What are lavender milk nails?
Lavender milk nails are the perfect blend of soft, pastel purple and the semi-sheer, creamy finish of classic milky nails. The result is a delicate, ethereal manicure that feels both fresh and elegant — ideal for summer. This subtle yet eye-catching style works beautifully on all nail shapes and complements a wide range of skin tones.
Celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein told Glamour, “We’re leaning towards soft light shades like lavender, mint, peach, and baby blues, which are really great and give an airy vibe. Pastels are also great for some of spring’s (or summer's!) trending designs, including florals and French manicures.”
How to get the look
While you can certainly show your manicurist an inspo pic, here's how to achieve the look at home:
Step 1: Start with clean, filed nails and gently push back your cuticles.
Step 2: Apply a thin layer of base coat to protect your natural nails and ensure smooth application.
Step 3: Choose a sheer lavender or mix a few drops of a pastel purple polish into a milky white polish for a custom shade.
Step 4: Apply 1–2 coats of your lavender milk color, letting each coat dry completely before adding the next.
Step 5: Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the shine and give it that signature "milky" glow.
Step 6: Let your nails dry completely, and apply cuticle oil for a hydrated, salon-fresh finish.
Recommended lavender shades
OPI "Do You Lilac It?" – A soft, cool-toned lavender that layers beautifully.
Essie "Lilacism"—a" pastel lavender that’s subtle and creamy.
Olive & June "Lavender"—a gentle, muted purple that’s beginner-friendly.
Zoya "Abby"—a soft, neutral lavender with a very clean look.
Milk/Sheer bases
Essie "Marshmallow"—a sheer white that’s perfect for mixing.
OPI "Funny Bunny"—a cult-favorite soft white with a milky finish.
Lights Lacquer "Milky"—designed specifically for that translucent, glassy look.