Get the jelly nail look: 13 products for glass-like fingertips
By Jess Watts | 24 September 2026 | Art & Technique
The nail trend that looks like it was made from sunshine and rainbows: jelly nails, is taking over – and these are the products you need to recreate it…
Featured image courtesy of Instagram.com/aleksandrazajac.nails
This year, opaque shades are making way for softer, more sheer and altogether more playful colour. A trend that started in Korea, jelly nails are everywhere – and it’s easy to see why.
The style is simple: a barely-there wash of colour that lets the natural nail shine through. The juicy, understated finish feels fresh, modern and endlessly wearable. From candy pinks and citrus oranges to seawater blues and subtle nudes, this trend is as versatile as it is beautiful – there’s something for everyone.
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Part of the wider jelly and syrup nail trend, searches for jammy nails have soared by 24,650% over the last three months. Jammy nails deliver the same translucent, juicy finish, just distilled into a palette of scarlet, crimson and wine shades. Think nails coated in the vivid sweetness of raspberry conserve, the cool-toned richness of cherry jelly and the deep, almost-black-red of mulberry jam.
Here are jelly nail essentials you need to add to your kit…
The GelBottle Inc Gel Polish in Glass Red
Ideal for achieving the jammy nails trend, this translucent red exudes understated glamour. A take on the classic red manicure clients won’t be able to resist.
OPI Nail Lacquer in I’m Really an Actress
Vivid, juicy and ultra glossy, this shimmering red nail polish delivers a glass-like finish that is ideal for recreating the jammy nail trend.
CND Shellac™ in Magenta Sky
This popsicle pink CND™ gel polish boasts a bright, summer-ready magenta hue with a sheer finish, evoking images of freshly cut watermelon.
Glitterbels Jellylicious Hema Free Gel Polish
This six-piece collection features a variety of hues with translucent, jelly-like finishes that are perfect for layering or creating a sheer, one-coat look.
Gelish Brush-On Builder in Warm Sheer Shimmer
A warm blush-nude with a delicate shimmer, this builder gel creates a glowing finish that is perfect for jelly nails. It’s suited to those who want structure and durability without sacrificing subtlety.
Halo HEMA-Free Gel Polish in Stained Glass Magenta
This sheer gel polish is ideal for those looking for both translucency and vibrancy. It is one of six shades in Halo’s Stained Glass Collection – all of which can be used for jelly nail designs, layering and creating custom hues.
The Manicure Company Gel Polish in Sheer Veil
Add a subtle wash of colour to nails with Sheer Veil – a barely-there, glossy pink hue perfect for those seeking the clean girl aesthetic. Released as part of The Manicure Company’s Save The Date bridal collection, this sheer shade is also ideal for creating nuptial nails.
Light Elegance P+ Gel Polish in Fuchsia
Aptly named and impossible to resist, Fuschia is a standout shade from the Light Elegance Jellies P+ Gel Polish Collection: six sheer, luminous hues with a jelly-like finish.
HARA Professional Gel Polish Jelly Collection
Featuring six translucent jelly gel polishes, from minty green to deep red, this curated set delivers a sheer, glass-like wash of colour that can be worn solo or layered for endless creative combinations. The collection also includes two cat eye gel polishes.
Andreia Professional Gel Polish in 209
This semi-sheer pink is an ultimate ‘your nails but better’ gel polish. Boasting a blushing, barely-there hue that enhances the natural nail, 209 is elegant and endlessly wearable.
HD Professional Nail Systems Colour It! Gel Polish in Cherry Claws
The HD Pro Magneteyes® Jellies Collection features eight cat eye gel polishes, each boasting a semi-sheer finish. Cherry Claws is the perfect partner for the jammy nails trend, its translucent effect enhanced by its magnetic characteristic – equal parts jelly and magic.
Allure Beauty Supplies Gel Polish in 001 Milky White
Soft, subtle and perfect for recreating the viral milky manicure, this gel polish is ‘long-lasting and durable’. The HEMA-free formula boasts a smooth, translucent look that complements any style.
MelodySusie Jeweliver Jelly Gel Polish in Red Diamond
This jelly red gel polish is ideal for creating the jammy nails trend, offering a sheer, juicy finish that can be layered for more intense colour.
