Winter 2026 brings manicure back to the forefront: we want clean, shiny nails that are easy to wear on a daily basis, without too much effect.
At the heart of this movement, bubble nails are taking root: a translucent manicure, nude or pink, ultra-shiny but restrained, heir to soap nails.
Why bubble nails are a hit this winter
The figures confirm this return: on Fresha, soap nails are already in the top 3, with 244% more reservations. Annabelle Taurua, beauty expert at Fresha, describes it this way, she explained to the media Marie Claire.
At the Sundance Film Festival, Meghan Markle flaunted short, nude, glossy nails – proof that this minimalism is moving from the red carpet to the office.
Bubble nails: the shiny version of clean nails
Bubble nails add a hint of soap bubble iridescence to this nude base. Giorgia Cappella, global training director at The GelBottle Inc, sums up their success, she told Elle. Enough to make it the most portable manicure of the winter.
For this effect, Giorgia Cappella recommends BIAB’s The Bare Edit collection: from nude bases to sheer veil and opaque. , she specifies, recalling that we can keep them very transparent or more covering.
How to adopt bubble nails without misstep
At home, limit yourself to a short shape, clean cuticles, smoothing base, two thin coats of translucent nude varnish then a very shiny top coat.
As for variations, stick to a soft palette: rosé with light chrome, pearly milky white or micro-French on a bubble base for the office.
Are bubble nails suitable for short nails?
Yes, the translucent and glossy effect is even more chic on short or mid-length lengths, very practical.
What is the difference between bubble nails and 3D bubble nails?
Bubble nails remain flat, nude and iridescent, while 3D bubble nails are very rounded and decorative.
Can you make bubble nails without professional equipment?
Yes, a translucent nude varnish, an iridescent or very shiny top coat and good preparation are more than enough.
