If you’re a regular NewBeauty reader, you might have caught our recent coverage of Rihanna seemingly going makeup-free to encourage her followers to wear sunscreen. While that news took center stage (because, honestly, have you seen her skin?), it’s time to shift the spotlight to another standout detail from the campaign photos: her “clean nails.” If you’re new to the nail trend, it’s more than just having well-groomed nails. The sophisticated look is all about subtlety, with a clear or sheer polish that enhances your nails, like a your-lips-but-better shade of lip gloss.
Fortunately for us, celebrity manicurist Kim Truong shared the exact products she used to bring Rihanna’s manicure to life. “Nothing beats a clean nail,” she wrote in the Instagram caption, noting that she used all Mia Secret products, including the Luxury Base & Top Coat, BioBuilder Gel Clear, and “one very sheer coat of” Gelux Gel Polish in White Peony.
Rihanna’s’ ‘Clean Nails’
“Clean nails” are a close cousin to the nearly naked nail trend, which involves using a polish that subtly enhances your natural nail color. The best part? You can wear them year-round, and chips are far less noticeable. “Classic nude nails are timeless!” said celebrity nail artist Sarah Chue in an interview with NewBeauty. “Options could range from sheer, jelly, milky, pinky, beige, creamy-white, or opaque. Nude is not a seasonal color—it’s great for any occasion!”
If you’re inspired to go for a Rihanna-inspired manicure, consider celebrity nail artist Rita Remark’s shade recommendation. She suggests choosing a polish two shades lighter or darker than your natural skin tone. “Doing so will avoid mannequin-like hands,” she says. “For example, if you have a foundation shade that you love, make sure your nail color is two shades darker or lighter. You can also use your mother’s trick. If silver jewelry looks good on you, you have cool undertones. Therefore, you should opt for cooler blue tones and neutrals with a cool pink or gray undertone. If gold jewelry looks good, you have warmer undertones. Opt for neutral shades with more peachy, sandy or apricot undertones. If gold or silver looks good, odds are you have neutral skin tones and can get away with anything.”
Think Rihanna’s polish is your perfect match? Keep scrolling to shop her exact nail combo.
Shop Rihanna’s ‘Clean Nail’ Look
