BB Cream Nails Are the New Neutral on the Block
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Over the last few months, nail trends have fallen squarely into two categories: simple and timeless or over-the-top and maximalist. The latest manicure to have its time in the sun falls firmly in the latter category. Chic, classic, and decidedly minimal, you'll want to make room on your Pinterest boards for this one. Say hello, to BB-cream nails.
"BB cream comes the world of skin care — the moisturizing tinted creams cover up blemishes and redness. They're perfect to throw on and go," manicurist Sarah Chue tells PS. "Just like those balms for the skin, the same qualities apply to bb cream nails."
Ahead, Chue explains everything you should know about BB cream nails, including how to get the look, how they differ from other neutral nail trends, and the best nail shapes that complement the look.
Experts Featured in This Article
Sarah Chue is a celebrity nail artist at Exclusive Artists based in Los Angeles.
What Are BB-Cream Nails?
Think of some of your favorite minimalist nail trends, like "rich girl" nails or beige manicures, and take them up a notch. "BB cream nails are lush, glossy, semi-sheer, nude-toned nails that seemingly blend from your skin tone to your nails, covering any imperfections the nail may have," Chue says. "Like a real BB cream, the color that you choose should help you achieve coverage for ridges or any other imperfections of the nail, just like the skin."
How to Get BB Cream Nails
Getting BB cream nails should be pretty straightforward — you just need a sheer, neutral color that complements your skin tone. Some of Chue's favorites include the Manucurist Active Glow Treatment Polish ($16) in Raspberry, the brand's CC Polish from the same line, Orly's Nourishing Nude ($8), and OPI's Bare My Soul ($12). We're also big fans of the Gel Bottle's Dune ($19).
"For this trend, you could choose any nail shape that you desire," Cheu says. "As a personal preference, I'd go for a more natural shape like rounded or almond nails." What really differentiates this trend from others is the "no-makeup, makeup" aspect of it. It's supposed to look like you barely have anything on your nails while still being a complementary enough tone for it to not look like a stark neutral against your skin.
Ready for your BB cream era? We gathered some of our favorite versions of the trend, ahead.
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Brown BB Cream Nails
Even though these polishes are supposed to be sheer, the tones can vary. This version has a slight brown tint that beautifully complements warmer undertones.
Pearly BB Cream Nails
If you want to take them up a notch, your BB cream nails can have a pearlescent finish, much like the glazed-doughnut manicure. Just make sure that the base color remains a sheer, neutral shade.
Short BB Cream Nails
BB Cream nails don't have to be super long to be impactful. In fact, we'd argue that the shorter they are, the better.
Cool-Toned BB Cream Nails
If you prefer more cool-toned nails, a sheer lavender would look beautiful on a variety of skin tones.
BB Cream Nails With Nails Art
Even though Chue prefers to opt out of nail art altogether with this trend, should you decide to add some, make sure the designs don't take away from the look of the natural nail.
Warm-Pink BB Cream Nails
A sheer warm-pink shade is the perfect color for any skin tone when opting for BB cream nails. It makes the natural nail look flushed and healthy.
Ariel Baker is the associate editor for PS Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.