Attention, minimalist nail lovers: Glossy pink nails are taking over this summer. And after months of chrome, pearl, and glazed manicures dominating the fingers of our favorite celebrity nail muses, we're now seeing the rise of the season's latest manicure trend: rose water nails.
Inspired by the soft pink tint of rose water—a floral water made by distilling rose petals—the manicure pairs a sheer hue with a glossy finish that allows the natural nail to still show through, creating a water-like wash of color. Rose water nails are essentially the latest evolution of the soap nail trend, combining the clean, natural-looking effect of soap nails with the translucence of jelly nails through a delicate pink tint.
Ahead, everything you need to know about the rose water manicure, plus six inspiration photos to bring to your next nail appointment.
How to Achieve Rose Water Nails:
If you're heading to the salon, ask for a sheer pink sheer gel or BIAB (builder in a bottle). Unlike traditional opaque gels, these translucent formulas allow the natural nail to peek through, creating that coveted rose-tinted wash.
For an at-home version, reach for a sheer pink or jelly polish and apply one or two coats, depending on how much pigment you want. Finish with a shiny top coat to enhance the almost wet-looking effect. There are also tons of press-ons from brands like Olive & June or co for a quick five-minute mani.
Keep scrolling for more rose water nail inspo.
Rose Water Nails Inspo:
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Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmo who covers all things nails—from the latest manicure trends to new polish launches.
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.
