24 Hours with Nail Artist Naomi Yasuda

Welcome to Beauty Around the Clock, Marie Claire's weekly peek into the daily lives of some of the most game-changing women in their industries. Ever wonder how they get it all done in a day? Here's your answer.

If you don't recognize Naomi Yasuda's name, you certainly have seen her work. Yasuda's nail art has graced the hands of celebrities like Madonna, A$AP Rocky, Lady Gaga, and Nicki Minaj. With an eye for intricate details and enough dramatic glam to fill a lifetime, Yasuda's manicure skills are legendary in Hollywood circles. Below, the New York-based artist reveals her signature look for Zoom calls, her devotion to SPF, and her affinity for Asian drugstore finds.

Rise and Shine

I wake up before 9 a.m. The first thing I do is drink a cup of water and jump in the shower. Then I make coffee. I don’t really eat breakfast so I take my morning coffee with oat milk and powder collagen.

Morning Maintenance

Sunscreen is a must. I put it on every day, even if I don’t go outside. I’ve been using Biore UV Aqua Rich. I absolutely love this sunscreen. It's a clear gel which your skin absorbs nicely and it feels so light going on. And I love to work out in the morning. It sets the tone for a productive day. Before we went on lockdown I used to go to Overthrow Boxing and New York Pilates every week.

Hair Help

If I’m working, I usually put my hair in a ponytail or bun. On my days off I wash and air dry it. I put some on Moroccanoil Treatment oil and coconut oil. It’s heavy but I have a lot of hair and it's extremely dry from bleaching. It also brings out my natural wave.

Signature Look

My go-to look is winged eyeliner and mascara. I am a huge fan of Asian drugstore cosmetics. I stock up on them every time I go to Japan. For a night out, I can get ready really quick. A red lip is my thing—MAC Lady Danger.

Zoom Hack

I want to look healthy and fresh on camera so I wear highlighter and blush. I apply Glossier Haloscope highlighter and Tom Ford blush in Frantic Pink. Glossier highlighter gives a natural glow and the Tom Ford blush is not too powdery, plus the color is nice and easy to use.

Self-Care Savior

I can easily get trapped in my smartphone. When I spend more time on my phone than interacting with real people it becomes mentally so unhealthy. So I limit social media access to no more than one hour a day. And I put it on airplane mode when I go to sleep. I also play piano whenever I feel bored or depressed—it has been such a stress relief for me.

Career Moves

I've loved doing nails since I was little. I didn't have to think too much about choosing this job. The best career advice I ever heard was, "Be humble. experience and practice make the difference."

Lights Out

After I remove my makeup I wash my face with Shiseido Perfect Whip, which I’ve been using since I was 18. I also take a bath almost every day. I sit in the tub for 20 to 30 minutes. It can relax muscles and I sleep much better. I normally go to bed between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.

Shop Naomi Yasuda's Beauty Staples