The Subtle French Manicure Is a Summer Essential—Here’s How to Style It.

The Subtle French Manicure Is a Summer Essential—Here’s How to Style It.

      When I think about summer nail trends, vibrant nail art, pastel shades, and shiny chrome finishes come to mind. Although I appreciate all these trends, I tend to favor a quiet luxury aesthetic, which means you'll often see me wearing a milky nail polish or a classic French tip during the summer months. As you might guess, I prefer styles that look chic, complement all my outfits, and require minimal upkeep. So when I spotted the barely-there French manicure making waves on social media, I knew I had to share it with you.

      What Is a Barely-There French Manicure?

      You might be wondering what a barely-there French manicure is. Similar to the "soft serve" nail trend and the "frombré" manicure, this style focuses on making your nails appear as natural and healthy as possible. True to its name, it features a "barely-there" French tip that blends seamlessly with the rest of the nail, creating a subtle yet polished appearance. Additionally, it sports a glossy, high-shine finish that enhances the overall look. This nail style is a must-try for summer, and I've collected some of my favorite barely-there French manicures below.

      Barely-There French Manicure Inspiration

      Isn't this trend so chic? I adore the high-shine finish. This style is suitable for all nail shapes and provides a natural yet polished look. The subtler, the better, in my opinion. It’s perfect for minimalists. While this manicure is wonderful for summer, it can easily transition through all seasons. There's no denying how healthy it makes your nails appear. The best part about this trend is its simplicity, making it easy to recreate at home.

      Best Products for a Barely-There French Manicure

      H&M Nail Polish in Oh My Vanilla!

      For a subtle French tip, choose a milky white polish instead of a classic white for a gentler effect.

      Sally Hansen Insta-Dri 1 Stroke-1 Coat-Done! Nail Varnish in Clearly Quick

      Don't forget to apply a clear top coat to finish your look!

      Margaret Dabbs London Crystal Nail File

      Whether you prefer square or almond-shaped nails, this glass nail file will guarantee a neat and polished manicure.

      Dior Vernis Huile Abricot Nail & Cuticle Serum

      To elevate your barely-there French manicure, keep your cuticles well-nourished for added elegance.

      Essie Original Marshmallow Sheer White Nail Polish

      This soft, sheer shade is another excellent option for this trend.

      OPI Mirror Shine Top Coat

      To achieve a glossy finish, I highly recommend this OPI top coat.

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The Subtle French Manicure Is a Summer Essential—Here’s How to Style It.

It's also low-maintenance!