
PICKING A pink nail polish seems like a simple enough task, but anyone who’s ever sat through manicure appointment stressing about their choice knows that’s not the case. So as manicure muse, Hailey Bieber, makes a case for neutral nails and ‘soap nails’ trend on TikTok, this is the opportunity to find the perfect, personalised shade of sheer polish.
Below, BAZAAR has edited the best neutral nail ideas and neutral nail polishes for your next manicure. From classic pink shades to the at-home nail tools needed to embrace a naked manicures, this is all the nail inspiration beauty minimalists will ever need.
Related: Your ultimate at-home nail care routine with manicure expert Jocelyn Petroni
Best neutral nail ideas for 2025

1: Neutral pink nails
To embrace neutral nails, start by finding the perfect pink. The exact shade — warmer or cooler, lighter or darker — should be tailored to personal preference and skin tone, but look for a delicate, sheer pink — like the classic OPI Nail Lacquer in Put It In Neutral — to enhance the natural colour of the nail beds.

2: Naked nail manicure
Another approach to neutral nails is the naked manicure, which Zoë Kravitz wore to the 2024 Golden Globes. This look skips nail polish and celebrates clean, natural nails, so attention to detail is required to make the no-polish manicure feel intentional. A chic CHANEL L’Huile Camélia Hydrating & Fortifying Oil, cuticle oil, nail file and buffing block are essential here.

3: Sheer lilac nails
Just like a purple shampoo counteracts yellow tones from blonde hair, a sheer lilac shade will neutralise yellow in the whites of nails and create the effect of healthy, clean nails. Try Essie’s Hard To Resist Nail Strengthener in Violet Tint.

4: Glazed donut nails
For a playful take on neutral nails, reference Hailey Bieber’s glazed donut manicures. The base of the manicure is a sheer ballet pink, which is topped with a iridescent or ultra fine glitter top coat, like the Manucurist Active Shine, that will catch the eye in the light.

5: Micro French tip
An understated alternative to nail art is the micro French tip, which sees a fine line painted along bare or neutral nails for a refined finish. An opaque, soft white much like OPI Nail Lacquer in Funny Bunny, is preferred, but a line of a seasonal colour could be painted on for more of a statement.

6: Milky neutral nails
‘Soap nails’ is the new neutral manicure trend that opts for a clean, milky shade. Instead of a pink base, look for a sheer pastel shade to soften the natural pink of the nail bed and brighten the whites of nails. Try JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Dew.

7: Peach nails
Reminiscent of summer stone fruit, a peach or apricot-inspired manicure makes neutral nails feel a little more vibrant for the warmer months. The nail polish should be a sheer pink, but with a hint of orange, like the Dior Vernis Nail Polish in 108 Muguet.
Why are neutral nails trending?
From everyday mirror selfies to Selena Gomez and Zendaya’s engagement announcements, neutral nails are once again proving their timelessness. The versatile shades of sheer pink and soft white are as effortless to wear as they are to paint on, which is why they have been a popular choice for decades and continue to trend today.
What are the best neutral nail colours?
There’s a long list of iconic nail polishes to try in the search for the best neutral nail colours. First, consider the finish you’re after — sheer, pastel or glazed — then choose between a cool pink, warm peach or lilac undertone. Below, find the best neutral nail polishes to make a selection from.
Best nude nail polish: Wear OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath, for a classic, nude-pink manicure.
Best pink nail polish: Try CHANEL La Base Camélia and Le Vernis in Ballerina, for a tutu-like wash of pink.
Best affordable neutral nail polish: Another classic pink, Essie Nail Polish In Ballet Slippers, was beloved by Queen Elizabeth II and one of the few beauty brands granted a Royal Warrant by Her Majesty.
What are soap nails?
Soap nails are sweeping TikTok with pink, pared-back simplicity. The trend is best taken literally, because it describes nails so well-kept that they’re squeaky clean and glossy, like they’ve just been lathered in a luxe bar of soap.
Start by cleaning under the nail, pushing back cuticles and filing nails into a short, natural shape. Then, gently buff the surface of the nail so it’s smooth, shining and ready for nail polish. Follow with a sheer application of a neutral shade to enhance the natural pink of the nails and a glossy top coat finish the simple but sophisticated aesthetic.
Related: Six best at-home nail kits for a salon-quality manicure