How to Get Yara Shahidi's Sparkly Nude Emmys Manicure

Yara Shahidi has been known to take even the simplest fashion statement to the next level, and her manicure for the 2018 Emmy Awards is no exception. She hit the red carpet in classic nude nail polish with a sparkly twist, and the look is definitely worth copying for homecoming.

Her understated manicure for the big event was created by Essie artist Emi Kudo of Opus Beauty, who looked to Yara’s Gucci gown for a lead. "Yara’s gown this evening has a sparkle trim, which was really the inspiration behind her nail look,” she tells Teen Vogue. "A nude nail is always classic, but adding hint of “beat of the moment” gave the look a little added sparkle.”

To get the look, Emi started with Essie Clothing Optional as a base coat, which she notes is a "very creamy, natural brown shade that really complements Yara’s skin tone.” Then, she used Beat of the Moment from Essie’s new Concrete Glitters Collection (launching November 2018) to add subtle accents to Yara’s nails, alternating French tips and cuticle detailing on each hand.

According to Emi, we should expect to see a whole lot more of these sparkly nude nails as awards season gets into full swing. "We will definitely be seeing textured nails make a comeback!” she says. “Essie’s Concrete Glitters Collection will make creating texture designs so easy. It happens to be my new fall favorite!” Glitter nails made some notable appearances during New York Fashion Week on runways like Tibi, Kate Spade and and Tadashi Shoji, so finger bling like Yara's is definitely on trend.

To recreate the look for yourself, start with your base color (Emi loves Essie’s Going Steady, especially for big events like homecoming) and let it dry completely. Then, using a thin nail art brush, experiment with cuticle lines and French tips. "I find it easier to use a makeup blending palette or wax paper to lay the polish on instead of applying colors straight from the bottle when creating nail art,” says Emi. "You can then begin outlining both the cuticle lines and French tip lines — the nail art brush will make the precision and overall process easier!”

The fact that Yara could low-key be a hand model isn’t the only reason Emi enjoys working with her to create the perfect manicure. "I LOVE Yara’s uplifting vibrancy and positive attitude. She is truly amazing! She’s so full of wisdom and I find myself learning a lot from her,” she says. "As for her style, this is also impeccable — she tends to keep it very modern. She makes everything she wears look amazing!”

And yes — that includes her Emmys night manicure.

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