The Sussex Manicure: Milky Nails Made For Royalty

on March 2025

The Royal Glow: Milky Nails That Never Go Out of Style

There’s a reason the milky nail trend continues to dominate runways, red carpets, and social media feeds. This minimalist, soft-focus nail look has become the ultimate go-to for those seeking a clean, sheer, and elevated finish. It’s timeless, it’s elegant—and lately, it's gotten a royal-level boost.

A certain royal style icon recently showcased her barely-there blush-pink manicure, instantly sparking buzz across beauty forums and social platforms. Her nail look? A delicate, milky blend of soft pink and white that glowed with understated luxury. Fans quickly began to decode the shades behind the now-iconic nails, and we’ve got the inside scoop.

Introducing the Sussex Manicure

Inspired by that quietly stunning moment, we’re spotlighting the Sussex Manicure—a sheer pink and white polish combo that delivers the same clean, natural glow. It features one coat of CND Romantique (gel polish) layered with one coat of CND Shellac Satin Slippers (gel polish). The result? A fresh, breathable look that enhances your natural nails with a sophisticated twist.

Want to recreate the look? Our friends from CND has put together a step-by-step video tutorial so you can master the milky nail trend at home.

👉 Watch the tutorial here and shop the look.

Created by CND™ Education Ambassador Kayleigh Cabral

What Are Milky Nails?

Milky nails are a sheer blend of white and pink tones that mimic the smooth, semi-translucent finish of milk. They strike the perfect balance between natural and polished—ideal for everyday wear, special occasions, or bridal manicures.

Unlike bold or trendy colors, milky nails flatter all skin tones, work across all nail lengths, and pair well with every outfit. They’re also incredibly versatile, whether you're using gel polish, dip powder, or classic nail lacquer.

How to Get the Look

To achieve the milky nail effect:

Start with clean, prepped nails.
Apply a base coat. Cure under UV/LED lamp of using gel.
Apply one coat of a sheer white or pale pink polish. If using gel, make sure to cure each layer. (Suggested: CND Romantique & CND Satin Slippers)
Follow with a second coat in a slightly different tone (like pink over white). If using gel, make sure to cure each layer.
Finish with a high-shine top coat to lock it in. If using gel, cure layer and remove tacky layer with cleanser or rubbing alchohol if needed.

Want to skip the guesswork? Our Milky Nails Collection has the exact shades you need.

Why Milky Nails Are Here to Stay

From casual coffee runs to formal events, milky nails offer a look that’s polished without being flashy. They evoke that "effortlessly put-together" vibe—and it’s no wonder they’ve become a staple among beauty insiders and style icons.

Whether you're recreating a royal-worthy look or just want a new go-to neutral, milky nails deliver elegance with ease.