The Chocolate-Milk Nail Trend Is the Coolest Neutral Out There

And perfect for summer — really.

A neutral nail that still catches the eye? Turns out, it's not an oxymoron — and the chocolate-milk nail trend is proof. It's the latest riff on the go-to bare bases that are both bold and easy-to-wear, offering you the best of both worlds.

Aptly named, the chocolate-milk nail trend encapsulates the color of, well, chocolate milk. Jin Soon Choi, celebrity nail artist and founder of JINSoon, describes it as a light brown color that can sometimes have a slight pink tint to it. "It's a warm, comforting, and versatile shade that can be worn year-round and complements a variety of skin tones and outfits," Choi says. "Chocolate milk nails are basically cool neutral tones with brown in them."

However, it can also include darker shades of chocolate brown, says celebrity nail artist Brittney Boyce. The best way to find the right shade for you? Choose what looks best against your skin tone. Choi is a fan of the JINsoon Demure shade for a cooler-toned milk chocolate base, while Boyce suggests Apres Nails in Toasted for more depth and warmth.

Whatever shade choice you do go for, it's hard to go wrong. However, it does help to have the proper nail prep. "The nails need to be well done to get this look," says Choi. "I like super-smooth, even nail surfaces with this look, be sure to employ the proper steps of a manicure to pull this look off correctly." In other words, buff your nails, push back your cuticles, and trim any hangnails before you start polishing.

With all that in mind, scroll ahead for seven genius ways to get in on the chocolate-milk nail trend.

Related:The Strawberry Milk Manicure Is the Next Big Thing in Nails

The Classic

It's impossible to go wrong with a simple, straightforward interpretation. The OG chocolate milk nail calls for a creamy light brown, which acts as the perfect neutral base to wear into the summer and beyond.

Neutral Rainbow

Why settle for a single brown shade when you can have them all? Play within the chocolate-milk color family and go for all the shades on different fingers for a look as fun as it is unexpected.

Sweet Ombré

Ombré nails are having a moment — and a milk chocolate shade allows you to make the most of them. Elevate the design with this dual-toned ombré, which defines the rounded French tip with darker shades for extra contrast.

'60s Floral

This groovy, '60s-era mod nail is all about flower power with a neutral base. Mix both milk and dark chocolate shades with an adorable floral decal in the center for a show-stopping nail art moment.

Light Milk Chocolate

Nothing plays nicer than this hue. Opt for a very light tan for a long stiletto nail to keep the color-way from looking over-the-top.

Chocolate Skittle

Again, there's no reason to limit yourself just a singular shade or design for each nail. This nail incorporates both light and dark chocolate shades for a beautiful mix of neutrals.

Creamy Base

While it works beachside, the creamy base of this neutral is perfect for every outfit and any season — so you'll catch us wearing it year-round.

Related:Milk Bath Nails Are the Dreamy "It" Manicure of 2023

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