There’s a new manicure taking over in 2025, and it’s as fresh and clean as its name suggests: Soap Nails. Perfectly embodying the minimalist beauty trend, soap nails are all about soft elegance, subtle shine, and a barely-there polish that exudes effortless luxury.
What Are Soap Nails?
Straight out of the clean girl beauty playbook, soap nails are defined by their ultra-glossy finish and sheer, milky tones. Think semi-translucent baby pinks, nudes, beiges, or whites—buffed and polished to perfection. The effect? Nails that look freshly washed, ultra-clean, and subtly sophisticated.
Seen on celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, Lily-Rose Depp, and Victoria Beckham, this trend has quickly evolved from TikTok aesthetic to full-blown beauty must-have.
Why Everyone Loves Soap Nails
Soap nails are the ideal low-maintenance manicure: timeless, versatile, and flattering on all skin tones. They tie in the best of both worlds—the rich girl nail and clean girl aesthetic—with a finish that looks expensive without trying too hard. They’re perfect for both everyday wear and elegant occasions.
Minimalist beauty is still reigning in 2025, and this trend reflects the shift toward subtle glam: flawless skin, natural makeup, slick hair, and now, barely-there nails.
How to Get the Soap Nail Look
According to nail experts, the key to achieving soap nails is all in the prep. Here’s how to recreate the trend at home:
Start with clean, shaped nails. Gently file to your desired shape and buff the surface smooth. The sleeker the canvas, the more polished the final look.
Tend to your cuticles. Use a cuticle softener and pusher to gently press them back. If comfortable, you can use nippers to remove any excess skin, but avoid cutting into the cuticle itself.
Apply a sheer base polish. Choose a polish in milky white, pink, or beige. The more translucent the better.
Finish with a glossy top coat. This is what gives that signature “wet” soap-like shine.
Our Favorite Nail Polish Picks for Soap Nails
To get that perfect semi-sheer finish, here are our top product recommendations:
OPI Bubble Bath – A cult favorite soft pink with a milky finish
Manicurist Green Flash in Beige, Hortencia, or Satin – Clean formula, glossy finish
- ESSIE Gel Couture in Sheer Fantasy or Fairy Taylor – Elegant, pale pink
- OPI Mirror Shine Top Coat – For the ultimate high-shine, wet look after your nail polish
Soap nails are the perfect 2025 beauty trend: chic, clean, and easy to maintain. Whether you wear them as part of your everyday aesthetic or to elevate your look for a special event, they bring understated elegance to your fingertips.
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