Vanilla Chai Nails Are Our Next Seasonal Manicure Obsession

By Charlie Colville

2 weeks ago

Creamy coffee tones for autumn


We might be nearing the end of 2024, but the clean girl aesthetic is still going strong – and this season, she’s getting an autumnal makeover. Already given the seal of approval by the likes of Selena Gomez and Heidi Klum, vanilla chai nails (a creamy, latte adjacent shade of beige) are taking over salons. Here’s how to get the look.

What Are Vanilla Chai Nails?

‘Vanilla chai nails draw inspiration from warm, neutral tones with soft, milky beige, creamy caramel and subtle latte hues,’ explains manicurist and Mylee Senior Ambassador, Tinu Bello. ‘Perhaps more versatile than other on-trend mani shades, such as brown and red, vanilla chai nails pair well with any outfit or occasion. They can be worn as they are, or elevated with pearlescent finishes, micro French tips and subtle nail art for those who seek a bolder variation.’

@stephanieyianni_ ‘Charm’ biab by @the_gelbottle_inc #biab #thegelbottle #nailinspo #cleannails #naturalnails #fyp ♬ she cannot beat my outfit – ★

Tinu tells us it’s this adaptability that makes it a winning shade this AW24. ‘It’s a big contender for colour of the season,’ she says. ‘Timeless and sophisticated, vanilla chai is ideal for anyone wanting a polished yet soft manicure that feels indulgent. It perfectly encapsulates the season’s cosy aesthetic and lends itself to the rise in “quiet luxury” elegance.’

How To Match The Mani To Your Skin Tone

As mentioned, the beauty of the vanilla chai nails trend is its versatility – including its ability to be adapted to specific skin tones. Below, we share our tips for finding the perfect colour match:

  • Light Skin Tones: Opt for a lighter vanilla chai shade with more beige undertones; a soft, milky vanilla colour can create a subtle and elegant look.
  • Medium Skin Tones: Choose a vanilla chai shade with slightly more warmth, such as a colour that blends vanilla and light caramel tones.
  • Dark Skin Tones: Go for a richer vanilla chai shade with more depth.
  • Warm Undertones: Select a vanilla chai shade that leans more towards the caramel or spice end of the spectrum, as this will complement and enhance your natural warmth.
  • Cool Undertones: Choose a vanilla chai shade with a slightly cooler, more neutral base. Look for polishes that have a hint of grey or taupe mixed in with the vanilla
@lydiamcmains chai latte nails ☕️🍯☁️🌟 #fallmanicureinspo #nailinspo #chailattenails ♬ original sound – 💌

How To Ask For Vanilla Chai Nails At The Salon

In the salon, ask your nail tech for a neutral manicure with soft, creamy tones. From there, you can go through colour swatches to find the right shade. If you plan on getting a manicure with nail art, then you’ll also want to bring in some photo references that your nail tech can work from.

Manicure Inspiration: Vanilla Chai Nails

 

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Featured image: Mylee