If you feel like you’ve exhausted all options on the French manicure front, there’s a new nail trend that might just fit the bill. The “vanilla French” manicure is a soft, slightly diffused natural nail look that is super flattering on all who try it. Fans include Kylie Jenner, Adele, and Hailey Bieber.
“The vanilla French is a new nail trend originally created by LA celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, who brought us 2022’s glazed doughnut manicure,” says manicurist Robbie Tomkins, who has been experimenting with the look a lot on his clients recently. “This new subtle look is similar to the classic American French manicure, but with a twist. The tip is slightly hazed out to create a softer, peachier look, as opposed to the usual pink and bright white colors we associate with a French manicure.”
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The vanilla French is minimalistic and flattering on most nail shapes—although it’s worth noting that it looks particularly good on longer, almond-shaped nails. “To elongate shorter nails, I always recommend opting for a deep French (where the line goes higher up the sides of the nail), but there are no hard or fast rules here—nail art should be fun, so just give it a try,” says Tomkins. “The best bit about this particular look is that the base is nude, so regrowth will be bearable.”
So how to create a vanilla French? In the salon, ask your technician to use soft, sheer pinks and peachy tones as your base—if you’re stuck, look at the shade of your natural nail bed and pick a similar color. When it comes to tips, opt for creamy white shades, rather than anything too bright— the vanilla French is all about a milky aesthetic rather than anything too punchy.
Tomkins also says the look can be easily recreated at home: “I always recommend applying a base, likeProtein Formula for Nails, to strengthen nails and help your manicure last longer. Then, apply a thin coat of your chosen nude polish—Dior’s deliciously sheer Base Coat Abricot is magical when used as a color as it suits all skin tones. I also love Essie’s Sugar Daddy or Not Just A Pretty Face if you need a little more coverage.”
