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Pearl nails are the nail trend that won't go out of style
Take the chrome look and add a little *spice*
Listen, as much as I love seeing what's hot and going viral as each new season comes around, I'm not one for playing into trends (though, if you are, we've rounded up the top nail trends for 2025, here... humble plug). After one to two wears, the next big thing is here; the old one is gone, and so is my money. The solution? Get in on the fun with your nail designs and shades.
Enter: Pearl nails – i.e., a spin on the O.G. milky-nude nail polish shade that cools it up yet still has that timeless sophistication. Similar to glazed doughnut nails, pearl nails have probably been popping up all over your feeds lately, and I'm not mad about it.
Take it from Sara Kardan, founder and creative director of the social beauty club Majesty's Pleasure: "We love the pearl trend for its versatility and timeless appeal." Kardan explains that the shade combines a milky base and a metallic-like top coat, and you can even swirl the polish to create a shimmering effect. Or, if you want to go the literal route, the pearl nail trend can also be done by adding some small flat-back pearl embellishments to the top of your polish.
Our top picks:
As your resident self-proclaimed beauty advisor, I have taken it upon myself to round up the best pearl nail shades, pearl charms, and inspo for your next mani appt below.
If you want the most classic iteration of the pearl nail trend, check out Manucurist's Active Bright. It's richly pigmented, ever-so-slightly metallic, and it truly reflects what a real pearl would look like. Plus, it's an allergy-friendly formula!
If you want to combine the pearl nail trend with the trending metallic look, check out Kyoto Pearl from OPI. It's a white satin polish with teeny-tiny flecks of gray shimmer that goes on opaque. It's got a stronger metallic effect compared to other options on the market, so it gives you an edgier vibe.
NAILS INC. Pearl-Fect Mani Nail Polish and Sticker Set
If you're choosing to go the literal route, opt for some easy-to-use pearl decals that come sticky. This set is complete with iridescent polishes, making for a pearl trio of dreams!
This sheer iridescent pearl-like shade is perfect for wearing on its own as a your-nails-but-better look or by applying it on top of any shade for a coloured pearl effect.
While Leighton Denny polishes they don't claim to be gel formulas, they certainly act like it; essentially, they're long-lasting AF! 'Super Wings' is my favourite shade for a pearlescent look but 'Dragonfly Wings' is a close second, thanks to its seafoam green tint.
Nail queen Aamirah Essof aka @abrowngirlrecommends has created some of my favourite nail looks to date, and when I saw her recreate the pearl trend on her Instagram with this shade, I was immediately obsessed. Using Essie's Arctic Jelly as the base coat, she applies this slightly peachy jelly chrome on top for the perfect take on the pearl nail.
In need of pearl nail inspo? Look no futher...
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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