Now that Jennifer Lopez has gotten an American manicure, everyone else is sure to follow suit. Because the multihyphenate has always been a beauty trendsetter, and this trend is an especially chic take on the classic French manicure.
It’s also very minimalist and peak quiet luxury, both of which continue to conquer contemporary style. From clean makeup to the glazed donut nails that Hailey Bieber made the most searched beauty trend on TikTok, it’s clear that the “less is more” rule is here to stay.
Following the same subtly chic technique, J.Lo stole the spotlight with the ultrasophisticated mani. The “On the Floor” and “Waiting for Tonight” singer posed for her manicurist Tom Bachik (whose clients also include Selena Gomez and Camila Cabello), sporting an American manicure that perfectly matched her tight Dolce & Gabbana dress thanks to its nude base.
As for what the American manicure looks like? Unlike the classic French manicure, it’s much more lenient in terms of design texture. Not at all strict, it allows variation in the shades of finishes.
You can go for a milky design like Jennifer Lopez’s, or change the neutral tones for vibrant colors. In fact, one of the main characteristics of the American manicure is how daring and revolutionary it can be without losing its elegance.
Ahead, see our favorite ways to wear the American manicure.
American Manicure Inspiration
Balletcore
The details always make all the difference, and this balletcore mani is certainly no exception. If you’re looking to give your nails a cool touch, opt for adding pearls.
The French manicure tends to favor a more rounded nail edge, while the American variant uses a more square shape, giving the nails a more eye-catching and modern result.
Coffee nails
Coffee and espresso shades are more present than ever in beauty these days (see latte makeup), and such is the certainly the case with coffee nails. Match your favorite drink with your manicure and change the white tone of the tips for a soft brown that blends with your transparent base.
Square design
Another option is to choose a darker, less transparent base, leaving a curved white line at the tips as the protagonist. For an American manicure vibe, leave the tips square.
As noted above, the French manicure tends to file the nail in a round shape. In the American manicure however, the nail is cut square, giving a fresher look.
This article first appeared on Glamour México y Latinoamérica.
