How To Get The ‘Almond Milk’ Nail Look

“I think this trend works best with an almond-shaped nail. The shape is classic, flattering and brings a little bit of drama to the otherwise understated shade.” – Sarah Falshaw, manicurist  

“Medium length allows you to get that classic almond silhouette without compromising the integrity or strength of the natural nail. While some length is necessary to achieve the desired shape, excessively long nails can detract from the subtle elegance of the look. Striking the right balance is key to maintaining the clean, minimalist aesthetic that defines this trend.” – Megan  

“Try Essie ‘Marshmallow’ – a cloudy, sheer white. This shade can be layered with ‘Ballet Slippers’ if you prefer a slightly pinker finish. Another option is OPI  ‘Funny Bunny’ for that soft, milky look, which can be layered with ‘Bubble Bath’ to add a hint of neutral-pink. Then there’s Chanel Le Vernis in ‘Ballerina’ – it’s high end, but worth it for that delicate, glassy finish.” – Faye  

“Dior's ‘Base Vernis’ both strengthens and hardens nails, providing a great base for polish application. But it also works brilliantly worn by itself – two coats creates a natural flush of colour. Paler shades are always trickier to work with, so go in with thin layers and build them gradually to achieve an even finish. My best tip is to follow the ‘less is more’ approach.” – Sarah  

“Opting for sheer, milky shades – rather than bright, opaque whites – is essential to achieving the soft, translucent finish that defines this look. I recommend layering two complementary shades from Bio Sculpture: ‘Seafoam’ and ‘Crème’. Start with Seafoam, a soft, white-toned shade, as your base. Follow with Crème, a delicate, creamy sheer that balances the brightness of Seafoam, resulting in that milky effect. Both shades are available in gel and traditional polish formulas, making it easy to recreate the look whether you’re at home or visiting a salon. For affordability, Essie’s Arctic Jelly Gloss in ‘Soft White’ is an excellent choice. It’s the ideal sheer white tone, is easy to apply and lasts really well. Additionally, ‘Milky White’ by Manucurist is a great alternative – it’s subtle, buildable and beautifully suited to this minimalist trend.” – Megan 

“For achieving that expensive, high-shine finish, a quality top coat is essential. One standout option is Manucurist’s ‘Sunshine’. Known for its long-lasting wear and ultra-glossy shine, it delivers a salon-quality finish that elevates any manicure. For a more accessible, high-street option, Essie’s  ‘Stay Longer’ is a fantastic choice. It offers impressive durability, making it ideal for at-home manicures.” – Megan

“Start with a prepped nail and a ridge-filler base coat to give your nails that smooth effect. Apply one very thin coat of sheer white. Layer a sheer pink or nude over the top to add tone and warmth. Add another sheer white coat on top for that milky-looking finish. Finish with a top coat to create a glossy finish – I rate Seche’s version.” – Faye  

“Clean, well-groomed cuticles are essential if you’re aiming for the almond milk look. The simplest and most effective way to maintain neat cuticles is by gently pushing them back. I recommend the Doris cuticle pusher by Navy – its precision design allows for careful shaping without causing damage to the delicate skin around the nail. Follow this by lightly buffing around the cuticle area with a soft buffer to remove any dead skin clinging to the nail plate. This step helps create a smooth surface for polish application, resulting in a more even and long-lasting finish.” – Megan  

“To keep your manicure looking fresh and healthy, don’t forget to apply cuticle oil regularly. Hydrating the skin around your nails enhances the overall appearance and extends the life of your manicure. Consistency is key; apply nail oil twice daily to maintain hydration and strength. Avoid using your nails as tools – this can cause unnecessary stress and breakage. Remember, achieving the elegant almond milk nail look requires healthy nail length and structure. Two formulas I love are Bio Sculpture’s Ethos Almond Oil and L’Occitane’s Nail & Cuticle Oil, both of which deeply condition and support nail resilience.” – Megan 

“Regular use of either cuticle oil or balm is key for maintaining healthy nails and skin. My personal favourite is Navy’s balm. It nourishes the cuticle area and surrounding skin without leaving a greasy residue.” – Sarah  

“Aside from daily cuticle oil application, my best tip for maintaining healthy nails is to drink plenty of water. Also, don’t forget to protect your nails by wearing gloves when you’re doing the dishes or cleaning. If brittleness is an issue, try a treatment like OPI Nail Envy or Essie Hard To Resist Strengthener. Taken under the approval of your doctor, biotin and collagen supplements can also help your nails gain strength from the inside out.” – Faye  

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