Whether you love them or hate them, food-inspired beauty trends are here to stay. One that has prompted fewer eye rolls, though, is the aptly named “butter yellow” nails. We first reported on the nail color trend in 2024—the same year Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber were seen wearing the color—and our pros called it the neutral of the summer. “Butter yellow nails are a great alternative to nude shades,” nail artist Jin Soon Choi previously told Allure.
That remains true, but this year, rather than the solid color manis that took over our social feeds in the trend’s earlier days, we’re noticing the color worn with the same whimsy we’ve seen on recent runways. Remember the milky yellow heels in Dior’s fall 2026 collection (topped with 3D flowers)? How about the textured pieces from Chanel’s autumn/winter 2026 collection in the same color? You’ll notice manicures on your feed are following suit with more art and design. Yoko Sakakura, a Los Angeles-based manicurist, says that polka dots, stripes, and French tips are particularly “fun options” for nail art featuring the color.
Brooklyn manicurist Melissa Samuel notes that the pastel continues to be popular today because of how easily it can be worn in the workplace and how flattering it is on all skin tones. It’s “soft, versatile, and understated,” she says.
“It is so underrated for darker skin tones, and Black women particularly,” adds Gracie J, a New York City-based nail artist. That being said, she has tips for picking shades that flatter you most: Look for a slightly more saturated shade to complement deeper skin. For lighter skin, she says, paler polishes will work best.
The continued popularity of butter yellow nails also seems to represent how many are feeling these days. Samuel says the color “remains relevant because it symbolizes optimism, warmth, and calm during a time when many people are seeking comfort and positivity.” Dig in to fresh takes on the trend, ahead.
Meet the experts:
Butter yellow nail inspiration
Butter yellow French manicure
Courtesy of @jessicawhitenailartist
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