Nails That Are “Chic, But Not Trying Too Hard,” Backstage At Louise Goldin

Marian Newman is no stranger to the high-stakes game of finger-painting. The nail artist, who has created pro tips everywhere from Donna Karan and Giles to Missoni and McQueen, has been setting backstage trends for the better part of two decades, including our favorite Spring manicure moment: In a season filled with nude lacquers, Newman’s ombré-red “blood and tears” manicure backstage at Gareth Pugh in October nearly took our breath away. “Staying chic but not trying too hard is more what I’m into these days,” Newman explained of her stance on nail culture backstage at Louise Goldin’s Fall presentation today, where she went with a “monochrome French” manicure using MAC Nail Lacquer in Coffee Break, a light mocha. The secret to “adding a little something” to a plain old two-coat polish job without venturing too far into avante-garde territory? A play on texture, not color or design, according to Newman, who created a “soft, powdery” matte finish on the taupe-y varnish before adding a “hard edge” with a thin slick of MAC Overlaquer, a glossy topcoat, along the top of the nail. Do try this one at home.