Though a summer holiday might usually call to mind vibrant nail art or bright pastel French tips, Victoria Beckham, who is currently enjoying some respite in St Tropez with her family, just proved the power of opting for a minimalist manicure.
As seen on her Instagram, which also included a series of images of the Beckham family together, the beauty founder and business mogul upgraded her usual go-to manicure (a near imperceptible nude base) with a soft pink hue and high-shine finish.
Her new manicure plays on the classic 'soap nail' trend – with a high-summer twist. While typically soap nails are reminiscent of the squeaky clean feeling and finish you get post-bath (a subtle nude or milky base), Beckham's own had pink undertones; the soft hue strikes the perfect balance of looking sophisticated for a holiday without veering too far into the saccharine shades of bubblegum pink and cherry blossom.
Brought to life by celebrity nail tech Tom Bachik, the ultra glossy 'soap nail' manicure can be achieved at home with nail polish (ensure you always use a strengthening top and bottom coat) or in the salon with gel or BIAB. 'Soap nails are essentially a very well-manicured nail, in creamy milky tones or soft pink shades with semi-sheer, neutral coverage that emulates that clean, fresh and glossy feeling,' ORLY’s UK Ambassador and nail expert, Lou Stokes, previously told ELLE UK.
If you're looking to recreate Beckham's own holiday manicure, choose your base shade and apply even layers (don't forget to also apply cuticle oil, as the USP of this manicure is all about nail health).
Minimalist manicures have been dominating our algorithms of late, and it's no wonder; whether it's the recent 'rose water nails' or classic milk nails, these subtle manicures tap into the 'quiet luxury' movement, and feel elevated and fresh for summer and beyond.
Amelia Bell is the Multiplatform Beauty Director for ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar, developing beauty strategy, writing, editing, and commissioning, and leading beauty content across both sites. Amelia has a particular interest in wellness and longevity, exploring the skin-mind connection, and decoding the latest treatments, tweakments and runway trends. She also has bylines for Women's Health, Refinery29, British Vogue, Harrods Magazine, and more.
