When it comes to expensive-looking nail trends, I often gravitate towards glossy, neutral shades, as they have a way of elevating your natural nails and making everything look chic yet understated. Over the past few years, milky nails have reigned supreme as the quiet-luxury nail colour that people can’t get enough of (me being one of those people); however, this trend has evolved over the past few months, and suddenly, everyone’s wearing sheer milky nails instead.

Whilst I’m not one to usually declare a trend the best manicure of all time (let’s face it: new nail trends are popping up every week), I will say that this is easily one of the most expensive-looking nail shades I’ve come across this spring. In fact, I think it’s the most expensive-looking shade you can wear this season, and for good reason.

Milky nails are still very much in style, but the sheer milky nail trend takes quiet luxury to a whole new level. As the name suggests, this milky hue is a lot more translucent, allowing your natural nail to shine through. It also has a high-shine finish, making your manicure look glossy and healthy. It’s essentially your nails, but on a really, really good day. Plus, the milky shade will complement everything in your spring wardrobe, and will look particularly elevated with cream and beige hues. Below, you’ll find lots of sheer milky nail inspiration, so keep on scrolling and prepare to fall in love…

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Sheer Milky Nails Inspiration

A close-up of a sheer, milky white manicure

The sheer, soft colour, the high-shine finish… everything about this milky manicure is perfection.

A square-shaped, sheer milky manicure

See? Told you it enhances your natural nails.

A long, almond-shaped milky manicure

Pair this trend with an almond nail shape for an even more expensive look.

A close-up of a sheer milky manicure

It looks incredible with shorter nails too, of course.

A woman's hand on a car steering wheel with a sheer milky manicure

The most elegant spring manicure.

An almond-shaped sheer milky manicure

Subtle yet super sophisticated.

A square-shaped, super sheer, milky white manicure

This square nail shape is definitely calling out to me.

A close-up of a short, super glossy, sheer milky manicure

So much glossy goodness.

The Best Products for Sheer Milky Nails

Active Bright

Manucurist

Active Bright Nail Polish

One layer of this milky hue will beautifully illuminate your natural nails.

Essie Original Marshmallow Sheer White Nail Polish 13.5ml

Essie

Nail Lacquer in Marshmallow

The most elegant sheer, soft white shade from Essie.

Opi Nail Polish - Funny Bunny - Nail Lacquer - White 15ml

OPI

Nail Lacquer in Funny Bunny

Two coats of OPI Funny Bunny are more opaque; one coat will give you a beautifully sheer finish.

Leighton Denny High Performance Nail Polish Starkers

Leighton Denny

High Performance Nail Polish in Starkers

Add a high-gloss shine to your sheer milky nail look with Leighton Denny’s High Performance Nail Polish.

Max Factor Miracle Pure Nail Polish Lacquer Coconut Milk

Max Factor

Miracle Pure Nail Polish Lacquer in Coconut Milk

The shade name says it all. Coconut milk is the chicest milky white for spring and summer.