We're Taking Nail Cues From Nicole Kidman's Subtle & Classic French Manicures
As an A-list actor, Nicole Kidman is considered a rare gem in Hollywood, as she smashes every role that comes her way and is one of the lucky few who don't seem to age as they grow older. The Australian star has enjoyed an illustrious career which has catapulted her to trend-setter status, which is lucky for us seeing as she's helped reintroduce the beloved French manicure to the mainstream. Despite the endless twists and modern variations of this timeless mani, Kidman's dainty and subtle French tips leave us feeling nostalgic for the original and classy design. In particular, it looks as if she has incited an unexpected yet highly anticipated return of the muted French manicure in 2024.
Although the "Moulin Rouge" star concealed her nails underneath elegant opera gloves at the 2024 Met Gala — alongside a swan-inspired gown that made Glam's worst-dressed list — her natural nails were on full display at the 49th Annual American Film Institute Life Achievement Award show on April 27. Kidman's manicurist Thuy Nguyen also showed off the actor's simple milky French manicure in a behind-the-scenes photo on Instagram, and we can't get enough of the effortlessly feminine look. As Kidman walked on stage to accept the award from fellow icon Meryl Streep, she embodied glamorous Hollywood bombshell with her sequined gold Balenciaga gown, tousled blow-out, and freshly-painted fingertips. We can't wait to try out Kidman's current go-to manicure with these sophisticated designs.
Dainty French manicure with a milky finish
To mimic the "Practical Magic" actor's simple French tips, you'll want to apply a base coat with a more opaque finish, rather than a sheer polish. An opaque base coat forms the blurred, milky effect that you see with Nicole Kidman's nails. For the nail shape, lean toward soft looks, such as almond or a natural-looking squoval.
Keep it chic with stilettos
In Nicole Kidman's Instagram photos, you can see she paired her French Manicure with almond-shaped nails for the AFI Awards. However, a stiletto French manicure looks equally classy and will appeal to those who prefer nails of a pointier variety. Stiletto nails also give French tips a more modern feel, so it's the perfect go-between for people who like to swap looks often to keep up with multiple trends at once.
Squoval tips give you the best of both worlds
Squoval nails are another go-to look for French manicures, as they help accentuate the pearly-white tips. This shape is also universally flattering and even works for short or natural nails, making them a convenient option for when you feel like skipping acrylics or press-ons. Note that it may be challenging to follow certain DIY methods (such as the silicone stamp trick) if you're painting on squoval nails, as they don't have tapered ends. Instead, reach for stencils or a fine-detail nail brush for streak-free tips.
Barely-there French is the ultimate modern twist
This ultra-sheer French mani is a more modern take on Nicole Kidman's nails but not any less elegant. "The 'modern French' manicure enlists a sheer shade that will enhance your natural nails while camouflaging any imperfections," editorial manicurist Ami Streets tells Refinery29. "As a result, nails simply look perfectly groomed." For this look, swap your nude opaque polish for a translucent base. Additionally, try a beige-white nail polish for the tips, rather than a blinding white.
You won't regret going glitter
Swapping a milky base coat for a polish with subtle sparkles is another alternative to the standard French-tip look. This mani still looks dainty and works for various shapes as well as acrylics, press-ons, and natural nails. You can apply a light coating of the sparkly polish directly to the nail for a sheer design. To stick closely to Nicole Kidman's French manicure, add a sparkly finish on top of a milky-nude base coat.