It’s jelly nail season

While most nail trends come and go after a season or two, jelly nails are sticking around—and it’s easy to see why. The sheer, colorful look is easy to wear and ultra-versatile. And most of all, it’s just fun, especially during spring and summer. Ahead, we’re breaking down the trend and sharing 10 jelly nail ideas to try for your next mani.

What are jelly nails?

“Jelly nails are all about translucent, high-shine color. Think a sheer, glass-like finish where the nail is still visible beneath the polish,” explains Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director of U.K. and U.S. nail salon Townhouse. She adds that jelly polish tends to be buildable, so you can achieve the color saturation of your choice, “but the key is that slightly see-through, almost ‘candied’ effect.”

Jelly nails are youthful by nature, but that doesn’t mean the look can’t be sophisticated. “It’s a playful look, but when done well, it can still feel polished and elevated, particularly when paired with clean shaping and a glossy finish,” says Huber-Millet.

The best jelly nail ideas

1. Subtle jelly

Townhouse’s nail polishes are buildable, so using a shade like Tomato “offers a more understated take on the trend, while still delivering that fresh, luminous effect,” according to Huber-Millet.

2. Classic red

The classic red nail gets a trendy update with this look. “Clients are gravitating towards sheer pinks, warm peach shades, and glossy reds that give that same translucency while still feeling polished and elevated,” Huber-Millet says.

3. French jelly

Often, you’ll see the “jelly” part as the tip, but this version from celeb nail pro Gina Edwards inverts the trend so the translucent part is on the nail itself, with an opaque tip.

4. Tortoise Nails

Abstract patterns like tortoise work well with a jelly finish, and still look sophisticated.

5. Sheer orange

Sheer orange looks all the more vibrant alongside a subtle lavender line. “Traditionally, jelly nails have leaned towards brighter, more playful shades,” says Huber-Millet. “Vivid pinks, oranges, and candy tones that really emphasize that translucent, high-shine finish.”

6. Ombré Nails

Ombré polish and an iridescent finish create a multidimensional—and very fun—nail that still highlights the sheer nails.

7. Jelly dot

The combination of opaque polish dots on top of a jelly base is too cute not to try.

8. Every shade

Can’t decide on one color? Try them all—and add a little extra length while you’re at it.

9. Color play

Make like Emma Chamberlain and her nail pro Thuy Nguyen and go “a little bit weird” with a bunch of jelly colors at once.

10. Jelly textures

In fun colors and 3-D textures, your mani will be a candy-like delight.

Why are jelly nails so popular?
Even though the look has been trending for a few seasons now, it shows no sign of slowing down. “I think the appeal comes from that balance between playfulness and wearability,” suggests Huber-Millet. “Jelly nails offer color, but in a softer, more diffused way than an opaque polish, which makes them easier to incorporate into everyday style.” The expert also points out that jelly nails are part of a larger trend toward sheer, glossy nails, “whether that’s milky neutrals, glazed effects, or soft washes of color.”

How can I get the jelly nail look?
Your favorite brands now offer jelly options too; for example, Nails Inc. has a “jelly effect” polish, and Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Syrup collection features a buildable jelly finish. There are also press-on options from brands like Kiss and Olive & June.

Of course, you can always head to your local nail salon, too, where they’ll have both regular and gel polishes to choose from.

This article is originally from harperbazaar.com 

Image: Pexels

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