Nicole Kidman, 59, is known for her ageless beauty, and her appearance at this year's Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show showcased a fresh, youthful polish – in every sense. The actress accessorised her crisp white shirt with a 'cashmere coconut' mani, giving a flattering, ageless touch to her hands.
Nicole's effortless, my-nails-but-better polish has been a topic of conversation across social media, with viewers impressed by the clean, chic effect. So, how can someone who doesn’t have access to a celebrity manicurist achieve the look?
The first thing to know about the cashmere coconut nail trend is that it’s all about understated luxury. 'Think soft, creamy, milky-white tones with a delicate, glossy finish that makes nails look effortlessly polished and healthy,' says Thea Green MBE, founder of Nails.INC. 'The coconut element comes from that beautiful, sheer, milky shade, while the cashmere element is all about the soft, smooth, almost velvety appearance.'
Not only does this sort of radiant nail shade go with every outfit, it's especially flattering to mature hands.
'Healthy-looking nails can make the hands appear fresher and more polished overall. When nails look dull, stained or dehydrated, it can make the hands appear less cared for.’ says celebrity nail guru Leighton Denny. 'Glossy, illuminated shades are great for helping the nails catch the light in a really soft way, which instantly makes the hands look fresher and smoother,’ he adds.
A good option is his lightest Nail Illuminator shade. ‘Milky White gives a soft, clean, milky finish that brightens the nail and creates a fresh, minimalist look,’ he says.
To get the cashmere coconut look, you’ll want to begin with nail prep, then move on to colour and application. 'Start by filing your nails into a soft oval or gently rounded shape,' Thea says. 'This helps create that elegant, natural-looking finish.'
Next, she advises selecting a nail colour that is a sheer milky white or nude, noting that a more opaque or bright white hue will not give you the intended results. “Apply one thin coat of your chosen shade and allow it to dry before applying a second,” she says. “You want to build the color gradually to create that soft, coconut-milk effect while still allowing a little of the natural nail to show through.”
Finish off your nails with a bit of nourishing cuticle oil and you’re all set. 'The result should look creamy and luminous rather than glittery or overly pearlescent,' Thea says.
