This summer, the resurgence of childhood favourites like mermaid glam and jelly sandals is in full swing, with ice cream nails leading the charge as one of Summer 2024’s hottest nail trends.
The fashion it-girl, BLACKPINK’s Jennie has already joined the trend, flaunting an ice cream-inspired manicure on Instagram while posing with Billie Eilish. Did her own song ‘Ice Cream’ influence her choice? It’s plausible.
Jennie and Billie Eilish in Seoul.
Known for frequenting Unistella, under the guidance of Park Eunkyung, Jennie’s latest manicure coincided not with a music video or fashion show, but with her interview with Billie Eilish during the singer’s promotional tour in South Korea for her latest album ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft.’
This year, 3D nail decor and charms have taken the spotlight in nail trends. The popular “drippy, delectable ice cream dream” manicure features chunky, 3D glitter atop smooth creme polish, perfect for a summery look. Ice cream nails are not just about their association with childhood nostalgia; they offer versatility and ease of customization, making them a favourite for DIY enthusiasts.
They’ve got tons of DIY appeal, they can be tailored to minimalist styles, French tips, vibrant hues, or even mismatched designs.
Jennie’s recent manicure stole the show with its eye-catching appeal. She sported long almond-shaped nails with ombré transparent tips—blue on one hand and green on the other—accented with 3D art resembling ice cream scoops, sprinkles, and a cherry atop melon soda. This playful and sweet twist on the classic French manicure perfectly embodies the carefree spirit of summer.
Instagram: @jennierubyjane
Creating ice cream nails, one of the trendiest and sweetest manicure styles, involves painting melting ice cream designs on your nail tips instead of the traditional French tip, often referred to as the ice cream French mani. Other popular variations include designs featuring fudge, doughnuts, sprinkles, and more, allowing for a range of aesthetic choices.
Instagram: @heygreatnails and @pop_polished
The key to achieving this look lies in using a chunky glitter polish, akin to the sprinkles found at your favourite ice cream parlour, for the ice cream effect. You can start with an opaque coloured base polish containing chunky glitter or use a clear glitter polish over a white or nude base.
For those new to DIY nail art, investing in the right tools beforehand is crucial. Nail-art brushes are recommended for creating intricate details effortlessly.
Instagram: @ivana_brdar and @woah.naily
Before painting, proper nail prep is essential. Begin by pushing back your cuticles and shaping your nails to your preferred style, such as oval or almond shapes, which complement this design well. Applying a base coat ensures your manicure stays intact. Opt for a creamy, pastel shade as your ice cream base, such as vanilla or pastel pink for a strawberry-milk-flavoured look. Apply two thin coats, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly.
To create the signature drips, use a white or semi white polish along the free edge or cuticle area of your nail. Alternatively, a striping polish can simplify this step. Start with vertical lines and round out the bottom to form a teardrop shape.
Connect these shapes with smooth, curving lines and fill in any gaps. Once satisfied with the design, apply your chosen chunky glitter polish for a sprinkle-like finish. You can apply it directly from the brush or use a nail-art brush for precision. Complete your manicure with a glossy top coat for added shine and durability.
Instagram: @sugarjellynails and @themanicutie
If you’re not into nails inspired by sweets, don’t worry. The members of BLACKPINK don a variety of stunning nail looks. Lisa showcased silver chrome nails with star embellishments for her new song “Rockstar.” During spring, Rosé demonstrated that black nails are timeless and suitable even for warmer weather, while Jisoo chose a classic French manicure for her first self-portrait campaign. With such diverse styles, there’s something to suit every taste!
