Milky nails: Penélope Cruz revives the milky manicure in a warmer version

Penélope Cruz has brought the “milky” manicure back into the spotlight at the Venice Film Festival. For her appearances at the festival, her manicurist Lucero Hurtado opted for a slightly warm, translucent, and glossy milky pink that softens the very cool white often associated with this trend.

This detail emerges as semi-transparent nail polishes regain popularity in September trends. Marie Claire US notes that opaque colors are giving way to milky, pearlescent, or slightly iridescent finishes. Vogue observes the same shift reflected in Penélope Cruz’s manicure, which leans more towards pink than pure white.

The milky finish is distinct from opaque white polish. The natural nail remains visible beneath a veil of color, creating a softer appearance. Pale pinks, milky beiges, and creamy peaches further warm this effect and align more closely with a luminous nude.

This version does not rely on a specific length. On short nails, a rounded square or oval shape maintains the same polished spirit. The almond lengths seen on the red carpet provide a more dressed-up effect, but the color remains the defining element of the trend.

Manucurist has placed its “Milky Peach” among the shades for September 2026. The brand describes this milky peach, situated between beige and apricot, as an alternative to classic nudes, in a palette designed to retain light without veering into stark white.

A glossy top coat is all that is needed to enhance the smooth appearance. Lucero Hurtado recommends, in Vogue’s feature on this manicure, working in very thin layers and not exceeding two coats of color.