Bubble Bath Nails Is the Perfect Manicure Trend for Minimalists

Sheer and sophisticated.

By

Published on January 04, 2024

bubble-bath-nails-GettyImages-1396293521 — Photo:
Mariia Demchenko/Getty Images

Minimalism reigns as we venture into the new year, and it’s apparent in everything from fashion to makeup to interior design. Many of today’s top nail trends are also embracing that low key aesthetic, and milky pink bubble bath nails with their glossy top coats step right in line. We asked nail artists to give us the complete rundown on this simple mani, which exudes quiet luxury and feminine energy. We’ve also pulled a few of our favorite bubble bath nail polishes so you can enjoy the trend yourself.

What Are Bubble Bath Nails?

Bubble bath nails are a sheer pink minimalistic nail with a milky clear top coat. They get their name because they evoke the cozy, sheer, squeaky clean aesthetic of a bubble bath.

“This trend is ‘lip gloss nails,’ ‘super model nails,’ and ‘rich girl nails’—just by a different name,” says Steph Stone, celebrity manicurist for essie. “Each season seems to have a new cute little name for it but the look is the same! The look is timeless and will never go out of style.”

OPI actually has a nail polish called Bubble Bath, which was named by the brand’s former copywriter Susan Pfeffer. Nail pro Galdina Jimenez, education manager for OPI, says, “She came up with the name because it represented the moment of relaxation before your big day.”

She adds that bubble bath nails are trending largely because they’re just so easy to wear. From major milestones to happy hour to the office, they compliment any outfit.

How to Find The Perfect Bubble Bath Color

Along with blending seamlessly into any outfit, bubble bath nails work with any nail shape, length, and skin tone.

“It’s so neutral and minimalist, you can wear it any way and it’s going to look beautiful,” Stone says. “I even like to use the sheer pink as a base and add simple nail art on top of it.” You could also wear it with a French mani or use it in simple negative space designs.

As for finding the perfect bubble bath nail polish for your skin tone, choose a sheer, pink-leaning hue that almost matches your natural nail. Stone says it’s hard to go wrong since it’s such a subtle color.

“You can do one coat to give your nails a little healthy glow and shine, or two coats to add milky coverage,” she suggests.