23 Milky Nail Ideas to Inspire Your Next Manicure (2024)

Meet the expert

Simple Studs

Stone kept this milky look simple by pairing an Essie polish with a metallic triangle at the base of each nail.

Soft Shimmer

Simple and pretty, this look from Stone features Lace is More by Essie. It has an ever-so-subtle hint of pink and lots of finely milled silver shimmer for a seamless glimmer.

Floral Appliqué

Inspired by this floral appliqué from For Love and Lemons, Stone created this sweet and pretty look. It features simple white flowers with a crystal center atop a milky white base.

Minimalist Gold

A touch of gold can make a plain milky manicure a bit more interesting. Stone created this look using gold foil on top of Chanel Ballerina. You'll see this polish a few times on this list, because it's a beloved shade among manicurists.

Bridal Chic

“This is a structured manicure using colored gel builder in a bottle (commonly called BIAB,” says Kandalec. “I used CND Plexigel in Porcelain—I actually have this exact product on my toes right now! I love how clean it is, without a harsh cuticle line.”

Coconut Milk

This bright milky white is the shade Coconut Milk from a past collab between Orly and nail artist and content creator Jess Brush. It's a simple shade with no shimmer or pink undertones.

Marbled

This ethereal look uses a milky white to create a marble finish. The addition of gold leaf and fine 3D drips add even more opulence to the look.

Bubble Bath

Minerva did this look on Kaia Gerber for the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty. "I used a combination of Samoan Sand and Bubble Bath for this look," says Minerva. "As you can see, it showcases the natural nails in an elevated way."

Kitschy Accents

Stone is in love with this playful look she created. "I painted dust sprites on my nails and my mani has never made me happier," says Stone.

Spooky Spider

Minerva did this spider-inspired look on Emily Rudd. "This is a fun twist for a milky set and since it’s spooky season, it seems appropriate,” says Minerva. “I did a milky white using OPI’s Funny Bunny with spider webs across the nails.”

Ballerina Neutral

For a nearly bare look, Stone painted this look using just Chanel Ballerina. By keeping the coats minimal, she was able to get a super natural look.

Milky Layers

“This is a gel manicure using OPI Funny Bunny, then Bubble Bath over it,” says Kandalec. “It's more covering then the one below, but the very subtle pink shade gives it the milky nails feel.”

Pearls & Lace

“I recently did my friend Breanna Box’s nails for her wedding and did a milky nude base using just one coat of Samoan Sand from OPI with painted lace detailing and pearl adornments that matched her dress,” says Minerva.

Diffused French

This milky look is a diffused take on the beloved French manicure. A milky white at the tip blurs into a nude base for a clean look.

Touch of Gold

Thick bands of gold foil add weight to this otherwise airy look. The foil is applied in an organic way that keeps it from looking too glam.

Matte Milk

Milky nails don't have to be glossy. This matte look is accented by a shimmery gold micro tip for a clean and cool look.

New Growth

Tiny green sprouts adorn this milky nail for a fresh, springy look. You have to look close to notice, but each leaf is filled with green glitter to add even more visual interest.

Metallic Curves

To enhance this milky manicure, thin gold lines have been applied to a few nails. The lines follow the natural curve of the nail, adding dimension while allowing the nail to appear longer.

Minimalistic Hearts

This one is for the girls who love milky pink. It uses a milky polish with lots of pink to create a sweet and pretty base. A few nails also get a red heart to up the sweet factor.

Chrome Pearls

This milky chrome look features pearl decals for a gorgeous look that screams bridal. It's simple and elegant.

Almond Milk

Take your milky manicure in a slightly different direction than ballerina pink with a splash of Almond Milk ($10) from Sally Hansen. And yes—this nail polish is 100% vegan.

Gold Chains

Are plain old milky nails a touch too simple for you? Try adding an accessory—like, say, a miniature gold chain—to each nail.

Lip Gloss Nails

Early aughts nostalgia lovers, we got you. For a milky, lip gloss-inspired manicure, try a few swipes of 03 Rose Coquille by Hermès.