Jelly Nails Are the Low-Maintenance Manicure of Summer

Jelly nails are back, right on schedule for bare shoulders, iced drinks, and manicures that don’t take themselves too seriously. Sheer, glossy, and a little bit juicy, they give nails a wash of color without the weight of an opaque polish. The effect is relaxed but still refined—like lip tint, but for your manicure.

It’s also refreshingly low-maintenance, making it ideal for long vacations and off-duty schedules. Because jelly polishes are translucent by nature, the manicure is a little more forgiving as it wears. Chips look less obvious, regrowth is softer, and the whole thing has an easy charm that works just as well on short nails as it does on longer shapes. It’s playful without looking overdone, which is exactly why jelly nails feel so right for summer.

To get the look, reach for sheer, glossy polishes from Manucurist and Cirque Colors. Manucurist offers an effortless, pared-back take on the trend, while Cirque Colors is known for color-forward shades that make jelly finishes feel especially fun. One coat gives a subtle veil of color; two or three build into a squishy, high-shine manicure with more depth.

Consider this your low-effort manicure with a high-shine agenda.

Images courtesy of Cirque Colors and Manucurist.