Nicole Kidman’s Dainty French Manicure Is Spring Nail Art at Its Sweetest

Although French manicures are literally always in style, there’s not much that can be said about the classic mani. Unless you’re very obviously changing things up with a “naked” color scheme, deep design, or square shape, French tips are French tips. And yet! Somehow, some way, Nicole Kidman has made the simplest manicure on the market something all her own.

On April 27, the Australian actor attended the 49th Annual American Film Institute Life Achievement Award presentation in Los Angeles, where she was honored by Meryl Streep with the night’s big prize: the life achievement award. For the event, she chose a glittering gold-sequin custom Balenciaga gown, which she paired with silver accessories, a stellar blowout, and the perfect French manicure.

Crafted by nail artist Thuy Nguyen, the Oscar winner’s nails were done up short and almond shaped. Then, they were painted that classic pinkish nude base shade and topped with a perfect white tip that echoed the fingernail’s almond point.

“LEGENDARY,” commented Reese Witherspoon on the manicurist’s Instagram post from the evening. She responded, as is fitting, with a row of fire emojis.

As for the rest of her glam team, Kidman enlisted the help of makeup artist Gucci Westman and hairstylist Adir Abergel to get her red carpet ready. Naturally, Westman used a suite of Westman Atelier products (alongside some picks from Dior Beauty and Too Faced) to make the Big Little Lies star glow, including the brand’s Baby Cheeks Blush ($48) in the poppy-pink shade Poppet and my personal all-time-favorite Liquid Super Loaded illuminator drops ($58) in Peau de Rosé. Her lips were the result of Lip Suede Matte Lipstick ($50) in Je Rêve and a hopefully soon to be announced lip liner sample.

Meanwhile, Abergel topped things off with a a sultry blowout, straightening the naturally curly girl’s hair while making sure to leave plenty of volume behind. Contrary to the edgy bleached layers she showed off in March, her hair was dyed a warmer light blonde shade reminiscent of her natural strawberry color.

“Last night was one of the most special nights,” wrote the hairstylist in part in an Instagram caption. And one of the most special looks.