Ask any fan of clean girl beauty—there are subtle differences between every trending neutral manicure, from soap nails to princess nails, glass manicures, and more. What’s next? We’ve revisited Jennifer Lopez’s 2023 wedding manicure—known as the milky manicure—with a fresh twist. When Penélope Cruz arrived at the Venice Film Festival earlier this week, her nails were painted in a style reminiscent of the milky manicure trend. First created by celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik, Lopez’s version was simply a sheer white wash across the nails. Cruz’s long, almond-shaped nails were slightly warmer and pinker—a look that’s both versatile and flattering. Cruz’s go-to manicurist, Lucero Hurtado, recently said in an interview with Vanity Fair Spain that soft, milky shades and clean finishes remain one of the biggest nail trends of 2026. “A well-groomed manicure is a silent form of communication,” Hurtado said. And if this manicure could talk, it would say, “I’m ready for anything.” Penélope Cruz arriving at the Venice Festival. Jacopo Raule/Getty Images JB Lacroix/Getty Images Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Email Vogue’s senior beauty & wellness editor at beauty@vogue.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Penélope Cruzs Milky Manicure for Fall
1 What is a milky manicure
Its a manicure done with semisheer milky nail polishusually soft white cream or pale pinkthat looks like a drop of milk on the nails Its subtle not fully opaque
2 Why is Penélope Cruzs milky manicure being called a fall trend
She was spotted wearing it recently and its soft neutral tone fits falls shift toward minimal polished looks It pairs well with fall fashion without competing with it
3 What color polish do I need to recreate it
Look for shades named milk cream blush or sheer white A semisheer white or pale pink with a milky finish works best
4 Is a milky manicure the same as a French manicure
No A French manicure has a clear or nude base with white tips A milky manicure uses one soft milky shade over the whole nail
5 Whats the difference between milky and opaque white polish
Opaque white is solid and bold Milky polish is seethrough so your natural nail shows slightly underneath giving a softer more natural look
6 Why is it a good choice for fall
Its understated and elegant works with darker fall colors and cozy textures and feels fresh without being loud
7 What nail shape works best for this look
Short to medium almond oval or rounded shapes look best The soft color suits softer shapes
8 Can I do a milky manicure at home
Yes Apply a base coat then one to two thin coats of milky polish and finish with a top coat Thin coats keep it from looking streaky
9 How many coats should I use
One coat for a barelythere look two for a fuller milky effect Avoid three or moreit starts looking like regular white polish
10 Why does my milky polish look streaky
Sheer polishes streak easily Use thin coats let each dry fully and try a ridgefilling base coat to smooth the nail surface
11 How do I stop the polish from looking patchy
Make