"The milky manicure is the Sofia Richie of manicures. It gives clean, classy, and elevated while remaining understated and simple—which is exactly why we love it (and Sofia, obviously). With a clean manicure base and a cloudy-white, slightly transparent finish, the milky manicure is trendy enough to pair with your silver ballet flats while remaining professional enough for the office. And what’s more, it’s a fit for every skin tone and season. So basically, this manicure can do it all.
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And it’s not just us who thinks so. In addition to Sofia’s milky manicure throughout her wedding weekend and honeymoon, other celebrities (looking at you Jennifer Aniston, Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz, and Kim Kardashian) and influencers alike have been spotted with their own milky mani moment.
Slated as one of the biggest nail trends in 2023, we’re breaking down exactly how to get the look. Ahead, a step-by-step guide to achieving a milky manicure.
Step 1: Prep a clean manicure base
If you’re a clean manicure girlie, shoutout to you for already being ahead of the game when it comes to prepping your nails for a milky manicure. The natural yet meticulously maintained look that is a clean mani is the base of a milky manicure, so you’ll want to start by cleaning and exfoliating your hands, nails, and cuticles, followed by buffing, smoothing, and shaping your nails. (Sofia’s signature shape is a soft square, but this look works just the same on whatever shape you desire). This preparation, when done right, can make your nails appear like they have clear polish on them, which is exactly what you want before adding colored polish.
Use this nail brush to effortlessly brush away dirt with the top row of bristles before flipping it over to use the longer bristles to exfoliate your hands.
This four-piece cuticle set includes everything you need to exfoliate, soothe, and push your cuticles without damaging your nail plate.
Buff, file, and shape your nails with the help of this 10-piece tool kit that comes in a fold-over clutch carrier.
Step 2: Apply polish & a glossy top coat
The MVP of the milky manicure is the polish, which is why it’s so important that you get not only the shade right but the number of coats too. The milky look has been done in both white and pink (the color is totally preference-based!), but the technique is the same to achieve the transparent and cloudy finish. Typically, only one or two coats of polish are needed—depending on the opacity of the shade—but the trick is to stop while the shade is still a bit see-through. Read: If you can’t see the white tip of your nail through your polish anymore, you’ve gone too far. Once you’ve achieved your desired amount of coats, finish with a high-shine top coat.
Quite possibly the most popular nail polish shade for a milky manicure is Funny Bunny by OPI. One coat of this sheer white is what Sofia Richie's nail artist, Georgie Rae, used on Sofia for her rehearsal dinner.
Sofia's exact wedding day shade is Sweet Candy Breath by Bio Sculpture, but since it is backordered due to the hype, Bubble Bath by OPI is one of the most popular sheer pink polishes. 1-2 coats of this shade will provide a hint of pink while remaining cloudy and milky.
This glossy, high-shine top coat will seal your polish and help prevent scratches and chipping. For best results, apply one coat.
If you want a little more, add one coat of this plumping top coat by OPI to build instant volume and plump your nails for a gel-like look with a protective, high-gloss finish.
Step 3: Nourish your skin and nails
One thing you’ll never see paired with a milky manicure? Dry, cracked hands and cuticles. Liberally apply cuticle oil and moisturizer directly after your polish is dry and again every day afterward. This will not only help your manicure stay fresh for a longer period of time, but it will ensure that your hands and nails look supple and soft and are ready to show off your new milky manicure.
This lightweight cuticle oil infused with plant oils will instantly hydrate for softer, healthier-looking cuticles. To apply, drop a small amount to your cuticles and massage in a circular motion after your polish is dry and then every day after.
Throughout the day and before bed, apply this rich, moisturizing cream that softens hands and supports nails with the help of ingredients like shea butter and sesame oil.