Trust Me, We'll All Be Wearing Strawberry Blush Manis This Summer
Celebrity manicurist and editor in residence, Harriet Westmoreland, shows us how to create her strawberry blush manicure.
Harriet Westmoreland is a Who What Wear UK Editor in Residence and cofounder of Westmoreland Cosmetics. She is one of the most sought-after manicurists, having tended to the hands of celebrity clientele such as Zendaya and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Her signature minimalist and luxurious manicures have garnered her worldwide demand, and she is one of the leading tastemakers in nail trends.
The strawberry manicure is shaping up to be one of the biggest summer nail trends. It's juicy and glossy, which feels playful yet polished, making it the perfect summer update on milky manicures we've been seeing for the past few seasons. What I love about a strawberry manicure is that it's a chic yet very wearable summer nail colour. You're getting that beautiful glass-like shine and sheer pink colour, but with a little more vibrancy and personality for this time of the year.
The trend actually inspired me to create my new shade, Strawberry Blush (£25). I wanted a true glassy pink for my kit; something completely sheer, with no white pigment in it. My vision was for it to look like a strawberry gloss for the nails that is juicy and translucent. It took around 18 months of testing and refining formulas to achieve exactly the right finish, but the final result is everything I hoped it would be.
How to Create A Strawberry Blush Manicure
For anyone wanting to recreate the look, nail preparation is key. I always start by thoroughly prepping the nail, focusing on creating the perfect foundation. After gently pushing back the cuticles and lightly exfoliating any dry skin around the nail, I softly buff the nail plate, cleanse with acetone and then begin the gel application.
My go-to application is Glass Base (£20), followed by Strawberry Blush Glass Gel and then Glass Top (£20). For the ultimate glossy finish, I always recommend pairing it with a high-shine base coat and top coat. That extra shine is what gives the manicure its signature glass-like finish. Once everything is cured, I perfect the shape with a final file.
Personally, I love applying it using an apex technique, which creates a beautifully smooth, curved surface that catches the light from every angle. This is where the manicure really comes to life, as the nails almost look like little glass jewels.
One of the things I love most about Strawberry Blush is how versatile it is. With just one coat, you get a natural flush of pink that enhances the nail's natural tone. As you build additional layers, the colour becomes richer and more vibrant, allowing you to completely customise the effect.
The beauty of the strawberry manicure is that it can be tailored to suit everyone. Some of my clients prefer a single sheer layer for the most natural result, whilst others love a more built-up, pinker flush of colour. One of my favourite combinations is layering a milky nude shade underneath, then applying a single coat of Strawberry Blush on top. It creates the most beautiful soft-pink glow for anyone who wants a hint of colour without committing to a brighter pink nail colour.
You can also personalise the look with nail art. I love adding a tiny strawberry detail on the thumb as a playful nod to the trend, but equally, the manicure is strong enough to stand on its own. Whether you want a barely-there tint or a glossy pink glow, you can achieve multiple looks from the same shade. It's effortless, chic and exactly the kind of manicure I want to wear all summer long.
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