Vanilla French Manicure: What It Is, DIY, and Inspiration
"Vanilla French" Manicures Should Be on Your Radar
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We don't know about you, but we'll never tire of the whole "naming beauty trends after food" thing that's currently happening. It's led to some undeniable hits like "glazed-doughnut" nails (alongside chocolate-glazed . . . and strawberry-glazed nails), so it's only right that the theme continues. The latest addition to the lineup? Vanilla french nails.
Yes, this trend might sound like part of your daily Starbucks order, but it's fast becoming a trendy nail look. Recently repopularized by Zola Ganzorigt, the manicure is actually one that's been seen before. "This is a spin on the 'american' manicure," celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec tells POPSUGAR. "That's where the white of the nail is a semi-sheer shade as opposed to a stronger block of colour seen in a traditional french manicure."
Vanilla french nails, on the other hand, differ due to their tonality. "Vanilla french nails have tips that are an even softer white, but in a warmer, almost yellow — or 'vanilla' — tone to mimic the colour of the actual nail's free edge," Kandalec says. This differentiation is important. Often, bright, cool-toned white shades are what people want to default to when they hear the word "french," but if you're looking to achieve this trend specifically, you're going to want to take the time to nail both the tone and transparency of the white nail polish used.
The look has been seen on celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Adele, but you can absolutely re-create the trend at home. "If you want to DIY vanilla french nails, a sheer yellow-based tip colour like Essie's Waltz ($10) makes this look 'vanilla,'" Kandalec says. "You'll also want to use an angled eyeliner brush and pure acetone to clean up the smile line if you do a classic french style." While the look can definitely make a solid base for nail art, Kandalec says that the best part of this manicure is how natural it looks. "I prefer this trend when it lets healthy-looking nails do all the talking." If you like more minimal, but well-groomed nails, it doesn't get more understated than this.
If you're still considering the manicure, allow the following vanilla french nails to serve as a bit of inspiration before your next visit to the salon.
