeth Nail Buffer - £8.99

Milky Pastels

Mix your go-to pastel - whether that's buttercream yellow, baby blue or lilac - with a clear polish before applying to the nails for a milkier effect, suggests Westmoreland, who's a fan of using a different colour on each nail for a fresh take on the rainbow mani. To bring in some harmony, opt for four different hues and repeat a colour on your thumbnail. Use one coat of each colour for a translucent, 'jelly' effect.

Try...Nails.Inc Nailpure Longwear Top Coat - £15

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Delicate Details

When it comes to nail art, a dainty reverse French or tiny love hearts is still a favourite of Westmoreland's. Jazz it up for summer by swapping red hearts for bright tangerine or go with a pastels for your reverse French tips. A matcha tone is Westmoreland's current go-to.

Try...Nailberry Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Love You Very Matcha - £16

Goth Glam

Not one for sorbet shades? A high-shine glossy black manicure is unexpectedly cool in summer. 'It just looks nice against a tan,' she says.

Try...Essie Nail Polish in Licorice - £8.99

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