If you think expensive salon nail art is the only way to get a fun manicure, please allow me to introduce you to what is going to be summer 2026’s biggest nail trend: jelly nails. The translucent, glass-like finish is eye-catching but is easy enough to DIY at home.
Jelly nails work on any nail length and across different formulas, from long-lasting gels to drugstore polishes. Whether you’re into soft, neutral nails or prefer something brighter like neons and punchy colors, the jelly nail trend spans the entire spectrum, delivering a sheer, glossy finish that works with whatever shade your heart desires.
Ahead, everything you need to know about jelly nails, plus our favorite polishes to achieve the glossy finish and all the inspiration you could need.
What are jelly nails?
Jelly nails are a sheer, translucent manicure with an ultra-glossy finish. Unlike opaque formulas, jelly polishes are formulated to look light and buildable, creating a stained-glass effect that lets a hint of the natural nail show through. Almost like looking through a piece of colorful Jell-O. The result is a juicy and high-shine finish that feels especially perfect for summer.
Our favorite jelly nail polishes:
Manucurist Active Glow Nail Polish
The best jelly nail inspo:
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmo who covers all things nails. She’s constantly trying out all the latest manicure trends (you’ll never find her with bare nails), learning about the newest polish launches, and chatting with celebrity nail artists for all their expertise.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
