Bubble Bath Nails Are the Trendy New Minimalist Mani

12 Bubble Bath Nails Ideas

Though the traditional bubble bath manicure is very understated, there are plenty of ways to make the look your own. You can swap the clear topcoat for a shimmery version to create bubble bath nails with glitter, draw minimalist shapes on your nails for a pared-back nail art look, or swap the traditional bubble bath nail color for a soft pastel hue, like lilac or mint. Below are a few of our favorite takes on the girly trend.

1. Sheer bubble bath nails

The sheer bubble bath mani is a minimalist’s dream, with the softest hint of color to give your nails a neat, clean-looking finish. To achieve this less-is-more look, brush the Essie Good As New Nail Perfector onto bare nails and let it dry. The ceramide-infused formula boasts a barely-there pink tint and helps improve nail color and texture for healthy-looking nails. Use the demi-matte formula alone or layer it under a clear topcoat for a shiny yet natural-looking finish.

2. Jelly bubble bath nails

Jelly nail polish is the perfect lacquer to use to get the semi-sheer glossy finish characteristic of bubble bath nails. To recreate this ‘90s-inspired look, use a buildable jelly polish, like the Essie Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss Nail Polish in Cheeky Jelly. Use one coat for an ultra-sheer pink tint, or layer on a few coats for a more pigmented (but still translucent) finish.

3. Bubble bath chrome nails

Recreate the metallic sheen of a perfect soapy bubble by painting your nails with a shimmery iridescent or duochrome lacquer rather than your standard opaque bubble bath nail polish. For this luxe look, we love the Essie Nail Art Studio Special Effects Nail Polish in Astral Aura and the Essie Metallics Nail Polish in Birthday Girl.

4. Pastel bubble bath nails

Bubble bath nails don’t have to be pink—you can embrace any hue you want, as long as the end result is sheer and light. Experiment with the look by swapping your rose polish for a transluscent teal hue, like the Essie Nail Art Studio Special Effects Nail Polish in Mystic Marine, which features a pale pinkish-gold shimmer for a reflective finish.

5. French tip bubble bath nails

The French tip is nothing new in the world of nail art—the classic technique, after all, is the key to achieving a flawless French manicure, and it pairs perfectly with an understated bubble bath manicure. But if you want to put a spin on the traditional look, try swapping the white tip color for a deeper hue. This high-contrast look is chic and cool, but a little more trend-forward than your classic French mani. Get the look by painting your nails with Essie Tuck it in My Tux, then drawing a thin line along the top of each nail with Essie Off Tropic.

6. Sparkly bubble bath nails

If you ask us, a little bit of sparkle makes everything better—bubble bath nails included. There are a few ways to achieve this glam, sheer-yet-shimmery look. For a subtle shimmer, swap your opaque pink polish for a luminous lilac option, like Essie S’il Vous Play—you’ll get the perfect bubble bath pink hue with a soft hint of shimmer and shine. Alternatively, amp up your standard bubble bath mani by swapping out your clear top coat for a sparkly option. We’re big fans of the Essie Metallics Nail Polish in A Cut Above.

7. Bubble bath nails with designs

Paint thin lines and squiggles onto a milky white or pink base to create a minimalist nail art look that feels fresh and sophisticated. You can draw your designs in any shade of your choosing, but we love the way a deep, rich burgundy pops against the sheer pink of your base coat. Try it for yourself with Essie Limo-Scene as the base and Essie Berry Naughty for your abstract (nail) art.

8. Ombré bubble bath nails

While ombré nails typically feature a color gradient on each individual nail, that’s not the only way to embrace the color-shifting look. You can also make your entire hand a subtle ombré gradient using a buildable nail polish. To recreate this subtle sheer-to-opaque look, use a buildable polish, like Essie Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss Nail Polish in Arctic Jelly, to paint your nails. Apply one coat on your pinky, two coats on your ring finger, and so on. With each additional coat, the polish will become slightly more opaque, creating a subtle but cohesive ombré effect across your digits.

9. Confetti bubble bath nails

The sheer, barely-there base of bubble bath nails serves as the perfect backdrop for playful nail art. Start by painting your nails with a sheer pinkish polish, like Essie Hi Maintenance, then draw miniature stars and polka dots on each nail using a combo of opaque white and metallic gold lacquers. If nail art isn’t your strong suit, you can also use adhesive nail decals to create your “confetti.”

10. Lilac bubble bath nails

For a sweet departure on classic pink bubble bath nails, try a powdery purple hue. To keep the look sheer and soft, opt for a pale lilac polish, such as Essie Lilacism or Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish in Perfect Posture. A soft purple jelly nail polish works well here, too—see for yourself with the Essie Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss Nail Polish in Orchid Jelly.

11. Multicolored bubble bath nails

If you’re torn between a traditional bubble bath mani and a more colorful take on the trend, we have the perfect middle ground for you: do both. Paint your nails in alternating sheer pastel hues for a playful look that allows you to embrace the best of both worlds.

12. Pastel tip bubble bath nails

Give your go-to French mani a playful upgrade by swapping the thin white line for chunky, candy-colored tips. You can use any hue (or hues) you like for this statement look, but we love the way bold, vibrant shades contrast against your sheer nails. Try Essie Rocky Rose or Essie Piece of Work for a funky, two-toned nail art look.

Next Up: The Prettiest Pearl Manicures for Wedding Season and Beyond