The Chocolate-Milk Nail Trend Is the Coolest Neutral Out There

A neutral nail that still catches the eye? Turns out, it’s not an oxymoron — and the chocolate-milk nail trend is proof. It’s the latest riff on the go-to bare bases that are both bold and easy-to-wear, offering you the best of both worlds.

Aptly named, the chocolate-milk nail trend encapsulates the color of, well, chocolate milk. Jin Soon Choi, celebrity nail artist and founder of JINSoon, describes it as a light brown color that can sometimes have a slight pink tint to it. “It’s a warm, comforting, and versatile shade that can be worn year-round and complements a variety of skin tones and outfits,” Choi says. “Chocolate milk nails are basically cool neutral tones with brown in them.”

However, it can also include darker shades of chocolate brown, says celebrity nail artist Brittney Boyce. The best way to find the right shade for you? Choose what looks best against your skin tone. Choi is a fan of the JINsoon Demure shade for a cooler-toned milk chocolate base, while Boyce suggests Apres Nails in Toasted for more depth and warmth.

Whatever shade choice you do go for, it’s hard to go wrong. However, it does help to have the proper nail prep. “The nails need to be well done to get this look,” says Choi. “I like super-smooth, even nail surfaces with this look, be sure to employ the proper steps of a manicure to pull this look off correctly.” In other words, buff your nails, push back your cuticles, and trim any hangnails before you start polishing.

With all that in mind, scroll ahead for seven genius ways to get in on the chocolate-milk nail trend.

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