Jelly Nail Designs For Younger

These super-glossy polishes completely mask ridges and dents, plus help strengthen nails

If you’re like us, the older you get, the more brittle your nails seem to be. Not only do they lack shine, but one false move and they bend and tear. And then there’s the dents and ridges that start to form and mar the way your nails look. One easy solution to both sets of problems: jelly nail designs. The shiny polish trend that looks almost like you painted petroleum jelly onto your nails, will not only cover dry, cracking nails, but will also make them look smooth, hydrated and dewy.

Whether you need inspiration to bring to your next manicure appointment or you’re happy to do your nails at home, we have the information you need. These jelly nail designs are easy to recreate, don’t require many products and will help your hands look years younger.

“Jelly nails” refers to the nail art trend that gained popularity in early 2018 and is so compelling that it keeps coming back. The term “jelly” describes the translucent, see-through and usually brightly colored look of the nails, reminiscent of jelly shoes from the late 1980s.

“Jelly nails are a sheer, lip-gloss like wash of color that has a light, jelly quality for nails that looks fresh, youthful and fun,” explains celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec who has manicured the nails of stars like Jessica Chastain and Rose Byrne. Jelly polishes are more translucent than regular polishes making them great for those who may not love bold or dark colors.

Best of all, you don’t have to buy a special polish to achieve the jelly nail look — it’s a simple mix of clear nail polish with the colored nail polish of your choice and you can make it yourself using items you have at home.

As we get older, our hands tend to have a more crepey texture, our nails form ridges and our cuticles need hydration leaving our hands look dull and dry.

“The glossy texture of jelly nails distracts from any age related hand issues like crepey skin and nail ridges in the nails,” says Dr. Dana Stern, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Dana Nail Renewal System. And the sheer and dewy appearance of jelly nails gives your hands a more youthful appearance. Read on to find the jelly nail designs that will make your hands shine.

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These jelly nails are the perfect shade of pink; not too bright but not too pale, for a soft, feminine look.

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A unique spin on jelly nails, @HannahRoxNails uses a speckled top coat to give the look added pizzazz.

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These rose quartz jelly nails may look hard to achieve, but the marble design is a cinch to do and don’t even require tools! Youtuber Kelli Marissa walks us through her marble jelly nails design.

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This video offers six different easy jelly nail designs. From light and dreamy to more dark and edgy, simply choose a design that goes with your style. Here, our favorite which starts at 1:42:

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These pink jelly nails are chic and classy and the pink French tip adds a modern twist to the classic nail design.

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A darker, more mysterious take on the jelly nail trend, this look will work well for fall and winter. There are many variations you can try all ranging within the different shades of blue. Our favorite starts at 1:31:

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This simple, yet chic jelly look is perfect for those who don’t like a lot of color, but still want to try the jelly nail trend. Adding flower decals gives it just a touch of spice and spunk.

To get the look:

For a quick jelly nail look, simply swipe on two coats of one of the polishes below and you’re good to go!

Ella + Mia’s jelly polish (Buy from Ella + Mia, $10.50) will make your nails look like they just left the salon. They are affordable and will give you the perfect sheer coat, contributing to that jelly look.

If you like to do your own gel nails at home and are equipped with the right supplies, these jelly gel polishes from Born Pretty (Buy from Amazon, $10) are great! The shades include the prettiest pinks and are great for every season. Just add an LED light and you’re good to go!

Stunning, sheer and bold these jelly polishes from Cirque Colors (Buy from Cirque Colors, $12.50) will leave your nails looking shiny and bright.

Want to make your own jelly nail polish? Watch this video fro simple step-by-step directions:

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