The glazed nail trend: why is it so popular?

It is impossible to miss the glazed wave that has been sweeping through the beauty world for several seasons. First seen in skincare with the famous Glazed Donut Skin trend, this ultra luminous finish inspired by a delicious icing quickly won over beauty lovers everywhere. In 2026, glazed nails remain one of the most desirable manicure trends and now come in countless variations. How can you wear them? Which colours and nail art inspirations should you try? Here is everything you need to know.

What are glazed nails?

The secret behind glazed nails, also known as nails with a glazed effect, lies in their delicately pearlescent finish, which catches the light and wraps the nails in a silky veil. Somewhere between the pearl nails trend, a chrome finish and an icy look, this manicure stands out thanks to its ability to enhance every colour, from the softest nude shades to the boldest tones. Sophisticated yet easy to wear, it became famous after Hailey Bieber introduced her iconic glazed donut nails in 2022. Since then, the trend has continued to evolve season after season with fresh colour palettes and ever more luminous finishes.

In 2026, the glazed effect is making its way onto pastel shades, vibrant reds, chocolate tones and translucent jelly nail polishes, while always keeping its signature finish, subtle pearly reflections that illuminate the nails beautifully.

Are glazed nails still on trend?

Absolutely. Far from disappearing, glazed nails continue to dominate manicure trends, celebrating luminous finishes, barely there beauty and refined nail looks.

Their greatest strength is their versatility. Nails with a glazed effect are perfect for a wedding look, a business meeting, a summer evening or a holiday manicure. Alongside Milky nails, Jelly nails and Pearl nails, glazed nails remain one of the most requested manicure styles of 2026.

Hailey Bieber's Soft Pink glazed nails by Zola Ganzorigt
(@nailsbyzola)

How to create glazed nails

The magic of glazed nails comes from layering a base colour using Green™ nail polish or Green Flash™ Gel Polish, followed by a Glazed Effect powder or chrome powder that creates beautiful light reflecting effects across the nails.

Which nail polish colours work best for glazed nails?

Pink and white, timeless elegance

For a wedding manicure or a quiet luxury aesthetic, you cannot go wrong with Hortencia, a sheer pale pink nail polish, or Milky White, a translucent milky white shade. Both create the perfect base for beautifully delicate glazed nails.

Pastels, fresh spring and summer colours

Pastel nail polishes are perfect for a spring and summer manicure with pearly reflections. We especially love Bubble, a cool light blue with grey undertones, Candy, a vibrant pink with cool blue notes, and Lisa Lilas, a lilac inspired by the nineties. Paired with Glazed powder, each shade captures the light beautifully.

Red and raspberry, the couture choice

Fancy something a little more indulgent? Fall for delicious glazed cherry nails, created with Red Cherry, our timeless cherry red nail polish, or Péonie, a vibrant raspberry pink. The contrast between the rich colour and the pearly shine creates a sophisticated and sensual finish with the look of luxurious velvet.

Glazed nails step by step

Creating this stunning look at home is much easier than you might think. Follow this simple routine in five steps.

#1 Prepare your nails

Good preparation is essential to help your manicure last as long as possible. Follow these key steps.

• File your nails into your preferred shape.
• Soften your cuticles with Cuticle Softener, then gently push them back using a Steel cuticle pusher.
• Buff the nail surface using a preparation file.
• Clean and remove any grease to eliminate dust and residue.

#2 Apply a Base Coat

One thin layer of Base Coat is enough to protect the nail surface and help the colour adhere perfectly. Use a Base Coat from the same range as your nail polish. If you are creating a Green Flash™ manicure, remember to cure the Base Coat under a UV LED lamp.

#3 Apply your Green™ or Green Flash™ colour

Apply two thin coats of nail polish, allowing each coat to dry completely, in the air for Green™, or under an LED lamp for Green Flash™ Gel Polish.

#4 Apply the Glazed powder

Choose your favourite Glazed powder from the four available shades, Pink, White, Golden or Blue. Apply it over the colour using the dedicated applicator brush. Each powder creates a different reflection, opening up endless creative possibilities. Remove any excess powder using the Dust Brush, then clean around the nail for a flawless finish.

#5 Seal your manicure with a Top Coat

A Top Coat is essential to lock in the Glazed powder, create the glossy finish that makes glazed nails so irresistible, and improve the durability of your manicure. Always choose a Top Coat from the same range as your nail polish.

💡 Pro tip. Apply a few drops of Nourishing Cuticle Oil once your manicure is complete, then continue using it regularly to help your glazed nails stay beautiful for even longer.

