There are nail colors we keep returning to because we know they work. Red is one of them, as is French manicure, transparent pinks, or that broad range of nude tones that is hard to give up when we’re after elegant hands. However, after several seasons in which natural manicures have been everywhere, it may be time to find an alternative.
You don’t need to stray too far from neutral tones. Vanilla nails preserve everything we like about a discreet manicure, but introduce a warmer, creamier hue that makes them different. They’re bright, pair easily with the colors we’ll start wearing in autumn, and have that look of well-groomed nails that works both on short manicures and on designs a bit longer.
How exactly are vanilla nails?
Although the name might lead us to think of a yellow manicure, the result is much more subtle. The shade lies between cream white, very pale beige and an extremely soft yellow, so it recalls more the color of vanilla ice cream than a conventional yellow polish.
The finish matters a lot too. Instead of aiming for completely opaque coverage, one of the most elegant ways to wear this trend is to let the natural nail peek through slightly. The result is luminous and delicate, with that clean look that has made milky nails one of the great staples of recent years.
Precisely because of that vanilla nails can be interesting for those who still want a neutral manicure, but feel that nude is starting to feel too predictable.
The vanilla alternative that works especially well in autumn
When September arrives we tend to automatically revisit some colors. Burgundy, chocolate brown, dark red, or even black reappear in our manicures and will remain safe bets for the coming months. However, not everyone wants to wear dark tones as soon as summer ends.
Vanilla nails occupy exactly that space. They maintain the brightness of summer manicures, but their warm hue fits much better with the autumn palette. They work especially well with clothing in brown, camel, gray, black, burgundy or olive green, but also with the neutral tones that dominate many wardrobes during this season.
How to wear vanilla nails to look elegant
One of the advantages of this manicure is that it doesn’t require too many elements to work. In fact, the simpler it is, the easier it will be to achieve that sophisticated result we’re after.
On short nails and slightly rounded, it provides a very clean and natural look, while a somewhat longer almond shape can make the result look even more elegant. It also works on square nails if we prefer a more minimalist aesthetic.
Esmalte 050 French Vanilla de Semilac.
The shine is another important detail. A glossy finish enhances the creamy effect of vanilla and makes the manicure look more groomed. If we also choose a slightly translucent polish, the result will be even more delicate.
Esmalte Nature Strong de OPI.
Another possibility is to use this color as a base for a French manicure. Instead of the usual pink or nude, vanilla can provide warmth without taking away from the white tip. It also allows for small gold details or a pearlescent finish if we want to make it a little more special.
Which tone to choose to avoid looking too yellow
Within the vanilla trend there are different intensities, and finding the right tone can make a big difference. If we’re aiming for a very natural result, it’s worth choosing a cream-white polish where the yellow is barely noticeable.
Those who want to edge a little closer to the trend can opt for a warmer vanilla, always maintaining that soft finish that prevents the color from turning into a pastel yellow.
We can also play with the number of coats. A single coat of a translucent polish will leave a very discreet result, while two or three will increase the intensity and achieve a creamier manicure. It’s an easy way to adapt the trend without having to search for a completely different color.
