Breadcrumbs ![How To Get The Luminous Nail Look](https://media.sheerluxe.com/iSF4L8worWsVQ1LMvXMf7kC8v1Q=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-gold-150626-site-assets-nail-illuminator-trend-hero-thumb.jpg) Image: @RaeLondonNails [Hair & Nails](/beauty/hair-nails) / 15 June 2026 # How To Get The Luminous Nail Look Soft, sheer and chic, ‘illuminated nails’ are having a moment this summer and we can’t get enough of them. From creating the perfect shape to choosing the right shades and finishes, two experts tell us how to get it right. [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/52787) Image: @RaeLondonNails All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. ## The ‘Luminous Nail’ Trend… "We’re seeing a move away from heavy shades towards ultra-glossy, healthy-looking nails because people are craving nails that feel polished but effortless. There’s been a shift towards beauty that feels healthier, softer and more elevated, rather than overly ‘done’. A beautifully executed sheer nude or milky manicure gives the illusion of naturally perfect nails and is the nail equivalent of great skin – healthy, glossy and understated. There are many terms floating around, like ‘soap nails’, ‘milk nails,’ and ‘bath nails,’ but they all mean the same thing: healthy, luminous-looking nails that are low-maintenance but chic. It’s also a popular look due to the fact these types of shades grow out seamlessly, so you get weeks out of your manicure, rather than days, making it an ideal trend for summer.” *–* [*Georgia Rae*](https://www.instagram.com/raelondonnails/)*, manicurist* ## The Shape & Length… “Soft shapes like almond or ‘squoval’ work best for this trend and shades because they mimic the natural shape of your nails, creating that seamless, understated look. Plus, they keep things looking elegant rather than too sharp or dramatic. As for the length, short to medium is ideal. Super long nails make a statement, and this look is about minimalism. Keeping them on the shorter side will help maintain that clean, natural aesthetic that’s very much in style.”*–* [*Iram Shelton*](https://www.instagram.com/iramshelton/)*, nail artist* ## The Key Priorities… **“**If you want this look, ask for a sheer, milky finish tailored to your skin tone and nail bed, with lots of attention to cuticle work and shape. The prep is just as important as the colour. Make sure you find a nail expert who prioritises natural nail health – that really is the base and is key for this look. Trust me, it will make all the difference. Without hydrated, nourished skin, the manicure will look incomplete. Another tip is to ask your manicurist to apply a very thin layer of sheer white first to your nails. This will brighten and lift the overall look of your nail, then they can go in with your chosen tone. It is the answer to that luminosity everyone is craving.” *– Georgia* ## The All-Important Top Coat… “Healthy nails are the foundation of this look, so a little daily care goes a long way. Alongside cuticle oil and nail prep, I swear by a high-shine top coat if you’re opting for normal polish. Essie’s [Gel Couture](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Fessie-gel-couture-gel-top-coat-10342274) version is excellent. The combination of these three key steps will make your nails look like you have just walked out of a salon.” *– Iram* > [View this post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DPeKmj3jH4h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)[A post shared by Georgia Rae (@raelondonnails)](https://www.instagram.com/p/DPeKmj3jH4h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) ## The Shades To Choose… “Cooler skin tones tend to suit soft rosy pinks or cooler milky nudes, whereas warmer undertones often look beautiful with beige-toned nudes or peachier pinks. The goal is always to enhance what's naturally there rather than overpower it. To amp it up further, if you see a nail technician you can ask for a glazed finish on top. This is still a very popular request and a glazed layer works beautifully on top of sheer milky or nude bases. You want just a thin layer, no more – this will catch the light softly without feeling overly metallic." *– Georgia* ## The Low-Down On BIAB… “Depending on your time constraints and preferences, you can create the look with [BIAB](https://thegelbottle.com/biab-shop-all/) (Builder in a Bottle), gels or normal polish. In my opinion, regular polish can still