What’s better than taking inspiration from celebrity appearances to find the next beauty trends? The CFDA Awards evening, which was held on November 2, is the perfect example. With an audience of celebrities bringing together Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz, Kim Kardashian and Megan Thee Stallion, the event was the ideal opportunity to observe the latest beauty and manicure trends.
And one trend particularly stood out: vitreous nails, also called “glass nails”. Shiny, minimalist and easy to maintain, this glass-effect manicure enhances nails without overdoing it.
What is the glassy nail trend?
The trend for vitreous nails or “glass nails” consists of giving the manicure a transparent, shiny or crystalline appearance reminiscent of polished glass or ice.
Unlike traditional opaque varnishes, this technique favors translucent textures which subtly let light through. Applying an ultra-shiny top coat or even holographic highlights can create a real depth effect. This minimalist and refined style gives the illusion that the nail is encapsulated in a thin layer of glass.
Autumn manicure: why adopt glassy nails?
Every fall, it’s always the same song. After wearing our most beautiful shades of red, coral or even jade blue nail polish this summer, we almost automatically bring out our brown, burgundy or even black nail polishes when the temperatures plummet. But for this fall, there is no question of falling back into routine. So no more dark colors that we are used to wearing and hello clean shades. Inspiration? Wear “glass effect” nails which allow us to enhance our hands without too much effort. In reality, instead of playing with a colored polish, we favor a transparent or glossy finish that goes with just about everything. An easy look to wear all season long and even all year round, no matter what you wear with it.
Glassy nails: how to get this manicure?
This is also one of their main assets: vitreous nails are ultra-simple to create and require very little maintenance. In fact, as they begin to grow, unlike deep autumnal shades, you can hardly see the growth of the nail.
To get glassy nails, start by shaping the nail to have a clean base. So cut all the cuticles, buff the uneven texture and file them into the desired shape. Furthermore, these nails also offer a lot of freedom depending on your nail shape preferences. Once the nail is ready, it’s time to choose the “glass” finish varnish. You can then opt for a slightly milkier or more pinkish shade. The same goes for the finish, which can be either glossy or translucent.
What is the difference between glass nails and glazed donut nails?
Glass nails and glazed donut nails both have a luminous finish, but their effect is different. Glazed donut nails, popularized by Hailey Bieber, are characterized by a pearly and iridescent effect reminiscent of the icing of a donut. Glass nails focus more on transparency and a crystalline, almost glassy shine. They thus offer a more refined and minimalist result.
Are glassy nails suitable for short nails?
Absolutely ! Glass nails are particularly suitable for short nails. Their transparent finish brings light and gives a neat appearance to the hands, without requiring great length.
Can we make glass nails with classic varnish?
Yes, it is entirely possible to obtain a glass effect manicure with classic products. Simply apply one or two thin coats of transparent or slightly pink varnish, then finish with a top coat with an ultra-shiny finish.
How long does a glass effect manicure last?
The hold of glass nails depends mainly on the products used and the nature of the manicure. With a classic varnish, the shine can last several days, even a week with good preparation and a suitable top coat. To prolong the result, remember to renew your top coat every two or three days and protect your hands during household chores.
How to make your nails shine naturally without varnish?
To obtain naturally shiny nails, start by gently filing them and leveling their surface with a soft polisher. Then apply a nourishing oil to the cuticles to give them suppleness and hydration. You can also use a suitable buffer to bring out the natural shine of the nail plate.
