My Secret to a Rich-Girl Manicure Is This Universally Flattering Nail Concealer

Quiet luxury, or understated elegance, has become popular lately (even for those of us who do not have Sophia Richie Grainge’s budget). Defining characteristics include timelessness and minimalism, whether through camel coats, cashmere T-shirts or loafers. It can even extend to nails. I like to say I’m a casual observer of the super-rich, and a dead giveaway of someone’s status can be “rich-girl” nails — aka long, filed nails in neutral shades (or even sometimes clear or no polish). 

Despite not having Gwenyth Paltrow’s budget, I do have access to a nail polish that can make me feel like her in spirit: Londontown’s Illuminating Nail Concealer, now available in a nude color called Bare. Just like previous colors of Londontown’s Illuminating Nail Concealer, the Bare shade delivers on an at-home manicure; the formula combines the best in color and care to make it look like you just left the nail salon. The pearlescent light reflectors give off a pleasant light shimmer. Porcelain flower extract and brighteners help neutralize yellowness and make your nails appear flawless, while a blend of oils and extracts like evening primrose oil and vitamin E nourish and moisturize them. 

The beige shade is universal — think of it as a color-correcting foundation or filter for your nails. Best of all, this can all be accomplished with only one coat that goes on smoothly and dries quickly. 

I shouted my love for Londontown’s Pink Illuminating Nail Concealer from the rooftops when it first came out — that is, when I was finally able to snag a bottle after it sold out repeatedly. However, I was hesitant to try the shade Bare. I have yellow undertones to my skin and I’ve struggled with nude-toned nail polishes in the past looking too orange. Given what I know about the pink shade, though, I should have known better.

While the Bare shade is so new that it hasn’t been reviewed yet, Amazon shoppers are in love with the overall concept of the Illuminating Nail Concealer. One person said “it’s the only nail polish” they’ve “ever reordered” because it’s “long-lasting,” “looks natural but polished,” and that their natural nails are “astonishingly healthier, smoother, stronger, [and] more even upon removal.” Another called it a “godsend” and their “favorite product on Amazon” thanks to how it fills their problematic nail “ridges smoothly without a separate base layer,” “doesn’t chip off much,” and “does illuminate the nail.” 

As someone on a budget (who can’t do my nails at home for anything), I promise you that Londontown’s Bare Illuminating Nail Concealer is an affordable and foolproof solution to a chic manicure.