The Classic Color Sabrina Carpenter Is Nailing With Her Summer 2024 Manicures

We've seen a lot of nail colors come and go so far in 2024. Just as the weather started to get warmer, bubblegum pink nails showed up and dominated the scene for a few weeks. Then, not long after that, butter nails became all the rage as spring took its leave and summer descended upon us, thanks very much in part to Selena Gomez rocking them first. Now, here we are in the middle of July and there's only one color on everyone's mind and nails: baby pink.

Earlier this year, Zendaya was seen making the rounds with a baby pink manicure during her "Challengers" press tour, and then Sabrina Carpenter introduced her version of baby pink nails in her SKIMS campaign. Proof that baby pink is the manicure color of the moment can be found on TikTok where #babypinknails has already racked up over 18 million views. "Barely there, nude shades make all nails look well groomed and expensive," nail artist and session manicurist, Ami Streets, told Refinery 29. "The hint of pink enhances the natural undertone of nails and camouflages any imperfections, resulting in brighter, healthy-looking nails with a high shine."

So what's with all the hoopla? These celebrities and others know a good, ultra-sophisticated thing when they see it, that's what.

As the base to the French manicure, baby pink is a classic color that can do no wrong and goes with everything. It goes just as well with jeans and sneakers as it does with a gown by Maison Margiela, because it's such a subtle, non-intrusive color. Similar to the muted pastel nail trend of summer 2024, baby pink is chic and effortlessly cool, letting other parts of your style shine while it sort of hangs out in the bleachers. It's reliable as opposed to lackluster and, in being just a hint brighter than nude, it brings a sense of coziness to the equation. It's also the perfect shade of pink for those who don't even like pink.

Considering the manicure trends we've seen this summer, like neon nails on Hailey Bieber that glowed in the dark and the intense chrome French mani, baby pink is quite a contrast. It turns the volume way down on nails and in the best way possible, because sometimes barely there is the look we need.

Most brands have their own version of baby pink on the market. OPI calls their baby pink formula Passion, Chanel calls theirs Ballerina, and Essie, of course, has their forever-iconic Ballet Slippers, just to give you a few examples if you're doing this manicure at home. No matter what baby pink you choose, you definitely want to complete the look with a high-shine top coat so when the light hits your nails, there's no mistaking that it's pink and not nude or just clear. Those pink tones are everything. 

If you're headed to the nail salon to get this manicure, your best bet is to see what the salon usually uses as a base when doing the classic French manicure. If they stick to traditional colors when applying this look, then this particular pink is the ideal baby pink shade you want. However, it's worth keeping in mind that skin tone also plays a role in what baby pink is going to perfectly complement you, so don't be afraid to explore slightly lighter or darker versions of this trend.