Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is no stranger to an elegant, understated style moment, so it makes sense that her approach to manicures would follow suit. Her latest set, which she showcased in a dedicated post to her brand As Ever on Instagram, offers a natural take on the milky nail trend: a tidy, short shape combined with a creamy vanilla wash of color. The high-shine gloss finish indicates a gel polish, though a gel-finish traditional formula could also achieve the same effect, while the sheer color lends a healthy, uniform glow that looks clean and modern without appearing overly harsh.
“The vanilla manicure is a softer, creamier take on a classic nude,” explains Susan Carroll, founder of leading Notting Hill beauty destination Young LDN. “It sits somewhere between a milky white and a warm nude, so you get that really clean, fresh finish without the color looking too stark. Meghan's is a great example because it's incredibly subtle, but still looks very polished and put together.”
A closer look at Meghan Sussex’s barely there nail look
“The prep is really what makes a manicure like this work,” continues Carroll. “Because the color is so simple, you notice the condition of the nails and cuticles much more. You want really neat cuticles, well-hydrated hands and a smooth nail surface. Meghan's soft, rounded shape works beautifully too. It feels natural and elegant, particularly at a shorter length. A really glossy top coat then gives it that fresh, healthy-looking finish.”
Get the Look: Meghan Sussex’s Vanilla Manicure
The Duchess has made something of a signature of the milky manicure trend, citing a layered combination of CND's Satin Slippers and Romantique polishes as her go-to custom nail color via ShopMy. Her most recent look appears to take a step into the creamier, beige-toned world of manicure hues, though it is hardly a great departure from her typically understated aesthetic.
“Sweet Candy Breath by Bio Sculpture is one I always reach for,” says Faye Louise Dennis, Bio Sculpture ambassador and celebrity manicurist. “Its sheer finish makes it fantastic as an all-over color, giving that natural, 'your nails but better' effect that suits the majority of skin tones. If you've got fair skin, cooler-toned pinks such as Bio Sculpture's Rose tend to look gorgeous. Medium and olive undertones generally pair well with warm peachy nudes or rosy beige shades like Spun Out Of Dreams, which add a nice glow to the nail bed. And for deeper skin tones, a richer caramel nude is incredibly flattering. Lyrics of a Lily is my personal favorite for this."
To discover your most flattering shade, we suggest always consulting your technician and testing a few shades before curing your nails and committing to a look.
Looking for More Nail Ideas?
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- How to Get Your Healthiest, Strongest Nails Yet, According to Experts
- Hailey Bieber Makes a Case for Matching Your Hair to Your Nails
- Is Miu Miu’s Messy Manicure a Trend or a Statement?
- Is Cuticle Removal Even Necessary?
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