I knew bare nails had officially become a trend when people started asking for a manicure that didn't really look like, well, a manicure at all. Suddenly, the best inspo on Instagram wasn't chrome or intricate nail art—it was healthy-looking nails that seemed completely untouched. Except, as it turns out, they usually aren't.

"The reality is, a clean manicure is still a manicure," says nail artist Jessica White. Those glossy, perfectly groomed nails taking over your feed, explains White, are often the result of regular salon appointments, nail prep, and professional products—not simply good genetics. And if there's one thing this trend proves, it's that "natural-looking" and "no effort" aren't necessarily the same thing.

To me, bare nails are less about going completely product-free and more about enhancement. Think of it like skincare: I want my skin to look like my skin, just a little more even and glowy. On some no-makeup-makeup days, that means nothing but moisturizer; on other days, it means a skin tint or a touch of concealer. Bare nails follow the same philosophy. A strengthening treatment, a sheer pink polish, or a glossy top coat doesn't hide your natural nails—it just lets the best version of them shine through.

With that in mind, consider these understated bare manicures your invitation to embrace the quieter side of 2026 nail trends.

The New Bare Minimum

Forget "your nails but better"—this is your manicure at its healthiest. Shorter, softly shaped nails finished with a high-shine top coat let natural texture shine through while still looking clean and well-kept. A little cuticle oil goes a long way here, since healthy skin around the nail is just as important as the nail itself.

High Gloss, Low Effort

The easiest way to make bare nails look intentional? Lean into shine. A glossy top coat, nourished cuticles, and well-moisturized hands can make even polish-free nails look fresh from the salon. Think of it as skincare for your manicure—the healthier everything looks, the less color you need.

The Bare French

Long before modern French manicures took over salons, beauty lovers used white pencils underneath the free edge of the nail to create the illusion of naturally brighter tips. The trick is making a comeback, especially among those embracing natural nails, and it's one of the easiest ways to fake a fresh manicure without reaching for polish. I particularly love the brand Bare Hands because it brings this old-school trick to the forefront, along with other products that promote healthier, bare nails.

Built to Last

If your natural nails peel, split, or chip the second they grow past your fingertips (hi, same), a BIAB manicure might be worth considering. Short for "Builder in a Bottle," BIAB is a strengthening gel that reinforces the natural nail without the length or thickness of traditional extensions (though it can be used on them). Used on bare nails without any polish over top, it creates this ultra-glossy effect with a durable, long-lasting base.

Soft Focus Nails

We've already embraced blurred lipstick and diffused eyeshadow, so it was only a matter of time before the effect reached our nails. Instead of a glossy finish, this trend relies on a velvety, almost airbrushed matte effect that softens the nail while still looking incredibly clean.

Squoval Comeback

After years dominated by almond and long nails, squoval nails are reclaiming their place. The softened square shape feels timeless, is less prone to snagging than sharper silhouettes, and perfectly complements the understated feel of the bare nail movement.

K-Nail Care

Korean beauty has spent years proving to us that healthy skin is the foundation of every routine, and now the same philosophy is extending to nails. Instead of opaque color, many Korean nail products right now—especially nail care brand Ohora—focus on strengthening formulas paired with sheer, filter-like tints that leave nails looking naturally brighter and healthier rather than fully covered.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Expert

There’s a whole lot of chatter happening about the “rich bare nails” trend at the moment. Like many beauty trends of the 2020s, it began on TikTok with a handful of creators sharing their naked nails and how they feel so much chicer sans colored polish or pricey in-salon designs. The argument, from a cultural perspective, is that given the prevalence of standing nail appointments, the scarcity mindset that anoints what’s luxurious and what’s not has finally tipped manicured nails into the passé category, while bare or barely there nails are crowned the ultimate luxury. Valid? Ehhhh, it feels like a stretch to me. I love a cat eye manicure with sparkles and squiggles as much as the next girl in my Brooklyn salon. But I’m also in a budget-friendly mindset at the moment, and nixing the $120 I spend every three weeks sounded like a nice idea for the summer. It’s why I’ve finally perfected my at-home manicure routine for short natural nails.

Again, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with sticking to your personal style when it comes to your nails, but for me, after a few years of endless gel manicures, my nails, and my wallet, deserved a break. So now my Sunday nights are spent sitting on the floor in front of my coffee table, carefully buffing, filing, clipping, moisturizing, and generally babying my nails so they look like I came straight from the manicurist chair. Is it time-consuming? Perhaps, but an hour of nail maintenance has become something of a restorative ritual for me, and honestly, I’m thoroughly enjoying both the look of my clean nails and the tactile practice of setting down my phone, queuing up one of my favorite TV shows, and treating myself to an at-home manicure—for free. Here’s everything I use for the perfect at-home bare nail care routine.

Casually Clip

I wore my nails XXL for years, but I’ve finally discovered that I actually like a short nail tip with a rounded square edge. It’s easier to type and breakage is at a minimum. I just clip away the excess at the start of my mani routine.

File This Away

Filing my nails is an art, since I’m very picky about the shape. I use a glass file since it’s gentler and more hygienic than your traditional emery board.

Careful Cuticle Care

The cuticles are key to an at-home manicure, and I use a two-part system to make sure that mine look flawless.

Buff, Buff, Moisturize

With minimal polish to disguise imperfections, I make sure to go the extra mile for my nail beds and buff them into a smooth finish, then add an extra layer of moisture to prevent hangnails and minimize breakage.

Barely-There Polish

If you’re really after the naked nails look, you obviously don’t need any polish at all, but I love to reach for either a glossy jelly option or a nude matte to give my manicure a little extra oomph.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Don't gatekeep our newsletters from your friends. Subscribe to Face Forward here.

June was a great month, and I—and a lot of people—definitely needed it. The vibes are high, especially in New York City. Everyone jokes that 2026 is the new 2016, but I'm starting to believe and live it. I even went to see Kaskade play on a rooftop last Tuesday night, and my inner house music club rat is starting to feel alive again. And when I was searching for this week's best nail looks, I could tell the manicures are all about maintaining that fun, positive energy.

Among my favorite manicures is an ode to one of the all-time great designers, Vivienne Westwood; it’s the perfect mix of studs, plaid, and edgy detail that make me wish I had a closet full of her corsets. There are some playful fruit nail designs (I will die on the hill that summer 2026 is all about the fruit mani) and we can’t close off June without celebrating Pride with a cat eye rainbow set.

There's bound to be something for everyone in this week's 10 best manicures. Keep scrolling for plenty of summer nail inspiration.

Vivienne Westwood Cool

Taking inspo from one of the greatest designers (in my opinion, but also just a fact), nail salon MANIFEST Studio in Warsaw, Poland created this colorful Vivienne Westwood punk rock set. It’s a mix of colorful plaid and signature Westwood studs and space decals that’s really fun.

Pastel Polka Dots

Who doesn’t love a polka dot for summer? Celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt paints on jelly pink nails and dresses them up with subtle pastel yellow dots on one hand and switches the combo on the other. It’s easy and breezy, just like summer should be.

Orange & Blue Abstract

Nail artist Giovana Galván was inspired by another artist, Noir De Lune, and wanted to capture the same playful color and texture De Lune uses in their nail art. This is a bold mix of raised abstract 3D details in bright orange and baby blue shades that’s just stunning.

“I reinterpreted the concept through my own visual language,” Galván tells Marie Claire. “Incorporating sculptural details, chrome accents, and dimensional elements to create a more maximalist and whimsical feel.”

Charmed Life

The charms on this mani by nail artist Daniela Bürmann Demaria are so cool it hurts. It’s the ultimate inspo for using nail jewels. “The look was inspired by maximalist vintage jewelry and the idea that nails can be worn as accessories,” Demaria tells Marie Claire. “I wanted the set to feel like a collection of tiny treasures.”

Silver Magnet

Nail artist Sarasa Furukawa tells Marie Claire that a client wanted a nail look that was simple, but with a strong presence. The end result is a shimmery two-toned silver metallic mani I’m very obsessed with. “We decided to combine a sparkling magnetic gel with chrome French tips to create shine and dimension while keeping the look elegant,” says Furukawa. “I added a few rhinestones for an extra touch of sparkle. It’s simple, but still has enough presence to stand out."

Fever Dream

Created by nail artist @nailedbyq_chicago, this combo of neon orange, pink, purple, and yellow is just so mesmerizing. It’s bright and super energetic, perfect for when I’m feeling adventurous this summer.

Summer Watermelon

I love a good fruit nail, and these watermelon ones are my favorite for this summer. Nail artist @subak_nail uses a light pink jelly for the base and a white and green for the French tip before dressing them up with star stickers.

Pride Rainbow

Celebrate Pride month with a killer set of nails. Nail artist Veronica Rodriguez uses a mix of really pretty rainbow shades in a cool cat eye effect and with a '70s flower decal. This month—and beyond—is all about the, “beauty of showing up exactly as you are,” Rodriguez tells Marie Claire.

Floral Pottery

Nail artist Audrey Swatches has been working through the rainbow with these jelly framed florals. While it’s hard to pick a favorite (she tells Maire Claire that her favorite is this neon pink one), I happen to be drawn to the purple number. It reminds me of the really pretty Ginori 1735 plates that I hope to one day own when I’m a real adult.

Pink Guava

Nail artist San Sung Kim makes some of the most intricate and stunning beaded nail looks in the game. In theme with my love for fruit nails for this summer, this pink guava number is bold in a quiet way; the minimal beading still catches your eye without being overwhelming. That’s all I want in a bold nail.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Can't afford a Chanel bag? Same. Fortunately, the next best accessory is a lot more attainable—and it still spends all day in your hands. A bottle of the best Chanel nail polish may not come with a chain strap or quilted leather, but, at $34 a bottle, it remains one of the most accessible ways to buy into the fashion house's legacy of luxury.

Unlike some designer beauty products that rely solely on the logo, Le Vernis earns its place on my vanity. Chanel formulated the lacquer with its signature camellia ceramides and seed oil, ingredients to help support and protect the nail while delivering the glossy finish the brand is known for. Add in rich pigments and an oversized brush that makes at-home application almost foolproof and the experience feels every bit as luxurious as you'd expect from one of fashion's most storied houses.

Of course, the formula is only half the story. What makes Chanel's nail polishes so collectible is the shade range itself. The brand has long mastered the classics—iconic reds, pinks, nudes, and deep shades—but it also taps into trends without feeling, well, trendy. Among the lineup are aqua blues and sea glass greens that feel right at home in the ongoing mermaid movement; playful pink shimmer for that glass crystal effect; and bright corals and oranges that mimic the summer sun. Chanel Beauty also regularly releases limited-edition shades tied to seasonal collections, holiday launches, and special capsules, adding a touch of fashion-world exclusivity to your manicure. But get them quick—once those shades sell out, they're often gone for good.

Whether you're after a timeless red you'll wear for years or the shade of the season, ahead are the best Chanel nail polish colors to add to your collection.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

I got engaged last fall. I have to say it was the best night ever—all I could hope for, really—except for one very important detail that I unfortunately do dwell on regularly. My nails were short and brown.

I'm not easy to surprise, and if one of my friends had suggested a manicure earlier in the week, the alarm bells would have sounded off in my brain. I'm now happily (almost) married and have come to accept the fact that my engagement manicure was mocha. If I could do it over, though, I'd take some sage advice from celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt: "A great engagement manicure feels timeless, something you’ll still love when you look back at your photos years from now."

The artist typically gravitates toward "chic, elegant styles that complement the ring rather than compete with it." Ideally, you might end up with something "polished, romantic, and effortlessly bridal." Or at least something that makes you feel like yourself.

Ahead, discover 22 ideas for your engagement manicure straight from celebrity nail artists. I can't wait to see those ring pics.

Modern Luxury

On top of the long, long list of people who had better engagement manicures than me: Jordyn Woods. And her nail artist, Elle Gerstein, told Marie Claire all about it. "For Jordyn Woods’ engagement nails the vision felt very luxury bridal but modern," the artist shares. "The shape was soft and elongated without looking overly dramatic, and the finish had that expensive glassy effect that photographs beautifully with a diamond ring. It felt intentional but understated."

Ring First, Nails Second

As Ganzorigt says, you want your mani to complement that gorgeous new ring—not compete with it. A simple, clean and neutral shade like OPI's classic Funny Bunny is always an excellent bet.

Milky Pink

A milky pink polish is always a good idea, whether you're planning on getting engaged or just feel like staring at your beautiful fingers. "When I think of engagement nails, I think of timeless and elegant styles. For 2026, we’re seeing lots of milky French tips (instead of a bright white French), all-over milky pinks, and soft white ombré looks," shares Kenzo, owner of Kenzo Nail Studio. "I’d avoid overly trendy or complicated designs, since engagement photos are something you’ll look back on for years, and classic nails tend to age much better." The artist's favorite polish recommendations? DND's gorgeous (and aptly named!) milky white Tie The Knot.

Milky French Tips

Speaking of those classic milky French tips: "Brides seem to be loving clean, natural nails that photograph beautifully with the ring," shares Kenzo. It might feel a little presumptuous to have them say "I do," but who really cares? Your future fiancé loves you already.

Soft White Ombré

A soft white ombré is another Kenzo recommendation that deserves the spotlight. While it might be your best bet to let a professional handle this look, you can also find some great press-ons to do the job for you if you're in a hurry.

Healthy Luminosity

When Gerstein thinks engagement nails, her mind immediately goes to refined sculpting, clean structure, and nails that make the hands look elegant in every photo. "Right now, engagement nails are less about bold color and more about finish texture and shape. Healthy-looking, luminous nails are the entire vibe," the artist explains. Isn't this pearly design so soft and romantic?

