Rich-girl style has made its way into every part of our lives, from our old money clothes to our choice of perfume. It’s only natural that we would want our nails to look fancy and expensive, too.
Celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik, who has worked with stars like Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez, came up with the term “rich-girl nails.” He tells InStyle that it means “perfectly manicured, perfectly polished, medium-long to long, full-coverage nude nails.” The vibe is “fresh, clean, and understated, but deliberate.” Bachik says that nude is his favourite colour for rich-girl nails, but we think rich jewel tones, dark berries, and even tortoiseshell prints would look great too (Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy often used tortoise accessories in her famous looks).
Get to know the expert
Tom Bachik is a famous manicurist who started the rich-girl nails trend. Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez are two of his famous clients.Rich-girl nails don’t stand out. Instead, the mani lets the understated vibe be what really stands out. So, yes, you can do rich-girl nails even if you don’t have a super-exclusive credit card or a lot of money in the bank.
Keep reading for Bachik’s advice on how to get this look at home or at your favourite salon, as well as 10 classy ideas to use as inspiration.
How to Get Nails Like a Rich Girl
Bachik says that how you shape and file your nails is the first step to getting rich-girl nails. He says that the classic rich-girl nail is long and filed into a tapered square shape, which makes your fingers look longer. This shape is a mix of a coffin and a square shape.
Form and Prepare
First, get a manicure set. Use the file to make the free edge of the nail straight across. Then, keeping the sides straight, gently angle the file from the sides toward the tip to make the tape.
Next is your neutral colour, Polish. Bachik really likes the Essie colour “Topless and Barefoot” and the Aprés Nails colour “Forgotten Film.” Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Taupe Priority is another great choice.
Topless and Barefoot Essie Nail Polish
Forgotten Film’s Aprés Gel Colour
Taupe Priority Top Coat from Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish
After you’ve picked out your favourite nail polish, add a thick, shiny topcoat. And make sure to keep your hands moist with a good moisturiser.
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The OG
This is the classic neutral look that started it all for Jennifer Lopez. It has medium-length square tips and a glossy, bare-nail colour that is almost exactly the same as her skin tone.
Extra Nude
Choose a sheer pink if you want to keep it extra sheer and stay true to the colour of your nail. If your nails can handle it, try ballerina colours, jelly pinks, or even just a clear coat. This is what your nails look like, but better.
Glazed Finish
If you want your rich-girl nails to shine even more, give them a glazed finish. This is a current favourite of wealthy A-listers like Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Beyoncé.
Bare Base
This almost-bare nail is a simple and understated way to give the milk-bath nail trend a rich look. This mani has a light pink colour, but you could also use peachy undertones to match your skin.
Hedges that have been cut
A reflective, cat-eye finish makes green nails look even more lush. Gold chrome vines creep across the nail bed, making it look like a big lawn with perfectly trimmed rose bushes.
Cocoa Glaze
A deep, rosy-brown colour makes skin look like it just got back from vacation. These look especially soft with a chrome finish and a long, tapered length.
Marbled Bordeaux
A deep berry nail colour will never go out of style. Add some marble accent nails to the dark polish to make it more fun and stand out from a sea of solid manicures.
Bangle Nails
Bangle nails are the newest trend in maximalist nails. They often have a lot of jewels and chrome on them because they look like the bracelet they are named after. The rich design goes well with the simple burgundy French tip.
Tortoiseshell Glass
Sunglasses and hair accessories with tortoiseshell rims are must-haves for stylish girls. The pattern looks just as good on nails. For a more realistic, glass-like look, try a cat-eye finish.
Ten of twelve soft dots
Polka dots on pale pink chrome nails and a grey jumper sleeve. Blush polish stays sweet and low-key, while the white polka dots add a touch of fun that you won’t notice unless you get really close. They have a polished oval shape and a glazed chrome finish.
Navy Torties
Navy and tortoiseshell nails with gold rings and a cream jumper sleeve @staceymachin Navy and tortoiseshell are the perfect preppy mix.This is the manicure of someone who spends the summer at a hidden beach house and the winter between a ski chalet and a tropical vacation spot.
Simple Stripes
Stripes are a classic look for both manicures and boatneck tops. Here, vertical white lines break up a base of metallic, smoky topaz.
