The Newest Nail Color Trends Are All About Scaling Back
Jelly, milky, and muted polishes are taking over.
There’s just something so uplifting about approaching life with a feeling of lightness. We’re approaching our makeup with gentler hands and opting for airier garments. We’re investing in more hobbies that make us feel less weighed down. We’re spending more time outside and less time in overstimulating shopping centers (more so now than ever). Nail artists’ predictions of the biggest nail color trends reflect that sentiment.
They foresee polishes that are muted (like pastel lilac), soft (milky white), or worn intentionally sheer (jelly pink). “Milky finishes are the look for neutrals, soft shades—and even brights have gone jelly,” says Miss Pop, a nail artist based in New York City. While some quintessential brights make their return, expect them to take on an even more invigorating edge—one that’ll make you surge with dopamine and feel refreshed. Ahead, discover the top nail colors experts predict will be everywhere.
Meet the experts:
Miss Pop is a nail artist based in New York City.
Jin Soon Choi is a New York City-based nail artist and founder of JinSoon.
Sarah Chue is a nail artist based in Los Angeles.
Elle Gerstein is a nail artist based in Freeport, New York.
Fresh white
Like burying your face in freshly laundered linens or sipping on a vanilla milkshake, white polish will make you want to say, “Aah,” as you look down at your fingertips. “From sheer, milky whites to crisp, opaque polishes, these nails are versatile, clean, and effortlessly elevated,” says nail artist and brand founder Jin Soon Choi. “The look embodies the ‘quiet luxury’ movement and the minimalist, skin care-inspired beauty aesthetic.”
For something milky, sweep on thin layers of OPI Nail Lacquer in Coastal Sand-tuary. You can also try Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Like A Virgin, or Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Extreme Wear in White On.
Electric blue
To me, this color is the flash of lightning during a late-night summer storm. To Miss Pop, it’s David Bowie in the song “Sound and Vision.” The bright, zingy blue is taking over this season with a bang.
“Electric blue is vibrant, bright, and creates a lovely contrast against summer skies,” adds Los Angeles-based nail artist Sarah Chue. Try Zoya’s Isley, Orly Nail Lacquer in Royal Navy, or Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in Stupid Boy.
Jelly pink
Everything is jelly these days—our blushes, face creams, and, of course, our manicures. The jelly color right now is a juicy pink. Jelly pink uses “very sheer, translucent polish to mimic the glass-like feel of Jell-O,” says Chue. She adds that it can be layered on top of clear extensions, “allowing light to pass through to get that glossy look.”
For a manicure that looks like it’s about to jiggle, try adding Dior Nail Glow or the OPI Plumping Top Coat on top of a saturated color.
Pastel lilac
Nail artist Elle Gerstein says the vibe of wearing pastel lilac is as fine as a summer breeze. “It’s fresh and airy,” she says, adding that the finished look is soft and can appear as a neutral on olive skin.
Get the look with OPI Nature Strong Spring Into Action or Zoya Nail Lacquer in Emerson.
Limoncello yellow
What’s more refreshing than a glass of chilled limoncello or lemonade? The citrusy yellow, “It’s happy,” says Gerstein. “And we all need some happiness right now.”
Get happy with Zoya’s Taji or Barry M Hi Vis Neon Yellow Flash Paint.
Sheer blues
Choi has been painting muted blue on her clients lately, including Sora Choi (who wore it as a base polish at this year’s Met Gala) and the models at the Monse spring/summer 2025 show. “This isn’t your typical cheerful baby blue; it’s sheer and quietly moody,” says Choi. “The translucent quality adds depth and a cooling softness, creating a barely there look that still makes a subtle, sophisticated statement.”
Looking for something even more delicate? Give Orly Breathable Nail Lacquer in Morning Mantra or Sally Hansen Good Kind Pure in Crystal Blue a try.
Soapy nude
When “soap nails” hit the Allure group chat, we were skeptical: “Aren’t these just nude-pink nails?” one editor asked. That’s exactly what they are—and they’re extremely popular among Miss Pop’s clients. “The trending nude colors are being worn sheer, à la the soap nail trend,” she says, adding that she created soapy nude looks on Uma Thurman and Amanda Seyfried in the last month. Your choice of polish for this look is extra personal, but the Allure team has some suggestions here.
