"Maybe it’s from the memories of a girlhood spent playing with pastel sidewalk chalk, or the warm summer feeling the colors give off, but nothing makes me feel more girly than a pastel nail. No matter the shade, pastel nails can adapt to whatever vibe you’re after.
With its incredible versatility, these soft colors are inspired by the warm season and remind me of spring flowers and summer beach days. The milky colors are subtle but so cute and help to add a fun look to your nails. Whether you take this inspo to your nail tech or do them yourself, these ideas can be achieved by anyone! Here are 15 milky pastel nail ideas to help you embrace your girlhood this season and beyond.
1. Milky White
This milky white manicure is the perfect classic to start off this trend. Clean and simple, this white color is a match for any style.
2. Pistachio Green
This pistachio green color is the epitome of spring and summer. It reminds me of mint ice cream and is perfect for anyone looking for an adorable green color.
3. Pale Pink
This baby pink reminds me of strawberry milk and all things girly. The nail is refreshing and subtle yet so cute!
4. Baby Blue
This pastel blue includes a subtle shimmer and a milky finish, creating that natural and effortless effect. It’s perfect for someone wanting to add a little bit of sparkle!
5. Thermal Pastels
This incredible design uses pastels to recreate a thermal effect on the nails. This set is perfect for someone looking for something unique and different!
6. Blue and Green Gradient
This gradient of pastel blues and greens is so much fun and is perfect for anyone who wants to explore more color combinations!
7. Watercolors
These gorgeous nails create a watercolor effect using multiple pastel colors. The color combination reminds me of warm weather and rainbow sherbet—but if that’s not your vibe, ask your manicurist to recreate this look with pastels of your choosing.
8. Mint Green
Green girlies! This look is for you. The shimmery mint green is diluted with a barely-there peachy shade, so the pastel color really pops when it catches the light.
9. Milky Neutral
This milky neutral is the perfect simple nail, subtle and sexy all wrapped into one. It screams that iconic old-money aesthetic.
10. Blush Pink
These nails blend several pink shades to create the cutest ombré blush effect. These animated white sparkle designs add a super cool extra touch, too!
11. Baby Yellow
This pastel yellow shade gives off the best summer vibes and reminds us of all things sunshine, flowers, and warm days.
12. Glazed Donut
Of course, the iconic glazed donut nails had to make this list. With the milky white base and pale blue glaze coat, this nail gives an effortless hint of color.
13. Lilac Purple
This purple pastel nail is the perfect soft shade. It’s subtle yet playful and is ideal for anyone looking for a bright-yet-cool manicure.
14. Yellow Half Moons
This fun and unique design uses a pastel yellow color at the cuticle of the nail, creating a super cool effect. It’s perfect for anyone looking for just a hint of color.
15. Icy Blue
This icy blue is a great choice for someone looking for a bright and fun nail. Topped with an ultra glossy coat, the shine gives the nail that incredible ice rink effect.
16. Orange Creamsicle
This creamsicle orange is so playful and fun and is perfect for someone looking to for a nail color that really pops.
17. Pastel Blue Micro French
These micro French designs use a pale baby blue on the very tip of the nails, making for a sleek and simple design. If neutral colors are your go-to, this is a great way to add a subtle pop of color.
18. Pastel Skittles
This skittle manicure shows off several pastel shades along each finger, creating a super fun set that you can easily customize with different shades.
19. Pastel Shimmers
Using a shimmery top coat on barely-there pastels, these nails are fun yet subtle and very eye-catching.
20. Muted Purple
This lavender purple is the perfect bright, milky shade and the ultra-glossy top coat makes it look all the more luxe.
21. Pastel Tie-Dye
What better to remind us of summertime than a tie-dye design? This nail uses pastel shades to create this super fun design, perfect for someone looking to add something unique to their nails!