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While manicure trends have become elaborate, there’s a timeless appeal to milky white nails. However, it isn’t just about painting your nails white, as it allows you to add a dose of chic and creativity to your looks too. We rounded up the chicest inspirations for you to rock the milky nails trend with style.
Why Get a Milky Nail Look Now?
It’s a classic and fresh take on your traditional manicure. The trend is called “milky nails,” since it features a creamy white color with a translucent finish, as if you’ve just dipped your fingernails into a tall glass of milk. For minimalists, these nails are the new “nude” that can be a go-to shade for all seasons.
The look was popularized by American singer Lizzo when she wore milky white nails, and eventually it became a major trend. Also, they’re far from the dull and matte-looking Wite-Out that you once used as a nail polish when you were a kid. There are different variations of the look such as sheer white, off-white, or opaque manicure, as well as a pearlescent white with a metallic finish.
If you want a more dressed up look, there are some designs that lean towards a maximalist style with glitters, gold, and gems. You may even make it more fun with hints of neon, geometric lines, butterfly art and monograms. After all, a milky white polish is a great backdrop for any nail art.
Best Milky White Nail Inspirations
Milky Ballerina Nails
A perfect nail shape doesn’t require an . If you want to highlight the beauty of your coffin nails, have them in neutral hues. This milky manicure features a stark white shade that’s seamless and not streaky.
The Golden Leaves
If you hate sharp corners, go for squoval nails that look elegant in white polish and a cloudy finish. Are you a fan of glitters and sparkles? It might have a snowy white appeal, but the golden leaves made everything a bit festive and elegant.
Stunning Monogram Nails
Do you want to make your milky white nails more personal? Then spell your name on them! You may even think of initials of your loved ones to be painted on them, which is sentimental and more approachable than getting a tattoo.
Gypsy-Inspired Nails
Channel some free-spirited vibe to your looks with milky nails. They don’t have to be too minimalist or too festive, as a few colorful crystals will do the tricks. Just don’t forget to accessorize with bohemian-inspired rings for a chic, gypsy statement.
A Minimalist, Modern Vibe
You don’t have to sport deadly stiletto or arrowhead nails just to rock the trend, as milky white nails look beautiful even in simplest shapes. This round, minimalist manicure has a bit of modern vibe into it with its watered-down, cloudy finish and a thin silver line design.
A Dreamy Butterfly Art
Do you have a minimalist style but want to shake things up? Think of milky nails with some butterfly designs in white—and perhaps a hint of red to give a feminine flair to your manicure. The design might be a known trend for the summer season, but this look has a winter feel into it.
The Golden Band
Who says you can’t wear gold rings on your fingernails? These milky white nails have a bridal flair into them, reminding you of the most special moment in your life. If you’ll look closely, the design consists of two thin gold lines creating the ring-like band and a glittery accent in between.
A Porcelain Party
Why choose one design when you can have them all? This manicure features a marbled effect, an ombré design, sea glass nails, butterfly art and gold foils, reminding you of porcelain art. This time, your milky white nails are basically an accessory to define your style.
The Milky Way
Do you want some galactic vibe in your manicure without veering into a sci-fi territory? These nails resemble hazy band of lights, reminding you of the nebulas and even the Milky Way galaxy itself.
The Sea Glass Effect
Do you miss the times you spent at the beach? While you can absolutely enjoy the summer and the sea as soon as the pandemic is over, let these milky white nails boost your mood, even if you’re just feeling cozy at home.
Golden Chevron Nails
Chevron accents are just some of the playful geometric lines that can spice up your milky white nails. But if you feel like a full zigzag pattern is quite dizzying, go for this V-shaped design instead. A hint of gold is enough to make your manicure glamorous.
A Hint of Shimmer
If you’re feeling nostalgic, pair your milky white nails with jelly nails. It’s safe to say that many are going wild for something sparkly and over-the-top, but you may still keep everything subtle with glitters in diagonal lines rather than in a scattered look.
All About the Drama
Let your personality shine with these milky white nails! Romantic and glamorous, this Swarovski-encrusted manicure will be your best accessory for parties, dinner dates, Sunday brunches and girl’s nights out.
The Crystal Effect
Who says you need a diamond ring when you can wear the gem on your nails? These milky white nails served as a great backdrop for the jewel design to shine.
Like a Glass of Milk
Reminiscent of milk, this manicure has a sort of milky translucence into it, as if your nails are holding a white liquid. This look is perfect for minimalists who want to make a statement without going too far from their style comfort zones.
Golden Studs and Dust
If you’re a fan of bejeweled manicure, these milky nails are a fresh take to your style. It features an off-white color with a glossy finish, as well as a few crystals and gold flakes. Indeed, a touch of gold on otherwise minimalist nails looks chic and glamorous.