look really chic when done properly. You also have control over the layers and how intense you want the milkiness to be. I would opt for sheer nudes or rose pink polishes and always finish with a very glossy top coat. Tinted nail strengtheners are brilliant too, as they support the natural nail, while helping to achieve a soft, healthy-looking finish.” *– Georgia* “If you do want BIAB or gel, it’s worth noting how they differ. Think of gels as a longer-lasting nail polish with slightly more thickness, while BIAB is a thick, high-viscosity formula that contains strengthening agents and is recommended to those wanting to regain better nail health. BIAB is incredibly versatile and can be used in three main ways. First, as a natural nail overlay – for this purpose, it’s applied as a clear or nude overlay to provide maximum strength and structure, offering a clean, polished look on its own. Secondly, as a base coat for colour – here, your technician uses it as a durable, protective base layer before applying any standard [TGB](https://thegelbottle.com/) (The Gel Bottle) gel polish colour on top. Finally, for repair and extension – BIAB can be used to mend chips or splits in the natural nail, or to create short extensions (up to a couple of millimetres) to balance out nail shapes or repair a broken free edge.” *– Iram* ## The At-Home Picks… “If you are choosing to do it yourself, there are a few products I recommend having handy. Firstly, the [Mavala Scientifique K+](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fp%2Fmavala-scientifique-k-nail-hardener%2F11689194%2F) – this is my go-to for fortifying weak nails and strengthening vulnerable tips. For treatment and shine, I rate Essie [To The Rescue](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Fessie-nail-polish-to-the-rescue-13-5ml-10354224) – I love the sheer tint it gives and the glossy, plump, gel-like finish. Lastly, I swear by L’Occitane’s [Shea Karité Nail & Cuticle Oil](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fp%2Fl-occitane-shea-karite-nail-cuticle-oil-7.5ml%2F17514852%2F) to make the hands and nails look more polished. When shopping for treatments, always look for ingredients like jojoba, avocado and castor oil, alongside ceramides, keratin and proteins to support growth and prevent brittleness.” *– Georgia* ## The Final Takeaway… “A few final tips. Ensure you never over buff your nail plate – this is key as it can cause peeling and nail breakages. Keep your movements light and deft, never pressing too hard. I can’t tell you how many people neglect cuticle oil, yet it is the answer to keeping nails healthy and glossy. It’s especially key over summer – after being in the sun, swimming pool or exposed to heat, slather nails and hands in oil, or else they become dehydrated and cause polish or gels to lift. Over the summer and on holiday, I recommend travelling with a good, glossy top coat. Even gels and BIAB can dull and go a little matte, so applying one over the nails halfway through your trip will help to refresh shine and maintain that luminous look.”*– Georgia* Follow [@IramShelton](https://www.instagram.com/iramshelton/) & [@RaeLondonNails](https://www.instagram.com/raelondonnails/) [Skip to the rest of this article](#sidebar-bottom) ## We think you might like ![My Wellness Toolkit: Pip Hodgson](https://media.sheerluxe.com/aKD92em8RvMFdCurvjRmD0PUhtM=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-gold-150626-site-assets-pip-wellness-toolkit-hero-thumb.jpg) [Health & Wellness](/life/health-wellness) / 15 June 2026 [## My Wellness Toolkit: Pip Hodgson ](/life/health-wellness/my-wellness-toolkit-pip-hodgson) ![4 Skincare Heroes For A Fresh Glow](https://media.sheerluxe.com/0LjG8V0YrC8cl4b5BD6AUBXH5Po=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-gold-150626-site-assets-estee-lauder-commercial-thumb.jpg) [Beauty](/beauty) / 15 June 2026 [## 4 Skincare Heroes For A Fresh Glow ](/beauty/4-skincare-heroes-for-a-fresh-glow) ![Everything You Need To Know About Building Muscle Mass](https://media.sheerluxe.com/F8soXtUNDJHkAjbxNNvnop1BHxI=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F05%2Fgold-email-may-build-muscle-3.jpg) [Health & Wellness](/life/health-wellness) / 18 May 2026 [## Everything You Need To Know About Building Muscle Mass ](/life/health-wellness/everything-you-need-to-know-about-building-muscle-mass) Advertisement Scroll to continue --- ## 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