Inspired by the clean girl makeup trend that celebrates glowing, natural skin, soap nails are the manicure version of this look. Think ultra-glossy nude nails that go with absolutely everything. Tempted? Let’s take a closer look at this trend and how to recreate it step by step.
Soap Nails: What Are They?
A timeless manicure trend
If you’re a true nail lover, you’ve probably already spotted these natural, glossy, and flawlessly smooth nails on red carpets, runways, or all over Instagram. Inspired by the clean girl and quiet luxury trends, soap nails are all about that effortlessly chic aesthetic we love in skincare—now brought to the tips of your fingers. The idea? A minimalist manicure that gives the illusion of clean, healthy nails with a subtle high-shine “no-makeup makeup” effect for a polished finish. A standout style in 2024, this manicure trend is still going strong, racking up millions of views on social media.
Soap nails on the red carpet
Proof that soap nails are here to stay: they’ve been spotted on the world’s most stylish hands, from actresses at the 2025 Oscars to models walking for fashion houses like Jacquemus, Chloé, and Issey Miyake. The look has also won over the biggest stars of the moment: from Hailey Bieber to Kylie Jenner, Victoria Beckham to Selena Gomez, they’ve all embraced glossy, bubble-like nails that look like they’ve just come out of a luxurious bubble bath.
Soap nails sound good… but which shades and polish should you use?
Active Soap Nails: care and colour in one
Your nails—but better. That’s the promise of the Active™ range from Manucurist, once again shaking up the nail world. Combining skincare with polish, Active™ shades are perfect for achieving glossy soap nails in a flash, while deeply nourishing your nails at the same time. Here are our top picks for nailing the look:
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Active Smooth is a CC polish-style treatment that works like a smoothing base coat to fill in ridges, blur imperfections, and create a flawless nail surface. It leaves a satin-like finish that flatters both short and long nails. Available in 4 nude shades (bronze, gold, beige, and pink), it’s the perfect base to pair with another Active™ for a glossy, personalized result.
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Active Glow™ is your go-to for buildable shine and care: this transparent polish enhances your natural nail radiance with a mirror-like glossy finish. Choose from 4 dreamy shades: Raspberry for a soft peachy pink, Blueberry for a deeper pink tone, Cranberry for a warm coral hue, and Grape for a lavender-inspired look. So sweet!
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Active Plump is enriched with plant-based collagen to plump and smooth weakened nails, leaving a delicate baby pink pearlescent finish that’s hard to resist.
☝️Pro tip: try nail layering by combining different Active™ shades to create that perfectly clean, glassy look we all love.
Translucent finishes with Green™ or Green Flash™ polish
If you prefer classic or LED polish, go for translucent Green™ or Green Flash™ shades. Whether white, soft pink or nude, these polishes are perfect for both short and long nails and make a beautiful base for nail art too.
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Milky White, an icy white polish with a milky translucent finish—light as air, like a bridal veil for your nails.
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Hortencia, a natural pink that's a minimalist must-have for any occasion and a favorite among nail artists.
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Pale Rose, a soft, translucent pink polish with a hint of beige for that subtle nude tint.
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Beige, a clear, pure beige polish—the ultimate nude, chic and understated.
Springtime nudes and rosy shades
For a more polished, radiant effect, choose denser nude or pink shades from the Green™ and Green Flash™ palettes, such as:
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Blossom, a creamy, opaque pale pink that’s as glossy as it is gorgeous—perfect for highlighting deeper skin tones.
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Pastel Pink, a soft pastel pink with beige undertones that always looks effortlessly elegant.
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Satin, a semi-sheer, pearly pink polish that’s silky-smooth and flutters between nude and baby pink.
Your step-by-step guide to perfect soap nails
Nail prep is key
The secret to flawless nails? Careful, thorough prep. Whether you’re going for Hailey Bieber-inspired nails or simply want to enhance your natural beauty, nail prep is everything. Here's your go-to routine:
👉 Start by filing your nails using a natural nail file to shape them as desired.
👉 Apply a little Cuticle Remover to soften the cuticles, then gently push them back using a cuticle pusher for a clean nail contour.
👉 Smooth your nails using a buffer sponge to even out the surface and help your polish last longer.
Apply a base coat and top coat
👉 To protect your nails and ensure your manicure lasts, always start with a Base Coat. If you're using Green™ polish, go for the Green™ Base Coat. If you're opting for Green Flash™, then you’ll want the Green Flash™ Vitamin Base Coat.
👉 After applying your colour, seal it in and boost the shine with a layer of Sunshine Top Coat (for Green™) or Green Flash™ Top Coat (for Green Flash™).
Nourish your nails for long-lasting shine
Healthy nails and lasting shine? Hydration is your best friend:
👉 Massage a few drops of Green Oil into your nails and cuticles daily to nourish and strengthen them.
👉 Keep the Perfecting Concentrate on hand to moisturize throughout the day and maintain your nails’ natural glow.
There you have it—soap nails are the must-try trend for a fresh, flawless and effortlessly stylish manicure. Say goodbye to bold designs and oversized nails—this season is all about clean lines, healthy hands and that naturally elegant vibe.
