Kim Kardashian Uses a Budget-Friendly Polish to Get Gorgeous Nails
Kim Kardashian isn’t exactly known for her low-key, budget-friendly style. The reality star and business mogul favors luxury fashion brands like Givenchy and Balenciaga and owns multiple versions of Hermès’ coveted Birkin bag. But one of her style secrets is accessible to the average person.
When it comes to her nails, the SKIMS founder has been known to paint on a coat of drugstore polish. Specifically, she wore Essie’s Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish in Fairy Tailor for a 2023 appearance at the Baby2Baby Gala in Los Angeles.
“We wanted to go with a perfect milky/sheer neutral shade that would complement the length and shape of Kim’s nails,” Kim’s nail artist Brittney Boyce told Who What Wear of the sheer pink shade.
Boyce paired the underlying color with a gel-effect top coat, which sealed Kim’s nails without the need to wait for a UV lamp to cure her tips.
You can purchase the same Essie shade along with the top coat at CVS for $22.79. Or grab the nail polish alone for $12.99 at Target.
Embracing a budget-friendly polish isn’t the only way Kardashian is setting nail trends. Annabelle Taurua, a beauty expert at Fresha, a global beauty and wellness booking platform, recently said that The Kardashians star could spark demand for a “Dalmation print” manicure after she was seen stepping out in a black-and-white spotted gown with two Dalmatians by her side at a Rome photo call for Hulu’s All’s Fair Season 2 in late October.
“Dalmatian print is a fun alternative to the animal-print manicures we’re used to seeing. Leopard and zebra prints have had their moment, but the classic black-and-white spots offer something fresh while still being easy to wear,” Taurua said in an email. “With the viral post of Kim Kardashian recently stepping out in a spotted gown alongside Dalmatians, it’s easy to see how the pattern is finding its way into the beauty conversation.”
Taurua also shared some tips for how to get a Dalmatian-inspired look for your own nails.
“To recreate the look, ask your nail technician for a white, milky or soft ivory base, then add small black spots using a fine nail-art brush or dotting tool. Keep the spots irregular in size and shape for a more natural finish,” she advised. “For a more understated manicure, try Dalmatian French tips with a nude or sheer base, or add the pattern to one or two accent nails. Short, rounded, or square nails create a playful, practical look, while longer almond-shaped nails offer more space to experiment with the spots.”
“For autumn, experiment with different finishes,” Taurus added. “A glossy top coat creates a classic, polished look, while a matte finish feels more modern. You could also swap pure white for creamy off-white for a softer effect.”