White Marshmallow-Like Nails
Whether you have a sweet tooth or you simply miss your camping experience, these milky white nails will perk you up. They remind us of the sweet and fluffy sugar-based confection without the calories!
French and Ombré Manicure
If you’re a fan of timeless, classic styles, go for these milky white nails that look ladylike at the same time fun. These french ombre designs are quite longer and exaggerated than the fifties and sixties manicure, letting you rock the trend in an unexpected way.
A Hint of Ruby Stone
While gemstone-like nails add a glamorous vibe to your manicure, they’re not practical for everyday wear. However, it’s a great accent to your milky white nails, adding a bit of color and drama without going overboard.
Bejeweled Milky Nails
If you’re not in the mood for crystal reading, simply have it on your nails. While it looks like a festive manicure for the holidays, it’s appropriate for fancy events and cocktail parties too. Who says milky nails trend aren’t for maximalists?
The Marbled Effect
There’s a timeless, elegant appeal to marble nails—and you can always make them hip and modern. These milky white nails remind us of the ombré effect, negative space, and geometric lines, but they’re way more stylish and unique.
Luxurious Chanel Nails
If you can’t wear your favorite designer handbag and shoes outdoors, have its monogram painted on your nails. Milky white nails are indeed a great backdrop for a luxurious monogram and crystals.
Strawberry Milk and Gems
Channel your playful, girly style with your milky white nails. Compared to other variations, this one looks sweeter and fruitier. Who wouldn’t want some strawberry milk?
Geometric Lines and Negative Space
The negative space effect always adds a modern flair to any manicure. If you find milky white nails quite boring, add some sparkle with a metallic silver finish and a bold black line.
With Specks of Gold
Even if you’re a minimalist by heart, a milky white manicure doesn’t have to be plain white. While you may skip those bejeweled crystals, 3D stickers, embellishments, art-inspired designs and neon hues, a touch of gold will always be appropriate.
Subtle and Natural
Who says minimalists can’t have jewels in their manicure? These milky white nails look natural with its blend of nude and white hues, but also appear strikingly beautiful with dainty crystals. It’s also a kind of statement that won’t take away your natural beauty—and look elegant and sophisticated.
Something Cool and Understated
Sometimes, the key to rocking the milky nails trend is to go for a perfect nail shape. From stiletto to almond and mountain peak, the shape itself makes a statement. However, there’s something appealing with the ballerina-like or coffin-shaped nails, especially in a translucent finish.
A Hint of Neon
If you have a hip and flamboyant style, add some drama to milky white nails with neon-hues and wild prints. This look will let you wear statement nail art without looking too loud.
All About Butterflies
This milky white manicure takes you back to the 90s, adding some nostalgic vibe to your style. A great thing, butterflies are lovely and colorful, so they will look great in statement nails without going overboard.
The Caviar Effect
If you love a bejeweled look, this milky white manicure will make everything a bit exotic. Its tiny microbeads remind us of the luxury of caviar—and now you may indulge on it on your fingertips. Sometimes referred to as fish-egg manicures, it’s one of the most extravagant yet feminine look you should try now.
Milky White Claws
Do you want to channel some fierce statement with your nails? Think of a pointy nail shape such as mountain peak, as well as arrowhead and stiletto. Since the shape itself is striking enough, keep the “less is more” approach.
Black and White Nails
If you’re looking for a manicure inspiration that will go well with every outfit in your wardrobe, go for this one. Black and white is a classic combination, but the transparent effect makes everything a bit unexpected.
A Bridal Glamour
Are you looking for the perfect manicure for your big day? Think of these milky nails in a pearl white color with some jewels, adding some sparkle to your looks. It will also look dreamy with flowers, especially when you’re holding your bouquet down the aisle.
Just Like a Diamond
If you can’t decide between a minimalist and a maximalist design, have them both. These milky nails juxtapose with the glittery statement nail, making the overall look chic and cohesive.
Modern French Tips
If you want to add a touch of vintage to your milky white nails, think of ombré and French manicure. Just go for thin outlined tips and a glittery gradient, which look glamorous without looking like you’re trying too hard.
Milky Nails and Colorful Butterflies
Milky white nails are a great canvas for an elaborate nail art, but you may also go for something transparent to make the colors of the design pop. It seemed like the colorful butterflies were suspended in a jelly-like or even a resin-like nails.
A Glossy White Finish
If you feel milk baths are luxurious, have the vibe on your milky white nails. This manicure features a watered-down off-white polish, decorated with crystal foils and dreamy butterfly art. Do you know the color itself is just perfect for medium and deep skin tones?
As you have seen, creamy white is in—and you don’t even need to pay a visit to a nail salon just to sport the look. With these inspirations, you’ll be able to rock the milky nails trend in most stylish yet unexpected ways.