Meghan Markle’s Signature Nail Color Is the Perfect Everyday Manicure

Whether she’s stepping out in sleek neutrals or giving a masterclass in polished hair and glowing skin, Meghan Markle’s influence as a modern beauty icon remains unmatched. Her style—timeless, demure and always impossibly put-together—has become the blueprint for understated elegance. And yes, that includes her nails.

From her time as a royal to her current Montecito lifestyle, the Duchess of Sussex has always embraced a less-is-more approach that somehow still makes a major impact. And now, we can all try to channel a little Meghan magic ourselves. The Duchess of Sussex gave fans a rare peek into her beauty routine by sharing a curated list of her favorite products via the shopping platform ShopMy with the caption: “a handpicked and curated collection of the things I love—I hope you enjoy them!”

The roundup features her go-to skincare, makeup, and one standout detail: her nail polish. Eagle-eyed fans quickly clocked her latest manicure—a glossy, pinky-white finish on short, perfectly-shaped nails that looked equal parts effortless and intentional. Dubbed the “Montecito manicure,” this soft, minimalist look is set to become the definitive beauty signature of the season.

So, how do you get Markle’s quietly luxurious manicure for yourself? We tapped celebrity manicurist and CND educator Julie Kandalec for expert tips on recreating the viral mani at home or our next salon visit.

How to Get the Look

At its core, the Montecito manicure is all about balance. “It’s a neutral, soft white nail look that embodies the beachy vibe of the town of its namesake,” says Kandalec. “It’s fresh and modern because it’s quintessential quiet luxury.”

Meghan achieves that signature sheer-pink finish using CND SHELLAC in Romantique and Satin Slippers—two semi-sheer shades that offer a luminous, layered effect with just the right amount of opacity.

Prefer a DIY moment? Luckily, the same shades are available in CND VINYLUX, the brand’s longwear polish line. Kandalec recommends experimenting with layering for at-home manis, noting that “these polishes are like the opacity of skim milk, so you can customize the finish by adjusting how many coats of each you use.”

Start with a clean, buffed nail. Apply a single coat of Romantique for a pink base, then follow with Satin Slippers for that soft-white overlay, or reverse the order for a more blush-toned effect. Finish with a high-gloss topcoat to seal in the shine—and just like that, you’ve nailed Meghan’s signature royal style.

What to Ask for at the Salon

If you’re taking this look to your manicurist, precision is key. “I would ask for the two shades by name,” says Kandalec. “Asking for something more general like ‘semi-sheer neutral’ can mean different things to different people.”

Be sure to request Markle’s beloved polishes for an identical match and ask your manicurist to layer the two until your preferred shade is achieved. For shape and length, stick with something short and rounded—or even a subtle almond—to keep the overall look demure. “A manicure like this works best with understated shapes,” adds Kandalec.