Goodbye polish, hello natural shine! The clean nails trend is here to stay, and for good reason: these days, we’re all about healthy, neat, luminous nails, without necessarily reaching for nail polish. Inspired by Japanese manicures and the clean nails trend, which champions a minimalist approach, bare, glossy, well-groomed nails are the new chic accessory. So, how can you make your nails shine without polish? We’ve created a 6-step at-home manicure routine that’s highly effective for naturally radiant nails.
Why choose natural nails without polish?
The strong comeback of natural beauty
In recent years, the clean aesthetic has taken over the beauty and fashion worlds, and manicures are no exception. The focus is now on the “bare nails” look, a minimal effect inspired by no make-up make-up and clean girl nails. The idea is simple: enhance your natural nails rather than covering them up with traditional polish or extensions. By using natural, bio-sourced products, you can both strengthen and showcase the nail’s natural beauty.
A nail care routine inspired by Japan
This bare nails routine is rooted in Japanese manicure techniques, which focus on nourishing care, gentle exfoliation and buffing. Instead of polish, the emphasis is on buffing and natural treatments to boost blood circulation, smooth the nail surface and reveal a natural shine. A holistic approach that’s like a true detox for your nails.
Bare, shiny nails: the new minimalist chic.
A care routine for all lifestyles
Going natural is also perfect when:
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You have a profession where polish isn’t practical, such as medical fields, early childhood care, catering or hairdressing.
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You want to let your nails breathe between Gel Polish applications, helping them grow stronger and healthier.
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You’re looking for a polish-free alternative, whether you have long or short nails. There’s no drying time or tricky application—just a few minutes for this at-home routine, leaving you with glossy natural nails and beautifully groomed hands.
A simple routine that works for every lifestyle and every pair of hands.
The key steps for naturally glossy nails
The Glossy Booster Duo: your new shine secret
At Manucurist, we’ve developed a complete care duo to instantly bring out the natural radiance of your nails. The Glossy Booster Duo is a smart, ultra-effective kit combining two essentials:
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Glycolic Peeling: a treatment enriched with AHA (glycolic & citric acids) and gluconolactone that gently exfoliates and lifts dead cells from the nail surface. Its formula is boosted with natural moisturising agents (vegetable glycerine and liquorice extract) to strengthen nails and reduce visible signs of ageing.
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The 3-way Buffer Sponge: compact, durable and effective, this multi-surface buffer smooths, polishes and brings out a mirror-like shine thanks to its three distinct sides (pale pink, white, bright pink).
All in a handy, travel-sized format for quick, easy nail care and a glossy finish wherever you are! Say hello to clean, polished nails—no polish required.
Glycolic Peeling and the 3-way Buffer: the perfect duo for natural nail shine.
Your step-by-step glossy routine
Step 1: Shape your nails
Start by filing your nails into a clean, even shape.
👉 How to: Oval, round, square—choose your favourite shape, but keep the edges smooth and even.
💡 Tip: Use fine-grain emery boards (180 grit) made from cardboard or glass, which are gentle on the nail matrix.
The first step to glossy nails: a neat, well-shaped outline.
Step 2: Care for your cuticles
A flawless manicure starts with neat contours. It’s time to give your cuticles some attention!
👉 How to: Soften your cuticles with a drop of Effective Emollient, then gently push them back using a steel cuticle pusher or a wooden stick.
💡 Tip: Repeat this care step once a week for tidy, healthy cuticles.
Well-groomed cuticles make all the difference.
Step 3: Exfoliate with Glycolic Peeling
The star of the Glossy Booster Duo: a fast-absorbing, fragrance-free gel that exfoliates gently, resurfaces and hydrates the nail.
👉 How to: Apply Glycolic Peeling to bare nails, massaging until fully absorbed. No need to rinse—the combination of AHA (glycolic and citric acids) and gluconolactone works gently to remove dead cells and prepare the nail for a brilliant shine.
A fresh start for your nails: Glycolic Peeling smooths, hydrates and reveals their natural glow.
Step 4: Buff the nail surface
Now it’s time for the buffer sponge, with each side playing a specific role.
👉 How to: Use the pale pink side to gently lift the nail scales, then switch to the white side to smooth out imperfections.
💡 Tip: Always buff in the same direction and with light pressure for maximum shine without weakening the nail.
Buff gently to smooth the surface and enhance light reflection.
Step 5: Polish for a glossy finish
This is the “final touch” that takes your nails to the next level.
👉 How to: Use the bright pink side of the buffer to seal the nail and amplify its shine.
💡 Tip: Use swift, light movements to bring out that mirror-like effect.
The final buff: seal the nail surface and reveal a high-gloss finish.
Step 6: Hydrate with plant oils
A well-hydrated nail is stronger—and naturally shinier. L’Huile Verte, with its blend of six plant oils (sweet almond, walnut, coconut, baobab, passion fruit and bancoulier oils), deeply nourishes both the nail matrix and cuticles.
👉 How to: Apply a few drops and massage until fully absorbed. Nails will feel smooth, glossy and revitalised.
The final step: nourish with L’Huile Verte for stronger, radiant nails.
Perform this glossy routine 2 to 3 times a week for a shine that lasts as long as Gel Polish!
Ready to embrace polish-free manicures? With the Glossy Booster Duo, your nails have never looked so good—naturally. Zero polish, 100% shine, 100% at-home manicure pleasure 💅
