As someone with nail art skills similar to a doodling toddler, I’m perpetually on the lookout for beginner-friendly designs that make my at-home manis look elevated without much lift. Fortunately, our summer nail trends report It’s packed with inspiration, including juicy jelly finishes and colorful French tips.
Summer is one of the best times to experiment with different bold polishes, IMHO, so when I saw these two nail looks side by side, I wondered if I could combine them into a hybrid concept. Read: Instead of painting my nails a single syrupy shade, I tried a colorful manicure with multiple translucent shades. The rainbow tips instantly brightened my mood and I couldn’t help but think they looked like a plate of mixed gummies. Enter gummy nails.
Turns out I’m not the only one who craves this caramel-like hairspray; editorial manicurist Jin Soon Choi, founder of JinSoon, tells me she’s also noticed a multitude of beauty fans gravitating toward “Skittle jelly nails” for a summery ensemble. Curious how to get the season’s irresistibly juicy nail look? Check out Choi’s tutorial for the colorful jelly bean nails ahead.
Why Jelly Bean Nails Are Perfect for Summer
Jelly nails aren’t going anywhere, but adding multiple colors to the mix gives them a summery feel. “Colorful nails are a summer favorite because they embody the lively energy of the season, mimicking the bright summer sun,” says Choi. Summer is also a time when fashion marks break with neutrals and experiment with brighter shades, like butter yellows and deep reds. Why not apply the same logic to your nails? Choi (who works as a top runway nail artist) says colorful nails complement these bold summer styles for a cohesive overall look.
“Jelly finish nails, with their light, translucent appearance, are perfect for the season,” she adds. “They are a great alternative to more complex nail art.” (The nail art newbie in me sighs in relief.) Vibrant yet airy, jelly nails embody the perfect summer vibe, effortlessly elevated, says Choi. That’s certainly my modus operandi for this season.
How to master the trend
First things first: choose your shades. Choi says the best “flavors” of jelly nails are bright and vibrant, capturing the playful essence of summer. “I recommend a combination of deep orange-red, pure pink and fuchsia,” she suggests. “These colors are fun but have a classic, modern elegance, ensuring you won’t get tired of them. You can alternate these three colors on your nails for a fun but finished look.”
You can also sport a full rainbow with a different translucent shade on each fingertip or use pastel jelly colors for a softer look – the artist’s choice! Just make sure each shade has a jelly finish. (Check out our product recommendations below if you need some new shades in your collection.) Then follow here:
- Shape and polish: You can go for any nail shape you want, but if you really want to emulate the look of a jelly bean, Choi recommends a round shape. After filing, be sure to buff the nail plate to ensure a smooth, shiny canvas for polishing.
- Moisturize your cuticles: “Healthy cuticles improve the overall look of your manicure,” says Choi. Choose a formula you like: I am in favor of JinSoon Evening Primrose + Honeysuckle Cuticle Oil—And apply generously before painting (and daily).
- Apply your foundation: Choose a base layer! Look a Some stellar options here.
- Paint in thin layers: Next, paint your choice of jelly polish in thin layers, allowing each one to dry completely before applying the next. “This helps achieve the translucent, juicy effect without streaks,” notes Choi. It may be easier to uncover all the colors and paint each finger one by one, changing shades when necessary. She repeats until all digits reach the desired level of frosting.
- Add a blush effect: Stay with me here! “To make your nails look more juicy and gelatinous, add a touch of real blush makeup “Based on pure gelatin,” advises Choi. Once the polish dries, she suggests using a beauty sponge to apply a small amount of powder blush (or even eyeshadow) in a contrasting color to the center of each nail. outward for a soft, fuzzy look,” she explains. It’s technically an optional step, but it really enhances the gelatinous finish.
- Duplicate the top layer: Finish your gummy nails with two coats of glossy top coat. The extra coat will make your nails look especially plump and juicy, says Choi, which enhances the jelly-like appearance.
Buy Jelly Bean nail polish
This orange-red looks beautiful as a full set, so it’s definitely my go-to for a multi-color mani.
Hot pink jelly beans! Do I need to say more?
This pure pink is an excellent option to place between bolder colors. Pair it with bright pinks and reds to balance out the multi-colored look.
City of London
Perfecting Nail Veil
This cherry color looks incredibly juicy, even without a top coat glaze.
circus colors
Nail Polish in Tumbleweed
Cirque Colors is arguably the reigning queen of jellies. The brand has some gorgeous shades, but I especially like this sheer avocado green.
circus colors
Lemon Jelly Nail Polish
While you’re at it, you should pick up this lemondrop-inspired shade for your rainbow ensemble.
A rich plum tone often gives off a moody feel, but the gelatinous finish provides the summery touch it needs.
Ella+Mila
Spread the love
You can’t go wrong with this pure tangerine. Personally, I love an orange shade for the warmer months.
orly
Nail lacquer at Make Waves
This royal blue looks quite pigmented in the bottle, but I promise it transforms into a perfectly sheer shade of blue.
IPO
High gloss glossy top coat
Any polish can turn to jelly with a touch of top coat. Simply mix your favorite shade with this high-shine number and the pigment turns deliciously sheer.
