Nail Polish as a Soapy Manicure: A Refreshing Trend in Beauty

The Origins of the Soapy Manicure

The soapy manicure, a relatively new trend in the beauty world, has its roots in the desire for a fresh, clean look without the harsh chemicals found in some traditional nail polishes. The name “soapy” refers to the pristine appearance of nails that mimic the look of soapy water, with a focus on milky whites, soft pinks, and nude tones. This trend is all about the manicure itself, rather than the nail color.

A Word of Advice from Nail Guru Harriet Westmoreland

Nail guru Harriet Westmoreland is a great source of inspiration for this trend. She recommends using O.P.I Nail Envy in Pink to Envy, a nail strengthener that helps to strengthen and nourish the nails. This is applied in thin layers, with the first layer being applied on the first day and the second layer being applied every day for the next six days. After a week, the nails should be strong and healthy, with a pink lip-gloss finish.

Preparation is Key

To get the best out of a soap manicure, preparation is crucial. Your manicurist will need to thoroughly remove any previous polish, buff your nails until they shine, neatly attend to any rough cuticle edges, and file the tips in a short, soft, square shape. Part of the appeal of the soap manicure is that this milky-soft squoval finish looks good on everyone.

At-Home Tips

To achieve this look at home, keep your hands exfoliated with Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash. Drench your cuticles with an oil like Dr Hauschka Neem Nail & Cuticle Oil, and apply an SPF 50+ sunscreen daily to moisturize and shield from UV damage.

Polish and Topcoat Selection

For this look, you’ll need a light pink or milky white polish, as well as a topcoat. Our top picks are Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers, O.P.I Nail Lacquer in Put It In Neutral, O.P.I Infinite Shine Base Coat, and Barry M Plumpy Top Coat. These options will give you a sleek, glossy finish that will last.

A French Twist

The soap manicure also looks great with a French manicure. A light pink or white polish paired with a white tip can create a timeless and elegant look.

THE LOVE LIST

Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers ($16)
O.P.I Nail Lacquer in Put It In Neutral ($22)
O.P.I Infinite Shine Base Coat ($21)
Barry M Plumpy Top Coat ($10)
Dazzle Dry Nail Polish in Boss ($47)

The End Result

The soap manicure is a refreshing trend in beauty that offers a fresh, clean look without the harsh chemicals found in some traditional nail polishes. By using a nail strengthener, applying a light pink or milky white polish, and finishing with a topcoat, you can achieve a sleek, glossy finish that will last. Whether you’re going for a classic French manicure or a modern, soap-inspired look, this trend is sure to impress.