Celebrity nail artist Jenna Hipp gives readers a step-by-step cheat sheet on how to give "Fall's Mega-Hot Mani" this month in Cosmopolitan. She encourages you to be a nudist and embrace the nude-nail craze this fall.

The Prep

Remove polish, then swipe bare nails with alcohol to nix any oils that could prevent polish from sticking.

The Technique

  1. File nails in one direction until all are the same length (fall's It Shape: round and just past fingertips.) Sawing back and forth splits the delicate nail layers, causing polish to peel later.
  2. A neat, perfect paint job is key to this look. If you're not skilled at staying inside the lines, protect your cuticles with pieces of clear tape.
  3. Following a base coat, apply two coats of nude polish, first running the brush up the center of the nails and then working outward. Seal color with top coat.
  4. Aim a blow-dryer toward nails at a 45-degree angle, using the cool setting (hot air prevents solvents from evap, so polish won't set). When nails dry, remove tape from step 2.
  5. Dip a foundation brush into olive oil, and lightly sweep it from knuckle to cuticle for a glowy finish. Rubbing in a thick lotion with hands can smudge your work.

Tip: The Best Nude For You

For a skin-flattering hue, choose one that looks similar to your foundation.

 

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