Glass nails: what are they?
Korean inspiration
Translucent effect, high shine, almost liquid reflections… Glass nails, also known as "cat eye nails", are to nails what glass skin is to skincare: a look that’s pure, fresh and ultra-glowy, with light-catching reflections like glass. Inspired by K-beauty, this trend has quickly taken off on TikTok, thanks to popular nail artists like @heygreatnails and @heluviee. It fits perfectly within the clean girl aesthetic—a balance of sophisticated minimalism and precision. After the soap nails trend, glass nails have been made popular by style icons like Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber and Selena Gomez, who are often seen sporting glossy, polished, and perfectly manicured nails. Think mirror-like brilliance, smooth textures, and subtle reflections—glass becomes the ultimate symbol of next-gen beauty!
by @heygreatnails and @heluviee.
Chrome, cat eye, or crystal: the different takes on glass nails
Glass nails come in several stunning variations:
Chrome effect: ultra-glossy, metallic, and mirror-like. Achieved using mirror-effect powder applied over a classic or Gel Polish base.
Cat eye effect: for this mesmerizing finish, an external magnet is held over the wet polish. The metallic particles in the formula shift and cluster, creating a 3D illusion of depth. This technique is typically done by pros or in salons.
Crystal-clear effect: simply apply a transparent or slightly tinted polish over a smoothing base, finished with an ultra-glossy top coat—effortless yet elegant.
Stained glass effect: a creative nail art style inspired by stained glass windows, using translucent colors and bold combos. Still a niche look, but gaining traction fast on TikTok!
(@m.o.n.a.j, @heygreatnails)
How to create your glass nails manicure at home
Good news: you don’t need to be Hailey Bieber’s nail artist to get this manicure trend just right. Follow our step-by-step guide to nail the look from the comfort of your own home.
The classic method using polish and mirror powder
Step 1: Start with a layer of Base Coat Green™ or Green Flash™ Vitamin Base Coat, depending on your usual routine.
Step 2: Next, choose your base color: opt for a nude polish or something from the pink or white color families. Our shades Hortencia, Milky White, or Snow are perfect for both short and long nails.
Step 3: Once your color is dry, apply a thin layer of Mirror Effect Powder using an applicator.
Step 4: Use a dusting brush to sweep away any excess powder. Then seal in your mani with a glossy top coat like the Sunshine Top Coat or Green Flash™ Top Coat to enhance the shine and lock in your chrome finish.
@m.o.n.a.j.
Active layering, the Manucurist way
With our Active™ treatment polishes, you can strengthen your nails while staying on trend. The secret? Try Active Layering: stack layers of Active™ polish to multiply their effects for a stylish manicure that’s naturally glossy and totally on-trend! No need for a base or top coat—just layer and go:
- Go for Active Plump: this collagen-enriched treatment polish gives a subtle pearly curve and a glossy finish. With two coats, your nails look plumper and softly pink.
- For a tinted glow, layer Active Glow Grape—a lilac-gloss effect treatment polish—over Active Plump. A frosted-glass look and nail-loving care for both short and long nails.
- Try Active Plump over Active Smooth, a CC Polish-style treatment available in four shades to match your skin tone—ideal for an effortlessly elegant mani!
(@look8thenails)
Our tips for flawless glass nails
To make your nails truly shine like glass from base to tip, here are our expert tips:
Perfect nail prep is key
The secret to a glowy, original manicure lies in proper prep.
Start by filing your nails using our natural nail file to shape and shorten them. Then soften your cuticles with a few drops of Effective Emollient, and gently push them back using a cuticle pusher for a flawless nail plate and clean contour. Finish by buffing with a buffer sponge—an essential step that opens the nail’s layers and boosts polish adhesion.
Nourishment is everything
Don’t forget to nourish and hydrate your nails and cuticles with Green Oil, ideally applied every evening to keep that mirror effect going strong. You can also combine it with the Perfecting Concentrate, a nourishing, strengthening care pen that’s perfect between manicures to maintain strong, beautiful nails.
Among all the manicure trends out there, glass nails represent a fresh take on beauty, enhancing nails all the way to the tips. What makes them so appealing? Their versatility. You can go for a minimalist look using nude tones or Active™ treatment polishes, or opt for something bold and creative with a chrome or cat eye effect. It’s a trend to make your own, to explore and reinvent—always with that unmistakable clean & glow touch we can’t get enough of 🤩!