The Russian Mani

If you want the most stunning engagement nails, you should pay close attention to the cuticles. "I think a lot of people are leaning toward Russian manicures for engagement nails because the cuticle work creates such a flawless, polished look, especially in close-up ring shots," Gerstein notes. "If someone thinks an engagement is coming, I always say focus on nail health and consistency before the actual appointment. Keep the cuticles hydrated, don’t pick at old product, and avoid overfilling the natural nail. The best engagement manicures always start with beautiful prep."

Understated Chrome

Surprise, surprise: chrome finishes have also taken over the engagement nail world. Chrome is honestly one of the biggest engagement nail trends right now, but in a softer way. Not the mirror chrome from years ago. Think pearl chrome glazed finishes, soft champagne chrome, or translucent pink chrome layered over a natural base. "It catches light in engagement photos in the prettiest way and gives that 'expensive hand' effect everyone wants," Gerstein says.

Refined Almonds

Another Gerstein recommendation: soft dual form extensions, which she says are becoming "huge" for engagement sets. "They give structure and length while still looking natural and lightweight. They’re perfect for someone who wants elegant shaping without bulky enhancement," explains the artist. "A refined almond or soft oval always works best because it elongates the fingers and keeps the look timeless," says Gerstein.

Jelly Pink

"For me, engagement nails are about elegance, well-maintained hands, and a shade that complements both the ring and the wearer’s skin tone," explains Maryna Slynko, a professional nail artist, educator, and founder of Slynko Beauty Bloom Studio in Kansas. "I always believe that on such an important day, the nails should not compete for attention. Instead, they should naturally enhance the overall look, adding a sense of polish, confidence, and the feeling that every detail is exactly where it belongs."

You know what makes me feel confident? A really nice, sheer pink polish.

Subtle Crystals

If the theme is sparkle, you might as well lean in. Some randomly scattered crystals can be a chic—and super fun—addition to any neutral base color.

Swirly Pearly

There's nothing like a classic French tip, and you'll see a few of them on this list. But if you want to whip up something a little more individualized, might I suggest a swirly pearly finish? Whichever bride is getting this engagement mani, I would love to see your ring. I'm sure it's custom and gorgeous.

Happy Cuticles, That's It

If you don't have much time to spare when perfecting your mani don't worry: your future betrothed loves you anyway. But also: focus on the cuticles! "The biggest thing is not letting your manicure get too grown out or neglecting your cuticles," Ganzorigt explains. "A fresh manicure paired with OPI Nature Strong Glow Up Nail & Cuticle Oil can make all the difference, helping your hands look healthy, polished, and camera-ready from every angle."

Soft Beige

The shade here? ILNP's Short Stack, a "soft maple beige" that might remind you of the second best part of getting engaged: breakfast the morning after while staring at your ring.

Your Favorite Nude

If you already have a favorite nude polish, you don't need to think much more about your engagement manicure. From creamy white shades to beiges and pink-tinted polishes, there's something for everyone. The short, softly rounded shape really makes this look, too.

Micro French Manicure

And now, we move onto the official French manicure section of this selection. First up is a micro French—a look characterized by a super thin tip. Quite lovely, huh?

Classic French Manicure

Or have some old-school fun and go for a deeper, more traditional-looking French set. The slight coffin shape is slightly sexy, and thus perfect for this occasion.

A Touch of Glitter

Another way to add a little sparkle without overwhelming the overall look: a minimalistic dash of glitter. This would also look pretty with a clean white stripe!

Glazed Donut

A Hailey Bieber-approved "glazed donut" manicure is always popular, but especially charming for engagement season. "It draws attention to your hand without being too flashy and distracting. To create the glazed donut nail, apply a milky white or pale pink gel polish like OPI GELement in Let Me Bayou a Mani and top it off with OPI Chrome Effects in Tin Man Can Glaze," Ganzorigt (who literally invented the look) explains. "You can achieve salon-quality finish with the OPI GELement system paired with OPI Chrome Effects, which I made in collaboration with OPI. It’s an easy way to create that glossy, glazed look at home so you’re always photo-ready if a surprise proposal happens to be around the corner."

Minimalist Fun

If you're a nail art girlie, go forth with the polka dots, but maybe stick with a monochromatic color palette to tone things back a little. Your ring is going to want the spotlight! "I would avoid excessive embellishments, large stones, heavy glitter, or overly complicated designs," Slynko says. "On the day of an engagement, the manicure should enhance the moment, not compete with it."

Clean Cut

With a short, clean look like this, you'll be ready whenever the question is dropped."The best engagement nails are the ones that become a beautiful extension of the ring, the personal style, and the emotions of such a special moment," says Synko. "If someone thinks an engagement might be happening in the near future, I would recommend not waiting until the last minute. It’s always a good idea to have your nails in great condition ahead of time and choose a manicure that makes you feel confident, regardless of exactly when the proposal happens."

Short Browns

This one goes out...to me, and anyone else who's been surprised by the love of your life when your fingers are painted brown and extremely misshapen. It happens! I stand by it being a cute look, and even if it's not what you expected, I promise everyone is just looking at that ring, anyway.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet The Experts

Jennifer Dolnick always travels with a nail wardrobe. The founder of Queen Custom Claws brings a small rotation of press-ons planned for the occasion and stored in a custom travel case she designed to organize multiple sets. For Dolnick, they function like any other styling piece, something she swaps mid-trip without the need for a salon visit. This is the new era of press-on nails, one in which many beauty lovers are ditching an in-salon, pricey manicure in favor of the low-cost alternative. But these are not your mother’s press-on nails.

David Lin Ze Ying, co-founder and chief operating officer of Ready, Ready Instant Nails, a press-on-focused retail and salon concept in New York City, sees this evolution as a reflection of a broader change in how people think about nails. He describes modern press-ons as “ready-to-wear pieces,” more akin to a signature lipstick or jewelry—something that is chosen for the moment rather than maintained for three to four weeks. At his salon, nails operate as both service and accessory, mirroring how consumers increasingly approach them at home, less as an experience and more as a significant part of getting dressed, the finishing touch on an outfit. Thankfully, the product quality has improved alongside this evolution.

The Reinvention of Press-On Nails

Introduced to the mass market in the 1970s, press-ons were long dismissed as shortcuts—temporary, flimsy, and faintly embarrassing, particularly when they would pop off at the worst possible moment. They weren’t…good. Early versions were thicker, offered limited styles, and rarely came with enough sizes for a seamless fit on the nail bed. For decades, manicured nails quietly functioned as a status signal. Salon sets implied upkeep, discipline, and time. Press-ons suggested the opposite. That binary has now flipped. Today, press-ons allow wearers to achieve the look of a professional manicure without the time, cost, or labor historically required to maintain one.

According to Circana data for 2025, artificial nails are growing faster than any other nail category, and for the first time, sales have surpassed traditional polish. But growth only illustrates part of the story. Nails have never been neutral, and manicures have long carried social meaning, often tied to wealth. Press-ons complicate that equation, offering the appearance of maintenance without the same time and financial investment. They are worn across income levels, reshaping what “put together” signals.

Natasha Ellis-Green, PhD, a sociologist, whose research examines the racialized nature of beauty, explains that “nail aesthetics are subtle social signals that communicate meaning about identity, class, cultural belonging, self-expression and gender performance.” These codes are rarely explicit. They are learned through observation and reinforced through repetition.

As Dr. Sharrona Pearl, a historian and Andrews Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies at Texas Christian University, explains, “Beauty standards have functioned as gatekeeping mechanisms, both in terms of access to styles, technologies, and techniques, and in terms of having the leisure and privilege to maintain those standards.” She sees press-ons as part of a broader move toward modular beauty, one shaped by the internet’s visual culture. “Every appearance is highly curated and filtered,” she says. “Press-on nails are kind of an analogue filter to be added or removed at will.”

That logic extends beyond everyday wear into how beauty is constructed for the camera. In the age of Instagram and TikTok, where beauty is constantly captured, shared, and scrutinized, nails are designed for “the shot” as much as for the wearer.

Celebrity nail artist Alicia Torello sees this shift on set. “Clients and stylists are thinking about things like shape, length, finish, and how the nails interact with the rest of the look, whether that’s jewelry, fabrics, or even the lighting in a shoot,” she says. In this context, nails are designed as part of the image itself. Press-ons, once treated as backup, have become a tool that allows for consistency, control, and quick adjustments without compromising how the final look translates on camera.

In practice, that flexibility plays out most clearly in how people now wear their nails. For many of Dolnick’s clients, press-ons have become part of a regular routine, ordered monthly much like a standing salon appointment. “I have a lot of customers who just do the regular monthly set,” she says. Because each set is custom-made to fit the wearer’s nails, clients often use adhesive tabs rather than glue, allowing them to remove, store, and rewear them later. This has prompted the language around the category to shift as well. Once defined by their disposability, press-ons are increasingly referred to as reusable nails, a much more valuable accessory than in years past. (Lin Ze Ying notes that many Ready, Ready clients now purchase multiple sets at once, building a rotation of designs they can swap depending on the moment.)

That momentum isn’t limited to custom makers and reusable luxury sets. It’s also reshaping the industry itself. According to a Grandview Research report, the global press-on market was valued at $738 million in 2024 and is projected to surpass $1 billion by the end of the decade, driven largely by demand for faster, at-home alternatives to salon manicures. At the retail level, that shift in behavior is translating into rapid expansion. Ready, Ready has seen consistent year-over-year revenue growth of 120 percent and maintains a client retention rate above 55 percent.

For legacy brands like KISS, one of the category’s dominant players, that growth has required a fundamental overhaul. Kristin Giarrusso, global marketing director at KISS Products, says earlier press-ons were often seen as overly artificial. “Consumers increasingly expect press-ons to perform like gel or acrylic nails,” she says. In response, the company has redesigned its molds and silhouettes, refining the apex and overall structure so sets better mirror the shape and movement of a natural nail. The category is also beginning to blur at the edges. Hybrid systems like Aprés Gel-X Tips and Dashing Diva’s GelXtend use pre-built extensions that apply quickly but wear like salon sets, further softening the line between professional manicures and removable nails. At this scale, the reinvestment makes clear that press-ons are no longer a workaround but a core part of how people now approach beauty. They can last for weeks or be changed in minutes, aligning with the pace of constant reinvention.

That growth is also tied to a broader recalibration of value. As costs rise, press-ons offer a version of luxury that feels both accessible and efficient. A $120 salon manicure can now be achieved for a fraction of the price, with nails that don’t grow out in a matter of weeks. They are reusable, an obvious economic benefit, but press-ons also maximize another invaluable asset: time. The traditional salon experience no longer carries the same weight. What once signaled luxury—hours spent in a chair, intricate, time-intensive sets—can now be achieved in minutes at home. Increasingly, luxury looks less like time spent and more like time reclaimed.

This evolution is clearest in how people actually approach their manicures now. Brands like Olive & June have helped normalize DIY manicures for a new generation of consumers, reframing the practice as intentional rather than an afterthought or even “affordable.” Fit has been central to that change. According to an Olive & June consumer insights survey, nearly half of respondents struggled to find press-ons that fit properly, a gap the brand addressed by offering nearly double the sizes of most competitors. “In order to get the realest-looking fake nails, your nails have to fit perfectly,” says Sarah Leech Aucutt, chief operating officer of Olive & June. The company tested more than 1,000 people and went through over 50 iterations to refine curvature, thickness, and structure so sets better mimic natural nails. In November 2024, the brand was acquired by Helen of Troy for $240 million.

Like custom nails, mass-market press-ons are now offering the luxury of fit, moving with the wearer and adapting to mood, schedule, and occasion. In that sense, modern luxury is control over how time is used—choosing when to invest it, and when not to. Press-ons don’t just save time. They give it back.

Shop the Best Press-On Nails

Meet the Experts

Like any normal bandwagon fan, I’ve made the Knicks my entire personality during the NBA Finals. So much so, my friend Taylore (who is a real Knicks fan) and I bring our laptops to a local bar in Brooklyn right when it opens to work for hours while claiming the best spot in front of the TV until the 8:30pm tip-off. Knicks fever has swept the city and all my socials. And this is especially true when it comes to this week’s best nail looks.

From rich blue and orange color combos and Jalen Brunson, Jordan Clarkson, and Karl-Anthony Towns cartoon designs, the Knicks manis this week are unmatched. But not everything that caught my eye is basketball-centered. There’s a complete recreation of the fun new Marc Jacobs Beauty packaging. There’s even a replica of a pasta plate to make me envious of everyone about to jet off to their European summer adventures. In other words, this week’s nail roundup is all about having a good time.

So for some needed new inspo, below are the 10 best nail looks of the week. Knicks in five!

Handpainted Blue & Orange

NBA Finals gear is really hard to find. So why not show your love with your mani? “This is my way of cheering for the New York Knicks,” nail artist Miki Higuchi tells Marie Claire. On long square extensions, Higuchi draws the graphic “Knicks” logo with studded accent nails that shows team spirit in the coolest way possible.

NY’s Finest

Some of the best nail designs are a team effort. Akiko Nails nail artist Michelle Ramirez tells Marie Claire that together with a client, they pulled different designs to create this super fun, custom Knicks set. The basketball decals, polka dots, and team logo in the iconic blue and orange shades really pop against a white base for something eye-catching.

Animated Knicks

How adorable are these cartoon designs of Jalen Brunson, Jordan Clarkson, and Karl-Anthony Towns? Nail artist Tamami Page tells Marie Claire that she wanted to go the more creative and playful route when drawing up this fun nail art. “I kept the faces simple and stylized because I felt making them too detailed and polished would take away some of the fun and character of the piece,” Page says.

