Milky manicures have become a go-to for a neutral nail that feels elevated. Blueberry and strawberry milk nails had their respective moments last summer, and this season—as summer transitions to fall—lavender milk nails are taking center stage. The dreamy, creamy look layers a wash of lavender with a milky base, creating a soft, cloudy purple that reads as polished without trying too hard.
According to data from Fresha, searches for lavender milk nails have increased 123 percent over the past three months. If the trend hasn’t come across your Instagram or TikTok yet, it will soon. Beauty expert Annabelle Taurua says it’s easy to see why the look has become so popular. “This fresh neutral nail trend works seamlessly with many styles and skin tones by blending a soft, creamy milk base with an ultra-light touch of purple for a soft, cloudy finish. Not to mention, it’s also celebrity-approved, with stars like Selena Gomez spotted wearing the trend on social media.”
Ahead, everything to know about the trend, plus how to get the look at home.
How to Get Lavender Milk Nails
Taurua says the best way to achieve lavender milk nails is “by using a sheer milky white base layered with two coats of sheer pastel purple and then applying a very thin coat of the milky white over the top to give it that cloudy, diffused appearance. Then, finish with a thicker layer of high-gloss to give the trend that glassy, wet-look, jelly-like shine.”
Ramon Duran created the look using OPI Polly Want a Lacquer? ($12) and OPI Funny Bunny ($12). Some other milky white polishes to try include Manucurist Milky White ($14), Londontown Double Scoop ($16), Gelcare Coconut Milk ($18) and Essie Arctic Jelly ($13). For somewhat sheer pastel purple shades, try a layer of Gelcare Lavender Water ($18) or Sundays No. 29 ($18).
Taurua notes lavender milk nails tend to look best on oval or almond-shaped nails, but you can try the look on any shape. She adds that there are plenty of ways to elevate the trend, like adding French tips, nail art or a chrome layer. No matter how you wear them, though, this is one milk trend worth spilling all over your feed.
