Soap Nails are the Hottest Engagement Manicure

Soap Nails are the Hottest Engagement Manicure

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They’re milky, sleek, and delicate—the perfect backdrop for that diamond on your finger

There’s a new manicure trend for brides-to-be, and it’s a minimalist’s dream come true. This year’s standout trend is dubbed “soap nails,” exuding the kind of elegance that whispers rather than shouts and lets that sparkler do all the talking. The French tips were fun while they lasted, but this squeaky-clean manicure is a worthy surrogate.

Soap nails by Harriet Westmoreland
Soap nails, the hottest take on the “naked nail” trend

RELATED: Why You Should Get a Russian Manicure, According to Nail Care Specialist Ashley Colet

Soap nails are the quiet luxury of nails. True to their name, they’re a high-gloss, sheer manicure in soft hues like beige, blush pink, or milky white. It’s like wearing the softest cashmere sweater for your fingers, the kind of chic that doesn’t need to be adorned to be noticed. They’re also called “milk-bath nails” for their ultra-sheer and creamy finish, resembling the pristine result of a Russian manicure session.

The Stars’ Neutrals

It’s possible that soap nails stood out for the sole purpose of being simple, minimalist, and delectable to wear and look at, but much of the buzz can be credited to the personalities who’ve worn them.

Selena Gomez' engagement announcement photo
Selena Gomez’ engagement announcement photo
No-mani manicure on Selena Gomez
No-mani manicure

Back in December, Selena Gomez took to Instagram to announce her engagement to Benny Blanco, and her no-mani manicure was as unforgettable as her big news. She wore the perfect shade of ivory-pink that was so sheer it almost looked like they’d been dipped in milk—in the best way possible. It was Chanel’s Ballerina, as revealed by her nail artist Bachik, and it was the perfect way to show off her massive marquise diamond set.

Zendaya at the 2025 Golden Globes
Zendaya at the 2025 Golden Globes
Strawberry milk manicure
Strawberry milk manicure

And, at the 2025 Golden Globes, Zendaya graced the carpet in custom Louis Vuitton, a glitzy Bulgari choker, and a nostalgic bob, but it was the ring on her left hand that had people talking louder. She paired them with strawberry milk nails, a spin-off of the soap and milk-bath manicure trend. Her nails were a soft and milky color, mid-length, and rounded—subtle, yet enough to make her new bling sparkle that much louder. No formal word from the Dune star and her Spider-Man co-star, but until then, we’re reeling over the nails.

How to Get Soap Nails

They’re simple, sleek, and chic, but also deceptively high-maintenance. Keeping them pristine is a whole commitment, and here’s a breakdown.

Russian manicure by Ash Luxe Nails
Russian manicure by Ash Luxe Nails

First, invest in nail care. Apply cuticle oil and keep the base smooth with regular buffing. The next tip—which the claw-loving ladies can cover their ears for— is to keep them trimmed and short. Doing this makes all the difference in achieving the “there but not really” appeal, which celebrities have gotten the memo for. File them to a rounded or soft-squared shape to nail the look.

For the color, choose a semi-sheer, milky hue—basically something that reminds you of soap. Note that the look should ideally be tonal, so opt for something a shade lighter or darker than your skin, and finish with a high-gloss topcoat to lock it all in.

Soap, milk-bath, strawberry-milk nails—they’re arguably the nail trend of the year in general, but we’ll let the brides-to-be have their reign.


Featured Image and Photos: MATT WINKELMEYER, KEVIN MAZURGETTY, HARRIET WESTMORELAND, SELENA GOMEZ, ASH LUXE NAILS (via Instagram), ZENDAYA UPDATES (via X)

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