As someone with the nail art skills of a doodling toddler, I’m always on the lookout for beginner-friendly designs that can give my at-home manicure a high-end feel without taking up too much of a lift. Thankfully, Summer Nail Trend Report From juicy jelly finishes to colorful French tips, inspiration abounds.
We think summer is one of the best times to try out different, bold nail polishes, so when we saw these two nail styles side by side, we wondered if we could combine them into one hybrid concept. Here’s what we found: Instead of painting our nails in syrupy, sheer colors, we tried out a colorful manicure with multiple translucent colors. The rainbow nail tips instantly brightened our mood and we couldn’t help but look like gummy bears mixed in a bowl. That’s where jelly bean nails come in.
Looks like I’m not the only one coveting this candy-like lacquer: Jin Soon Choi, founder and editorial manicurist at JinSoon, has noticed that many beauty fans are drawn to “jelly skittle nails” for a summery nail look. Want to learn how to master this season’s glamorous, juicy nail look? Check out Choi’s tutorial on colorful jelly bean nails below.
Why Jelly Bean Nails Are Perfect for Summer
Jelly nails aren’t going out of style any time soon, but mixing multiple colors will give them a more summery feel. “Colorful nails are super popular in the summer because they mimic the bright summer sun and embody the vibrant energy of the season,” says Choi. Summer is also a time when the fashion world is on fire. Parting ways with neutrals We’re all experimenting with brighter hues like buttery yellow and fiery red. So why not apply the same logic to your nails? Top runway nail artist Choi swears that colorful nails will complement these bold summer styles and give your overall look a cohesive look.
“Lightweight, sheer, jelly-finish nails are perfect for this season,” she adds. “They’re the perfect alternative to elaborate nail art.” (As a nail-art newbie, I breathe a sigh of relief.) Bright yet airy, jelly bean nails embody the perfect summer vibe and are effortlessly luxe, says Choi, which is definitely my style this season.
How to Master Trends
First, pick a color. According to Choi, the best “flavors” of jellybean nails are bright, vibrant, and capture the playful essence of summer. “I recommend a combination of hot orange-red, sheer rose, and fuchsia,” she suggests. “These colors are fun and classic yet modernly elegant, so you’ll never get bored. Alternate between these three colors on your nails for a playful yet finished look.”
You can paint each fingertip with a different translucent shade for a full rainbow, or go for a softer look with pastel jelly colors. It’s the artist’s choice. Make sure each shade actually has a jelly finish. (If you need a new shade for your collection, check out our product recommendations below.) Then, follow these steps:
- Shape and buff: The nail shape is up to you, but if you’re trying to emulate the jelly bean look, Choi suggests a round shape. After filing, be sure to buff your nail plate to provide a smooth, shiny canvas for your nail polish.
- Hydrate your cuticles: “Healthy cuticles improve the overall look of your manicure,” says Choi. Grab your favorite formula. I Jinsoon Primrose + Honeysuckle Cuticle OilApply liberally before painting (and daily).
- Apply the base: Choose your base coat! There aren’t many great options here.
- Apply a thin layer: Next, apply a thin layer of your preferred gel nail polish, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. “This will give you a clear, dewy effect without any streaking,” says Choi. It may be easier to uncap all your colors and paint one finger at a time, switching colors as needed. Repeat until all your fingers have reached your desired shine level.
- Add a blush effect. Stay tuned until the end! “To make your nails look juicy and jelly-like, you need to actually Cheek Makeup “Start with a clear jelly base and apply powder,” Choi advises. Once the polish is dry, she suggests using a sponge to dab a dab of a contrasting color of powder blush (or eye shadow) on the center of each nail. “Blend outwards for a soft, diffused look,” she explains. It’s technically an optional step, but it’s one that really elevates the jelly finish.
- Apply two coats of top coat. Finish your jelly bean nails with two coats of glossy top coat, which Choi says makes the nails look extra plump and juicy, enhancing the jelly look.
Shop Jelly Bean Nail Polish
This orange-red looks absolutely gorgeous when applied in a full set, so I would definitely pick this for a multi-colored manicure.
Hot pink jelly beans! Need I say more?
This sheer pink is perfect to sit between bolder colors. Pair it with bright pinks and reds to balance out a multi-colored look.
London Town
Perfect Nail Veil
This cherry color looks incredibly juicy even without a top coat.
Circus Colors
Tumbleweed Nail Polish
Cirque Colors is undoubtedly the queen of jellies, and although the brand has so many beautiful shades, I am particularly fond of this sheer avocado green.
Circus Colors
Nail polish with citron jelly
While you’re there, be sure to add this lemon drop-inspired color to your rainbow set.
The rich plum shade typically gives off a melancholic vibe, but the jelly finish gives it a summery twist.
Ella + Mila
Spread the love
You can’t go wrong with this sheer tangerine. Personally, I love the color orange in the warmer months.
Orly
Makewave nail lacquer
This royal blue looks quite pigmented in the bottle, but I assure you that when you apply it, it turns out to be a completely transparent shade of blue.
OPI
Brilliant High Shine Top Coat
A touch of top coat will transform any nail polish into a jelly manicure. Just mix your favorite shades into this high-shine nail polish for a pleasingly sheer pigment.
