People usually travel to New York for a variety of reasons: for incredible pizza, for unforgivably expensive coffee, and, of course, to observe and absorb beauty trends from across the Atlantic. This time, one of them was literally impossible to miss — the old money aesthetic.
What is an old money manicure?
It's a very specific manicure: short nails covered in translucent milky pink polish, mostly round or softly square in shape. If you imagine the ideal image of a “super-clean girl,” this is it.
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The old-money manicure (a close relative of the so-called princess nails) is built on restraint and simplicity. Unlike other summer trends, there is no complex design or bright colors. Just a soft pink, as clean and well-groomed as possible look – exactly the kind that Tom Wamsgans from the TV series “The Heirs “ would probably approve of. With such nails, it is quite appropriate to go to the opera.
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Old money manicure from New York
“New York women love a glossy, elegant manicure,” confirms Lucy Woodall, a British woman who moved to New York last year and lives in NoHo. “Salons like Mellow Bar in Greenwich Village have started offering very limited shade variations that give an almost invisible finish—perfect for this effect.”
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How to do an old money manicure
There are a few important nuances to this manicure. To make it look modern and not too “wedding-like”, you should choose shades with a creamy, milky, slightly translucent effect. They should resemble a perfect pink soap bubble, not a thick, opaque pastel polish.
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As with any quality manicure, preparation is crucial. Neat shape, well-groomed nails, and cuticle work significantly affect the result. Even if the cuticle is not trimmed (some experts advise avoiding this due to the risk of irritation), careful pushing back and polishing the nail plate helps visually lengthen the nail bed and create a harmonious shape.
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Manicurists advise brushing your nails with a soft brush and warm soapy water – this helps remove small pieces of dry skin that can ruin the fresh look of your manicure.
And finally, cuticle oil. Although it is often perceived as an additional step rather than a necessity, it can extend the effect of a fresh manicure for several days and maintain a well-groomed appearance.
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Based on material from: Vogue.co.uk