Princess Nails Give Short Nails a New Lease on Life

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Princess Nails Give Short Nails a New Lease on Life featured image
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With the price of everything on the rise these days, booking a nail appointment for a set of long acrylics might feel a little over-indulgent. But if you’re stretching out salon visits or re-investing in the at-home mani, you don’t have to give up your clean girl, soapy nails! Enter princess nails, the latest trend giving short nails a moment to shine!

What are princess nails?

The key to this look is a short natural nail. Rather than going for mid to long nails, princess nails are proof that you don’t need a lot of length to deliver elegance. Regal nail colors like soft white, nude and even subtle shimmers come to life on short, neatly trimmed nails.

But that’s not the only reason this look gained the princess title! It’s actually a go-to manicure for the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton. The short-but-clean style offers a classic elegance that doesn’t interfere with your daily life the way some longer nails can. The soft, soap nails color palette keeps your hands looking fresh and neat, and they’re real-life princess-approved.

Princess Nails Inspo Gallery

From basic nude polishes to micro French tips and minimalist art, you can easily make princess nails your own.

Princess Nails Must-Have Shades

No matter what design you choose, princess nails require a subtle, understated palette. These adored shades are the perfect blend of simple and playful.

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Londontown Perfecting Nail Veil in Dusty Rose ($20)

When you want your nails but better, Nail Veil is where to look. This soft rose shade is ultra-wearable and translates beautifully from day duties to a kingly court.

londontown kur-perfecting nail veil in dusty rose
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Essie in Ballet Slippers ($10)

She’s a classic shade for a reason! Ballet Slippers is known for its crisp pale pink, making it a perfect shade for subtly enhanced nails.

Essie Ballet Slippers
Essie Ballet Slippers
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Manicurist Paris in Milky White ($14)

The milky manicure is ever-popular, and on short nails, the effect is classic and clean. Combine it with a stronger white for a tone-on-tone French manicure!

Manicurist Paris in Milky White
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OPI Rapid Dry in All Touchy Feely ($10)

Princess nails don’t have to be boring! Just reach for a gorgeous pink shimmer like All Touchy Feely for a stand-out solo shade or layer it over a bolder pink for a pearlescent look with major impact.

OPI Rapid Dry in All Touchy Feely

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