Long-desired nail style finally emerged as timeless manicure trend
Straight Up: The Latest Nail Trend Taking Over the Interwebs
Bye-bye, elaborate nail designs and lengthy talons! The newest manicure trend that's taking the digital world by storm demands wearability above all else.
Are you on the hunt for some mani inspiration? You might find yourself diving into an edit of the 2025 Nail Trends, featuring a vibrant mix of shades, from rich mochas to bold berry reds. Yet, for those who crave timelessness over fleeting trends, short, neutral manicures have become a sought-after choice.
This particular look might have earned a fancy momenta on social media, but it truly champions simplicity and timelessness—qualities that have our beauty team requesting this look for years now.
Princess Nails: The Trend on Everyone's Fingertips
You've probably seen it popping up on Instagram in recent weeks, and it's known as 'Princess Nails.' But don't be fooled—this manicure's not as 'new' as it seems. 'Princess Nails' pairs a short, gently rounded nail shape with a softly translucent, milk-hued polish. Think of it as a nod to the minimalist and natural manicures that members of the royal family, especially the princesses, are known for. Imagine Kate Middleton's essence nail polish, which happens to be a favorite of the Princess of Wales herself.
Say Hello to Your Elegant New Mani
The simplicity of this pared-back nail look has made it a hit among many, even our very own woman&home beauty team. In fact, our Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson, opted for a fittingly themed, short, milky neutral mani during her recent appointment—as shown above.
This versatile look revolves around sheer, neutral polishes, with countless variations available from soft pink hues to milky top coats. Essie's Matter of Fiction is an excellent choice for anyone trying to nail down this look. While the manicure can be adjusted to suit personal preferences when it comes to shape and length, it's generally paired with a natural round or oval shape.
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Your Essential Mani Kit
We don't need to repeat ourselves, but nail care is crucial to help you achieve a salon-worthy manicure that lasts. Invest in a quality nail file or one of the best nail strengtheners to ensure your nails stay healthy and maintained with a uniform shape and a gorgeous glow.
RRP: £4.49Grace your nail bed with this sheer, soft pink polish from Barry M, which delivers a chip-resistant, glossy finish. Its weightless formula allows water vapor and oxygen to pass through the paint, helping nails stay hydrated and strong.
RRP: £2.99A quality nail file is essential for any nail care arsenal. This multi-purpose tool helps shape the nails, smooth the surface, buff out ridges, and unleash a healthy shine.
RRP: £16This hybrid nail polish and strengthener is packed with goodness, including blueberry extract, sweet almond oil, and AHAs, to keep your nails fully hydrated, protected, and glowing. Its rosy tint imparts a healthy shine that can be worn on its own or under a sheer pink-hued nail polish.
5 Ways to Rock Your Princess Nails
Ready to give your nails a fairy-tale makeover? Here are five ways to bring this timeless, natural-looking manicure to life—from short and square to milky pink.
1. Barely-there Nude
Achieve this barely-there nude look by applying a tinted nail repair treatment, which not only strengthens your talons but also provides a sheer, glossy finish—think Essie's To the Rescue Nail Polish.
2. Sheer and Square
If you're partial to barely-there manicures, you'll adore how elegant this sheer, soft hue is. Pair it with a classic short square nail shape for an undeniably classy vibe.
3. Milky
Milky top coats have been all the rage in recent years, and this trend can be effortlessly adapted to suit this manicure too. Just opt for a milky white polish or complete your mani with a milky top coat.
4. Short and Sweet
If you prefer short nails, you're in luck! This manicure was designed with you in mind. Make sure you stock up on a quality nail file to keep all your talons neat and uniform in shape and length. Finish the manicure with a high-shine, glossy top coat—we recommend opting for OPI's Infinite Shine Long-Wear Gel-Like Top Coat.
5. Pink Hues
For those who are pink aficionados, ballerina-inspired pink is the perfect option for a subtle yet versatile rosy glow without sacrificing the wearable factor.
- The 'Princess Nails' trend, like the minimalist and natural manicures of royal family members, features a short, gently rounded nail shape with a softly translucent, milk-hued polish, such as Kate Middleton's favorite, Essence Nail Polish.
- The beauty team at woman&home has been advocating for the simplicity and timelessness of this particular manicure for years, as shown by their team member, Naomi Jamieson, who recently opted for a short, milky neutral manicure during her appointment.
- The versatile 'Princess Nails' look revolves around sheer, neutral polishes, with countless variations available from soft pink hues to milky top coats, like Essie's Matter of Fiction.
- When it comes to embracing a royal-inspired lifestyle, home and garden updates can complement your fashion choices. A high-shine, glossy top coat, such as OPI's Infinite Shine Long-Wear Gel-Like Top Coat, can complete your 'Princess Nails' manicure just as a quality nail file can help maintain the health and appearance of your home and garden tools.
