20 January 2024
Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec shares the latest red carpet nail trends and expert tips for achieving similar looks at home.
Red carpets have always been a source of inspiration for beauty enthusiasts, with A-list celebrities showcasing the latest trends in hair, makeup, and fashion. While the custom gowns may be out of reach for most, emulating the nail looks seen on the red carpet is easily achievable. This year’s red carpet nail trends include sheer pinks, glittery metallics, and reflective reds, and celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec is here to share the secrets behind these stunning looks. In addition to creating nail designs for stars like Emily Blunt and Jessica Chastain, Kandalec is also leading a campaign to give credit to manicurists in awards season coverage. Let’s dive into the top celebrity nail trends of 2024 and learn how to recreate them at home.
Shimmery Finishes:
In 2024, nail trends are going beyond colors and embracing textures and finishes as trends themselves. According to Kandalec, sparkly, glittery, and metallic shades are in high demand. For the Golden Globes, Kandalec painted a glittery rose gold Gel Bottle polish on Emily Blunt’s fingertips, complementing the reflective embroidery on her Alexander McQueen gown. To achieve a similar look at home, Kandalec recommends KB Shimmer Nail Polish, which offers a wide range of glitters in various colors. The key to a smooth finish with these textured polishes is to apply a heavier top coat or multiple layers to create a polished surface.
Sheer Pinks:
Sheer tones and nearly nude polishes are also gaining popularity, providing a clean and elegant base for colorful dresses and statement jewelry. Kandalec used Peacci Brand’s Janes Jewels polish, a semi-sheer soft pink with flecks of gold, for Jessica Chastain’s Emmy Awards manicure. For a similar look at home, Kandalec suggests Peacci Nail Polish in Jane’s Jewels, a baby pink shade with subtle gold flakes. Another option is Essie Nail Polish in Mademoiselle, a classic sheer pink that gives the appearance of a fresh buff manicure with added shine.
Reflective Reds:
Red is always a classic choice, but this year it’s getting a twist with a reflective finish. Kandalec explains that layering metallic polishes underneath red tones creates a unique and eye-catching effect. For the Critics Choice Awards, Kandalec used two shades of Chanel Le Vernis polish to create a candy apple red manicure for Emily Blunt. She applied a coat of true gold polish followed by two coats of cherry red, allowing the metallic gold to shine through. To achieve a similar look, Kandalec recommends Chanel Le Vernis in Pirate, a cherry red polish with a reflective finish. Another option is OPI Nail Lacquer in I’m Really an Actress, a ruby-toned polish with swirls of gold and red glitter for a dynamic and luminous effect.
Conclusion:
This awards season, nail trends are all about shimmer, sheer pinks, and reflective reds. Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec has shared her expert tips and favorite polishes to help you recreate these stunning looks at home. Whether you’re attending a special event or simply want to elevate your everyday style, these red carpet-inspired nail trends are sure to make a statement. Remember to credit the manicurists behind these designs and give recognition where it’s due. So go ahead, embrace the sparkle, embrace the elegance, and embrace the power of a perfectly polished nail.
