If you’re someone who prefers a classic, timeless manicure look, then you’re likely familiar with the nude nail polish shade Bubble Bath by OPI. The barely-there pink shade is a household name and truly perfect for those who appreciate the ~clean girl aesthetic~, quiet luxury, or anything related to Sofia Richie Grainge’s wedding. So perfect, in fact, that the iconic shade inspired a whole new trend of muted, milky manis, aptly named “bubble bath nails.”
It’s important to note that unlike many neutral nail trends, bubble bath nails aren’t entirely sheer. Instead, they strike a balance between being a light pink and milky white. However, if you prefer a sheer finish, the look can be customized by adjusting the number of coats you apply and the exact nail polish shade you decide to use (remember: there’s more to choose from than just the O.G. OPI color!).
Keep reading for all of the need-to-know info about the bubble bath nail trend, plus a bunch of bubble bath nail inspo to take to your next salon appointment.
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What are bubble bath nails?
“Bubble bath nails are a sheer pinky nude nail look made popular by OPI’s famous color, Bubble Bath,” says manicurist Mazz Hanna. Yup, shockingly, bubble bath nails have nothing to do with bathing or the bubble baths of our youth (we can practically smell the no-tears formula just thinking about it). Basically, it’s a pinky-beige nail color for those who want their nails to look polished while maintaining a natural vibe. Plus, it makes a dreamy base for natural nail designs.
Other “Bubble Bath”-esque nail shades I love:
Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers
Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in 01 Rose Porcelain
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color in 239 In a Blush
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Ballerina
How to get bubble bath nails:
Bubble bath nails are easy to get at home or at the salon, according to Hanna. “Once you finish giving yourself an at-home manicure by grooming your cuticles and filing and shaping your nails, simply apply two coats of your pinky-beige nail polish of choice and then seal it in with a top coat,” Hanna. Easy, peasy!
The choice of color depends on your skin tone, but some popular semi-sheer options, according to Hanna, include OPI Bubble Bath, Dazzle Dry Prima Ballerina, Essie Topless and Barefoot, ORLY Nourishing Nude, and Dior Abricot Base Coat. None of these shades are streaky, which can be a common issue when using sheer, light-colored shades or older polishes. To prevent your polish from getting streaky, it’s important to ensure the cap is tightly sealed after each use.
Another thing to keep in mind when sporting a minimalist manicure is to ensure that your cuticles look healthy. After all, they’re on display without vibrant nail art to distract you. Make sure to coat the skin around your nails with a cuticle oil every day to keep them moisturized and smooth.
7 stunning bubble bath nail ideas:
1. Short bubble bath nails
The bubble bath trend looks great on shorter nails, so if long nails aren’t your thing, then you’re in luck. Having shorter nails also make it easy to replicate this look at home using the DIY guide above. Or if you’re feeling lazy (relatable), you can easily bring this inspo pic to your local salon for your manicurist to recreate.
2. Almond-shaped bubble bath nails
There are so many different nail shapes to choose from, but the feeling you get when they’re perfectly almond-shaped… and topped with a sheer pink shade? *Chef’s kiss*. There’s a reason almond is most sought after shape at most nail salons these days.
3. Long bubble bath nails
Because bubble bath nails are so simple, you have room to play around with length and shape. They look great on grown-out nails filed into a point, on gel extensions, or with a set of press-on nails (like the ones from OPI below that are already pre-painted with a bubble bath shade).
4. Square-shaped bubble bath nails
These square bubble bath nails are the epitome of quiet luxury—understated, clean, and classic. Sure, square nails aren’t as popular as almond ones these days, but this look has me seriously considering my current shape.
5. Sheer bubble bath nails
Neutral nails—including these sheer, milky nails—pair well with any season and, more importantly, any outfit you decide to put together. The last thing you want is for your nails to clash with your vibe, and these are ideal if your aesthetic is soft, cozy, and luxurious.
6. Bubble bath nails with neon dots
Nail art can be fun but challenging for those with no artistic ability or shaky hands. Thankfully, adding a simple neon dot with a dotting tool is an easy way to spice up your bubble bath nails.
7. Chrome “bubble bath” nails
If a simple coat of Dior’s Abricot isn’t enough for you to feel satisfied, why not add a chrome coating on top like Zoë Kravitz? It’s the quickest way to add a bit of playfulness while still keeping things simple-ish.
Meet the experts:
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Iman Balagam is a beauty contributor at Cosmopolitan with nearly three years of experience writing beauty stories that range from curling irons to mini flat irons. She’s an authority in all nail categories, but is an expert when it comes to nail colors and nail art.
Iman Balagam is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly five years. She has written for and contributed to top women’s magazines and digital brands such as Harper’s BAZAAR, Allure, Byrdie, Elle and more. She will try *nearly* anything and spends a lot of time looking for new ways to store her beauty products in a small New York apartment.
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