An Ode to Marc Jacobs

The most anticipated beauty comeback, everyone is obsessed with the return of Marc Jacobs Beauty. Nail artist Pia Momo went literal with her inspo and recreated the fun, playful packaging.

“I'm obsessed with how over-the-top the packaging is, and honestly with Marc Jacobs himself and his recent nail era…I wanted to channel both,” Momo tells Marie Claire. “Functionality wasn't the goal; these aren't nails you can really live in (at least not me) and that's the point. I wanted them to feel like objects, almost sculptural. Sometimes a set should just be about awe.”

Italian Summer

I wish I was laying on a beach along the Amalfi coast, drinking an Aperol spritz, and eating pasta all day. Sadly that’s not in the cards, but this adorable nail set can at least help me daydream that I’m having a European summer. Celebrity nail artist and Chanel Ambassador Betina Goldstein dresses up a bare nail with this minimal yet intricate pasta design that’s super chic.

Highlight Donut

Do we have another glazed donut on our hands? Inspired by Rhode’s new highlighter, celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt uses chrome to give a barely-there pink nail that glazed highlight effect.

Ombré French

A client came to celebrity nail artist Mo Qin asking for an elevated version of a pink and white French ombré. The result? A purple and gray ombré that gives you a striking contrast that’s visually satisfying. “We decided to do an unexpected color combo,” Qin tells Marie Claire. “And since the weather is warm, smoky rosé sounds like a good idea.”

Dreamy Clouds

Can we credit Taylor Swift’s cloud nails as the good luck charm for game 4? I will. These clouds make me want to daydream (about moving to France, getting my hands on Blair Waldorf’s blue floral 2008 Ralph Lauren dress, my Lakers winning next year’s championship, etc.) all day long.

Chappell Roan's Chunky Gold 

For Chappell Roan's MAC campaign, celebrity nail artist Caroline Cotten worked closely with Roan's stylist Genesis Webb to create this chunky, gold jewelry mani. The catch? She only had an hour to create the whole look. That's where a non-sticky sculpting gel came in handy. "My biggest time saver," Cotten tells Maire Claire. "Then a lot of different jelly colors to create depth and dimension without having to mix new colors."

Inverted Stripes

Graphic and striking, this bold mani created by celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen is the perfect summer look. The mix of lime yellow and chocolate brown is a combo I didn't realize I needed.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

I don’t know whether it's the vitamin D boost that lifts my mood from sad sack to “walking ray of sunshine,” the longer, warmer days that have me begging for any excuse to get out of my apartment, or my deep desire to take an aesthetic picture of my perfectly polished fingers wrapped around the stem of a wine glass. Whatever the reason, when summer hits, I’m more than happy to book a manicure appointment. And this year, I’m even more excited than usual—because the nail polish colors for summer 2026 can essentially be described as “bottled happiness.”

This summer, the biggest trend in lacquers and gels is “bright shades with a wash of shimmer,” says Julie Kandalec, celebrity manicurist, educator, and co-owner of Star Touch Agency. Think Zara Larsson and the Midnight Sun aesthetic that’s currently giving us all a much-needed serotonin boost: “The aqua, the pink, the yellow — and some shimmery top coats to add extra reflection,” says Kandalec. Basically, a boardwalk airbrush t-shirt, but for your fingertips.

Also on the hit list: “Juicy jellies in bright shades, butter yellow, and blues of every shade from powder to navy,” says Kandalec, along with shifty prismatic hues that transform when the light hits just so.

Ready to absolutely nail it—pun fully intended— the next time your manicurist asks you which color you want? Scroll on to learn a little bit more about the biggest summer nail polish color trends, and for product pics straight from the expert (Kandalec) and the enthusiast (me!).

Juicy Jellies

Much like jelly sandals, jelly polishes are translucent, often bright and/or glittery, and practically scream summer. But unlike the shoes, these polishes won’t give you blisters.

Shocking Shades

Whether you walk on the wild side and wear them on your fingers (hot take: your manicure actually doesn’t need to match every outfit) or prefer to play it a little safer with a pedicure or subtle nail art, there are plenty of ways to wear the neons of summer.

Buttery Yellows

Not gonna lie: A couple of years ago, I thought butter yellow was but a fad. How wrong I was! For the third summer in a row, the best accessory for a baked potato is also one of the trendiest accessories for your fingertips.

Feeling the Blues

The sea, the sky, the perfect pair of cutoffs; some of summer’s strongest imagery happens to be blue. Which makes it a pretty spot-on color for a seasonally themed mani or pedi.

Pretty & Prismatic

What’s purple, and blue, and pink, and green, and glittery all over? These shade-shifting polishes, which can look futuristic or whimsical, depending on the color combo.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For over 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Expert

The only thing I love more than uncovering the best nail looks of the week is the electricity of the NBA finals. It's one of the many reasons I love basketball as a very unathletic person. The adrenaline rush; the high stakes. Give me all that excitement. As an avid Lakers fan, I am blessed to have experienced my team win the championship six times from my date of birth in 1992 to present day. While my team fell short this year (once Luka heals, it’s over for all of you), I am blessed again to live in the next best city for the NBA and bandwagon: the New York Knicks.

That’s the starting point of this week’s nail roundup. June has made NYC come alive with sports mania with both the NBA finals and the World Cup. I had to find the perfect Knicks mani courtesy of Jordyn Woods and a fun soccer-inspired nail look. There are also some super chic floral designs and abstract art pieces that are perfect for the immaculate summer weather in the city.

Looking for a little summer maicure inspiration? Keep scrolling for the 10 best nail looks of the week. And go Knicks!

Let’s Go Knicks

When celebrity nail artist Naomi Yasuda posted this throwback of Jordyn Woods' Knicks mani, I flew straight into Yasuda’s DMs asking her if I could include it for this week’s roundup. You’ve got the classic Knicks color combo of orange and blue with basketball decals and other playful designs. May this help us manifest the chip this year.

World Cup Decals

Even if it wasn’t the World Cup, I’d still want to rock this mani. Created by Vanity Projects nail artist Marina Iwakoshi, this nude nail is dressed up with the most adorable soccer decals. Minimal and chic for even the most casual soccer fan like me. Also, open to any and all suggestions on who I should bandwagon this year.

Kylie Jenner’s Jewel Details

Lavender is one of my favorite colors (and thank the beauty gods it’s an approved shade on my color analysis) and it makes for a great summer mani. Celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt dresses up Kylie’s lavender nails with bold rhinestone jewels right at the tip for something really pretty and glam.

Crystal Flower Power

What was celebrity nail artist Mo Qin’s inspo for this delicate mani? “Summer sparkle meets floral elegance,” Qin tells Marie Claire. She uses a cat eye gel to get that mesmerizing “optical illusion effect” and finished with colorful crystals in a floral pattern for added shine.

Pearl Cake

This look created by nail artist Melanie Graves reminds me of some of my favorite cakes that have graced my algorithm (I’ve found myself on cake TikTok and honestly, I’m not mad at it). The pearl detail and matching white frosting design is just so intricate and really pretty.

An Ode to Cats

As someone who is 90 percent sure she wants to adopt a cat, these adorable cat designs just warm my heart. Created by nail artist Marta Efremova for content creator Champagne Dubois, each nail gets a different adorable cat design. A cowboy cat, a floral cat, a cat with sunglasses, I’m inching closer to going to a shelter and finding the black cat of my dreams.

Black and Metal Chrome

It’s really all in the details, and these details of this manicure are just so cool. Nail artist Padena used Gothic-like fruit decals that really pop against a bare nail.

Abstract Art

Nothing says minimally chic like abstract nail art. Nail artist Rebekah Pritchard painted on these geometric black lines that provide a striking contrast against a milky nude base for a really interesting design.

Prescription Chic

When one thinks chic, prescription medicine is probably the last thing that comes to mind. But these pill-like designs from celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen are just that, and the final look is super stylish. Nguyen pairs bold shades of cobalt blue, brown, and cherry red with shimmer silver and gold for a striking mani.

Summer Waves

Created by nail artist San Sung Kim, this mesmerizing mix of blue and silver swirls remind me of how calm and peaceful watching the waves can be. Manifesting this energy always.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

I'm a neutral nail lover through and through, but Lizzo is reminding me that red will always be the supreme summer nail color.

The rapper is currently on a promotional tour for her new album, B*TCH, and she decided to make a surprise appearance at a bar in New York City this week. She popped out wearing a leopard print mini skirt with a graphic white t-shirt spelling out the name of her album in pink rhinestones. Her honey blonde hair was bone straight with a middle part and she wore smokey eyeshadow with a nude lip.

A few days ago, Lizzo attended the Los Angeles premiere of Scary Movie and kept things simple with a nude manicure, but considering the spicy name and subject matter of her album, it was only right that she switch things up and round out the look from Thursday night with a fiery manicure featuring cherry red nail polish on almond-shaped nails.

No nail color screams "bad b*tch" quite like red does, and with summer approaching, it's the perfect color to consider wearing if you want to keep your nails looking vibrant and fun. Aside from the fact that red comes in a variety of shades, from oxblood to apple red, there's an endless amount of designs that you can wear while playing around with the color.

To start off the summer with an all-over, cherry red look, read ahead to shop some of the best red nail polish shades similar to Lizzo's.

Kylie Jenner has yet to run out of ways to personalize the French manicure.

This week, Jenner treated her friends and family to a Kylie Cosmetics-sponsored vacation to an undisclosed island. A few days in the sun for a beach vacation obviously calls for a fresh, summery manicure to match the vibes, and since the beauty founder has never been one to pass up an opportunity to wear fun nail art, she came prepared with a unique, vacation-y take on French tips.

For the trip, Jenner wore a long, oval-shaped manicure featuring a baby pink base color. The tips of her nails were embellished with pink and silver studs in various sizes to give the illusion of a French manicure. She also gave her toes the French tip treatment, but instead of wearing traditional white, she swapped the shade for a metallic silver.

French tips have been a go-to nail design for Jenner over the last several months, likely because it's a look that's insanely easy to customize with various colors and nail enhancements. For weekend two of Coachella, for example, she traded in the colorful, floral manicure she wore the previous week for a classic French manicure with silver studs, and later, she got rid of the white tips entirely and replaced them with silver glitter. A few months before that, she celebrated the 10th birthday of Kylie Cosmetics by wearing a sparkly teal French manicure in honor of the teal hair color she popularized during her King Kylie era.

The great thing about the French manicure is that it's not a seasonal nail design and can be worn during any time of year. That said, summer is a great time to experiment and add different elements to the design like polka dots and rhinestones if that's what you desire.

To get a studded French manicure similar to Kylie Jenner's, read ahead to shop some essentials.

Jennifer Lopez just reminded me that you can never be wearing too much pink at one time. For the last few weeks, the star has been busy promoting her new romantic comedy, Office Romance, which releases on Netflix on June 5. On Wednesday, she joined the rest of the cast and crew at the film's UK premiere event in London, where she stunned in a two-toned gown from Robert Quinn that featured a turtleneck top half with black sequins and long sleeves along with a neon pink, silk maxi skirt with a brooch-embellished bow. She tripled down on the pink theme by incorporating the color into her manicure and makeup look for the night.

On her hands, Lopez wore a "pink velvet" manicure featuring blush-toned nail polish with a cat eye design courtesy of her manicurist, Tom Bachik. Ernesto Casillas put together Lopez's makeup look for the night, which consisted of a peachy lip color, dark eyeliner on her waterline and upper lash line, lengthening mascara, and pink eyeshadow for a romantic pop of color.

Lately, red carpets have been seeing a big shift as more celebrities opt to swap neutral makeup for more colorful, sultry looks. It's a trend that's been closely followed these last few months by people like Keke Palmer, who wore pink eyeshadow and blush to Billboard's Women in Music event back in April, and Zendaya, who showed up wearing a metallic blue smokey eye at the New York premiere of The Drama earlier this spring. Singer Zara Larsson has also spent the entirety of her Midnight Sun tour wearing vibrant, Y2K-inspired makeup.

“We’re seeing a real shift from the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic toward more mood board–inspired makeup,” makeup artist and Make Up For Ever educator, Randi Orlinsky, previously told MC about the colorful eye makeup trend. “It’s about creating a full story and experience, from the makeup to the hair, the outfit, and even the vibe of your selfies.”

To recreate Jennifer Lopez's premiere look at home, read ahead to shop everything you'll need.

Zara Larsson has successfully branded herself as the queen of summer, so as it approaches, it's only right that she start off the season strong by wearing the most summery nail color of them all: hot pink.

The "Midnight Sun" singer spent some time in Ibiza this week, and while there, she attended a party celebrating fashion brand Desigual's 40th anniversary as well as the launch of its "Desigual Vintage" collection. For the party, she stayed true to her Y2K aesthetic by wearing a mini bodycon dress with a cowl-neck top and a print that featured cobalt blue, yellow, and gold colors. She paired the look with strappy kitten heels with a denim floral design, but it was her manicure that was more on brand than anything.

If you look closely at the red carpet photos, you can see that the singer wore a medium-length, almond-shaped manicure with a vibrant, hot pink nail polish shade.

Larsson is no stranger to wearing classic, crowd-pleasing nail designs. Before switching things up and wearing hot pink, she was spotted wearing a traditional French manicure with thick, square tips while performing at Radio 1's Big Weekend in the UK last week.

When it comes to summer nail colors and designs, hot pink is as traditional as it gets, though there are tons of ways to spice up pink nails if you don't want them to look too plain, from design elements like polka dots to French tips to glitter. Replicate Zara Larsson's look at home (and add a small tweak if you want!) by shopping a few similar hot pink nail polishes ahead.

