Sure, nail art can be fun\u2014especially spring nail designs like florals and polka dots\u2014but sometimes it\u2019s nice to keep things simple. Manicure minimalists often stick to single-color looks that pair with nearly everything, but there\u2019s a new way to elevate your manicure without committing to intricate nail art. Enter: blurred nails. This minimalist nail trend is taking over with its soft-focus, filtered finish, and everyone is a fan.<\/p>\n
Read on to learn all about blurred nails, including how to prep your hands, the best nail polish colors to use and how to create the look at home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
What Are Blurred Nails?<\/h2>\n
Blurred nails are a softer, more velvety version of a fully mattified manicure. \u201cBlurred nails are all about softening the look of the natural nail,\u201d says New York and New Jersey celebrity manicurist and salon owner Erica De Los Santos. Similar to makeup trends lately, think of this as a your-nails-but-better effect.<\/p>\n
While matte nails tend to be more popular in the winter months and paired with darker, moodier colors, blurred nails are their lighter, fresher counterpart. \u201cThink of a sheer pink or milky base topped with matte to kind of \u2018blur out\u2019 anything underneath\u2014like ridges, discoloration or uneven tone,\u201d says De Los Santos. \u201cIt gives that clean, smooth, filtered finish without looking heavy or overdone. Just really soft, natural and polished.\u201d<\/p>\n Because blurred nails are so natural-looking, proper hand, cuticle and nail prep before the polish even touches your nails is \u201ceverything,\u201d says De Los Santos. \u201cPush back the cuticles, clean up any excess and shape the nail so everything looks neat and even.\u201d<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve done this essential prep, it\u2019s time to move on to polish and top coat. After your manicure, using a good cuticle oil and hand cream to keep your hands moisturized will help your manicure look fresh for longer.<\/p>\n Beyond looking incredibly chic, one of the best parts of the blurred nails trend is how easy it is to recreate at home. Even nail DIY beginners can try this for themselves. \u201cI keep it simple\u2014two thin coats of a sheer pink or milky base, then finish with a matte top coat,\u201d says De Los Santos. And that\u2019s it. \u201cThat matte is what really softens everything and gives that blurred, smooth look,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n As for what shades to use specifically, it\u2019s largely up to you. \u201cAnything sheer, milky or soft pink is going to give you that blurred effect,\u201d says De Los Santos. To help prep your nails for polish, one of her favorites is Essie To The Rescue UV Gel Damage Repair ($12)\u2014\u201cit gives that look while also helping repair the nail, especially if you\u2019re coming out of gel,\u201d she notes. She also uses Chanel La Base Cam\u00e9lia ($34) and Dior Base Vernis ($34), both of which \u201cgive that same soft, diffused finish that makes the nail look really clean and healthy,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n As easy as the trend is, make sure you have the proper materials beforehand. Many people may not have a matte top coat at home, so be sure to pick one up if needed. \u201cFor that true blurred effect, the finish matters\u2014use a matte top coat,\u201d says De Los Santos. They\u2019re easy to find, but most people have glossy top coats at home and will need to invest in a matte one for the best results. \u201cYou want it to dry really velvety, not shiny at all,\u201d she adds. \u201cThat\u2019s what gives that soft, diffused look.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"blurred](\"https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/0vv8moc6\/newbeauty\/311df9a8f73f8a11348d9fa8eeb6246dfa887a2e-1080x1350.jpg?w=1200&auto=format&q=80\")
How to Prep Hands for Blurred Nails<\/h2>\n
How to Do Blurred Nails At Home<\/h2>\n