Ultra-shiny nails, mirror-like effects, and hypnotic reflections right down to your fingertips: glass nails are all the rage this season! Powered by TikTok, adopted by the latest it-girls, and directly inspired by the famous Korean “glass skin,” this new manicure trend is all about clean, chic, and simple style. Here’s a breakdown and how to create glass nails like a star.
Glass Nails: What Are They?
Korean Inspiration
Translucent effect, shine, almost liquid reflections… Glass nails, also known as “cat eye nails,” are to nail beauty what glass skin is to skincare: a pure, fresh, and ultra-glowing appearance, with the impression of luminous reflections like glass. It’s part of the clean girl aesthetic movement, combining sophisticated minimalism and an obsession with detail. Mirror-like shine, smooth texture, subtle reflections: glass is becoming a metaphor for next-generation beauty!
Chrome, cat eye, or crystal: variations of glass nails
Glass nails come in different versions:
The chrome nail effect: ultra-shiny, metallic, and mirror-like. It is achieved by applying a mirror-like powder over a layer of classic or semi-permanent nail polish.
The cat eye nail effect: to create this captivating effect, place a magnet near the still-wet layer of nail polish. The metallic particles in the polish will then concentrate, creating the illusion of depth.
The pure glass effect: a simple layer of clear or lightly tinted nail polish, applied over a smoothing base coat and topped with an ultra-glossy top coat for a simple yet sophisticated manicure.
The stained glass nail effect: a creative nail art style, inspired by stained glass, featuring a play of translucent colors and bold combinations.
How to create your own glass nail manicure at home?
Follow the guide to achieve this effect at home.
The classic method with polish and mirror powder
Step 1: Prep your nails with a manicure kit, then apply a base coat, as per your normal routine.
Step 2: Then choose your base color: a nude nail polish or one from the pink or white range.
Step 3: Once your nail polish is dry, apply a dusting of Mirror Effect powder to the nail using an applicator.
Step 4: Use a dusting brush to remove excess powder. Seal your new manicure with a Top Coat to enhance the shine of your beautiful nails and perfect your chrome manicure.
Tips for successful glass nails
To make your beautiful nails truly shine like glass right down to your fingertips, here are our expert tips:
Prepare your nails perfectly
The key to an original, glowing, and successful manicure is preparation.
Start by filing your nails with our nail drill to shorten them and shape them as desired. Then, soften your cuticles with a few drops of Effective Emollient, before gently pushing them back with a cuticle pusher to achieve a clean nail plate and a flawless nail contour. Finally, apply a preparatory file, a great tool for opening the nail scales, which helps improve the hold of your polish.
Nourish to last
Remember to nourish and moisturize your nails and cuticles with Cuticle Oil, ideally applied every evening, to make the mirror effect last. Among all the manicure trends, glass nails embody a new idea of beauty, enhancing your nails right down to your fingertips. What makes them so popular? Their adaptability. You can opt for a bold manicure with a chrome or cat-eye effect. A manicure trend to make your own, adapt, and experiment with according to your desires, but always with that clean and glowing touch we love!
Read also: Your Nail Artist’s Toolkit: Essential Supplies Explained
