Not only do these understated fleshy shades soften our daily sartorial uniform of black on black on black, it’s easier for a professional to do because they’re notoriously hard to get right. Unlike opaque blacks and bright reds that are more forgiving, nudes and creamy whites streak up a storm.

Alas, they’re too damn cute-looking not to wear and since a weekly mani is not an option (we can’t even make it to the gym at this point), here’s seven sterling tips for your next at-home attempt. Because, goddammit, we will buy nude polish and wear it too.

Light-coloured shades require at the very least TWO coats, says Iman Davamoni, Founder of mobile nail service Purely Polished (maybe we can have that weekly mani after all). “Alternatively, if it’s a very sheer polish, apply three thin layers,” she adds. Anything less and it won’t look finished.

To avoid dust showing up under sheer polish or oil residues disrupting a smooth finish, clean your nails with polish remover before applying your first coat.

When choosing a nude polish, Davamoni advises going one or two shades lighter or darker than your skin. For novices, we suggest going more darker or more pigmented. O.P.I and Kester Black do a great solid colour, which brings us to…

If you have a more opaque polish nearby that’s from the same colour family, use this as your base coat. Applying a solid shade – even a soft metallic – means that subsequent coats in a lighter shade won’t appear as streaky or sheer. (Tried this the other day and happy to report it works!)

Finishing your colour with a glossy top coat or a sheerer shade that reflects the light will make imperfections less noticeable, as well as extending the life of your manicure.

The cardinal rule of perfect polish application, says Davamoni, is resisting the urge to go over your polish before it has dried completely. Paint your nails like you’d spread butter over toast, i.e. do not go over the same surface five time trying to smooth it out. Instead, glide the brush from cuticle to tip; three strokes should be all you need to cover the entire nail surface.

Using a salon-quality product will also make it easier. We’re loving… Smith & Cult Nail Polish in ‘Pillow Pie’ and Kester Black x Go-To Nail Polish in ‘Epic Nail’ (enter the competition to win it), and the best-selling shade, O.P.I Infinite Shine 2 Polish in ‘Bubble Bath’, which is frequently used backstage (all pictured).