One of the most neutral nail trends of all time is back with a refresh: milky white nail polish. This understated neutral manicure, perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions like work and weddings, is on the rise, with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Kourtney Kardashian, and Kaia Gerber rocking it. Experts from Glosslab and celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein agree that a soft white polish is a must-have in every beauty wardrobe, as it works for all skin tones, nails shapes, and can be used with any outfit, especially when paired with a clear top coat.
Milky White Nail Polish: Timeless Sophistication
Goldstein says that the look is easy to recreate at home by blending a soft, nude shade with a creamy white polish (or even a baby pink). The trick is to ensure your base coat is transparent enough so the natural nail color shines through. “A clear gel is the best way to achieve this, but a good clear polish will also do the trick,” she adds. She recommends LeChat Dare to Wear Awakening ($30) for a perfect, streak-free milky shade, or a classic white lacquer from OPI like Ballet Slippers.
While any milky white polish is beautiful on its own, we love this particular shade from Essie because it looks like the jelly-like off-white polishes worn by millennials. Other favorites include Mooncat’s dreamy, translucent Lacquer in Celery Juice and Olive & June’s skin-veiling Organza White polish. If you’re looking for a true white, check out this Tenoverten lacquer that’s semi-opaque with one coat and fuller with two.