Rihanna is a certified fashion maximalist: sherbet-toned and undulating Issey-Miyake-as-maternity-wear, a hulking collection of charm-affixed vintage Louis Vuitton bags, gargantuan headpieces, all-leather Givenchy, and tiger-print Alaïa. When it comes to winter whites? Rihanna finds they look best on her nails, giving this minimalist manicure trend a go for the season.
The pop star and Fenty Beauty mogul tapped her go-to nail artist, Kim Truong, for this more pared back nail look in a “milky white” tone. Truong used Aprés Gel Couleur in Baby’s Breath. “It’s a soft, milky white with a sheer, creamy finish,” she says. “Milky white felt right for Rihanna because it’s clean and effortless without feeling boring. It lets the nails look fresh and elevated, but still very natural. On her, it felt timeless and cool—simple, but with intention.”
Light shades, Truong emphasizes, really show everything, so if you want the Rih Rih nails, prep is key, and then your color choice. “I focus a lot on cuticle care and prepping the nail before applying color. I always work in thin layers and build slowly so it stays even and streak-free. I also prefer sheer milky whites over stark whites because they look softer and fresher.”
Of recent, Truong has been painting lighter and cleaner shades on her clients, a base that includes Kim Kardashian and Addison Rae. For Pamela Anderson’s appearance at the Golden Globes, Truong gave her a polish-free, natural manicure—in keeping with Anderson’s contemporary style—that focused on creating healthy-looking nails and luminous skin, prioritizing good handcare. (Joonbyrd Confetti Sky Hand Treatment for a soft, natural glow.) Elsewhere, there’s been a resurgence of whimsical lilac and icy blue on both the runways and in the nail salon chairs.
Rihanna is usually pretty trend-agnostic when it comes to her manicure, often defying the current vibe to forge her own: pastel shades in fall, a nostalgic Loud-era matte black french mani, statement graphic 3D decals.
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The more minimalist mani, Truong says, sees people gravitating toward “nails that feel simple, elevated, and easy.” Milky whites also continue the enduring trend for quiet luxury. “They go with everything and don’t feel trendy or loud,” Truong adds. “You don’t need much to make a statement.”
In terms of current nail trends, Truong sees two opposite aesthetics coming through in extremes—maximalists and minimalists are converging and diverging. “A lot of people want clean, natural nails like sheer pinks, milky whites and soft nudes, but there’s still love for bold colors and fun details for events.” Looks for clients include black latex-y nails for the aforementioned Addison Rae, and a tortoiseshell mani for Dua Lipa. Day-to-day, shades like sumptuous midnight blue and jewel tones are also coming through.
Will you be donning winter-y milky whites and ultra-sheer washes, or delighting in on-trend preppy plaids and textured chromes? “Either way,” says Truong, “it’s all about nails feeling intentional and elevated.”
