Pink nails never go out of style. This year, though, you can give them a modern update by adding a translucent, jelly-like glow. Either apply several layers of top coat, or mix it into your pink of choice to recreate the look.

Peach nails

Soft, juicy, and warm, peach nails are the perfect natural nail option for people who want a delicate touch of color.

Square natural nails

To add a little edge to a natural nail manicure, go for a sharp square shape. Cuticle care is crucial, though, says celebrity manicurist Julia Diogo: “When you’re working with minimalist colors, prep is everything. There’s nothing to hide behind.” So, tidy up those cuticles and apply a cuticle oil before bed each night.

Bridal natural nails

This semi-transparent pink shade is sheer enough to allow a glimpse of the natural nail beneath the polish, but still has enough color to look like a finished manicure.

Milk nails

One of our favorite neutral nail choices, a milky manicure is a clever way to dabble in the summer-ready white manicure, while retaining a sheer finish.

Pastel hearts

Spice up short nails with a small heart motif. Keeping the base neutral helps the design pop.

Glazed nude nails

Long almond nails can give a natural manicure a little extra attitude. Apply a bit of chrome or shimmer top coat for a touch of drama.

Base only

If you’re not sure which natural shade to choose, pick your usual base color. Here, celebrity nail artist Harriet Westmoreland applied Bio Sculpture’s Spun out of Dreams, which has a creamy finish.

Sheer pink

One of the best neutral manicure ideas is to find a shade of pink that gives enough color without looking opaque or two-dimensional. This semi-sheer pink manicure by Diogo does exactly that, letting the natural nail beneath shine through.

Demi-glaze nails

Somewhere between clear nail polish and Hailey Bieber’s famous glazed doughnut manicure lies this semi-shimmer effect, worn by Jasmine Tookes. Applied to an otherwise naked base, the subtle shade catches the light with a dewy finish.

Reverse French manicure

A discreet way to tap into the ever-evolving French manicure trend, the reverse style keeps the design at the base of the nail, rather than the tip. Here, Chanel manicurist Betina Goldstein pairs a silver shimmer with a sheer, high gloss base for maximum impact.

Metallic micro-French manicure

This metallic take on the micro-French adds texture and shine.

Teeny tiny nail art

If you’re in the mood for tiny nail accents, these miniature fruits are a fun way to add a small pop of color. A neutral base helps keep the overall design understated.

Cloud nails

With a more transparent finish than milk nails, cloud nails are a soft, sheer, and natural alternative to more opaque shades of white and cream.

French hearts

Ask for your usual French tip to be transformed into a symmetrical, rounded heart. Pick a complementary color like baby pink to keep the look more subtle and natural.

Micro French

Timeless and elegant, a super-skinny French manicure is one of the easiest ways to zhuzh up a natural nail look.

Ice cream nails

Just as the name suggests, ice cream nails appear creamy and soft. The trick is to create an ombré effect, blending a pink base with a glossy white tip. It brings together the best of a natural nail with the chicness of a French manicure.

3D decorations

A 3D accent (like these clever pool balls) is an immediate eye-catcher. Wear with a totally transparent base for a cool, surreal feel.

Modern pastels

Say hello to the modern, fresh pastels of 2026.

Soft neutral nails

For minimalists who still want depth, shades between the lightest beige and camel can give a manicure more personality.

Glazed French manicure

Add a light-reflecting chrome top coat for a summery twist on a classic, natural French manicure.

Soap nails

Super-sheer, soap nails are juicy and dewy and can be achieved by using a pink-toned nail strengthener or top coat.

Mother-of-pearl nails

For neutral nail loyalists, a subtle pearlescence is a versatile choice. Either pick a polish with shimmer in it or apply a thin dusting of pearl powder before glossing with a top coat.

Mint tip nails

Amp up your average French manicure with a fun, bright color, instead, like this mint green.

Tortoiseshell French manicure

Another option for French manicure lovers is a tortoiseshell tip, which, much like leopard-print accessories, still feels neutral. Try to pick a base coat as close to your natural nail color as possible to elongate the look of your nail bed.

Sheer milk

Blending the viral sheer and milky trends, this cool-toned natural manicure is one to bookmark for summer.

Polka dot French

Polka dot nails have soared in popularity this year. For the minimalists, a polka dot French manicure is the bridge between a mostly natural nail and a fun design.

Shop some of Vogue’s favorite nail polishes below.

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