#JellyNails
Jelly nails—translucent, candy-colored manicures resembling jelly bracelets—became a playful summer trend in 2018-2019. The sheer, glossy finish offered a fresh alternative to opaque polishes.
The Look
Jelly nails feature:
- Sheer color (built up in 2-3 coats for translucent effect)
- High-gloss finish (wet-look shine)
- Bright hues (pink, orange, blue, purple)
- Visible nail line (natural nail shows through)
Inspiration
The trend drew from:
- ’90s nostalgia (jelly shoes, jelly bracelets)
- Korean beauty (glass skin translated to nails)
- Summer vibes (popsicles, fruit snacks, pool floaties)
How to Achieve
Gel method:
- Sheer gel polish (OPI GelColor, Essie Gel Couture)
- 2-3 coats for desired translucency
- High-shine top coat
Regular polish method:
- Sheer formula (Essie “Gel Couture” line, OPI “Sheer Tints”)
- Build color gradually
- Glossy top coat (Seche Vite, OPI Top Coat)
Popular Shades
- Coral/peach (sunset vibes)
- Baby pink (Barbie aesthetic)
- Sky blue (ocean-inspired)
- Lavender (soft, romantic)
Variations
- Jelly French tips (sheer base + opaque tips)
- Jelly ombré (gradient transparency)
- Jelly with glitter (sparkle suspended in translucence)
Celebrity Fans
The trend aligned with 2018’s maximalist nail art era, appearing on:
- Hailey Bieber (glazed donut nails’ precursor)
- Kylie Jenner (pastel jelly shades)
- Ariana Grande (soft pink jelly)
Sources: