Mariska Hargitay's 'No-Mani' 2026 Emmys Nails Prove Minimal Can Still Be Glam

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Mariska Hargitay has spent decades bringing justice to fictional crime victims as Olivia Benson on NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." As host of the 2026 Emmys though, she was seeking justice for the 'no mani' manicure to be considered as glamorous as bright and glittery polishes. The star's minimal mani, by nail artist Pattie Yankee, was reminiscent of the 'your nails but better' trend of summer 2023 as it featured a simple glossy nude polish so similar to her skin tone that if you glanced quickly, you'd think she wasn't wearing any.

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What made the look so glam without the bells and whistles of a more dramatic mani? Well, opting for a super glossy shade meant her polish caught the light in the red carpet camera flashes and stage lights, which dialed up the fun. Equally, keeping her nails understated stopped her manicure from clashing with the many looks she wore throughout the night, including the sexy red sequin dress she donned on the red carpet and the equally gorgeous fish scale-inspired sparkly white stage gown. Her nail hue was refined and elegant, which also helped amp up the glamour, as simpler nails scream quiet luxury and old money.

Hargitay isn't the only star to step out with highly minimalistic nails recently either. Barely-there manicure and pedicure colors are a major trend right now and have also been seen on the likes of actors Anne Hathaway, Nicole Kidman, and Sandra Bullock. Pamela Anderson and Kate Middleton love the 'no-manicure manicure' look too, so Hargitay is in great company.

Fortunately, for those looking to copy Mariska Hargitay's subtle 2026 Emmys nails, the style is one of the simplest and easiest DIY manicures to recreate. Even better, you won't have to spend a fortune (or get a PHD in creativity or fiddly fine line nail art painting). Once you've applied your favorite base coat, layer a nude polish that's similar to your skin tone all over If you have fair skin, try a light hue like OPI's Bubble Bath. For more medium skin tones, reach for tanner hues such as Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear Nail Polish in 169 Bare It All. For darker skin tones, think more chocolatey brown hues, like No-To-Do by Essie. To get Hargitay's glam shine, avoid matte topcoats and reach for a translucent polish that will give a glossy, light reflecting finish, like the Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat or OPI Mirror Shine Top Coat.

Nude nails can also be a great option if you're in a transitional stage of your nail journey. Multiple treatments are available in a simple, understated nudes (like OPI Nail Envy Strenghtner in Double Nude-y and Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Strenghtener in Re-Nude), which will help improve your nail health while keeping you on trend. Nude is also one of the best manicure colors for short nails because it can give the illusion of longer talons, so it's deal if you've had to chop a few millimeters off due to damage. Or if you just prefer to keep your nails shorter and more practical, follow Harigtay's lead.