We’ve seen a mix of nail trends this summer, from Italian-inspired looks (hi, limoncello nails) to the rich girl manicure, with plenty in between. However, one trend that combines the elegant yet playful aesthetics of both—and looks like it belongs in an art gallery—is porcelain nails.
Instead of a standard opaque white, porcelain nails feature a creamy base that resembles the background color of a pretty porcelain teacup. “Porcelain nails have a delicate look that resembles fine china,” says CEO of Nailing Hollywood, Mazz Hanna. “Porcelain nails are extra smooth and glossy and oftentimes have a slightly milky finish that mimics the elegant look of porcelain.” The trend often incorporates a milky white polish base with intricate blue fine line nail art, as seen in the example below.
A Classic Example of the Porcelain Nail Trend
Ahead, we’re breaking down the key steps to perfecting the porcelain nail look, whether you’re doing the nail art yourself or enlisting the help of an expert.
Start With a Milky White Base Color
To get the perfect porcelain nails, start with a creamy white base coat, on which the blue accent details will stand out beautifully. Hanna recommends choosing one with a milky undertone. This slightly off-white color will add depth to the nail look.
Add the Blue Willow Accents
“I most often see this trend done with delicate blue nail art that resembles the designs you’d typically see on blue willow porcelain dishes,” explains Hanna. That design dates back to 18th century England, where it was a popular tableware pattern, and now it’s synonymous with elegant homewares—and, even more recently, creative manicures.
The Perfect Nail Polish Colors for Porcelain Nails
Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite milky white and blue nail polish shades that are perfect for recreating the look at home. Alternatively, you can browse these options to choose from at your favorite nail salon.
1 / 8
OPI Funny Bunny ($12)
A buildable color with a milky finish that delivers a soft white perfect for a porcelain nail look.
2 / 8
The GelBottle Inc BIAB Gel Polish in Milky ($21)
A milky shade with a frothy finish, this builder in a bottle is popular for creating strong overlays and as a strengthening barrier for natural nails.
The GelBottle Inc. 3 / 8
Gelcare Cloud ($20)
This gel polish is loved by professionals for its foamy color and semi-transparent finish, allowing for a buildable base.
Gelcare 4 / 8
Dazzle Dry Fine China ($22)
This sheer cream color allows for a gorgeous porcelain finish that captures the high gloss look of fine china.
5 / 8
OPI No Chip on My Shoulder ($14.50)
The nearly navy tone present in this gorgeous polish makes it the perfect accent color to create your porcelain nails.
6 / 8
Gelcare Klein Blue ($20)
A captivating shade of blue, this gel polish delivers the ideal color saturation to recreate a blue willow design.
Gelcare 7 / 8
Peacći Electric Blue ($12.50)
Go bold with this electric shade of blue for photo-worthy porcelain nails.
8 / 8
Manucurist Paris Green Natural Nail Polish Ultramarine ($14)
This eye-catching blue will complete your museum-worthy mani.
