We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Here's How To Nail The Minimalist Manicure According To Sofia Richie's Wedding Manicurist
If it's good enough for Sofia...
From the micro French to intricate details, minimalist nail art is here to stay thanks to trendsetters such as Betina Goldstein, Julia Diogo and Georgia Rae. While we appreciate a showstopping, all-bells-all-whistles, maximalist design, there's always room for more delicate patterns and timeless colour schemes for those of us who favour something subtler.
'I love a clean, sheer nude nail all year round but adding details dependent on the season is a great way to switch it up and have a little more fun with it,' says Rae, Sofia Richie's manicurist, who's long mastered the art of understated and minimalist nail art.
DIY Your Minimalist Manicure
'I’m loving neon at the moment, worn as minimal details on the nail such as a super thin French tip,' explains Rae, who recently created the manicure look at Roksanda's AW24 show (and is the woman behind Sofia Richie's wedding nails). Tangerines, hot pink and jungle green are only some of the season's most popular colours. Here, Rae breaks down the steps to creating your own easy minimalist nail art.
- Onto a clean, filed nail apply a tinted base coat such as OPI’s Nail Envy; this will provide a base shade for your French mani without layering too much product on the nail.
- Once completely dried, decant a small amount of your favourite neon nail polish onto some tin foil. Using a thin nail art brush, glide the polish around the edge of the nail following the natural shape.
- Finish with a top coat.
Toothpicks and gold leaf (available in specialty beauty supply stores such as Naio Nails) are also useful to have in your manicure kit for creating easy confetti and polka dot designs and adding some sparkle. Shaky hands? Ciate's nail art stickers are practically foolproof.
Ahead, 15 minimalist nail art designs to inspire your next understated manicure...
Minimalist Nail Art Inspiration
Soft Shell
Whether you're by the seaside (or simply dreaming of it from your work desk), this delicate clam silhouette is mermaidcore at its chicest.
Soft Petal
Sweet petals in pastel daffodil on a beige backdrop are an understated way to wear florals this spring.
Rosy Days
Calling all Bridgerton fans: this coquettish number will have you blushing.
Strawberry Fields
Mini red berries on a base of sheer pink is a low-key but still super cute look
Glints Of Gold
Add interest to curvaceous lines by using a speckled base polish.
Modern Magic
Witching hour, but make it spring ready. Gold stars and crescents on ballet pink nails keep things simply eye-catching.
Still Bejewelled
Practical? Perhaps not. But there's no denying how cool these icy gems are on perfectly glossy nails. Make nail jewellery your go-to design for your next special occasion (or even wedding) manicure.
Garden Variety
These tiny dotted blossoms by content creator Mateja Novakovic are an easy way to embrace the new season while still keeping things understated.
Delicate Wreath
A border of intricate florals might take a while to recreate, but the breathtaking result is certainly worth it.
Colour Theory
Prefer punchier tones? Try this vibrant twist on a French manicure with a lilac base and tangerine tips.
All Tied Up
Bows are still big news. Try Harriet Westmoreland's tonal, balletcore take on it with a blink-and-you'll-miss it delicate ribbon.
Head In The Clouds
Searches for baby blue nails are on the rise. Get in on the trend with this sky blue tone coupled with white hearts.
Geometrical Gem
Amp up a neutral manicure with graphic lines and tonal shades.
Curves Ahead
Play with soft white curves on a translucent base for an ultra-chic approach to nail art.
All In The Detail
A French tip, but not quite. The low-key wavy lines are a subtle way to update the classic look.
Watch Next
The Secret World Of Taylor Swift's Nails
Zendaya Debuts Nostalgic French Manicure
BIAB Cured My Acrylic Nail Addiction
See Hailey Bieber's Daring Nail Art
