Soap Nails Are The Ultimate Minimalist Manicure Trend
Though the social media-based clean girl aesthetic has received much criticism in the last few years, minimalist manicures that fit right at home within the fashion and lifestyle trend have maintained popularity. Following the donut nails worn by Hailey Bieber and the sweetness of blueberry milk manicures, soap nails are the newest fresh and clean trend that you can easily replicate at home. Women spoke exclusively with Lisa Kon, celebrity nail artist, founder of the Lisa Kon brand, and owner of the Lisa Kon nail salon chain, to get all the details on this squeaky clean fingernail fad.
"Soap nails are a trending nail style known for their ultra-glossy, almost glass-like shine that mimics the smooth, reflective surface of a freshly lathered bar of soap," Kon told us. "Unlike milk nails, which have a creamy, slightly opaque finish, soap nails emphasize clarity and high shine." The celebrity nail artist emphasized the polished and luxurious vibe of this manicure trend, adding that it's most known for its high shine and glossiness. With this in mind, here's everything you need to know to nail soap nails at home.
Take these simple steps to achieve soap nails at home
With their simple and fresh aesthetic, soap nails are a manicure trend that is easily recreated at home with just a few simple steps. As suggested by celebrity nail artist Lisa Kon, it's important to prep your nails for polish application, making sure that they're clean and filed before adding a high-quality base coat, such as OPI Chip Resistant Lacquer.
As for the polish shade, you want to make sure you stay away from bright, saturated hues. "[Soap nails] typically feature sheer, neutral tones like translucent white, soft pink, or clear with a hint of tint, creating a clean and fresh look," Kon exclusively told Women. One option is Double Rhythm Translucent Neutral Milky Gel Polish in beige pink. The highly-rated OPI Infinite Shine Long Wear Polish in Bubble Bath is another choice for those looking to achieve a slightly pinker hue.
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When it comes to application, the key to soap nails is thin, barely-there layers. For a translucent finish, Kon recommended one to two coats maximum. Lastly, your finishing touches should really achieve the glossy characteristic of the manicure trend. "Use a super-glossy, high-shine topcoat to create the signature wet, reflective finish," the Lisa Kon brand founder said. "Cure or dry the nails fully to lock in the shine and ensure a flawless, glassy surface."