The Vanilla French Manicure Is Hollywood’s Latest Obsession—Here’s How to Recreate It At Home

If you feel like you’ve exhausted all the French manicure front options, there’s a new nail trend that might just be right for you. The Vanilla French manicure is a soft, slightly diffused natural nail look that’s super flattering to all who try it. Fans include Kylie Jenner, Adele and Hailey Bieber.

“Vanilla French is a new nail trend that was originally created by famed LA nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, who brought us the glazed donut manicure in 2022,” says manicurist Robbie Tomkins, who’s been experimenting with the look a lot on his clients lately . “This new subtle look is similar to the classic American French manicure but with a twist. The tip is slightly veiled to create a softer, peachy look, as opposed to the usual pink and bright white colors we associate with a French manicure.”

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The Vanilla French is minimalist and flatters most nail shapes – although it’s worth noting that it looks particularly good on longer, almond-shaped nails. “To lengthen shorter nails, I always recommend going for a deep French (where the line runs higher up the sides of the nail), but there are no hard and fast rules here – nail art should be fun, so give it a go.” just off,” says Tomkins. “The best thing about this particular look is that the base is bare so regrowth will be bearable.”

So how do I create a vanilla French? At the salon, ask your technician to use soft, sheer pinks and peaches as a base – if you get stuck, look at the shade of your natural nail bed and choose a similar color. When it comes to tips, opt for creamy white shades and not anything too bright – the vanilla French is all about a milky aesthetic and not something too punchy.

Tomkins also says the look can be easily recreated at home: “I always recommend applying a base like Protein Formula for Nails to strengthen the nails and make your manicure last longer. Then apply a thin layer of your choice of nude polish – the gorgeously sheer Dior Base Coat Abricot is magical when used as a color as it suits all skin tones. I also love Essie’s Sugar Daddy or Not Just A Pretty Face if you need a little more coverage.”

After that – steady hands ready – paint your tips with a creamy shade. We love Peacci’s French Bloom, but if you only have a brilliant white shade on hand, Tomkins has some advice: “Instead, paint tips with the white shade and then apply your top coat in a thin layer all over the nail – that prevents the resulting layer of bare material from collecting in the tiny indentations or irregularities in the white,” he says. “To create this vanilla French Haze, all you have to do is apply another coat of your chosen nude shade all over the nail, including the tip.”

Finish off with a top coat and lots of cuticle oil, and you’ve got a vanilla French to be reckoned with.