The year was 2023, and the nail trend du jour was glazed doughnut manicures. Fast forward to now, and you may well be all glazed out—I know I (sort of) am. But the good news for those who love to rock a pretty, shiny mani in this style is that ultra-glossy nails are here to stay for summer 2024.
It may sound obvious, but hi-shine nails are the epitome of chic. No matter what nail polish you opt for (although, FYI, my faves are neutrals, reds and burgundys), you can’t beat a super reflective top coat.
I like my nails just like I like my skin—glossy and almost wet-looking. So, the fact that glossy manicures are trending right now has filled me with added glee. Whether you have short nails or long extensions, you honestly can’t beat a shiny finish. Just browse the 12 looks below for the ultimate proof.
1. Lip gloss nails
This barely-there sheer pink is a no-brainer for those who prefer an understated glossy manicure. All you really need is a glow-boosting nail strengthener like Essie’s, rather than a solid polish.
2. Barbie pink
We may be one year on from Barbie mania, but she’s still informing all of our style and beauty choices. You can’t beat a hot pink with a shiny top coat to make a statement.
Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint Strawberry Cheesecake
3. Autumn neutrals
Autumn is my favourite month, and I love the nail trends that come with it. Embrace those earthly tones for your autumnal glossy manicure.
OPI Nail Lacquer in Material Gworl
OPI Nail Lacquer in Purrrride
4. Simply sheer
A super-sheer pink that almost fades to ombre is a gorgeous way to wear your glossy mani, especially with longer nails like these.
Essie Gel Couture 468 Inside Scoop Nail Polish
5. Barely there
My favourite neutral of all time has to be OPI’s Bubble Bath, and I truly believe it looks best the shinier the formula.
OPI Infinite Shine Bubble Bath® Nail Polish
6. Bubblegum
An adorable sheered-out bubblegum pink? If it’s good enough for nail artist Harriet Westmoreland…
Manucurist Green Nail Polish in Hortencia
7. Simple silver
Add a stylish twist to your glossy manicure with a touch of silver across the top. Simply invest in a fine brush to apply with.
Mylee Artiste Nail Brush Kit
Mavala Breathable Mini Nail Polish – Cyber Silver
8. Triple French
You honestly can’t beat any kind of French mani or coloured tip, but this muted white-grey-black look is incredibly cool.
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish – Back to Black
Polished Gel Finish Nail Colour 040
9. Forest green
For those cooler months, forest green is a beautiful choice, particularly when you choose a glossy finish.
Shoreditch Nails The Victoria Park
10. Burgundy wine
Deep reds that look purple in some lights and brown in others are absolutely one of my top choices for a glossy mani.
Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Noir
11. Colourful tips
The advantage of coloured tips is that you can choose any colour on any nail length and shape. And the way that a glossy top coat comes off on that clear reflective base? Irresistible.
Manucurist Green Nail Polish in Mimosa
12. Intricate nail art
Glossy nails aren’t just for all-over base colours; they look beautiful with intricate nail art, too. Just leave this to the nail artists at the salon!
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish – Lookin Fly For A Cacti
Nails Inc Mani Marker Green