Milky nails are trending this year. But what is a milky French manicure?
You’re probably familiar with the traditional French manicure with white tips on a pink base. Now imagine it with a creamy white base instead. It’s the same soft and sophisticated look that Jennifer Aniston wore recently.
Milky French manicures create a muted contrast between the creamy white base and white tips. At the same time, the entire nail is finished with a glossy, translucent white haze. This effect is reminiscent of milk bath nails.
As you might guess, it’s not hard to do a milky French manicure at home. The hardest part is finding the best polish for the look, but we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out what you need.
Supplies Needed for a Milky French Manicure
Before painting your nails, it's crucial to have the right manicure tools on hand. Use a buffer block to smooth out any ridges to ensure a flawless finish.
Then, the other supplies depend on the type of manicure you're doing. For example, here's the shopping list for gels:
- base and top coats
- white polish
Note on white polish: You can use a single shade for everything! Apply it at full strength for the tips, and dilute it for the base and translucent top coat.
For nail lacquer, you’ll need:
- base and top coats
- white polish
We know it’s challenging to find white nail polish that isn’t clumpy or chalky. It’s also tricky to get the perfect translucent white shade by blending polish with a clear top coat. That’s why we’re pleased to show you the perfect white polish for a milky French manicure:
LDS 01 Simply White Gel Polish Jelly Nude
If you're hunting for white polish for milky nails, look no further. This one is translucent enough to showcase your natural nails yet becomes more opaque with additional layers.
Thanks to its gel formula, it has a pleasant scent and smooth texture, making it enjoyable to apply. Plus, it boasts a super glossy finish that lasts up to three weeks.
The only downside is that this gel polish is a unique product with no matching lacquer. However, you may love working with LDS Milky Way or Kiara Sky Milky White. Both colors come in a duo set with gel and nail lacquer.
How to Do a Milky French Manicure
Set aside some time to pamper yourself and do milky French nails. Here’s how to begin.
Step 1: Prep Your Nails
Nail prep is crucial for this type of manicure. Begin by trimming and shaping your nails. It doesn't matter what shape you prefer. Milky nails look just as lovely with an almond shape as they do square.
Next, use a fine-grit buffer block to smooth ridges and remove the shine from the surface.
Remember to gently push back your cuticles. Cuticle remover can help remove dead skin, and you can trim the excess with a nipper. This will give you a clean and smooth canvas for your polish.
Wipe off the debris and oil with a nail wipe saturated with rubbing alcohol or acetone.
Then, apply a base coat to smooth the surface and improve the polish's longevity.
Step 2: Apply the Milky Base Color
The key to this look is using a milky white or off-white polish with a semi-opaque or translucent finish. This creates a slight contrast between the base and the tip of your nails. Apply two thin layers of this polish on all your nails and let them dry completely.
If you can’t find the perfect milky shade, you can make your own. Try blending one part transparent top coat or transparent base with two parts white polish. You may need to alter the proportions. Keep track of what you’re doing so that you can make the same color again. If you like your creation, mix a bigger batch in an empty polish bottle.
Step 3: Paint the French Tip
The next step is to paint a thin white line along the edge of your nails. You can make the line as thin or as thick as you like. Try to make the line as even as possible on all your nails. Use nail striping tape or a stencil to help.
Step 4: Apply Another Milky Coat
Now, brush the translucent white polish over the entire nail, including the tip. It will give the nails a cloudy look like milky bathwater and soften the transition between the tip and the base.
Step 4: Seal with a Top Coat
The final step is to seal your manicure with a glossy top coat. Feel free to add a second coat for extra shine and durability.
And that's it! You've just created a milky French manicure that looks fresh, clean, and sophisticated. Treat yourself to cuticle oil, and go show off those nails!
Should You Use Gel Polish or Nail Lacquer for Milky French Nails?
When you want an elegant look like this, choosing the right type of nail polish is crucial. Gel polish and nail lacquer are both popular options, but which one should you use? Let's look at the pros and cons of each.
Gel polish is known for its long-lasting wear and high-shine finish. It's extra resistant to chipping and peeling. However, applying and removing gel polish requires more time and effort than regular nail lacquer. You'll need a UV lamp to cure the polish, and you'll also need to soak your nails in acetone to remove it.
On the other hand, nail lacquer is quicker to apply and remove. Nevertheless, it's less durable than gel polish and may chip or peel after a few days.
Ultimately, choosing between gel polish and nail lacquer for milky French nails depends on your priorities. If you want a long-lasting manicure that looks glossy and perfect for weeks, go for gel polish. If you prefer a more affordable option, nail lacquer is the way to go.
Alternative Designs for a Milky French Manicure
There are plenty of creative alternatives already appearing on social networks. For example, you might enjoy milky pink nails or milky blue nails. Either design would work well with matching colored tips in the French manicure style.
You might also enjoy milky French tips with an iridescent glaze created by chrome powder. Instead of polishing the nails with chrome powder, apply it sparingly for a subtle shimmer.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed discovering more about milky French nails and how to do them at home.
While you're here, we invite you to save big on all the nail supplies you need today. Check out our deals and the complementary gifts we offer on every order over $35. Remember, we offer free delivery for shipments over $100!