Can you achieve a glazed effect without Glazed powder?

The answer is yes. Several nail polishes can recreate the look of glazed nails in a single step, without using any powder.

Pearlescent nail polishes

These shimmering shades create a finish that is very close to the glazed effect, instantly giving the nails a luminous glow. Some of our favourites include:

• Moon, the ultimate pearly white.
• Fairy, a holographic pearly white nail polish.
• Satin, a semi opaque pearly pale pink.
• Carnation, a pearly rosy beige.
• Pearlescent, a pearly beige with soft pink undertones.
• Gold Sand, an iridescent golden yellow.
• Groove, a striking metallic green nail polish.

Moon, Groove or Carnation, effortless glazed nails in just one step.

Active™ care nail polishes

Several nail care products from the Active™ range, which combines treatment with makeup, deliver a finish that closely resembles the glazed trend.

• Active Plump Aqua Glazed, a plumping nail care polish with a pearly finish and soft blue reflections for a beautiful water shine effect. Enriched with collagen and wakame extracts, it helps protect the nail's keratin while enhancing shine.
• Active Plump, a volumising nail care polish with a pearly baby pink finish. Enriched with plant based collagen, it hydrates the nails while creating a naturally fuller appearance.
• Active Bright, a perfecting nail care polish that leaves a luminous white veil with delicate pearly reflections.
• Active Shine, an illuminating nail care polish that helps repair and strengthen the nails while enhancing them with a soft rosy beige pearly glow.

Glazed nails variations

Ultra versatile, the glazed effect works beautifully with every style. The same is true when it comes to nail art, offering endless ways to personalise your manicure.

Glazed French nails

For a minimalist manicure with maximum elegance, glazed nails are the perfect match for a French manicure.

• A pastel version. Start with Hortencia as your base, then create a delicate French tip using a different pastel shade on each nail. Alternate between Lisa Lilas, Lilas, Candy, Pistachio and Mimosa. For extra precision, use the Mani Stamper. Finish with a light veil of White Glazed powder to create a beautiful rainbow inspired glazed French manicure.
• A vibrant summer version. Apply Pale Rose as your base, then paint the French tips with Riviera, a fresh turquoise shade. Finish with a light layer of White Glazed powder to create the Pool Glazed manicure, one of the biggest trends of summer 2026.
• A couture interpretation. Wear Pale Rose as your base and create the French tips with the iconic Red Cherry. Complete the look with White Glazed powder for a sophisticated Red French Glazed manicure.

Pastel, pool inspired or couture, combining a French manicure with a glazed finish always creates a beautifully elegant result.
(@irasedits, @bara.hoyle, @m.o.n.a.j)

Milky Glaze

This irresistible combination pairs Milky White with White Glazed powder. The result is a beautifully understated version of glazed nails that perfectly embraces the Milky nails trend. It is ideal for a clean girl manicure or a wedding day look.

Lavender Blue Glazed

One of the standout colour combinations of 2026 pairs Lisa Lilas with a delicate layer of Blue Glazed powder. The subtle reflections move between soft lavender and holographic light, creating one of our favourite glazed nail looks of the season.

Glazed Jelly nails

When Jelly nails meet the glazed nails trend, the result is effortlessly fresh. Apply a different Green™ Jelly nail polish to each nail, then finish with a touch of White Glazed powder for a playful manicure that is perfect throughout the warmer months.

The season's favourite nail trends all have their glazed version.
(@look8thenails, @shanivynails)

Chocolate Glazed Donut

Inspired by the latest runway looks and social media trends, this irresistible combination pairs Freckles, a rich brown nail polish, with White Glazed powder. The result is a refined, elegant manicure that is perfect for winter.

Golden Green

For something a little different, choose Artichaut as your base colour and enhance it with Golden Glazed powder. This unique pairing creates a rich, precious finish that feels bold, sophisticated and effortlessly chic.

Chrome Berry

One of the most fashionable combinations of the season pairs Dark Pansy, a deep velvet red nail polish, with Blue Glazed powder. The result blends the richness of plum with shimmering reflections for an elegant, statement manicure.

Rediscover the Manucurist colour palette enhanced with Glazed powders.
(@mani.minimalist, @shanivynails, @m.o.n.a.j)

Glazed nails have clearly become much more than a passing viral trend. Easy to personalise, they adapt beautifully to every season and every style. Whether you choose Glazed powder, a pearlescent nail polish or an Active™ nail care polish that combines nail care with the latest trends, there is a glazed manicure for everyone. Simply choose your favourite colour, add a touch of light and let your nails shine like delicious glazed doughnuts. Irresistible.