Tate McRae’s “Soft-Girl” Victoria’s Secret Show Manicure Is So Easy To Copy

0Credit: Getty ImagesHer nail artist gave us the exclusive details.Key TakeawaysTate McRae wore an ultra-angelic French manicure for the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

Her nail artist, Analysse Hernandez, explains exactly how to get the “Soft-Girl Angel Mani” yourself.

Happy morning after the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show! I trust that we’re all celebrating in the traditional way: filling our carts with yoga pants and undies, reading about the making of the Fantasy Bra, and—a special activity for 2026—rewatching Tate McRae’s performance.

After work, the festivities will continue as we try to copy the “Housewife” choreography… or at least book it to the nail salon to copy her manicure.

On Sunday, October 18, Tate McRae showed up on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway to perform a selection of her hits in a shimmery red lingerie set and very pretty almond-shaped French manicure complete with the word “angel” in gold cursive on her ring finger.

“We’re calling it the ‘Soft-Girl Angel Mani,’” explains nail artist Analysse Hernandez. “It’s the perfect mix of soft, feminine, and angelic, with a little chrome moment to give it that signature Tate edge.”

Naturally, the inspiration for the evening was for McRae to channel “her inner angel.”

“We wanted to stay true to her classic, effortlessly cool vibe while adding a subtle detail to make the look feel extra special,” Hernandez tells Byrdie. “Her signature French manicure gets a twist to mark the moment with a gold-chrome cursive ‘angel’ detail—two worlds colliding in the best way!”

The duo didn’t feel the need to lean into any particular fall trends for the evening. They’re the ones setting them, after all.

“Instead, we kept things timeless and runway-ready with a classic Tate look that feels effortlessly chic, with just the right amount of edge,” adds the artist.

Hernandez started the process with OPI GELevate Soft Gel Tips in Almond Shape “to achieve Tate’s signature almond shape and length.”

“To create that naturally flushed, your-nails-but-better base, we layered OPI GelColor in Bubble Bath and OPI GelColor in Bare My Soul. We finished with OPI GelColor in Funny Bunny for a soft, milky French tip,” explains the artist. “The final touch? A gold-chrome cursive ‘angel’ detail that makes the entire look feel personal, playful and perfectly Tate.”

If you’re looking to copy the manicure at home, Hernandez says it’s all about “layering sheer, natural-looking shades for that perfect soft finish.” Luckily, OPI has regular polish versions of all their gel favorites available.

“Start with OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath and OPI Nail Lacquer in Bare My Soul to create a subtle, healthy-looking flush,” she notes. “Then, use OPI Nail Lacquer in Funny Bunny to paint on a soft, milky French tip. For an extra-special finishing touch, add ‘angel’ in gold-chrome cursive.”