Mentally, I’m aware that bare nails are trending everywhere right now. And for the sake of my nail health (and my wallet), I do like to give my nails a break from time to time, and go super simple with a nude shade or go without any polish. But emotionally, my heart is always with bold, fun colors and artistic designs.

This week’s best nail looks are all about sparkle, fruit, and '90s nostalgia. There are cat-eye gem manis that literally made me stop mid-scroll to marvel at how pretty they are. There are more fruit-inspired designs that make me just as happy as the warmer weather the city is finally experiencing. There’s even some 90s throwbacks to sticker collections that have me calling my mom to send me my old Lisa Frank sticker books to bring some added joy into my life.

Below are the 10 best nail looks of the week. Sorry to anyone who is team bare nails.

Glossy Mix-Match

Continuing his reign as my go-to nail inspo, Marc Jacob’s latest mani takes it back to basics with a colorful mix of cool-toned shades. Created by nail artist Yulenny Garcia, you’ve got glossy shades of blue, white, black, orange, and mint green that are simple but still super fun.

Crystal Nails

Fellow crystal girlies rejoice; this is the chicest form of good energy you’ll find. For actor Cleopatra Coleman at Netflix’s Nemesis premiere, nail artist Miki Higuchi created what she calls “iridescent chrome nails adorned with genuine crystals.” “[It’s] like a little protection charm to help keep her good energy,” Higuchi tells Marie Claire.

Cat-Eye Gems

A rainbow display of the most mesmerizing cat-eye shades, this nail look created by Grecia Huitrón at Helena Nail Art Studio is just so fun. Yellow, purple, baby pinks, midnight blues, and emerald—each shade is shaped into droplets outlined in chrome details for a more elevated look that I am very obsessed with.

Black Matte

Nail artist Yolanda Yepiz credits her client for coming up with this unique design. These nails are a multi-toned black matte with depth and the jeweled detail is a nice added detail to add some glam to an edgy look. “They go very well with her personality,” Yepiz tells Marie Claire. “It’s a simple technique where I used black gel, a brown-ish cat eye gel, and then I matted everything so the gems could impact [the look] more.”

90s Sticker Sparkle

Being a '90s kid was elite for many reasons, but I live for my old sticker books. So these '90s-inspired sticker nails instantly spoke to my soul. Set against a glossy black base, these multicolored gems, created by nail artist Diana Moser, are perfect for a party.

Summer Grapes

When in doubt, play the hits. This super fun 3D creation by nail artist Mariana Domingues Bento is a classic design that her clients love. “I love to make 3D fruit in summer [and] I love maximalist nails,” Bento tells Marie Claire. “My client saw me with one grape nail, and we recreated a full set in purple. After a year, she liked it so much and wanted to repeat it. But this time I did them bigger and green.”

Purple Pearl Ombré

These nails are so pretty and full of whimsy, I so desperately want to be frolicking in a lavender field in Provence with these on. Nail artist Paula Rumjanceva started with a lavender pear base before going back in and creating an ombré for a dreamy nail set.

Starry Twinkle

More sticker-like nails that bring on all the nostalgic feels, this set from nail artist Annie Nguyen is just so pretty to look at. The multi-colored stars and gems really pop against a silver metallic base for a fun mani.

Funky Polka Dot

Personally, I think you can never go wrong with polka dots. Celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen dresses up a classic design with a bare base and a neon purple border outlining the entire nail for a bold, playful look.

Strawberry Bling

Fruit nails are just so fun for warmer weather, and nail artist San Sung Kim is the queen of fruit beaded nails. This strawberry set is intricate, and the attention to detail is just really impressive. It’s the perfect bold summer mani.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Jennifer Lopez is proving once again why she's the queen of the neutral manicure.

The singer and actress has spent the last week in the middle of a press tour for Office Romance, the new romantic comedy she's starring in alongside Brett Goldstein. Ahead of its June 5 premiere on Netflix, Lopez stopped by the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival on Wednesday, where she accepted the Adelante Award for Industry and walked the red carpet wearing an olive green halter gown from Bronx Banco. The gown had a plunging neckline and large cutouts around her waist, and she paired it with gold platform heels. She wore her creamy, brown hair in waterfall curls, and in true J. Lo fashion, she finished things off with a neutral nail color.

According to an Instagram post shared by her longtime manicurist, Tom Bachik, Lopez wore her nails short for the night, and they were painted with a soft nude color that Bachik referred to as “Cinnamon Bronze.”

The exact cinnamon bronze shade that Bachik used to create the look is "Overdone" from Aprés Nail, and it's a glossy nude shade with a hint of orange it that appears transparent or opaque, depending on how many coats you use. Nude nail colors have been trending all spring, and because they're appropriate for any occasion, they're shaping up to be the cool girl colors of the summer as well.

"They give a polished, understated finish that aligns with current 'quiet luxury' and minimalist beauty trends," celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen previously told Marie Claire.

To copy Jennifer Lopez's cinnamon bronze manicure at home, read ahead to shop a few similar shades.

The biggest beauty trends right now all seem to share the same soft-focus vibe: watercolor makeup is everywhere, mermaid-inspired glam and hair have taken over, and nails are following right behind. June manicures are moving away from overly precise nail art and leaning into blooming color, pearl finishes, and tiny details that feel softer and more diffused.

After seasons of sheer neutrals and barely-there manicures dominating salon appointments, people are craving color again—but in a way that still feels wearable. Rather than loud neon polish or heavy maximalism, the June 2026 version shows up through translucent pastels, glossy finishes, scattered embellishments, and shimmer that catches the light in the summer sun.

According to nail artist Ramon "Prince" Duran, clients have been asking for “lots of small 3D details and color blocking,” along with glazed pearl chrome finishes that instantly elevate even a simple manicure. He’s also seeing pastel yellows, pinks, blues, and soft browns trending together as the color story. After years of ultra-minimal manicures dominating trend cycles, nails are finally starting to feel fun again. Here are my favorite nail inspiration photos for the month of June.

Watercolor Aura

Aura nails aren’t going anywhere for summer, but they do look noticeably softer this time around. The newer versions mirror the watercolor makeup trend currently everywhere on my feeds: hazy color, blurred edges, nothing too precise. Pinks, peaches, lilacs, and buttery yellows fade into each other almost like diluted paint, giving nails that diffused, airbrushed finish.

Blooming Color

Blooming gel manicures are having a huge moment right now, especially floral and watercolor-inspired designs that spread organically across the nail. I absolutely love how you can have fun with the design—like the unexpected snakeskin-and-floral nail combination here.

Mermaid Sheen

“If I had to pick one finish to dominate next month, it’s definitely glazed or pearl chrome,” says Prince. “It elevates even just a solid color so well.” Unlike the mirror-like chrome manicures that dominated past summers, this version has a softer glow—more seashell than silver. The whole look taps into the same energy as mermaid makeup: luminous, reflective, and almost wet-looking.

Tiny Treasures

Nail art is getting playful again, just in a more scaled-back way. Rather than piling on a ton of nail jewelry, people are opting for tiny accents scattered throughout a manicure—little pearls, droplets, crystals, raised florals, or subtle texture.

Beach Glass

This season’s pastels feel less Easter-inspired and more coastal. According to Prince, clients have been gravitating toward classic pastels and soft browns together, which sounds unexpected but actually works beautifully. Mixed together, the shades resemble pieces of sea glass washed up on the shore: soft and slightly translucent.

Dopamine Nails

“Lots of clients are asking for color blocking,” says Prince, noting that brighter shades and playful combinations are everywhere heading into summer. More than anything, the trend feels joyful. An easy way to do this? A striped design with varying colors.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For over 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Expert

I used to exclusively wear glossy, no-chip, crisp red-burgundy colored manicures—and pedicures to match. But years of being a beauty editor broke the spell, and I now cherish the chance to deviate and have a little fun with my nail appointments—something that is the common denominator of all summer 2026's nail trends. "Manicures are no longer just about a color choice," explains nail artist Olha Shtanhei. ""It's part of your image, mood, lifestyle, confidence, and self-expression."

It used to be that you had to choose between a practical, expressive, or luxury-focused, minimalist manicure. But it turns out, we're not compromising anymore when it comes to our nails. "The modern client wants all three," says Shtanhei. "They want nails that are practical enough for their lifestyle, expressive enough to feel personal, and luxurious enough to make them feel finished. Consumers no longer want to sacrifice comfort or daily life for beauty."

The outcome: "Quiet statement nails showcasing sheer color, sculpted short-to-medium lengths, glossy jelly finishes, micro-French details, soft chrome veils, delicate accents, subtle metallic reflections, ombrè gradients, and refined textures are top of mind for clients," says Shtanhei. "The manicures still have an impact and personality, but it feels more edited, wearable, and elegant."

Below, the best of the best nail inspo for your summer manicure dreams.

Sunset Ombré

Sunset ombré is a stunning way to use your vacation plans as inspo for your manicure. And sunsets don't have to be only orange, pinks, and reds—case in point: this gorgeous hued mani nail artist Imarni created (and thankfully posted a tutorial I'll be copying ASAP). "These nails look beautiful with sun-kissed skin, gold jewelry, linen, swimwear, and evening dresses," says Shtanhei. "They have that 'expensive holiday' feeling."

Invisible Chrome

Will chrome ever go out of style? This season offers a return to the OG obsession with neutral chrome nails that feature natural, your-nails-but-better shades with a sheer layer of chrome on top. "Many clients are still inspired by the famous Hailey Bieber chrome nails with soft natural shades and a glazed chrome finish that look clean, healthy, and luxurious at the same time," says nail artist Svitlana Motyl. "These continue to be a huge trend because they perfectly match the quiet luxury aesthetic."

Matcha Cat-Eye

Velvety with a hint of light-catching sheen, Shtanhei says cat eye nails aren't going anywhere anytime soon. "This summer, clients are most often asking for healthy-looking nails, minimalist designs, soft floral nail art in pastel shades, and cat-eye effects," she says. "People still want stylish manicures, but with a more elegant and wearable approach that feels fresh."

Fish Finery

I'm a Pisces, so I've always been drawn to fish motifs, but the surge of sardine-sprinkled manicures has me running to book another nail appointment. "This season, clients are definitely asking for more stylish minimalist designs," says Motyl. "Simple, clean manicures with subtle details or art are becoming much more popular than loud or overloaded nail art." Looking down at your keyboard to see a cute little fish atop a clean, neutral mani is just the thing to brighten your 9-5.

Nearly Naked

There's something so unassumingly chic about a healthy-looking, shiny, clean, bare-naked manicure. "Healthy-looking nails are becoming one of the strongest luxury signals right now," says Shtanhei. Motyl agrees, noting that the "healthy nail aesthetic" is becoming increasingly fashionable. "I think this trend is here to stay for a long time," adds Motyl. "Clients are paying more attention not only to beautiful designs, but also to nail condition, natural appearance, and overall nail health." Buff, polish, and file your nails, and go totally neutral with a clear top coat or try a sheer nail tint for a healthy-looking gloss. Either way, it's all about the natural nail.

Aura Ombré

For those of us who are maximalists, this wildly fun rainbow manicure nail artist Queenie Nguyen dreamed up is a fresh way to embrace color without feeling too Lisa Frank. It's bright, but with a diffused, elevated element. "Aura-style ombré nails will continue to grow, especially when combined with chrome or sheer jelly finishes," says nail artist and founder of Gelcare, Emilie Sanscartier. "These layers add dimension and make the gradient feel more modern."

Glass Water Droplets

"I am captivated by the glass dot trend," says Shtanhei. "They’re done with a velvety matte pastel or nude base with raised, clear 3D gloss circles on top. It looks like fresh rain sitting on a leaf—tactile, hypnotic, dimensional, and incredibly chic." Make it even more ethereal with an ombrè color scheme underneath." Ombrè is a minimalist form of nail art that still feels elevated," says Sanscartier.

Micro-Fine Pearl

Not as bold as full-on glitter yet not as high-shine as metallics, the pearlescent finish is the hint of sheen we're drooling over for summer. "I love translucent bases, delicate chrome, pearl effects, velvet cat-eye movement, and colors that change slightly depending on the light," says Shtanhei. "To me, that is the most modern kind of beauty: subtle at first glance, unforgettable up close."

Coral Peach Fade

Another take on sunset ombré, this mani uses orange hues for a showstopping gradient. "It should have a seamless, blurry melt of soft apricot blending into flushed peach, topped with a micro-fine pearl powder," says Shtanhei. "It looks ethereal at golden hour, elevates a beach look, and hides nail growth perfectly during longer holidays."

Glazed Jelly

I've got good news: jelly nails are here for good. And I am especially dreaming of the version nail queen Zola Ganzorigit created for Hailey Bieber in the prettiest Tiffany Blue shade. "Glazed jelly nails will become the look of summer 2026," says Shtanhei. "They are sheer, glossy, dimensional, and very wearable." While classic jelly nails look juicy and sheer, Shtanhei anticipates a wave of chrome finishes that will take the style to a new level. "When finished with a soft chrome veil—not heavy mirror chrome but something lighter, almost like sunlight on water—it gives the nails depth, freshness, and an expensive summer glow."

Short and Sweet

Short nails are in—and not because they're simple but because they can look incredibly elegant. "Clients are falling in love with shorter, healthier-looking nails again," says Shtanhei. "For a long time, many clients associated beauty with a long length and strong design. Now they are realizing that a short, perfectly shaped, glossy manicure can look just as powerful and sometimes even more modern than a very long set." The best part? They're easy to maintain and look chic with any color (but I have a particular love for this iridescent natural shade).

Lavender Tones

Ask anyone who has known me for years, lavender is (and has been) my favorite color of all time. I'm a firm believer that the mauve-esqe pastel shade should be a neutral—and it looks incredible with a slight tan.

