How to Get Sexy Nude Nails Without Visiting a Nail Salon

Nude nails have the finished look of a French manicure, without the fussiness. The natural appearance of nude nails elongate the look of your fingers in a way that is sexy and feminine. DIY sexy nude nails are easy for anyone, even nail polish novices, to achieve at home. These easy-to-follow steps will have you out the door in under 30 minutes.

Nude nail color does not limit you to clear nail polish. There are a variety of sexy nude nail polishes, that flatter every skin shade. These range from soft cappuccinos and taupes, to delicate pinks and corals.

Supplies For Sexy Nude Nails:

1. Nail Polish Remover
2. Cotton Balls
3. Warm Soapy Water
4. Nail Brush
5. Nail Trimmer
6. Nail File
7. Cuticle Oil
8. Wooden Cuticle Stick
9. Base Coat
10. Nude Nail Polish
11. Clear Topcoat
12. Body Scrub
13. Hand Moisturizer

Sexy Nude Nails Step 1: Remove Old Polish

Use finger nail polish remover to clean away any traces of old polish. Soak a cotton ball in polish remover. Press firmly at the base of your nail and wipe upwards, towards the tip. If you have trouble with traces of polish around the edges of your nail, lightly use a remover-soaked cotton squad to remove it.

Sexy Nude Nails Step 2: Shape

Clean your nails with a nail brush before shaping, to get the best results. Trim your nails to whatever length you are comfortable with. If unsure, go for a medium length. This will still give the lengthening effect, without the maintenance of really long nails. For medium length nude nails, your tip will be about a quarter of an inch above your finger tip.

Shape your nails with a nail file. Nude nails are sexiest with a rounded or squared edge. The rounded nude nail looks more dainty and elegant, while the squared off nail appears more modern, yet classic. See pictures for examples of both nude nail shapes.

Sexy Nude Nails Step 3: Prep Nails

Even though nude nails are inherently sexy for their naturalness, you still want smooth cuticles. The goal is to get rid of any jagged edges that detract from the clean line of your hand. Prep your nails by soaking them in warm (not hot) soapy water for five minutes. This will soften your nails.

Gently towel dry hands and apply cuticle oil. The cuticle oil will soften any rough areas.

Using a nail stick, push back your cuticles, leaving a nice surface for your nude nail polish. Cutting cuticles is best left to professionals. If you are not experienced doing this, the end results can be cut up nails and infection.

Scrub hands with an exfoliator. This will continue the softening process and help smooth away rough edges. Your can purchase hand exfoliator, but I've had just as good results with body scrub. A homemade mixture of olive oil and kosher salt also works well for smoothing.

Thoroughly rinse hands and gently towel dry.

If you are in a hurry, skip everything but the moisturizing. Just remember to take the time to occasionally pamper your hands, as nude nails will highlight your natural nail.

Sexy Nude Nails Step 3: Polish

First apply a clear base coat. This will protect your nail from being stained by polish. There are many base coats available with nutrients like protein, aloe vera and vitamin E, with will help strengthen your nails. Base coat should be applied over nude nails in three swipes. Starting at the vase of the nail, brush polish up the center of your finger nail. Then apply to each side. Allow time to dry, before nude nail polish application.

Now apply your favorite shade of sexy nude nail polish. Roll the bottle between your hands, to mix completely. Do not shake the bottle. Shaking will cause air bubbles that will mess up the smooth finish of your manicure. Apply thinly, using the same method as the base coat. Let nude polish dry between layers. Two thin layers should cover the nail nicely, without appearing gloppy.

Seal in your sexy nude nail polish with a clear topcoat. This will protect your polish and nails from chips. A topcoat will also help smooth out any imperfection in the nail or nail polish application.

Sources:

http://just-for-mom.kaboose.com/your-gorgeous-manicure.html

http://www.essortment.com/lifestyle/nailbasicswhy_skff.htm