The ABCs of Clean Nails
Where does the Clean Girl style come from?
Like most trends these days, the clean girl aesthetic found its spotlight on social media. If you're feeling a bit lost, no worries—we’ve got you covered: the “Clean Girl Aesthetic” is all about an effortless, well-groomed look with a dewy-fresh complexion, makeup that looks barely there, sleek hair, and of course, perfectly polished natural nails. This vibe fits right in with the "quiet luxury" trend, where quality takes precedence over anything showy. That means no loud colors or over-the-top nail art—instead, it’s all about glossy finishes, translucent shades and immaculate nails that feel polished, refined and natural. This elegant manicure style works on both short and long nails, making it a go-to look for any season or outfit. It’s simple to achieve, but it all starts with the right prep. Keep reading—we’re sharing all the tips you’ll need 😉
Perfect prep is everything
The secret to clean nails? It’s all in the prep! Sure, we say this about every manicure, but in this case, it really is non-negotiable. Clean nails mean no jagged edges, no messy cuticles—just sleek shapes and tidy contours. So, let’s get started with the ultimate routine:
- Start by filing your nails using a natural nail file to create a balanced shape (oval, round, square... not sure? Check out our guide to finding the right nail shape for your hands).
- Soften your cuticles with a little Effective Emollient, then gently push them back using a wooden stick or a cuticle pusher.
- Buff the surface of your nails with a buffer sponge for a smooth canvas.
- Finish by cleansing and removing any grease with the Green™ Nail Cleanser or the Green Flash™ Gentle Remover.
And just like that, your natural nails are perfectly prepped—essential for flawless clean girl nails. Plus, by smoothing out the nail surface, you're helping your polish adhere better and last longer. A little prep goes a long way in making your manicure truly shine!
A 100% clean manicure
Embrace the clean trend inside and out—not just in how your nails look, but in the formulas you choose to create your clean girl nails. With Manucurist, you're choosing non-toxic polish formulas, free from HEMA (a known allergen), endocrine disruptors, and always vegan and cruelty-free. Plus, they’re made from over 80% bio-sourced ingredients. These polishes protect your hands without compromising on quality—think vibrant color, glossy shine, and long wear. The result? Clean nails that are just as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside.
Clean nails made easy with the Active™ range
Want a clean manicure that looks stunning *and* cares for your nails? Meet your new go-to: Active™ treatment polishes. These innovative all-in-one hybrids—part makeup, part nail care—have already won over the top nail artists at couture houses like Chloé, Acne, Courrèges and Schiaparelli. Super easy to use, they go straight onto bare nails, no base or top coat required, dry in the air, and remove effortlessly with a gentle acetone-free remover.
Active Smooth: the ultimate for a flawless manicure
Dreaming of a CC cream for your nails—one that smooths ridges, evens out the surface and adds a natural glow in a single swipe? Your wish is granted with Active Smooth, a CC-effect treatment polish that doubles as a smoothing base. With up to 75.5% bio-sourced ingredients and high-performance actives, it deeply nourishes the nail. Available in four shades—rosy, beige, golden and bronze—it suits every skin tone and delivers an effortlessly polished finish. A tailored result that lovers of nude nails and soap nails will adore!
(@agatm.nails, @nailsbysylvievacca)
Active Layering: mix, match and create your own look!
Want to level up your clean manicure? Try layering with Active™ treatment polishes. Start with Active Smooth as your base, then add one or two coats of other Active™ shades to build up your own custom finish. Here are a few of our favorite combos:
- Active Smooth + Active Bright for a subtle brightening boost and delicate shine.
- Active Smooth + Active Shine to create luminous pearl nails.
- Active Smooth + Active Glow Raspberry or Grape for a soft rosy mirror-shine—just perfect for stunning soap nails.
- Active Smooth + Active Plump, the first treatment polish enriched with natural collagen, for a plumping effect and a delicate baby-pink glow.
Feel free to experiment with different Active™ combinations and double up on coats to intensify shades and effects until you achieve your perfect clean look.
What’s your favorite Active™ combo?
The perfect polish shades
Clean girl nails can be created with both classic polish and Gel Polish. The one golden rule? Always start with well-prepped natural nails. Then, it’s all about the shades. Here’s a curated selection of polish colors from our Green™ and Green Flash™ ranges to help you nail the clean look.
Translucent polish picks
Milky White: the ultimate milky, sheer polish for perfect white nails. Soft and airy, it evokes the purity of sheer tulle—an ideal bridal polish.
Hortencia: a delicate sheer pink that enhances your natural nails—a must-have base for flawless soap nails.
Pale Rose: a translucent pale pink with a hint of beige, perfect for a trendy no-makeup-manicure finish.
Beige: a crystal-clear nude polish that flatters every skin tone and adds depth to shorter nails.
(@matejanova)
Soft pinks & nude tones
Pastel Pink: an opaque, creamy pastel pink that delivers a chic, Selena-Gomez-worthy manicure.
Dune: a beige polish with pink and peachy undertones, inspired by sunlight dancing on sand—ideal for a clean and minimalist vibe.
Shell Beige: a soft, creamy pink-beige, the perfect in-between shade—think latte meets delicate blush.
Minimalist nail art: subtle details that make all the difference
Want to elevate your clean nails look without going overboard? Go for understated nail art with simple, refined designs. Here are a few minimalist nail art ideas that are easy to recreate:
Mini French: a delicate white tip painted using the nail art liner brush and Snow, over a base of Active Glow Raspberry for soft, structured nails.
Tiny Dots: sweet and simple, these small white dots are created with the dotting tool and Snow over Milky White for a minimalist graphic touch that perfectly complements your clean nails.
Glazed effect: add a glossy, pearly finish to your Hortencia base with Pink Glazed powder for an ultra-glowy finish inspired by Hailey Bieber’s iconic look.
(@look8thenails, @matejanova)
The clean nails trend is more than just a manicure—it’s a mindset: simplicity, care and elegance. For that effortless chic finish, all you need is thoughtful prep, non-toxic polish, and soft, natural shades. It’s time to embrace clean nails, your way!
