Nude nails, it’s the vaguest of trends that covers a multitude of colours: beige, caramel, ballet-shoe pink, creamy peach, mushroom, mocha (we could go on). But what’s a girl to do when muted starts to feel meh?

The clever thing about nude nail polish is that it flatters hands by giving the appearance of longer fingers (not that we have anything against short fingers, natch). It also makes a great neutral base for delicate nail art designs (stunning example by Hang Nguyen below) and looks incredible alternated with a glittery accent nail on long acrylics. Prefer a no-fuss, high-shine vibe? Try some gel nude nails on coffin-shaped acrylics for added drama. Tracy Lee demonstrates how good a matte finish looks when using multiple beige shades for a pretty gradient effect. And props to Townhouse for their clever wet-look design.

We searched Instagram for the best nude nail looks and threw all our bright nail polishes in the bin (not really, that would be wasteful). Enjoy.

1. Touch of sparkle

Add a scattering of sparkle above your cuticles to brighten a nude mani.

2. Lilac lines

Pastel colours won’t stand out too hard on a nude background, creating a lovely is-it-there-or-is-it-not effect.

3. Metal Cuffs

A simple-but-chic gold strand along the bottom of each nail adds an interesting detail to an understated look.

4. Pastel Moons

Brighten up your cuticles with a flash of rainbow polish.

5. Foil Kisses

Rose-gold kisses add a little extra to your accent nail.

6. French lace

This bridal-inspired lace nail art gives a fresh take on the classic white french tip.

7. Wet look

Beige nails that got caught in the rain. The pros use a clear gel to create the droplets, you can use a clear at-home varnish.

8. Stitched up

So fun, yet so simple. Consider this one nail art for beginners.

9. Transparent tips

Who knew teaming nude nails with a clear acrylic stiletto tip could look so darn classy?

10. Cloud nine

*Public service announcement* Looking at these cloud-like nails will slow your breathing and make your shoulders drop.

Via Cosmopolitan Uk