At Le Mini Macaron, we love anything that boosts our clean girlie aesthetic, and this summer’s hottest trend of milky nails does just that. Celebs and influencers all over the world are showing off their soft and delicate milky white nails. This subtle yet elegant style offers a refreshing alternative to vibrant and bold nail colors and is perfect for the summer months. Milky white nails ooze sophistication, just like our Cheries, and their versatility makes them suitable for any occasion, from bikini beach days to your sister’s wedding. Even better, milky white nails are super easy to do at home with the right tools and a few little tricks. You’ll be saying oooh-la-la to this hot new look in no time.
What are milky nails?
Milky nails are natural but tres chic manicure that creates a soft, translucent, milky-white sheen on the nails, offering a subtly sophisticated alternative to bolder nail colors. The milky nail polish trend draws inspiration from the natural color of milk and its creamy, off-white shade. This delicate hue adds a touch of femininity and refinement to your nails, creating a clean, polished, and timeless look.
How to do milky nails well?
To achieve the perfect milky nail manicure, simply follow a few key steps:
Step 1: Prepare your nails.
As always, it is essential to prepare your nails by cleaning them thoroughly. Our Fairy Floss Kit + Le Sheers has everything you need to get started. Begin by removing any old nail polish and shaping your nails to your desired length and shape. Gently push back your cuticles using a cuticle pusher and trim any excess skin. Buff the surface of your nails to smooth out any ridges and create a clean canvas.
Step 2: Select your milky white nail polish.
Now the fun part: choosing the perfect milky white nail polish. When it comes to choosing nail polish, you’ll want to opt for a shade that complements your natural skin tone. Not sure which color will look the best on you? Try our Le Sheers Bundle, which has all the right shades, like peachy pink, a classic milky white, and sheer pale pink. Have fun experimenting with different shades to find the one that suits you best.
Step 3: Apply the polish.
Start with a thin coat of milky white polish, ensuring you cover the entire nail surface. Apply the polish in even strokes, avoiding thick layers that may result in streaks or smudges. Cure in the LED lamp as usual (30 seconds in the Le Mini lamp and 60 seconds in Le Maxi lamp). If you prefer a more opaque look, apply multiple coats, ensuring each layer dries completely before adding the next. This layering technique will help you achieve a solid milky white appearance. Pro Tip: multiple thin coats are preferable over one thick coat to achieve a smooth and streak-free finish.
Step 4: Apply the top coat.
Our 1-step, 3-in-1 gel polish includes the base and top coat. However, if you want an even higher gloss shine, you can apply our 3x Shine Top Coat. This top coat enhances the shine and prolongs the wear of your milky nails. Cure the top coat in the LED lamp as you would any gel polish.
Step 5: Clean up and maintenance.
Use a small brush or cotton swab dipped in remover to clean up any polish that may have gotten on your skin or cuticles. This step gives your milky nails a clean and professional look. Apply cuticle oil or moisturizer to nourish your cuticles and keep your nails hydrated.
What colors to use for milky nails?
Achieving the perfect milky white nail manicure involves more than just using a single shade of milky white nail polish. By combining different shades and techniques, you can create depth and dimension, resulting in a more interesting and unique milky nail look. Here are some tips on how to combine shades to achieve milky nails.
Gradient Effect
Create a gradient effect by using varying shades of milky white nail polish. Start with a lighter shade at the base of the nail and gradually transition to a slightly darker shade, like our Creme Brûlée towards the tip. This technique adds depth and dimension to your nails, giving them a soft and ethereal appearance.
Sheer and Opaque Combination
Experiment with layering sheer and opaque milky white nail polishes to create a multi-dimensional effect. Apply a sheer milky white, like our Chantilly as the base coat and layer it with a coat or two of a more opaque milky white shade. This combination adds complexity to your manicure, with hints of translucency peeking through the opaque layers.
Glitter or Shimmer
Introduce a touch of sparkle to your milky nails by incorporating glitter or shimmer accents. Apply a layer of milky white nail polish as the base and add a thin coat of glitter or shimmer polish on top. Our Prosecco Glow is perfect for adding subtle sparkle and a touch of glamour to your milky manicure.
French Milky Tips
Put a milky twist on the classic French manicure by replacing the traditional white tip with a milky white shade. Use a slightly opaque or sheer milky white polish to create a soft and elegant French tip. This combination maintains the sophistication of the French manicure while incorporating the milky nail trend.
