Step Aside, Milky Manicures—Here Are 19 More Intriguing Ways to Sport Glazed Nails in 2025.
If you've spent time online in the past three years, you likely think of “glazed donut” more in relation to nail designs than baked goods. Hailey Bieber is credited with introducing this shiny finish that enhances any nail color, shape, or design with its frosty luster. “Glazed nails, often referred to as Hailey Bieber nails, offer a soft, shiny glow reminiscent of a freshly glazed donut,” states celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec. This technique, popularized by Bieber's nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt, uses gel polish and chrome dust to create that layered effect. “A pearly shimmer over a neutral base immediately makes even the most basic manicure feel unique,” Kandalec adds. “These nails are timeless and consistently look lovely and effortlessly elegant when they catch the light.” With the right finish, the nail art possibilities are limitless. Continue reading for 19 celebrity-inspired glazed nail designs to save before your next salon visit (plus tips for achieving this glossy look at home).
19 Glazed Nail Ideas
**Glazed Donut**
It's impossible to discuss glazed nails without acknowledging the influencer behind this manicure phenomenon. Bieber's cotton candy nails took the internet by storm a few years ago, motivating beauty enthusiasts worldwide to coat their nails with gel and chrome dust—this famous combination was shared by Ganzorigt on TikTok, utilizing OPI’s GelColor in Funny Bunny with a salon-only chrome powder (OPI Tin Man Can). Although the salon method requires gel and chrome dust, you can replicate this style at home. “CND offers a color called Negligee that is sheer and iridescent,” says celebrity manicurist Vanessa McCullough. “When you apply this color over another shade, it creates a chrome-like, glazed effect.”
**Sunny French**
The butter-yellow trend continues strong. If you want to add a bit of brightness to your tips, consider this "sunny French" manicure adorned with a striking chrome powder or top coat. “Many brands produce topcoats for regular polish that can imitate a chrome finish, but the effect is most effectively achieved with chrome powder,” McCullough clarifies. This final touch elevates a classic, colorful French manicure.
**Engagement Glaze**
Suspecting your partner might pop a certain question? Just in case, save this opalescent, delicately embellished set for your next trip to the salon. You can create this pearly shade with two coats of Londontown Lakur in Powder, with gems being optional. (Though we adore the idea of coordinating with your new ring.)
**Kylie Khrome**
Kylie Jenner also embraced the glazed donut trend after Bieber made waves. Ganzorigt designed a vacation-ready version on Jenner featuring a soft, glazed base coat topped with different colors of chrome dust.
**Polka-Dot Prisma Glass**
Polka dots have dominated fashion lately, so it's no surprise they've graced the nails of Sabrina Carpenter and Dua Lipa. “With the growing popularity of polka dots, I love the look of tiny white polka dots over a glazed nail,” remarks Kandalec. Recreate this stylish strawberry glazed design using pink gel, a dotting tool dipped in white polish, and white chrome dust.
**Chrome Seashell**
One of the most contemporary interpretations of this trend is using glazed accents. Rather than coating the entire nail in shiny chrome powder, ask your nail technician to apply shimmery polish to specific details over a standard base.
**Glazed French**
“I adore a traditional French tip under a glazed finish—it’s understated yet adds that 'double take' element,” says celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen. Seal your mani with a topcoat (and ensure it’s dry) before rubbing white chrome dust across the entire nail for a dreamy, upscale look. If you prefer a more natural polish, Nguyen suggests Orly’s shimmery white shade, Sea Spray.
**Mother of Pearl**
The trend of 3D nails remains popular, and we’re fans of this ethereal combination. Glazed nails have a striking appearance beneath organic builder gel shapes, like Nguyen’s stunning design above.
**Galactic Glaze**
This nail set is truly out of this universe. Begin with a navy blue polish base, such as Essie’s Caviar Bar, and apply turquoise chrome dust on top for an icy green-blue effect. To elevate the look even further, add a few swirls with a silver gel liner for an artistic alien vibe.
**Summer Sunshine**
This take on the sunny French features interesting elements: fully painted nails, French tips, and delicate nail art. We appreciate the restrained use of chrome—only accenting the fully polished nails. Kandalec recommends Lights Lacquer Wedding Veil Aurora Nail Powder “for that traditional pearly shimmer.”
**Icy Blues**
This ice blue
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