Pastel Pink Baby Boomer Short Square Nails

Recreate this baby boomer look at home

1. Prep: push back cuticles, buff the shine off the nail plate and wipe with alcohol so the base coat grips.
2. Shape: File straight across the top, then soften the two corners with one light stroke so they don’t snag.
3. Apply a pastel pink base over the whole nail.
4. Dab milky white onto the tip half with a makeup sponge (or a gel sponge brush).
5. Blend upwards with light taps until there is no visible line between the colours.
6. Seal with a thick glossy top coat to smooth the gradient.
7. Massage in cuticle oil to make the manicure look salon-fresh.

Pro tip: Build the white in two or three light layers — one heavy layer leaves a hard edge.