Vanilla chai nails are the cosy manicure trend to try this autumn

Selena Gomez and Heidi Klum have spoken: Vanilla chai nails are the official minimalist nail trend for autumn 2024.

Beverage-inspired manicures are currently trending (see: Selena’s recent apple cider manicure), and celebrities and beauty lovers are especially obsessed with vanilla chai nails for the season. Nearly nude, but not quite, vanilla chai proves that neutrals don’t have to be boring.

Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik, whose clients include Selena, Heidi Klum, and Jennifer Lopez, tells GLAMOUR that neutrals are very much back this season. “People want their nails to look their best: Clean, fresh, just polished, but subtle and chic,” Tom says. “Neutrals are also so versatile as they work with every look.”

Another benefit? “When schedules are busy and you have to wait between nail appointments, you don’t notice the grow out like you would with darker shades,” he explains. It’s no wonder so many busy A-listers are fans of the low-maintenance style.

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As for what makes vanilla chai nails look so good? “I would describe vanilla chai nails as a high-glossed, semi-opaque beigey nude,” Tom says. “The colour should be a shade lighter than your skin tone, matching the highlights, as this allows nails to stand out but remain deliberately understated.”

It’s “perfectly subtle and chic,” Tom continues, calling it “the perfect nude.” It’s also editorial-approved: “I just used the look yesterday on my most important client, my daughter!” he says. “She’s hand-modelling for another campaign.” Cute!

Feeling inspired? Here’s how to get vanilla chai nails yourself. “The key to this look is three things,” he says. “A perfect manicure is number one: I use my favourite Tweezerman tools […] to create a meticulous manicure and [the] foundation for enhancements before applying colour.”

Next, add your choice of colour. “A semi-opaque beigey nude — not pink — is what makes it the right shade for autumn,” Tom says. Think: OPI’s Samoan Sand and Essie’s Sand Tropez.

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Last but certainly not least? High gloss. “A thick, high-gloss top coat allows the deliberate subtle shade to sparkle and really catch your eye,” Tom concludes. For regular polish, try OPI Mirror Shine Top Coat. For gel, consider Gelpolish Vishine Top Coat.

See? Told you it was easy to DIY. Start your vanilla chai nails journey today and shop the essentials below.

Danielle Sinay is associate beauty editor at GLAMOUR US. Follow her on Instagram @daniellesinay.

This feature originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.