Glass Nails Are The Chic Manicure Trend Of The Summer
THE K-BEAUTY-INSPIRED TREND
If there’s one look dominating our feeds this summer, it’s glass nails. Following the success of the ‘glass skin’ phenomenon, Korea’s latest beauty export translates that same obsession with luminous, light-reflecting finishes in nails. Defined by sheer, juicy colour and a clean, glossy finish, the effect strikes the perfect balance between polish and impact.
Until now, the look has required a trip to the salon but essie's new Glass Nails Collection makes it surprisingly easy to recreate at home. The six buildable shades can be worn as a single sheer coat or layered for a more saturated finish, with every application delivering the glass-like shine the trend is known for. Better still, the translucent formula lends itself to some of this summer's other biggest manicure trends too — from barely-there nude nails to playful polka dot designs and soft watercolour finishes — making it one of the most versatile collections to have in your nail kit.
WHAT SETS THE FORMULA APART
Like all essie original nail polishes, the Glass Nails Collection combines a salon-quality formula with an effortless application. Even if painting your nails isn’t usually your strong suit, the brand’s signature easy-glide brush makes it surprisingly simple to achieve a smooth, even finish, depositing just the right amount of polish for streak-free results.
The buildable shades can be worn as a single wash of colour or layered to create a richer, more vibrant look, making them just as suited to everyday wear as they are to experimenting with this season’s biggest nail trends. Finally, to maximise shine and extend the life of your manicure, finish off with Gel by Essie Top Coat.
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THE BEST WAY TO GET GLASS NAILS
The secret to an expensive-looking finish is all in the prep, according to celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey. “First, file and buff to smooth the nail and do any cuticle work,” she explains. “Start with a base coat to smooth the nail surface – I love essie’s Strong Start – then apply your Glass Nails polish in thin, even coats. They’re beautifully buildable, so one coat gives a sheer wash of colour, two coats create a richer translucent finish and three coats deliver a vibrant jelly-like effect while still letting some light pass through. Always cap the free edge and finish with the Gel by Essie Top Coat to maximise the glossy, glass-like shine.”
“Cin Cin' is one of my favourites for a juicy, glowy, your-nails-but-better finish, while 'High Baller' is a stunning vibrant pink," Michelle says. 'Cin Cin' and 'Crystal Ball' are also perfect if you love the barely-there nail look that's everywhere right now. You can layer the shades to create your own custom jelly colour or even a soft ombré gradient, and because the formula is buildable, it's also brilliant for simple nail art like tonal polka dots (which you can create with a toothpick) or delicate watercolour-inspired designs, all without needing lots of nail art skills.
SHOP THE NEW GLASS NAILS COLLECTION
Shop the Essie Glass Nail Polish range at BOOTS.COM
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