Princess Diana's Favorite Manicure Is A Chic Classic
Similar to the understated nail polish worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II for over 30 years, Princess Diana preferred classy nails. Aside from Diana's favorite red nail polish, the princess' other signature look was a chic French manicure. Princess Di was often spotted wearing frosted white tips that looked every bit as elegant as you would imagine when complemented by her high-end wardrobe and sharp fashion sense.
It seems fitting that Princess Diana returned to such a timeless style of nails time and time again, as a French manicure leaves a pristine, picture-perfect impression that flatters all nail shapes and sizes. "French nails make your fingers longer and more beautiful. It's like magic," celebrity nail artist Mei Kawajiri explained to The New York Times of the style.
Although the modern version of the French manicure often includes colorful upgrades, with trends such as the baby French manicure and monochrome French manicure popping up increasingly, there's something to be said about crisp, white tips and a subtle nude base on natural nails. Want to achieve these nails? Follow these tips to re-create Princess Di's look and pull off the pearlescent mani that's fit for a princess.
Start with a nude base
For royalty-worthy nails, make sure you take the time to prep your nails before applying your polish, as nothing can take away from fresh polish more than overgrown cuticles. If you use a cuticle remover solution during your manicure, remember to rinse your hands to wash off the harsh chemicals. "Many cuticle removers contain high-pH chemicals like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide that can irritate your skin, so you'll want to avoid getting this on your skin and leaving it on too long," Kelley Baker, the founder of The Nail Executive, explained to Well + Good.
Next, buff your nails to even out the surface for a smooth polish application. Once your nails are ready for polish, begin by swiping on a thin layer of base coat. Next, apply a sheer or nude polish to medium-length nails. Princess Diana always kept her nails trimmed and even — never too long. For her classic white tips, she always squared off her nails to follow the traditional French manicure look. To achieve Princess Di's pearly finish, try a shimmery or pink-tinted nail polish.
Paint your smile lines
Painting clean tips can feel tedious, but there are thankfully tips and tricks to make the process much easier. For instance, feel free to use store-bought stencil tape or even a DIY hack to create your own stencil to help simplify this step. Another way to create straight lines is to purchase a stamping tool, which is a lifesaver for those with shaky hands. If shaky hands aren't an issue, you can always free-hand the smile lines and go in with a micro detail brush to sharpen the edges.
Finish the manicure with a swipe of top coat and some nail polish remover to clean the surrounding skin, and then dry or cure the final layer. For healthy nails and cuticles, add a drop of nail oil to each finger, and then you're done. Complement your fresh mani with dainty accessories and a Princess Diana-inspired outfit for a complete royal experience. (We'll take a French and a revenge dress, please!)