[REVISION HISTORY]

Evolution of minimalist and Italian manicure trends

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2026-09-16 05:15 UTC → 2026-09-27 22:51 UTC · added ~~removed~~

As autumn 2026 approaches, the minimalist manicure trend has intensified, driven by a phenomenon described as ‘nail art fatigue.’ After years of complex, highly stylized designs—including chrome, 3D details, cat-eye, and aura nails—consumers are increasingly gravitating toward simplicity and natural aesthetics. This shift favors shorter nail lengths, well-groomed cuticles, and subtle colors such as milky whites, sheer nudes, and soft pinks. Celebrities like Amal Clooney and Anne Hathaway have been observed sporting these understated, polished looks, moving away from the elaborate designs often popularized on social media. Hailey Bieber has further influenced this transition by moving away from her signature ‘glazed donut nails’ toward more subtle variations. These include ‘bare nails,’ which utilize a transparent, glossy finish to create a ‘your nails, but better’ aesthetic—a look noted as ideal for bridal manicures—and ‘sweet cream nails,’ which employ a single, semi-transparent layer of milky, warm nude polish to emphasize elegance over high-shine chrome effects. By mid-September, the trend has gained further prominence within the beauty industry, specifically through the rise of ‘milky nails’ and ‘foundation nails.’ At the Venice Film Festival, the ‘milky’ look—defined by translucent white or pink tones with a glossy finish—was a preferred choice for celebrities such as Penélope Cruz. Simultaneously, the ‘foundation nail’ trend has emerged to mimic a ‘no-makeup’ makeup aesthetic, utilizing nude shades like beige, caramel, or golden hues to create a seamless ‘second skin’ effect. In response to these preferences, consumer interest has turned toward the practical application of products, such as Essie’s express line, as users evaluate specialized brush designs and drying times for achieving these minimalist styles at home. Adding to the minimalist movement, the ‘Italian manicure’ technique has gained popularity.

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