I’m calling it: Summer 2026 is the summer of the sheer nail. Apart from the odd coastal blue and espresso nail appearance on a red carpet or summer vacay, this season the celebs are really sticking to glossy, light pink and milky white shades, and the latest to sport one of these elegant shades, naturally, is queen of posh Victoria Beckham.
While manifesting on a boat with her husband David during the solar eclipse, VB gave us a glimpse of her perfect glossy pink, rose water manicure. One could ask what more the legendary couple could possibly need to manifest in this world, but we will keep the focus locked tightly onto Victoria’s talons because they are simply perfect.
As a beauty director, I think it’s often expected of me to have more ‘out there’ nail colours and intricate designs, but I always like to keep my manicure simple and have found that this length (about 0.5cm off the nail bed) and this shape (almond) are the most flattering for the majority of people. So, when you team that with this rose water hue, which is a super-sheer rosy pink gloss finish with the natural nail still slightly peeking through, you’re on to a winner.
Also, the best part is that this nail colour can often be worn longer than bolder colours, as the grow-out isn’t as obvious. Perfect for those of us who may have gone a little overboard on our ‘Euro Summer’ spending and need to stretch this out as our last nail salon visit for summer. Sigh. Maybe the Beckhams could send their crystals this way after they are done with them and we can MANIfest free nail appointments for eternity…
How to recreate 'rose water nails'
Book in for a BIAB manicure using The Gel Bottle, Rosy
This is the perfect sheer rosy BIAB that has a glossy, healthy finish to the nail a la Viccy B.
Everyone's clicking on...
Or try a Biosculpture mani in 'Sheer Admiration'
This is every so slightly milkier and so will work well for if you have a lighter skin tone.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