Flower Power

Whether you prefer large tropical blooms or dainty little daisies, flowers are the easiest way to elevate a simple manicure with a design that's subtle but powerful. "Manicures this season should feel fresh, polished, and expressive," says Shtanhei. Floral details can do just that while still being tailored to your personal preferences. I can't get over the delicate pink flowers nail artist Michelle Humphrey created for Dua Lipa—so chic.

Milk Bath

You can't go wrong with a simple, clean, sheer white manicure. "Soft milky shades, nude tones, and glossy finishes are in demand because they feel timeless, sophisticated, and effortlessly chic," explains Motyl.

Pistachio Green

Flattering on all skin tones, pistachio is the muted, earthy shade that's uniquely popular for summer—and a shade that Shtanhei expects to see rise during the warm weather months. "Even when clients want something expressive, like a color, they want the final result to feel balanced and wearable," she says.

Translucent Cherry

I can't tell you how much I love the return of the jelly shoe trend—it reminds me of my summers as a kid. But it still comes second to my love of glossy jelly manicures. "The ultimate vacation nail this season is a glossy jelly manicure in a warm translucent shade like peach, coral, cherry, or milky pink," says Shtanhei. "They are sheer, glossy, dimensional, and very wearable—they have a juicy, translucent quality, almost like lip gloss on the nails."

Sea Glass Blue

I'm always looking for my daily dose of vitamin sea in the summer, and if I can't escape to the beach, a sparkling blue ocean-inspired shade is the trick. "Summer 2026 will be all about colors that feel edible, sun-warmed, and fresh," says Shtanhei. "I think we will see a lot of milky pink, sorbet peach, butter yellow, sheer coral, translucent cherry, sea-glass blue, aquatic blue, pistachio green, coconut white, and soft coral tones."

Fancy French

When it comes to trends, I'm the kind of person who goes into full-on obsession mode until I tire of it. So I didn't think I'd ever come back around to the French manicure after wearing it my entire junior year of high school up until prom. But consider me a convert because I've been obsessing over this fresh take on the French nail trend for weeks. "As we know, fashion is cyclical, and the same applies to nails," says Motyl. "This summer, we’re returning to more classic looks with timeless colors, elegant shapes, and minimalist designs."

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Experts

Don't ever say that Hailey Bieber isn't a woman of many talents. As if it wasn't already impressive enough that she's managed to found a beauty brand that's beloved by Gen Z and worth a billion dollars (hi, Rhode!), she's apparently also a nail tech in the making.

On Sunday, Bieber shared a carousel of photos that she took during a recent trip to South Korea. As the unofficial queen of dreamy vacation manicures, she obviously couldn't book another getaway without painting the equivalent of a work of art on her nails. For this trip, Bieber stuck to her signature long oval nails, which were painted with what looks to be a pale olive base color with large, swirly, electric blue dots in the middle. What's even more impressive is that, according to her go-to manicurist, Zola Ganzorigt, Bieber took it upon herself to do her own nail art this time around. (Me and my shaky left hand could never.)

If there's anything I've learned about Bieber, it's that she's never going to wear a boring manicure while on vacation. Last year she traveled to Japan and wore a leopard French manicure that completely changed my mind about animal print nail designs, and in the previous month, she hit the beach for Kendall Jenner's 30th birthday celebration wearing a Mediterranean-inspired seafood manicure.

These are both pretty intricate, but thankfully, the look she wore during her South Korea trip seems pretty easy to DIY at home. Read ahead to shop what you'll need to get the look.

You've blocked off your calendar for a few days and are headed on a relaxing getaway soon. With the most difficult part of trip planning (i.e. booking flights and creating an itinerary) out of the way, all that's left for you to focus on is the manicure you'll be taking off with. No matter where your destination is, this is probably the best time to go all out and get creative with bold nail colors and designs.

If you're going somewhere tropical, aquatic designs featuring fish and blue water may be the first that come to mind, but you can also venture outside the box with nail art that focuses on tropical fruits like mangos and bananas. “Summer is all about bright, fun, and bold colors, and fruit designs naturally fit this aesthetic,” Nails INC. founder Thea Green previously told MC. Animal print nail designs have also made a return this year, and these are easy to incorporate into any design if you have a safari tour on the books. The good news is that a simple scroll through social media will expose you to all sorts of vacation nail inspiration.

Before you start working on your out-of-office email, take a look at some out-of-the-box designs worth adding to your vacation manicure mood board ASAP.

Fruits and Veggies

Remember Hailey Bieber's "farmer's market manicure"? It featured various fruits and vegetables (like carrots, blueberries, and cherries) on each finger, and it's a fitting look for summer and any upcoming vacations you might find yourself on.

Fish Nails

Just looking at this funky manicure that Bieber wore while celebrating Kendall Jenner's birthday last year makes me feel like I need to be sunbathing on a Mediterranean island.

Turquoise French Manicure

If a pretty beach is where you'll find yourself at some point within the next few weeks, use 3D gel to add some aquatic elements like seashells and starfish designs to your manicure.

Lemon Yellow

Last summer's lemon yellow trend is still going strong. If complex nail art isn't for you, a solid yellow nail is just bold and bright enough to keep your spirits high throughout all your vacation activities.

Pink Chrome

Vibrant hot pink will always be a go-to summer nail color, but consider adding some extra life to it with a chrome powder if you want to do something way different for vacation.

Mix-n-Match Neons

Earlier this spring, experts predicted that mix-and-match designs that involve wearing a different color on each finger would be a major trend, and even Tracee Ellis Ross was spotted wearing a mismatched look featuring jelly nail polishes. “This design trend reflects individuality and creativity, encouraging clients to explore color in a curated way," Sundays Studio founder Amy Ling Lin says.

You can make this look vacation-friendly by choosing a blend of summery pastels or neon colors.

Orange Jelly

Jelly manicures are created using sheer nail colors, and they're a more playful take on traditional manicures that feature opaque nail colors.

Fruits and Flowers

Have you ever eaten a fresh mango on an island? Grab some orange and yellow polishes and a 3D gel to create a look that channels that same joy.

Ombré Sunset

Use a blend of yellows, reds, and peach-toned colors to paint yourself an ombré manicure that'll remind you of a beachy sunset (or a tequila sunrise if that's your vacation cocktail of choice).

Polka Dots with 3D Flowers

This manicure combines two major trends—butter yellow and polka dots—and tops things off with a dainty 3D flower.

Strawberry Reverse French Manicure

You don't have to have strawberry-picking plans for the summer to incorporate a strawberry look into your manicure. Think of it like a reverse French manicure with white polka dots.

Watermelon Jelly

This manicure inspired by the other ultimate summer fruit, watermelon, can be achieved by painting a neon green color on top of a pink jelly shade.

Oranges

Oranges may not be a summer fruit, but they're sweet and juicy enough to keep you refreshed on vacation. It's also a really easy fruit to incorporate into your manicure. This one adds a simple orange design on top of a milky white shade.

Orange Micro French Manicure

Micro tips are an easy way to give your French manicure a twist, but to give the look more of a vacation-y spin, throw on some orange nail polish and a flower decal.

Starfish

Use your manicure as a way to highlight some of the aquatic wildlife you're bound to come across if you're headed somewhere tropical. This set includes starfish, but if those aren't your thing, you can also paint a few seashells.

Electric Blue Fish

Electric blue works great as a summer nail color, but if you want to get creative and wear something a little fancier than a color-block manicure, grab a set of stickers and add a fish to one or more nails.

Glow-in-the-Dark Florals

Want to have some fun with florals? Consider this glow-in-the-dark design that Hailey Bieber wore to Coachella this year. She used black for her base, but you're free to spruce it up with something brighter if need be.

Safari Prints

Obviously the beach isn't the only place that's vacation-worthy. In the event that you're headed to the jungle, go for an animal print design similar to the leopard manicure Bieber wore during a vacation to Tokyo.

Leopard Cat Eye

Add some dimension to your leopard print manicure by using a shimmery cat eye nail polish.

Lemon Slices

Headed to the Amalfi Coast for a tour of the lemon trees? Consider incorporating them into your next design.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet The Experts

I’ve been counting down to summer since the middle of winter and what seemed like a never-ending onslaught of snow. As I enter the long weekend and warmer weather and I can officially see the end of the cold weather tunnel, I am prepping by spending hours on The Real Real for my beach outfits and scrolling IG for my ideal summer manicure.

This week’s best nail looks are all over my summer mani mood board, with vibrant colors and out-of-the-box, abstract designs. There’s a special throwback to my favorite sneakers, and there’s a couple of fish-themed nail designs (stay with me) that are so fun and chic, it makes me think, “Is summer 2026 going to be all about the fish nails?” Don't worry, I’ll be closely watching that space to see if there's a new nail trend percolating.

Until then, below are the 10 best nail looks of the week. Happy long weekend.

Textured Summer Prints

How cool are these nails? Nail artist Daniela Campos created this intricate summer mix of bright yellow, pinks, and greens with abstract designs. And the raised decals really are just *chef’s kiss.*

Little Fish

Tinned fish is truly having a moment and this mani from founder of Violette_FR and makeup artist Violette just speaks to its chic rebrand (and I’m so here for it). The design is intricate with fine details, and really pops against a bare background.

“I love that nails can be an extension of self-expression,” Violette tells Marie Claire. “Ahead of my recent trip to St. Barths, I asked manicurist Danny Tavarez for a fun sardine design, which paired perfectly with my Annelise Michelson ring.”

Simple Mix & Match

Sometimes all I need is just a mix of different single shades to make me happy. Celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt created a colorful mix for Tracee Ellis Ross that works so seamlessly to match her look.

Rainbow Fish

This delightful mix of multi-colored fish designs from nail artist Kiara Rodriguez Ortiz is pure joy, reminding everyone how magical the sea really can be. “I was inspired by the Caribbean Sea, which surrounds the beaches of my island, Puerto Rico,” Rodriguez Ortiz tells Marie Claire. “And by the vibrant colors we see on the island during the summer.” And as an added bonus, some glitter at the base for an extra sparkle.

Glossy Mix

I love jelly nails, especially this fun one that mixes and matches different shades and designs. Celebrity nail artist Kim Truong created a chic, cool-toned jelly mix for Emma Chamberlain that I’ll want to copy ASAP.

Velvet Bloom

Combining two of my favorite nail trends, nail artist Lucinda Victoria Greenman created a warm, mesmerizing mix of lilac velvet and deep purple Japanese blooming gel. It’s a chic mix that’s super fun. “When I saw this cat eye creation from nail artist Laura Jane, I was immediately inspired and had to recreate my own twist,” Greenman tells Marie Claire. “I love doing fun sets like this and putting my own spin.”

Converse Laces

Me and elementary school best friends (special shoutout to my BFFs Chelsea and Katie) would claim a Converse color to add a pop of color to our mandatory Catholic school uniform. So this really fun nail look from nail artist Ivana Ljoljic brings back all the nostalgic feels.

“My landlady [told] me I should do Converse nails and I thought that was such a cute idea,” Ljoljic tells Marie Claire. “I’ve always been a huge Converse fan, and I love how these turned out.”

The attention to detail is amazing and the secret to those crisp shoe lace lines, she says, is the already integrated thin brush of the LA Colors Art Deco Nail polish and a dotting tool. “It makes straight lines so much easier,” she says. “Honestly, this whole look was super easy to do.”

'60s Abstract

Fashion and design-wise, it’s hard to pick a favorite decade, but the '60s have a very special place in my heart. Which is probably why I was drawn to this incredibly chic nail look from artist Cerise Carvalho, who took inspo from those bold 1960s mid-century patterns. Plus the color combo of plum and chartreuse is just so deliciously satisfying. “I wanted to bring bold shapes and unconventional color palettes to my nails,” says Carvalho. “Especially in the summer when I want something a little more eye-catching.”

Mediterranean Summer

Sadly, a summer sun bathing in Ibiza or drinking Aperol Spritzes in Capri may not be in the cards for me this summer, but that won’t stop me from loving this Mediterranean beach-inspired mani. Created by Vanity Projects nail artist Manami Takagi is a bright mix of stripes and fish, tomato, and lemon decals for a really fun summer nail look.

Spring Chrome

Technically we are still in spring mode. So before we sign off and dive deep into summer, why not bling it up? Nail artist San Sung Kim dressed up a silver chrome base with beaded florals for a bold mani that’s super stylish.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

I never feel more indecisive than I do when I'm deciding on a color or design at the nail salon. (If I had to guess, I'd say that it's probably just my Libra rising at work.) But Tracee Ellis Ross just presented me with an idea I'd never even considered before: wearing several colors on my nails when I can't fathom picking just one.

Earlier this week, the Black-ish alum attended a private dinner hosted by the Calvin Klein Collection and Maxfield in Los Angeles. She was pictured at the event wearing an all-white outfit that featured a long-sleeve, linen blouse, a midi skirt, and flats, but she added a pop of color by throwing in a red clutch. She also added some color to her outfit with her manicure for the night.

Per a photo shared to Instagram via her manicurist, Zola Ganzorigt, Ross wore long, oval nails that were painted with a blend of neutral colors like caramel brown, milky white, and black on one hand, and brighter colors like yellow and lavender on the other. One finger even featured a metallic chrome shade.

Ross might actually be onto something with the mismatched manicure look. If you can recall, mix-n-match nail designs were predicted to be a huge nail trend for spring, and with summer approaching, the trend doesn't seem to be dying down. Sundays Studio founder, Amy Ling Lin, previously told MC that wearing different nail polish shades on each color "allows for self-expression," adding that the trend itself "reflects individuality and creativity, encouraging clients to explore color in a curated way.”

