20 Jelly Nail Ideas Inspired by the Dated Shoe Trending RN
Aura nails, candy floss manis, micro-French tips—there are a million buzzy monikers circling the manicure space nowadays, but the only one you should be paying attention to right now is the jelly nail trend.
“Jelly nails are all about that juicy, see-through color that looks like tinted candy or a glass sculpture,” Jin Soon Choi, celebrity manicurist and founder of JinSoon, previously told Who What Wear. “The effect feels playful yet polished, and works beautifully on its own or layered under nail art.” Though you may have seen a recent uptick in this sticky-sweet style, celebrity nail artist Juan Alvear says that jelly nails have been in the spotlight for longer than you may realize. “I would even go out on a limb to say I’d consider them a classic at this point,” he quips.
Whether you’re shopping for sheer polish shades or crafting your own concoction (Choi recommends mixing a single drop of bold polish to a dollop of clear), we have all the inspiration for your summery, gelatinous nail looks ahead. Keep scrolling for 20 jelly manicure ideas to match this dated shoe trend that just made a nostalgic comeback.
1. Cherry Glaze
Take the red nail theory into modern territory with this sheer cherry-colored set. This style’s rosy cellophane finish reminds us of candy wrappers, adding a nostalgic touch to this playful look that feels perfect for summer, tropical getaways, winter holidays—you name it.
2. Soap Jelly
Not ready to let go of the soap nail trend? We don’t blame you. What separates the two translucent styles is the level of plasticky gloss on this set, giving them a juicy finish instead of the results of your regular top coat.
3. Extra Olives, Please
This one’s for the girls who order their martinis extra dirty. Celebrity manicurist Holly Falcone dipped the nails of the Sandy Liang S/S 19 models in this slick, slime-green shade that feels like a prophecy of "Brat summer"—and a subtle way to keep the Charli XCX brainchild of ‘24 alive and well this year.
4. Popsicle Drip
Speaking of the “360” songstress, Alvear created this juicy, mismatched set for Charli XCX nearly 3 years ago. These sheer claws not only include a gorgeous candy glaze that makes them look more dimensional than they already are, but the nail artist placed varied dewdrops atop each nail to give it an extra-juicy finish. If you’re looking for a more wearable version of this lengthy look, show this cute multi-colored set by manicurist Queenie Nguyen to your nail tech at your next appointment.
