Vanilla French Manicure: What It Is, DIY, and Inspiration

We don’t know about you, but we’ll never tire of the whole “naming beauty trends after food” thing that’s currently happening. It’s led to some undeniable hits like “glazed-doughnut” nails (alongside chocolate-glazed . . . and strawberry-glazed nails), so it’s only right that the theme continues. The latest addition to the lineup? Vanilla french manicure.

Yes, this trend might sound like part of your daily Starbucks order, but it’s fast becoming a trendy nail look. Recently repopularized by Zola Ganzorigt, the manicure is actually one that’s been seen before. Ahead, learn more about vanilla french nails from a pro.

Experts Featured in This Article

Julie Kandalec is a celebrity manicurist with clients like Emily Blunt, Joe Jonas, and more.

What Are Vanilla French Nails?

“This is a spin on the ‘american’ manicure,” celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec tells PS. “That’s where the white of the nail is a semi-sheer shade as opposed to a stronger block of color seen in a traditional french manicure.”

Vanilla french nails, on the other hand, differ due to their tonality. “Vanilla french nails have tips that are an even softer white, but in a warmer, almost yellow — or ‘vanilla’ — tone to mimic the color of the actual nail’s free edge,” Kandalec says. This differentiation is important. Often, bright, cool-toned white shades are what people want to default to when they hear the word “french,” but if you’re looking to achieve this trend specifically, you’re going to want to take the time to nail both the tone and transparency of the white nail polish used.

The look has been seen on celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Adele, but you can absolutely re-create the trend at home. “If you want to DIY vanilla french nails, a sheer yellow-based tip color like Essie’s Waltz ($9) makes this look ‘vanilla,'” Kandalec says. “You’ll also want to use an angled eyeliner brush and pure acetone to clean up the smile line if you do a classic french style.” While the look can definitely make a solid base for nail art, Kandalec says that the best part of this manicure is how natural it looks. “I prefer this trend when it lets healthy-looking nails do all the talking.” If you like more minimal, but well-groomed nails, it doesn’t get more understated than this.

Ariel Baker is the assistant editor for PS Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.