Ross added a lot of neutral colors to her manicure, but the great thing about mismatched nails is that there's no rulebook, so you can get creative and combine whichever colors you want. Read ahead to shop the perfect nail polishes to get the look.

Sometimes I’m delusional enough to believe that if I had the time and the patience, I could invest in the tools and accessories needed to create my own nail art. Then I’ll take a quick scroll on IG to then be very humbled at the true artistry that comes with creating a dream manicure.

This week’s roundup of the most swoon-worthy nails includes some really intricate design work that truly stopped me mid-scroll. There’s a beaded oyster design that makes me super pumped for when summer finally hits (you will see me at every oyster happy hour around the city). There’s an ode to coffee and rich floral designs with stunning 3D details. There’s even a nail look that incorporates real human hair in the coolest and chicest way. This is proof that sometimes, you should just leave things to a professional.

Below are the 10 best nail looks (a.k.a. actual works of art) of the week.

Morning Coffee

I love my coffee, but who knew I needed coffee nails in my life? I do now. Created by nail artist and owner of Juniper Beauty Miranda Prusik-Quirin, this intricately designed mani mixes the dreamiest shades of brown with fun coffee-inspired designs to honor the drink that fuels many of us. “We are both busy creatives, so this set pulls directly from our longing for a latte from our favorite local shop,” Prusik-Quirin tells Marie Claire. And if you’re wondering, yes, those beans and ice cubes are hand-sculpted for a lovely added touch.

Tangled Art

Celebrity nail artist and Chanel ambassador Betina Goldstein wins the gold medal for most inspired nails. Goldstein spent 30 hours braiding real human hair for this insanely cool nail art look. There’s really nothing like it, and when I say nail art is true art, I’m talking about this manicure.

Outerspace Mani

Celebrity nail artist Naomi Yasuda tells Marie Claire that the inspo for these nails is alien spaceship. It’s a mesmerizing mix of turquoise and purple cat eye metallics and raised metal details for a truly intricate design that I really love.

Summer Bright

To quote Summer House OG and everyone’s favorite new DJ Kyle Cooke, summer should be fun. And so should all summer-inspired nails. Gold, neon pink and orange, lime green, and swirls and dots—this mani from nail salon N’DAO Shoreditch is just a bright mix of pure joy.

Sparks Fever

My Lakers unfortunately got eliminated from the playoffs a couple of days ago (please respect my privacy during this difficult time), and so I find solace in my favorite WNBA teams starting their season. The LA Sparks also don the idyllic purple and gold colors and celebrity nail artist Temeka Jackson has created the ultimate fan nails with super cool basketball decals

Sea Treasures

Give me all the gadgets and thingamabobs, please. My favorite part of The Little Mermaid was Ariel’s secret grotto filled with her hidden human treasures, and these nails remind of how magical the world is under the sea. The nail artist known as @fairyauranails tells Marie Claire that they were inspired by the ocean and all the treasures you are bound to find. “I created textures and bubbles to represent the flowy nature of the ocean,” they say. “I used seashells, abalone shells, and lots of pearls.”

Dual-Toned French

As someone who really wants it all (read: very indecisive), I really love a multi-colored mani. Created by nail artist Alex from Terra Nails Estudio, this look uses dual-toned French manicures in different finishes for a bold contrast that really elevates the look as a whole. Plus, all the purple, baby blues, greens, and oranges are just some of my favorite shades.

Studded Jelly

Created by nail artist Ambrine Arai, these dark purple jelly nails are so deep and alluring, and the added stud detail is really just *chef’s kiss.” No notes.

Oyster Season

This summer, my inner club rat will only be resurrected at select—and very few—times. When I say I’m going to be outside, I really mean at happy hour with champagne and oysters. This look created by nail artist San Sung Kim is every oyster lover’s dream, intricately painted and decorated with beads galore. Summer Fridays can’t come soon enough.

Wine Rich Botanicals

Nail artist Ghazaleh Bahrami tells Marie Claire that she wanted to create something dark and romantic, while keeping the design soft and elegant. The result is this lovely bouquet of rich florals. “I’ve always loved incorporating floral elements into my work,” says Bahrami. “So I wanted the flowers to feel almost like they were blooming out of deep cherry red glass.”

Mix in lace and cat eye details to add dimension and texture, and you’ve got a really lovely floral mani that’s anything but basic.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

I can't think of anyone who wears nude manicures better than Jennifer Lopez.

The singer and actress spent some time in New York City this week to attend Netflix's 2026 Upfront event, where she spoke on stage with her costar, Brett Goldstein, to promote their new romantic comedy, Office Romance. She attended the event wearing a plunging tan corset blazer with a shiny floral design and a cream, flared midi skirt with satin details. She kept the nude vibe going all the way down to her nails, which were painted with a peachy nude color and given a metallic effect with a hint of chrome powder, courtesy of her longtime manicurist, Tom Bachik, who used a nude polish from his namesake brand to get the look. Per Instagram, Bachik called the look a "peach champagne" manicure.

Summer calls for a return to fun, vibrant nail designs and colors like pastels and fruit nails, but there's truly nothing that will ever beat a nude manicure since there aren't too many shades that can go with every outfit while also being fitting for any occasion. "Whether it’s for a clean everyday style, a professional setting, or even the red carpet, nude nails have always been a go-to," celebrity manicurist Erica De Los Santos previously told MC. "Plus, they tend to grow out more discreetly and hide chips better than bold colors, which makes them practical as well as timeless."

The nude nail trend isn't exactly new, but more celebrities have been embracing the look lately over more maximalist designs. Emily Blunt wore a milky nude nail polish a few weeks ago when she accepted her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and even Dua Lipa, who's become known for her complex nail looks, wore a nude manicure while ringing in her 30th birthday over the summer.

Shop Jennifer Lopez's exact nude nail polish shade (and some others that are similar to it) ahead.

The butter yellow nail trend isn't over just yet—at least not according to Joey King.

Just days after draping herself in a stunning silver Miu Miu gown for last week's Met Gala, the Kissing Booth actress spent some more time in New York City to preview her Miu Miu Select Collection at the brand's flagship store. This time around, she wore a camel-colored, suede mini skirt with a matching vest that she put over a baby blue button down. She even kept the preppy theme going with her glam, styling her copper hair in loose beach waves and wearing a manicure that incorporated three of last summer's most popular nail trends.

With help from celebrity nail artist, Elle Gerstein, King wore a short almond French manicure to the event, but instead of going with a traditional white shade on her tips, she resurrected last summer's butter yellow trend for a pop of color. The yellow tips were also embellished with polka dots, and each hand featured two accent nails with 3D ladybug designs. It's refreshing nail art to see at a time when icy chrome designs and glitter nails seem to be the overall preference.

"Today I had a very clear vision," King told an MC editor of the manicure in a previous interview. "I was like, I want fucking yellow nails with brown polka dots and ladybugs. I don't know where it came from, but it's springtime!"

The butter yellow nail trend first popped off back in 2024, when stars like Selena Gomez and Kendall Jenner were spotted wearing the color on their fingers, and it maintained its popularity all throughout last summer as well up until Hailey Bieber declared (via the promotion of Rhode's new "Lemontini" Peptide Lip Balm shade) that butter yellow was out and lemon yellow was in. Similarly, once polka dots officially made their comeback in the fashion world last spring, nearly every It girl began incorporating the trend into their manicures shortly after.

"Polka dot nails add a fun twist to manicures that transitions beautifully from [season to season]," manicurist and OPI global ambassador Natalie Minerva previously said.

Now, it seems that both polka dots and butter yellow are on the rise again. To mimic Joey King's butter yellow French manicure, read ahead.

I'm honestly impressed by the amount of ways that Demi Lovato has managed to add more character and flair to pretty much every French manicure she's ever worn. The singer has spent the last month on tour following the release of her ninth studio album, It's Not That Deep, and it's almost like the on-stage manicures she chooses to wear get better with each performance. Last month, for example, she remixed the classic design by adding silver chrome to her fingertips instead of traditional white, and for some of her most recent tour stops, she pulled out a look that was even more extravagant than before.

This past weekend, Lovato performed for audiences in San Francisco and Anaheim, and shortly after the shows, her manicurist, Natalie Minerva, shared a close-up look at her manicure details via Instagram. In the photos, she's seen wearing early 2000s-style square nails featuring a sheer pink base color (OPI's "Bare My Soul," per the caption) and small, silver studs that are placed in two straight rows across each nail. Instead of naming it a French manicure, Minerva called the design "diamond choker tips."

Once considered an outdated design associated with early 2000s mall culture, the French manicure is currently in its comeback era, and over the last year, it's been embraced by plenty of celebrities for red carpet outings and more. One of the bigger reasons that the design has made a grand return to the trend cycle is that it's a really easy look to customize. Just last week, Jordan Chiles wore a long manicure with rainbow French tips and rhinestones for her 25th birthday party, while Lovato has spent the last few months embellishing her French tips with various colors like black and teal. She even appeared at New York Fashion Week wearing a chic micro French manicure.

Get Demi Lovato's diamond choker tip nails with the products ahead.

There’s a lot of buzz around the bare nails trend at the moment, and I can understand why—the upkeep of a standing manicure appointment can be a lot for both your time and budget. However, I always feel my best when my nails are polished, either with a simple color or a bold design. It’s a fun little luxury that I’ll always be happy to indulge in year-round. Lately, I’ve been embracing what I consider to be the easiest summer manicure look to convey confidence, style, and general bad b*tch energy: a short red manicure.

Nail shapes and lengths go in and out of style, but they really are a personal preference that should be immune to the ebb and flow of the beauty industry. I spent a long time growing out my naturally strong nails (subtle flex) before I realized that I actually love a short, squoval nail. It just feels the most like me, and it makes typing on a computer all day refreshingly simple—no chipped nails in sight. But finding the perfect shade of red can be tricky when there are so many options out there. A summer red is wildly different from a winter red—think warmer, brighter, and overall zestier. Curious what shades I love for the warmer weather? Keep scrolling for the five best red nail polish colors to try for summer.

Tomato Red

A go-to year-round, but this warm, orange-y red hits especially hard in the summer. Tomato red is a foolproof nail color at its finest.

Cherry Red

If the shade is good enough for Selena Gomez, it’s more than good enough for me. A crisp cherry red shade radiates luxury and good taste.

Candy Apple Red

Bright with a slightly blue undertone, this shade is a favorite for fashion girls for both their outfits and their nails.

Blush Red

If a totally in-your-face red isn’t your vibe, might I suggest a softer, incredibly flirty, blush red hue for summer?

Sangria Red

Don’t think that dark red nails are off the table for summer. Channel the iconic summer beverage with a juicy sangria color.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Don't gatekeep our newsletters from your friends. Subscribe to Face Forward here.

From now on, whenever I'm in serious need of some summer nail inspiration, I'm only looking to Jordan Chiles.

The Olympic gymnast and Dancing with the Stars alum turned 25 last month, and she celebrated the milestone by throwing herself a star-studded birthday party in Los Angeles over the weekend. Per the photos, the party had a '90s theme, which would explain why Chiles wore a baggy jeans and a matching jacket that were both spray-painted with pastel colors. She paired it with an airbrushed tank top and a white bandana, and in true Jordan Chiles fashion, she got especially creative with her manicure for the night.

The athlete has spoken before about wearing complex nail designs (while competing and otherwise) as a way to express herself, so it should come as on surprise that her birthday manicure was as out-of-the-box as it gets. To ring in the occasion, Chiles wore long, square nails with a French manicure design that swapped out traditional white tips for different, more vibrant colors on each nail, from pink to blue to lime green. Looking closely at the photos, it also looks like each nail features a 3D gel design and tiny studs.

This would make the second vintage manicure Chiles has worn to ring in her birthday. After her party, she shared a few photos from a recent shoot where she's seen wearing another square manicure, only this time, it's another French design on shorter nails with thick, white tips and studded flowers glued on top.

The French manicure is a design you can never go wrong with, since it's insanely easy to customize with a variety of colors, not to mention that the nude base makes it easier to hide the awkward growth in between manicures. To copy Chiles's rainbow look, read ahead for some tips.

The first Monday in May usually gets all the attention online—especially when it comes to anything fashion- and beauty-related. And no matter your opinion on this year’s festivities, there’s no denying that the Met Gala always serves some of the best beauty inspo out there. Tyla’s embellished feather nails, Naomi Osaka’s red claw look, and Emma Chamberlain’s watercolor masterpiece—the manicure game was top-tier this year.

But to give everyone some reprieve from Met coverage, I decided to challenge myself to find nail looks outside the storied front steps of the Metropolitan Museum. It wasn't too hard to do (thank the beauty gods), and some of these looks might be the most fun yet. I’ve found the coolest silver and chrome decals that every cool girl I know will be rocking this summer. There are plenty of fresh and bright colors that I want for all my summer nail looks. There’s even more water droplet nails to confirm my suspicions that we’ve got the new It mani on the horizon. Inspiration, as it turns out, really is everywhere if you look hard enough.

Below are 10 of the best nail looks of the week—non-Met Gala edition.

Labradorite Metallics

Inspired by her labradorite beetle ring, nail artist Ivana Ljoljic created this mesmerizing mix of metallics that shimmers in all the right places. Ljolic uses gold, blue, and green metal shades as a base and dresses it up with abstract black lines to elevate the entire mani.

Spotted Fashion

Nail artist Stacey Carter tells Marie Claire that the inspiration for this chic spotted nail is just trying to make something chicer. “[It] was the polka dot trend, but make it fashion forward and artsy,” Carter says. She draws on multi-size black dots on a bare base and added butter yellow along the edges to frame the look.

