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    1. Beauty

    Milky nails are over—we're making way for BB cream nails now

    Clean-girl manicure lovers, this way

    Jazzria Harris's avatar
    By Jazzria Harris
    Published 12 March 2024 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Woman with bb cream nails on her phone
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    • The best BB cream nail polishes
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    There’s something about a new nail trend that gets me excited—particularly when it involves a nude, sheer polish. Simple it may be, but, when paired with a neat cuticle and classic shape, there really is no nail colour chicer, in my opinion. Recently however, I stumbled across a nail trend that took my love for the timeless shade to a whole new level, and, I predict it’s going to be a big hit with anyone who’s a fan of a minimalist mani—say hello to BB cream nails. 

    Made popular by Canadian brand, Gelcare, BB nail polishes work in a similar way to the blemish balms for your skin. Slightly different from milky manicures (which deliver a higher pigment), BB cream nails offer a layer of light, sheer coverage, they create a natural-looking, glossy base that acts like a veil on the nails, blurring and camouflaging any imperfections for a perfectly polished finish. The result? Think glazed-doughnut skin in nail form. Yep, now you see why I’m obsessed with them. 

    A post shared by Mateja Novakovic (@matejanova)

    A photo posted by on

    As well as BB cream nails looking deliciously good, the best thing about this look is the simplicity as it means they can work for so many different occasions. Understated enough for the office yet eye-catching enough for your next night out, I've got to give BB nails props for their versatility. They even make the perfect bridal mani if you’re looking for chic wedding nail ideas that look simple and sophisticated. 

    A post shared by GELCARE® (@gelcare.official)

    A photo posted by on

    By now I’m assuming you’re just as obsessed with BB cream nails as me and are desperate to try them out at your next nail appointment. I, of course, made it my mission to track down the original inspiration, Gelcare, and while you can get them shipped from Canada via their website the wait won't be suitable for anyone as impatient as me *sob*. 

    Thankfully, however, there are some great alternatives available from some of my favourite brands. Plus, alongside offering the perfect amount of sheer-nude coverage, many of these polishes are also packed with other nail-loving benefits to strengthen and smooth as they colour. Keep scrolling to shop the edit...

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    The best BB cream nail polishes

    BB Cream Nails Chanel La Base Camelia

    Chanel La Base Camelia
    £29 AT JOHN LEWIS

    BB Cream Nails Avon Nail Experts 7-in-1 Nail Treatment

    Avon Nail Experts 7-in-1 Nail Treatment
    £5.35 AT AMAZON

    BB Cream Nails Nails Inc Glow With The Flow Glow-Enhancing Nail Perfector Polish

    Nails Inc Glow With The Flow Glow-Enhancing Nail Perfector Polish
    £9 AT AMAZON

    BB Cream Nails Nailberry Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Candyfloss

    Nailberry Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Candyfloss
    £16 AT JOHN LEWIS

    BB Cream Nails Kiko BB Base Coat

    Kiko BB Base Coat
    £6.99 AT KIKO

    BB Cream Nails Alûstre DiamondInfused Glossy Nail Polish in Milky

    Alûstre DiamondInfused Glossy Nail Polish in Milky
    £31 AT ALÛSTRE

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

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    Jazzria Harris
    Jazzria Harris
    Freelance Fashion & Beauty Writer

    Jazzria Harris is a freelance fashion and beauty journalist with over 8 years experience working in the industry. At just 4ft 11, she’s an expert in petite dressing and previously wrote the column Jazz’s Short Stories giving tips and advice on dressing for petite proportions. Her wardrobe staples are a great black blazer, a hardworking slip skirt and of course a great pair of heels (for the extra inches, of course). Jazz has written for publications including ELLE UK, heat magazine, Eliza, Women & Home and more.

    Read more
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