Manicure trends come and go in the blink of an eye, but some looks are so timeless they never quite go out of style. Case in point? The neutral, classic manicure, which recently got an update courtesy of the milky nail trend.
“Milky nails are a great option for someone who wants a sheer, neutral nail but doesn’t want any touch of pink or warmth in the color,” explains celebrity manicurist Steph Stone. “The sheerness gives your nails a more natural look than just an opaque solid white. Because of its translucence, you can really wear this polish with anything!”
The rise of the milk nail can be attribute to a few factors, says celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec, including the ongoing dominance of quiet luxury. “They tie into the quiet luxury trend of nails being groomed with just a bit of coverage and then the Korean nail trend of a softer shade versus fully opaque,” Kandalec says. OPI global ambassador Natalie Minerva adds: “I like to think of milky nails as a sort of ‘nail foundation.’ It gives a healthy glow to your nails and also helps to cover natural flaws.”
Meet the expert
- Steph Stone is a celebrity manicurist who works with Essie.
- Julie Kandalec is a celebrity manicurist and educator based in New York City.
- Natalie Minerva is the nail artist for Euphoria and an OPI global ambassador.
Keep reading for 23 milky manicures, all of which might just inspire a trip to the nail salon.
Simple Studs
Instagram/@stephstonenails
Stone kept this milky look simple by pairing an Essie polish with a metallic triangle at the base of each nail.
Soft Shimmer
Instagram/@stephstonenails
Simple and pretty, this look from Stone features Lace is More by Essie. It has an ever-so-subtle hint of pink and lots of finely milled silver shimmer for a seamless glimmer.
Floral Appliqué
Instagram/@stephstonenails
Inspired by this floral appliqué from For Love and Lemons, Stone created this sweet and pretty look. It features simple white flowers with a crystal center atop a milky white base.
Minimalist Gold
Instagram/@stephstonenails
A touch of gold can make a plain milky manicure a bit more interesting. Stone created this look using gold foil on top of Chanel Ballerina. You’ll see this polish a few times on this list, because it’s a beloved shade among manicurists.
Bridal Chic
Instagram/@julieknailsnyc
“This is a structured manicure using colored gel builder in a bottle (commonly called BIAB,” says Kandalec. “I used CND Plexigel in Porcelain—I actually have this exact product on my toes right now! I love how clean it is, without a harsh cuticle line.”
Coconut Milk
Instagram/@lolo.nailedit
This bright milky white is the shade Coconut Milk from a past collab between Orly and nail artist and content creator Jess Brush. It’s a simple shade with no shimmer or pink undertones.
Marbled
Instagram/@klawsbysonia
This ethereal look uses a milky white to create a marble finish. The addition of gold leaf and fine 3D drips add even more opulence to the look.
Bubble Bath
Minerva did this look on Kaia Gerber for the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty. “I used a combination of Samoan Sand and Bubble Bath for this look,” says Minerva. “As you can see, it showcases the natural nails in an elevated way.”
Kitschy Accents
Instagram/@stephstonenails
Stone is in love with this playful look she created. “I painted dust sprites on my nails and my mani has never made me happier,” says Stone.
Spooky Spider
Minerva did this spider-inspired look on Emily Rudd. “This is a fun twist for a milky set and since it’s spooky season, it seems appropriate,” says Minerva. “I did a milky white using OPI’s Funny Bunny with spider webs across the nails.”
Ballerina Neutral
Instagram/@stephstonenails
For a nearly bare look, Stone painted this look using just Chanel Ballerina. By keeping the coats minimal, she was able to get a super natural look.
Milky Layers
Instagram@julieknailsnyc
“This is a gel manicure using OPI Funny Bunny, then Bubble Bath over it,” says Kandalec. “It’s more covering then the one below, but the very subtle pink shade gives it the milky nails feel.”
Pearls & Lace
“I recently did my friend Breanna Box’s nails for her wedding and did a milky nude base using just one coat of Samoan Sand from OPI with painted lace detailing and pearl adornments that matched her dress,” says Minerva.
Diffused French
Instagram/@merlin_nails
This milky look is a diffused take on the beloved French manicure. A milky white at the tip blurs into a nude base for a clean look.
Touch of Gold
Instagram/@gossipandgloss
Thick bands of gold foil add weight to this otherwise airy look. The foil is applied in an organic way that keeps it from looking too glam.
Matte Milk
Instagram/@gossipandgloss
Milky nails don’t have to be glossy. This matte look is accented by a shimmery gold micro tip for a clean and cool look.
New Growth
Instagram/@gossipandgloss
Tiny green sprouts adorn this milky nail for a fresh, springy look. You have to look close to notice, but each leaf is filled with green glitter to add even more visual interest.
Metallic Curves
Instagram@gossipandgloss
To enhance this milky manicure, thin gold lines have been applied to a few nails. The lines follow the natural curve of the nail, adding dimension while allowing the nail to appear longer.
Minimalistic Hearts
Instagram/@lolo.nailedit
This one is for the girls who love milky pink. It uses a milky polish with lots of pink to create a sweet and pretty base. A few nails also get a red heart to up the sweet factor.
Chrome Pearls
Instagram/@klawsbysonia
This milky chrome look features pearl decals for a gorgeous look that screams bridal. It’s simple and elegant.
Almond Milk
Instagram/@lolo.nailedit
Take your milky manicure in a slightly different direction than ballerina pink with a splash of Almond Milk ($10) from Sally Hansen. And yes—this nail polish is 100% vegan.
Gold Chains
Instagram @stephstonenails
Are plain old milky nails a touch too simple for you? Try adding an accessory—like, say, a miniature gold chain—to each nail.
Lip Gloss Nails
Instagram/@lolo.nailedit
Early aughts nostalgia lovers, we got you. For a milky, lip gloss-inspired manicure, try a few swipes of 03 Rose Coquille by Hermès.
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