Liquid Metal

These nails are just so cool. Created by Vanity Projects nail artist Tomoya, these raised metal decals look so fluid and abstract, it makes for the perfect liquid metal manicure. Set against a cool-toned turquoise base, the metal detail really pops.

Silver-Plated

I’ve come across the coolest chrome nails on my feed this week. A mix of pretty silver decals (butterflies, bows, sea shells, and more), this mani created by nail artist Lola Rudelou is a modern chrome look that’s a real bold statement.

Summer Watermelon

I love a beaded moment and nail artist San Sung Kim is currently the queen of the beaded mani. This watermelon look is so intricate and visually stunning, but also makes for the perfect summer nail design.

Funky Details

Nail artist Annie mixes creamy muted blues, greens, and purples with cool silver decals for funky mismatched mani that’s really intriguing and stylish.

Droplet French

I’ve become a really big fan of droplet nails as of late, and adding this look to my 3D nail design mood board. Celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen dresses up brightly-colored French tips with dots and fun water drop decals to freshen up a classic design.

Summer Mix

I love a good mix match nail, and this look from nail artist Chi at NDAO Shoreditch salon is my new go-to this summer. Abstract curves, swirls, and designs with shades of purple, blues, yellow, and reds, for something super fun and energetic.

Groovy Drops

Another win for droplet nails, content creator Alanna Doherty sports these adorable multi-colored French nails with a singular water droplet detail. Created by nail artist Bethany Walker, these nails are a delightful burst of color that I’ve been desperately seeking to infuse into my normally basic palette.

Spiky Details

For a real avant-garde bold nail, turn to this look from celebrity nail artist Britney Tokyo. It’s got a pink and nude aura base with raised spikes that are a real conversation starter.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Selena Gomez is reminding me exactly why a simple red nail can never be beat.

On May 6, Gomez supported her Only Murders in the Building co-star, Martin Short, at the Los Angeles premiere of his new Netflix documentary, Marty, Life Is Short. She showed up wearing an all-black, cap-sleeve Carolina Herrera midi dress that was embellished with teardrop crystals. She wore black, patent leather pumps on her feet and kept her glam relatively simple by pulling her hair back into a sleek bun, but she added a tiny pop of color to her look via her manicure. After wearing nude nail colors during a handful of her most recent public appearances, Gomez appears to be summoning summer with bold, red lipstick and a matching red manicure.

Over on Instagram, Gomez's longtime manicurist, Tom Bachik, shared a close-up photo of the singer's nails from the night to his feed. In the caption, he revealed that the exact shade he used to get the look is "CV" from Olive & June, a gel polish that comes in a glossy, cherry red color.

Gomez is no stranger to matching her nail colors to the season. This past winter, for example, she spent a handful of weeks wearing dark, moody shades like burgundy and dark cherry red, and before that, she wore pastel colors like lilac. Throughout spring, she's kept her nail colors fairly neutral, often wearing nude and flesh-toned manicures that radiate "quite luxury" and go with pretty much everything, but with summer on the horizon, it looks like she's spicing things up and getting back into wearing bright, dramatic colors.

Shop the singer's exact manicure shade (and a few similar ones) ahead to get the look.

There's nothing I love more than a good celebrity nail moment, and the 2026 Met Gala was full of them. As if I didn't already have enough nail inspiration to get me through the summer, Tyla just forced me to add yet another out-of-the-box manicure to my summer nail mood board.

For this year's event, themed "Fashion Is Art," Tyla hit the red carpet in mermaid cosplay with a Valentino dress that featured a turquoise skirt and a silver, beaded top with cutouts on the sides and back and a plunging, deep-V neckline. She wore her dark hair in a wet and wavy style with long curls, and she leaned into the body makeup trend by adding a generous amount of glitter to her torso, back, and chest areas. The whole look was a slam dunk, but what's not getting nearly enough attention is the manicure she wore for the night.

The "Water" singer complemented her gown's aquatic vibe with a stunning manicure designed by celebrity nail tech, Coca Michelle. Per an Instagram post shared by Michelle following the event, Tyla's manicure was supposed to look like embellished feathers. A close-up photo of her nails shows that Michelle added long, stiletto-shaped extensions to Tyla's fingers before filing them into the shape of feathers. She then cut into the sides of each nail to give them a more realistic shape before painting them white with a flowy, turquoise design that was topped with silver studs.

I've tuned into to several Met Gala red carpets at this point, but none of them were bursting with as many noteworthy manicures as this year's event was. Practically all of the nail looks deserved a red carpet of their own, Tyla's included. Emma Chamberlain hosted the red carpet in a custom Mugler gown inspired by a Van Gogh painting, and she wore long, watercolor-painted nails to match. Blackpink's Lisa also showed up wearing nail art that went complemented her dress; she wore chrome press-ons with silver and blue studs that mimicked icicles.

I don't know if any future Met Gala attendees will be able to top the nail designs that were on the red carpet this year, but anyone who's up to the challenge has a full year to try. Get a Met Gala-worthy manicure of your own with the products ahead.

Noami Osaka committed to the 2026 Met Gala's "Fashion Is Art" theme so hard, that she ended the night wearing not one, but two different manicures that were both works of art all on their own.

After the big event on May 4, Osaka was a guest at one of the official Met Gala after-parties thrown by GQ. Much like many of the other after-party attendees, she pulled a second look out of the vault for the night and changed into something else. But while her after-party ensemble was just as extravagant as the long Robert Wun coat that she wore during the main event, she took things down a notch (or a few) with her nails.

At the Met Gala, the tennis star wore extra-long, stiletto-shaped nails painted with a black base color and a red cat eye design. The long nails practically blended in with the sheer, red gloves she wore along with her ivory coat that had red feathers attached. To match her after-party outfit, which was an all-white gown embellished with white feathers that shot out along the skirt, arms, and neckline, she went with a nail design that was rather simple: a French manicure. After the big night, her nail tech, Juan Alvear, shared a closer look at both of her manicures from the night, the latter of which was a short, oval-shaped manicure with skinny French tips in a shimmery, petal pink color.

The Met Gala was full of stunning beauty moments this year, but as demonstrated by Osaka's dainty French manicure, the fun wasn't just limited to the red carpet. After wearing long, blonde curls to the main event, Doja Cat showed up at the Saint Laurent after-party with her hair styled in a twisted French bun, while Black Panther star, Angela Bassett, switched up her look for the night and wore her hair in deep waves.

To copy Naomi Osaka's shimmery French manicure at home, read ahead for some tips.

Real talk: I'm a nail minimalist to my core. As much as I love a good mani (you'll basically never see me with bare nails), I'm never one to opt for an intricate nail design or funky nail art. Ever. Rather, I'm a sucker for a single-color manicure, usually in a baby pink, lavender, or nude shade. I'll occasionally add a polka dot or do a fun French manicure, but the nail trend I've really gotten into lately is neutral chrome nails. They're perfect for anyone like me who likes a simpler manicure but wants to dress things up a bit.

Neutral chrome nails deliver a mirror-like soft shine that "sits perfectly at the intersection of minimalism and high-impact finish, which is why they’re so relevant right now," says Townhouse founder and creative director Juanita Huber-Millet. "Clients are still drawn to clean, understated colors, but they’re looking for ways to elevate that look, and chrome adds that subtle, light-reflecting dimension." It seems everyone is focused on "you-but-better," whether that's skin, makeup, or nails too: "It also ties into the wider shift we’re seeing towards luminous, healthy-looking nails, where the focus is on finish as much as color," adds Huber-Millet. "A neutral chrome gives you something that feels polished and modern, without being overly trend-driven."

If you feel like you missed the boat on glazed donut nails, it's not too late. Think of neutral chrome nails as their equally subtle sister, featuring muted shades that match your skin tone, and try them at your next nail appointment. Keep scrolling for all the neutral chrome nail ideas you'll love to wear for summer into fall.

Short Mother of Pearl Chrome Nails

The beauty of neutral chrome nails is that they don't have to be super long to make a statement. "Neutral chrome nails are incredibly versatile, but they tend to look most refined on short to medium lengths with softer shapes like squoval or almond," says Huber-Millet. These short squoval nails perfectly represent this.

Subtle Mirror Chrome Nails

Never worry that short minimalist nails are boring. "Chrome is a way of making minimal nails feel more expressive," says Huber-Millet. "It’s subtle, but it catches the light in a way that feels modern and elevated." These subtly glazed nails are simple and short, but have a little extra dimension that takes them to the next level.

Toffee Chrome Nails

Add a slightly warmer tone to your nails with this toffee chrome manicure. The touch of beige paired with chrome powder works all year long, making this versatile look perfect for seasonal transitions and any time you want to dress up your mani.

Soft Milky Chrome Nails

A super soft, milky-pink manicure will do it every single time. The barely-there color is simple and luxurious, and the slightly shimmery finish takes it to the next level.

Icy Neutral Chrome Nails

When choosing your manicure color for neutral chrome nails, "Milky pinks, creamy whites, and sheer beiges are ideal," says Huber-Millet. This icy manicure is done with a gentle, milky white base that can be worn all year long.

Apricot Chrome Nails

Looking for a little pop of color while still keeping things pretty neutral? This apricot shade gives some warmth to your nails and can be worn all spring and summer long. Just top your favorite warm pink shade with some chrome powder, and you're in business.

Rose Water French Chrome Nails

Micro French manicures are one of the coolest ways to dress up the classic nail art look. The thin French tip is chic and lets you play around with chrome while also adding a little design without going overboard. "I also love using chrome in a more targeted way—for example, as a subtle accent on a French tip or paired with minimal nail art," says Huber-Millet. "It keeps the overall look elevated, but still quite understated." Topping it off with this rose water nail base is just chef's kiss.

Super Subtle Nail Art

If you want to go neutral but can't quite part with your nail art, add a subtle design to your neutral chrome nails, as Huber-Millet suggests. This works on any nail color, shape, or length. Just make sure you have some nail art brushes with you if you're DIYing a little nail art at home.

Glazed Lemon French Manicure

If you haven't heard yet, butter yellow is officially a neutral color. This lemon-y yellow micro French chrome manicure adds the tiniest pop of color to keep your neutral chrome nails, well, neutral, but this takes them to the next level.

Ombré Chrome Nails

Like French manicures, ombré nails are a great way to add a little visual interest to your nails without committing to full-blown nail art. Sticking to neutral shades for your ombré manicure keeps this looking low-key.

Baby Pink Chrome Nails

There's nothing like a baby pink nail polish. The light shade matches with any outfit. And if you don't feel like dealing with chrome powder, opt for a shimmery color like this one that already has the chrome-like effect built in for zero mess.

Soft White Chrome Nails

For me, a regular white manicure can sometimes feel a just little too stark year-round. The solution? A milkier shade that's slightly translucent. Top it with some chrome powder, like on Teyana Taylor's manicure here, and you're good to go.

Nude Chrome Nails

Looking for a new way to wear your French tips? A deep French manicure is the way to go. The nude tips work well on long almond-shaped nails. Here, the shimmery base is actually created with nude cat eye nail polish, but it gives a nice neutral chrome effect.

Neutral Pearly Chrome Nails

Keep things short and sweet with these short, squoval nails that don't rely on length to make an entrance. These don't actually use any chrome powder; instead, they pair a blurring nail base with a shimmery polish to deliver the same effect with ease.

Barbie Pink Neutral Chrome Nails

Okay, this Barbie-like pink is a little brighter and more vivid than the rest, but pink with the ombré finish still makes it neutral, right? Right. Lean into a little more color with this manicure while still keeping it on the neutral side.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Expert

Two days have gone by and I still haven't stopped thinking about Emma Chamberlain's 2026 Met Gala manicure—especially now that I've seen the details.

The influencer and red carpet host landed herself on just about every best-dressed list imaginable when she showed up at Monday night's Met Gala wearing a Mugler turtleneck gown that was designed (and hand painted) to mimic a Van Gogh painting. The top half of the dress featured heavy yellow paintbrush strokes that cascaded down and merge into a variety of colors, from blue to red, as it reached the dress's train. As the event's "Fashion Is Art" theme would suggest, Chamberlain looked like a classical painting come to life, but the details didn't just stop at her gown. Her watercolor manicure for the night was also absolute perfection.

Per celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik, Chamberlain's nails were painted to match some of the primary colors in her gown. She wore long, stiletto-shaped nails with a nude base (to match the sheer nude material that the gown was made with before being painted over). On top of the base color was a brush stroke design that Bachik created using a mixture of red, yellow, purple, green, and light and dark blue gel polish shades.

The Met Gala red carpet was bursting with tons of grungy hair and makeup looks, but the manicures each celebrity wore were also pretty remarkable on their own. Blackpink singer, Lisa, attended the event wearing press-on nails that were embellished with silver and blue rhinestones to look like icicles to complement her crystal-studded Robert Wun gown. Sabrina Carpenter also wore a manicure with a special detail. The "House Tour" singer showed up wearing a Dior dress made with film strips from Audrey Hepburn's 1954 film, Sabrina, and she wore a French manicure with black tips meant to look like film strips.

Obviously recreating Chamberlain's manicure on your own at home might require a little more time and patience, but if you're up for the challenge and want to give yourself an artsy summer manicure, read ahead to get the look.

The 2026 Met Gala was ripe with over-the-top fashion moments, but there were a ton of manicures in the building that also looked like works of art. More specifically, I'm talking about Blackpink's Lisa, who wore an icy rhinestone manicure that I've been shamelessly obsessing over for the last 12 hours.

Last night's dress code was "Fashion Is Art," and the musician showed up wearing a sculptural Robert Wun gown with sheer, white material that was covered in crystals. The dress also featured a see-through veil that was held up with a set of 3D arms, but not even the optical illusion of her dress could keep my eyes off of her stunning 3D manicure.

