If you’re someone who prefers a classic, timeless manicure look, then you’re likely familiar with the nude nail polish shade Bubble Bath by OPI. The barely-there pink shade is a household name and truly perfect for those who appreciate the ~clean girl aesthetic~, quiet luxury, or anything related to Sofia Richie Grainge’s wedding. So perfect, in fact, that the iconic shade inspired a whole new trend of muted, milky manis, aptly named “bubble bath nails.”
It’s important to note that unlike many neutral nail trends, bubble bath nails aren’t entirely sheer. Instead, they strike a balance between being a light pink and milky white. However, if you prefer a sheer finish, the look can be customized by adjusting the number of coats you apply and the exact nail polish shade you decide to use (remember: there’s more to choose from than just the O.G. OPI color!).
Keep reading for all of the need-to-know info about the bubble bath nail trend, plus a bunch of bubble bath nail inspo to take to your next salon appointment.
What are bubble bath nails?
“Bubble bath nails are a sheer pinky nude nail look made popular by OPI’s famous color, Bubble Bath,” says manicurist Mazz Hanna. Yup, shockingly, bubble bath nails have nothing to do with bathing or the bubble baths of our youth (we can practically smell the no-tears formula just thinking about it). Basically, it’s a pinky-beige nail color for those who want their nails to look polished while maintaining a natural vibe. Plus, it makes a dreamy base for natural nail designs.
How to get bubble bath nails:
Bubble bath nails are easy to get at home or at the salon, according to Hanna. “Once you finish giving yourself an at-home manicure by grooming your cuticles and filing and shaping your nails, simply apply two coats of your pinky-beige nail polish of choice and then seal it in with a top coat,” Hanna. Easy, peasy!
The choice of color depends on your skin tone, but some popular semi-sheer options, according to Hanna, include OPI Bubble Bath, Dazzle Dry Prima Ballerina, Essie Topless and Barefoot, ORLY Nourishing Nude, and Dior Abricot Base Coat. None of these shades are streaky, which can be a common issue when using sheer, light-colored shades or older polishes. To prevent your polish from getting streaky, it’s important to ensure the cap is tightly sealed after each use.
Another thing to keep in mind when sporting a minimalist manicure is to ensure that your cuticles look healthy. After all, they’re on display without vibrant nail art to distract you. Make sure to coat the skin around your nails with a cuticle oil every day to keep them moisturized and smooth.
7 stunning bubble bath nail ideas:
