Another week, another influx of Zendaya beauty looks taking over our feeds (and I’m definitely not complaining). Most recently, the actor pulled double duty on the press tours for The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, serving up everything from ethereal goddess to moody gothic all in the same week. While the two aesthetics couldn't have been more different, they had one thing in common: the same manicure.
Zendaya wore satin nails for both appearances, proving the chic style is the go-with-anything sheer manicure of the moment. Not only is it fitting for red carpets, but it’s also a great pick for summer. Thanks to the neutral pink hue and glossy finish, the look complements everything from breezy sundresses and linen sets to wedding guest looks, making it the ideal manicure to wear well into September.
What are satin nails?
Satin nails are a soft pink-to-neutral manicure inspired by the luxe finish of a silky fabric. The look combines a sheer wash of pale pink with a shiny finish that’s less reflective than chrome, but glossier than a classic creamy polish. The finish mirrors the subtle sheen of your favorite slip dress, silk pillowcase, or luxe robe.
How to recreate satin nails
There are three key elements to the perfect satin manicure: a clean canvas, the right polish, and a glossy finish. Start by clipping, filing, shaping, and buffing your nails to your preferred shape. Because satin nails rely on a sheer tint of color rather than bold pigment, your natural nail does a lot of the work. Taking the time to smooth and prep your nails will make the subtle finish look even more elevated.
Next, choose a hue that captures the satin-esque effect you’re trying to achieve. Whether you want your manicure to resemble a pair of pink ballet slippers or a silky slip dress, you can’t go wrong with a pink shade that’s both sheer and milky (shop some of our favorite shades below). And if you want more of a neutral finish (like Zendaya’s), start with one or two coats of white polish as a base, then layer on a sheer pink shade to create that muted creamy effect.
To complete the look, seal everything in with a high-shine top coat. The extra layer of gloss is what gives satin nails their signature “your nails but better” effect, adding a silky sheen.
Satin Nail Polishes
OPI Nail Lacquer Bare My Soul
essie Nail Polish Skinny Dip
Manucurist Active Smooth Nail Polish
Why Trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmo who covers all things nails—from the latest color trends to new polish launches.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
