Image Credit: Getty/Max Mumby/Indigo/Contributors
One of the beauty rituals that makes me feel the most perfect is getting my nails done. This is one of the few treatments that instantly puts me in a good mood every time I look at my hands. That’s why I love trying trendy manicures, and one of the biggest in Hollywood is the milk bath nails.
The milk bath manicures seen on celebrities like Simone Biles, Meghan Markle, and Jennifer Lopez offer an ethereal feel to colorful nail art. “Milk bath nails are acrylic nails with colored dried flowers embedded in milky acrylic,” celebrity manicurist Elle Gerstein previously told POPSUGAR. Depending on your personal preference, you can skip the floral elements and opt for only creamy whites, which will give you a subtle manicure suitable for minimalists.
After seeing the whole design on my social media, I decided to try it myself. I went to the Vanity Projects nail salon in Manhattan. Once I arrived and removed my previous set, the technician immediately started applying the Aprés Gel-X extension, which is a clear overlay made of soft gel that molds into the nail and adheres to the entire natural nail . Considering the product is not acid-based, this method is gentler on the nails than acrylics. Therefore, Gel-X nails are also easier to remove.
Photo credit: POPSUGAR Photography/Ariel Baker
Once the nails are in place, it’s time to design. After applying the Aprés Base Gelcoat ($12), the technician applies a coat of Leafgel Premium Color Gel in Coconut White ($20), followed by a coat of IBD Hard Gel ($12). Then, carefully place real dried flowers on each finger. After that, the technician repeats the process: curing, one layer of White Leafgel, one layer of IBD Hard Gel. Finally, there’s Aprés Top Gelcoat ($12) for a glossy finish before a re-manicure.
Image Credit: The Vanity Fair Project
The end result is a soft, creamy look that’s perfect for spring/summer – I’m already thinking about buying polished colors so I can try this trend at home. The most time-consuming part of this trend is the flower placement, so if you’re in a hurry but want to do this manicure yourself, try placing the flower on the accent nails instead of your hands. But if you’re ready for a complete milk bath nail treatment – floral and all – I can’t recommend this design enough.
