Can you look polished with bare nails?

[Sisternew]

Shellac ruins my nails and I can’t keep normal varnish looking nice.

Im hoping to smarten up and look more elegant / polished but most people I see with that look have a lovely neutral manicure!

OPI Nail Envy does the job for me. It's matte and very subtle.

I rarely notice people's nails to be honest so I personally think you can.

Yes! Just keep them clean and tidy, take care of cuticles, buff them to a sheen.

I think natural nails - if healthy and shaped, filed etc - look more sophisticated than anything to be honest. There are some breathable clear polishes you can buy for a slick of shine. I think quite a few people are heading in that direction, and i say that as someone who has had shellac'd nails for years and all the kit/training

I've got a problem with a recurring nail fungus so can't wear any sort of varnish atm. I find buffing them regularly keeps them looking shiny and fresh.

Buff them so they are shiny or use a nail glow like Diors

Try a BIAB manicure (builder in a bottle). You can just have the builder gel which comes in a range of neutrals or have a colour on top.

It will strengthen your nails and make them grow rather than ruin them. Also it lasts for weeks.

Dior Nail Glow is the answer

Yes, natural nails manicure is also a thing - coming in for full mani with no polish every 2-3 weeks.

I only notice nail if they are long nails/ coloured nails. I don't think it's attractive.

Clean, even, filed ends (not that long -ugh) and no need for polish.

Buff them

I keep mine short, well cared for, and rarely wear polish. My feet are a different story, monthly pedicure and bright red polish

I always think natural nails look far more elegant than polished. I suppose it assumes that the person takes care of them on a daily basis.

Another vote for Dior Nail Glow. Nicely shaped and buffed nails are lovely, the nail glow adds a little extra sheen and hint of pink.

Any alternatives to nail glow? Just priced it up!! Yikes

Of course you can.

I don't think about my nails, I cut them sometimes and that's it

People with fake nails, especially long ones, gross me out - I can't see how you keep them clean or use your hands properly

Have you tried gel? I have a home kit and stick to a nude colour.

I wouldn’t recommend BIAB, it wrecks a lot of people’s nails, and contrary to the claims it strengthens, it doesn’t. I think it’s very rare people have a good experience with it.

I second the Dior Glow. Though you can get cheaper versions. Nails Inc do a dupe, as do Essie.

@Polkadotpjs I've recently bought OPI natural. Two polishes, one very like the dior one, and one a very pale pink

https://www.nailsinc.com/Mobile/en/gb/Glowing-My-Way-Glow-Enhancing-Nail-Perfector-Polish/m-m-3370.aspx?PartnerID=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-Lrb9IX7_wIVx8ztCh3CMgttEAQYASABEgJYjfD_BwE&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=UnitedKingdom

https://www.lookfantastic.com/essie-nail-care-hard-to-resist-nail-strengthener-pink-tint-13.5ml/13496188.html?affil=thggpsad&switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&thg_ppc_campaign=71700000111449746&adtype=pla&product_id=13496188&gbraid=0AAAAAD-fXirxfvsZWEDg3rSesS6ilU5RR&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqejZk4b7_wIVhLPtCh1gvAajEAQYAiABEgLhYvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Essie Hard to Resist is good.

You need gardeners in your life, OP! Nails encrusted with soil, fingers festooned with plasters, cheeks a rosy glow, freckles scattered haphazardly, a misting of fresh sweat. You will always feel 'polished' by comparison.

Rimmel nail strengthener polish is really good. A very pale pink colour, very shiny and kind of tough. I think it looks much more polished than chipped coloured nail varnish