Per celebrity manicurist Juan Alvear, Lisa wore "frost-bitten nails," which he created using almond-shaped KISS press-on nails that were painted with a soft nude color and topped with a hint of chrome. The nails were then embellished with silver and blue rhinestones in various shapes and sizes, and some of them had a cloudy effect to look similar to actual ice. “The nails were a nod to Robert Wun’s notorious elemental play," Alvear explains. "In this case, the nails drew inspiration from the Bvlgari jewelry freezing over.”

As to be expected, the manicures at the Met Gala were truly on another level. Sabrina Carpenter hit the red carpet wearing a Dior dress that was put together with film strips, and she wore a manicure with French tips designed to match her outfit. Naomi Osaka also showed up wearing long, dark stiletto nails that were attached to her sheer red gloves, and Janelle Monae wore a chrome manicure with 3D attachments.

To shop some of the products used to pull Lisa's icy manicure together, read ahead.

Sabrina Carpenter has attended four Met Galas so far, and somehow she's already become a pro at delivering a few surprises in the glam department. After her appearance at last year's event, I spent days thinking about her special Louis Vuitton-themed manicure, and now that she's come back for another stroll around the red carpet for tonight's "Fashion Is Art" theme, I can't stop obsessing over the details in her black French manicure.

This year, Carpenter arrived at the event not just as a regular attendee, but as a member of the host committee alongside other stars like Doja Cat, Teyana Taylor, Zoë Kravitz, Misty Copeland, and many more, so obviously, she had to go all out with her outfit, hair, and makeup for the night. The "House Tour" singer showed up wearing a custom Dior tulle dress by Jonathan Anderson that was made with actual film from Audrey Hepburn's 1954 film, Sabrina. Her platinum blonde hair was styled in tight Old Hollywood curls with a diamond headpiece, and she even wore a specialized French manicure that was painted to match the film strips in her dress.

Carpenter is no stranger to a themed manicure. She attended last year's event with the Louis Vuitton logo painted onto her nails along with some of the threads from the pantless suit she wore, and while closing out her tour in South America last month, she wore a bedazzled glaze manicure that featured chrome powder and colorful gems to match her royal purple jumpsuit.

Usually, the focus of the gala is rightfully on the fashion, but the nails for tonight have been on point, too. Aside from Carpenter's French manicure, tennis star Naomi Osaka showed up wearing long stiletto nails that were painted to match her Robert Wun ensemble, while Janelle Monae wore a 3D chrome look that had photographers fighting for a close-up shot.

To create a similar look at home, shop ahead.

The first Monday in May, also known as the Met Gala, is perhaps my favorite day of the year. A walk down Park Avenue (if you're brave enough) reveals swarms of paparazzi are stationed outside every hotel on the Upper East Side, and stealthy celebs sneaking around behind entourages of black umbrellas. And inside those hotel suites? That's where the glamour really happens.

With the year's theme, "Costume Art," and an accompanying dress code "Fashion is Art," the beauty looks were almost pre-determined to be above and beyond. Which, candidly, is exactly what beauty should always be. That being said, it's The Met. So the glam packed an extra punch.

As celebrities, singers, socialites, and fashion fixtures make their way to The Met, the Marie Claire Beauty Team will be here—reporting on the best beauty looks of the evening and sharing product breakdowns. Make sure to check in all night, too, as we'll be updating this story in real time.

Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter continues to reign as the soft glam queen. Her glowy skin, paired with champagne shimmer eyes, and a glossy nude lip was made even better by that sculpted vintage bob and crystal-draped headpiece.

Anne Hathaway

The Devil Wears Prada 2 star falls in line with a slew of celebrities rocking a smoked out eye. The perfect ballerina bun let's the shadow shine.

Emma Chamberlain

Emma Chamberlain never, ever disappoints at the Met Gala. She's not going to play it safe at a big event. Case in point? This matte, gothic glam, made even edgier with a platinum pixie and bleached eyebrows.

Ashley Graham

If I do say so myself, Marie Claire picked a particularly fashionable Motherhood cover star. The model arrived at the red carpet with wet-looking hair (I'll never get tired of this look), and incredibly fresh and dewy glam. Can we also talk about the glow on her clavicle?

Cara Delevingne

Gothic glam is shaping up to be a big trend for the evening. This smokey eye and dusty rose lip is just complete perfection. And this finger waved bixie? Dare I say it's even better?

Zoë Kravitz

I refuse to ever hide my baby hairs ever again. These to-the-eyebrow wispy pieces on Zoë Kravitz completely make this half-up, half-down updo.

Venus Williams

The tennis pro doesn't mess around with red carpet glam. My favorite part of her look? She ditched her usual matte lip in favor of this clear gloss.

Sunday Rose Kidman

Nicole Kidman's daughter brought pink eyeshadow to the red carpet and I am very much in support. Add the foot-long extensions in? And it's a 10/10 Met Gala glam.

Rihanna

The hair! The frosted lips! The metallic eyeshadow! If anyone is allowed to arrive so fashionably late, it's Rihanna.

Gigi Hadid

'90s-inspired glam has a been a big through line of the night. Case in point: Gigi Hadid's brown lip liner and voluminous side parted blowout.

Keke Palmer

Justice for pink makeup! Between the bixie and the eyeshadow, this glam is color theory at it's finest. To make it even better? The skinny eyebrows are back.

Doja Cat has never been one to shy away from fun glam, and I, for one, am always grateful. The rapper is a member of the Host Committee for the 2026 Met Gala, so, of course, she is one of the evening's VIPs. The theme of the evening is "Costume Art," which pays homage to the intersection of fashion and history and is also the name of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's spring exhibition. Of course, the rapper is on theme with a gown that is a stunning work of structural, latex-inspired art, and that is also so nude that it almost blends into her skin, courtesy of Saint Laurent. That being said, her eye look is the star of her glam, featuring a razor-sharp wing and immaculate cut crease.

Her makeup was done by longtime artist Ivan Núñez using M.A.C. Cosmetics. The look was a peach-toned dream, with the punchy shade sheered out on her cheeks to blend easily into her bronzer. She also wore a lip color and eyeshadow with the coolest graphic winged liner in the same color palette, keeping on theme with her monochromatic fashion moment. The makeup was complemented by gorgeous blonde waves that swished behind her as she walked, as well as ultra-realistic coffin-shaped nails that acted as the perfect accessory.

The night is only just getting started, so expect more celebrities to bring the heat for what is always one of the year's most highly anticipated events. Keep up with all the beauty moments via Marie Claire's live beauty blog, and shop a few products below that will help you easily get Doja Cat's look.

Shop Doja Cat's Met Gala Glam

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

The 2026 Met Gala, with a dress code of "Fashion is Art," has been a feast for my beauty editor eyes. We've seen blue eyeshadow, half-up half-down updos, and blunt bobs walk down the red carpet outside the Museum of Modern Art on this first Monday in May. But easily one of my favorite looks from the evening comes from none other than the Nicole Kidman, who is co-chairing this year's event, and also debuted what is arguably one of the year’s biggest nail trends: a short, milky white manicure.

She arrived at Fashion's Biggest Night wearing a stunning sequin and feather Chanel gown. But it was her beauty that really got my trend prediction senses tingling. Her longtime hairstylist, Adir Abergel, used extensions galore to create ultra-shiny mermaid hair courtesy of Virtue hair products. While shiny, healthy hair is never out of style per se, this season is hyper-focused on maximizing gloss (grab your at-home glazes) and sealing split ends.

Her makeup artist, Gucci Westman, went a little outside of Kidman's normal box—dragging slightly red shadow under her lash line. Now, hear me out: red eyeshadow sounds super intimidating, but when executed with a monochromatic makeup look and soft blush, it actually ends up looking incredibly wearable.

As for the nails, though? That's where I truly believe a trend is budding. Despite short nails being the Big Thing for most of the year, Kidman and nail artist Thuy Nguyen went with ultra-long almond nails in a shimmery, pearlescent off-white. The unexpected neutral shade is a major spring and summer nail trends, and having an endorsement from one of fashion’s biggest stars is everything I need to try the manicure look at my next appointment.

The best part? Her manicure was matchy-matchy with daughter Sunday Rose. Nude or natural trends are shaping up to be a huge 2026 nail trend, but frankly, they're always in style. “Quiet shine is the mood this season," Nguyen previously told MC.

I plan to recreate this look ASAP. If you're in the same boat, shop Kidman's Met Gala glam ahead.

Shop Nicole's Look

I often wish I were more artistic. One of the best things about nail art is how some people can translate everyday objects and feelings into a manicure. How cool would it be if I could flex that part of my brain? Alas, that was a talent not bestowed upon me by the powers that be. So the next best thing I can do is admire from afar and highlight my favorite nail artists here.

This week’s roundup is a mix of some really fun and innovative nail art. There’s Kylie Jenner and Demi Lovato with their own spin on the classic French mani. I’ve found my summer mani thanks to the Chanel Cruise 26/27 show (I’m opting out of the half sandal, though—even if it’s a Chanel one). And there are super cool designs, like a chainmail nail that I am in complete awe of and more of my favourite Japanese blooming nails.

Below are the 10 best nail looks of the week. Be sure to save these for your summer mani mood boards.

Chainmail Mani

Proving that the best inspirations are the ones that come unexpectedly, this chainmail mani is just so cool. Celebrity nail artist Miki Higuchi tells Marie Claire that she was inspired by a silver chainmail lamp (the 3rd picture in this photodump) and recreated it flawlessly for a dynamic nail look.

Abstract Film Strip

With its Rothko-esque design and abstract feel, this warms my art-loving heart. This nail look, which nail artist Daron Wood calls a “dealer’s choice” set for her clients, was actually inspired by a collage of 35mm film strip ends. “I loved the colors, and I knew I wanted to incorporate a bit of shape," Wood tells Marie Claire. “So I used rectangle airbrush stencils to add that.”

Plaid Tips

Hot take: I loved having a school uniform growing up. I loved my plaid skirts, preppy polos, and penny loafers on “formal” school days. That love has now turned into a serious obsession with anything plaid-related. This nail look from N’DAO Shoreditch salon mixes white and black shades for a graphic plaid design that really elevates the classic French mani.

Turquoise Japanese Bloom

Blue and brown remain an elite combo in my book, especially as the weather starts to warm up. But the blooming gel effect makes me super nostalgic for what was the best early aughts accessory. “It’s a little nod to mid-2000s turquoise jewelry,” says nail artist Cerise Carvalho. “But with a modern twist.”

Kylie Jenner’s Sparkle Shimmer

Sometimes, all you need is a good shimmer. Created by celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, these silver French tips on Kylie Jenner are super chic and my ideal going-out nail.

Chanel Cruise Rainbow

While everyone is debating the half-sandal that walked down the runway at the Chanel Cruise 26/27 show, I was busy admiring these multi-colored pearl manis. Created by nail artist Ama Quashie, this lovely mix of soft metallic yellow, peach, and pearl makes for the perfect beach vacay mani. Manifesting my dream trip to the French Riviera now.

Charteuse and Metal

One of the reasons I was very happy with my color analysis (I’m a cool winter ICYWW) is that chartreuse is an approved color for me. I love the mix of yellow and green and it makes for an ideal nail base. This nail look, created by nail artist Nao Seimiya, is a creamy chartreuse with a glossy sheen that’s super pretty. And the small metal details are a nice added touch.

Demi Lovato’s Rock Metal

Created by celebrity nail artist Mei Kawajiri, the ultimate mani for a rockstar like Demi Lovato: a chrome French mani. “It’s a twist on the classic French tip, which is elevated and rockstar at the same time,” Kawajari tells Marie Claire. “The metallic edge captures light on stage as Demi performs.”

Modern Mismatch

I’ll always love a mismatched moment; one cannot go wrong with so many cool designs and shades on one hand. Celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen mixes bright blue auras, geometric shapes, and animal skin-like designs for an eclectic mix that’s super fun.

Peach Blossom Bling

Nail artist San Sung Kim mixes different shades of peach to get a subtle tie-dye base for a really pretty spring nail. It’s great on its own, but I especially love the small rhinestone floral details that really elevate the look.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Summer is usually the time when most of us finally put down our neutral nail colors in favor of more vibrant shades, and while funky designs are definitely making their return to the trend cycle, Emily Blunt is reminding me that you can really never go wrong with a nude manicure.

Just in time for The Devil Wears Prada 2 to officially hit theaters, the actress and her co-star, Stanley Tucci, received stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this week. She accepted the honor on April 30, where she wore a white, two-piece skirt set with semi-sheer, lacy material and puffed shoulders. Over the last few weeks, she's been a little more daring with some of her glam, but with the DWP2 press run slowly coming to a close, she kept things slightly more muted this time around with a barely-there makeup look, and instead of wearing a bright, summery nail design, she wore a milky nude manicure. Her longtime manicurist, Julie Kandalec, took to Instagram to share that the exact nude shade she used was Essie's "Wild Nude."

This is a pretty big departure from some of the manicures and nail designs Blunt has been wearing throughout the bulk of the sequel's press tour over the last two weeks. She appeared at the London premiere event on April 22 wearing a soft glitter manicure with a gradient effect, and she and Kandalec jazzed it up even more by adding red studs on top. Before that, Blunt really leaned into the press tour's cherry red color scheme by wearing a bright red manicure with floral pearls to the New York City premiere.

Nude manicures have been having a moment over the last year because they're luxurious and muted at the same time. A nude nail can also go with pretty much anything, not to mention that it's much easier to disguise a grown-out manicure when you're wearing a shade that matches the natural color of your nail beds.

To get a luxurious nude manicure on your own at home, shop some of our favorite nude shades ahead.