Butter Yellow Is My New Neutral Nail Polish for Summer It’s unbelievable that it’s butter—not only the summertime hue on my nails, but also the colour of summer.
I should thank my manicurist. She does my distinctive manicure with surgical accuracy at every appointment—this is no exaggeration—she is a medical school student aspiring to be a surgeon: Sharp almond-shaped nails dipped in a traditional red colour. Recently, she said quietly that I should choose a new colour the next time, as she rubbed in one last drop of cuticle oil.
But what could be more ideal than a brilliant, shiny red? I enquired. The universe provided me with the following response: My mailbox was filled with a set of pastel yellow Posse linens; at Eleven Madison Park, there was a creatively formed slab of butter on the table; in the bathroom, my Oribe Hair Alchemy shampoo and conditioner bottles gleamed unusually brilliantly; and in Central Park, I noticed a golden flower. The message on every sign said, “Butter me—eh, my nails—up.”
And so I did, tiptoeing around. I went with SNS powder gel for my manicure since I’ve found it to be less harmful and last longer than standard gel; Essie is what I used for my pedicure. You have a sensual aura.
I’ve discovered that this subdued yellow is, well, subdued after wearing it for a week. plus, dare I say it, impartial. Experts concur: “Nail artist Jin Soon Choi tells me that butter yellow nails are a great alternative to nude shades,” and that it’s the ideal shade “for someone who wants to experiment with yellow but prefers something more understated.” Julia Diogo, a nail artist, concurs, stating that the colour is “easy to wear.”
Obtaining a glossy finish is the only significant difficulty. “An additional coat of polish can help achieve a more even and opaque finish, as some soft pastel shades come out uneven and streaky,” advises Choi. She applies thin coats, allowing a few minutes to dry between each application, to build up the colour gradually.
Although brands like Chanel and Londontown have lovely, velvety yellows (check them out below), you can still pull it off if you already own a brighter yellow polish. Just “a little bit of white into it to soften the colour slightly” is all Diogo proposes doing to give it that recently churned summer 2024 look.
Since you can definitely experiment with stronger, brighter yellows or very subtle, almost-cream colors, I’ve discovered that a pure butter yellow is my new summer neutral. I took another hint that this is the hue of the moment only last week when I saw a strapless Jacquemus butter (!) yellow (!) gown floating down the “runway” (really, it was the terrace of Casa Malaparte in Capri, Italy). I should get my nails buttered up again in two weeks.
The Allure of Butter Yellow
- Warm and Inviting: Butter yellow is a soft, creamy shade that exudes warmth and positivity. It’s reminiscent of sunny days, blooming flowers, and the simple joys of summer. This inviting hue is perfect for brightening up your look and adding a touch of cheer to your nails.
- Versatile Neutral: While traditional neutrals like nude, beige, and soft pink will always have their place, butter yellow offers a fresh alternative. It’s versatile enough to complement a wide range of outfits and occasions, making it an ideal choice for everyday wear.
- Universally Flattering: Butter yellow suits all skin tones, from fair to deep. Its warm undertones enhance the natural beauty of your hands and create a subtle yet striking effect. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a garden party, or the office, this shade will add a touch of elegance to your look.
How to Wear Butter Yellow Nail Polish Butter Yellow Is My New Neutral Nail Polish for Summer
1. Classic Butter Yellow
For a timeless and sophisticated look, opt for a simple, solid butter yellow manicure. This minimalistic approach highlights the beauty of the color itself and is perfect for those who prefer understated elegance. Here’s how to achieve the perfect butter yellow manicure:
- Prep Your Nails: Start by trimming and shaping your nails. Push back your cuticles and buff the surface of your nails to ensure a smooth base.
- Base Coat: Apply a base coat to protect your nails and provide a solid foundation for the polish.
- Apply Butter Yellow Polish: Apply two coats of butter yellow nail polish, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This ensures an even, opaque finish.
- Top Coat: Finish with a high-shine top coat to seal your manicure and add a glossy finish.
2. Butter Yellow with Floral Accents
For a playful and feminine twist, add floral accents to your butter yellow nails. This design is perfect for embracing the beauty of summer and adding a touch of whimsy to your look. Here’s how to create butter yellow nails with floral accents:
- Base Color: Start with a solid butter yellow base. Follow the same steps as the classic butter yellow manicure.
- Floral Design: Use a fine nail art brush or a dotting tool to create small flowers on your nails. You can use white, pink, or even lavender polish for the petals. Add a tiny dot of yellow or green in the center of each flower.
- Seal the Design: Apply a top coat to protect your floral design and give your nails a polished look.
3. Butter Yellow Ombre
Ombre nails are a trendy and stylish way to wear butter yellow. This gradient effect adds depth and interest to your manicure while maintaining a chic and sophisticated vibe. Here’s how to create butter yellow ombre nails:
- Base Color: Start with a light base color, such as white or a very pale yellow.
- Ombre Effect: Using a makeup sponge, apply butter yellow polish to the sponge and gently dab it onto the tips of your nails. Gradually blend the color towards the middle of your nails to create a seamless gradient.
- Top Coat: Finish with a top coat to smooth out the ombre effect and add shine.
Why Butter Yellow is the Perfect Summer Neutral
1. Pairs Well with Summer Wardrobe
Butter yellow complements the bright and airy colors typically seen in summer wardrobes. It pairs beautifully with whites, pastels, and even bolder hues like coral and turquoise. Whether you’re wearing a flowy sundress, a crisp white shirt, or a vibrant bikini, butter yellow nails will enhance your overall look.
2. Ideal for All Occasions
This versatile shade transitions effortlessly from day to night and from casual to formal settings. Wear butter yellow nails to the office, a weekend brunch, a summer wedding, or a night out with friends. Its subtle elegance makes it suitable for any occasion.
3. Enhances Your Tan
As you soak up the sun this summer, butter yellow nails will beautifully enhance your tan. The warm undertones of this shade highlight the golden hues in your skin, giving you a radiant and sun-kissed look.
Conclusion
Butter yellow is more than just a passing trend; it’s a versatile and elegant shade that deserves a permanent place in your nail polish collection. As the new neutral for summer, it offers a fresh and modern alternative to traditional shades, making it perfect for embracing the warmth and joy of the season. Whether you opt for a classic butter yellow manicure, playful floral accents, or a trendy ombre design, this charming color will keep your nails looking stylish and sophisticated all summer long. So, grab your favorite butter yellow polish and let your nails shine with this delightful and versatile shade.
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