Milky manicure is the Sofia Richie of haircuts. It gives clean, beautiful, and high as it remains subtle and simple-which is exactly why we love it (in Sofia, obviously). With a clean and white manicure base, which is not obvious, the milky manicure is popular to combine your silver ballet flats to be professional enough for the office. And what’s more, it’s suitable for any skin tone and season. So basically, this manicure can do it all.
And we are not the only ones who feel that way. In addition to Sofia’s milk during her wedding weekend and honeymoon, other celebrities (looking at you Jennifer Aniston, Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz, and Kim Kardashian) and activists have seen their milky mani season.
Set to be one of the biggest nail trends in 2023, we break down exactly how to get that look. Next, a step-by-step guide to get a milky manicure.
Step 1: Prepare a clean manicure base
If you’re a clean beauty girl, shout out that you’re already ahead of the game when it comes to nailing your makeup for milky hair. The nature of the skin and well maintained is a clean mani is the foundation of the milk, so you will want to start by cleaning and polishing your hands, nails, and cuticles, followed by a scarf, doing to soften and shape your nails. (Sofia’s signature shape is a soft square, but this look works just as well with any shape you want). This preparation, when done right, can make your nails look like they have a clear shine to them, which is exactly what you want before adding color.
SHASH
Natural Boar Bristle Hair Brush
Use this hard-working nail polish remover with the upper row of bristles to remove dirt before turning it over to use the longer bristles to give your nails a lift.
Deborah Lippmann
Cuticle care products
This four-part cuticle remover includes everything you need to exfoliate, condition, and condition your cuticles without damaging your nail plate.
ella + mila
Tools Nail tools
Buff, file and shape your nails with the help of these 10 tools that come in a folding boat.
Step 2: Apply polish & glossy top coat
The MVP of the milky manicure is the polish, which is why it is important to get not only the right shade but also the number of coats. Milk eyes are made both white and pink (the color depends entirely on preference!), but the process is the same to get a bright and cloudy finish. Usually, only one or two coats of polish are needed—depending on the opacity of the shade—but the trick is to stop where the shade is still visible. Read: If you can’t see the white tips of your nails through your nails anymore, you’ve gone too far. Once you’ve got the amount of coverage you want, finish it off with a top coat of shine.
OPI
Bunny is funny
Perhaps the most popular nail shade for milky hair is Funny Bunny by OPI. This white dress is what Sofia Richie’s nail artist, Georgie Rae, wore to Sofia for her rehearsal dinner.
OPI
Bath bath
Sofia’s wedding day shade is Sweet Candy Breath by Bio Sculpture, but since it was approved because of the hype, OPI’s Bubble Bath is one of the more popular pink blushes. 1-2 coats of this shade will give a hint of pink while remaining cloudy and milky.
OPI
A little shiny shirt
This shiny, glossy top coat will seal in your polish and help prevent chipping and chipping. For best results, apply one coat.
OPI
A moving shirt
If you want a little more, add one coat of this top coat by OPI to quickly build volume and paint your nails for a gel-like, protective, glossy look.
Step 3: Keep your skin and nails healthy
One thing you wouldn’t see paired with a milky manicure? Dry hands, cracked cuticles. Gently apply cuticle oil and moisturizer as soon as your shampoo dries, and repeat daily thereafter. Not only will this help keep your hair fresher for longer, but it will leave your hands and nails soft and smooth and ready to show off your new manicure.
Londontown
Nourishing Cuticle Oil
This lightweight cuticle oil infused with plant oils will quickly moisturize for softer, healthier cuticles. To apply, apply a small amount to your cuticles and massage in circular motions after your polish has dried and after each day.
Clarins
Hand & Nail Treatment Cream
Throughout the day and before going to bed, apply this rich, nourishing cream that softens hands and supports nails with the help of ingredients such as shea butter and sesame oil.
