PSA: Pearl Nails Are the Nail Trend That’s Here to Stay

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Listen, as much as I love seeing what’s hot and going viral as each new season comes around, I’m not one for playing into trends. After one to two wears, the next big thing is here; the old one is gone, and so is my money. My solution? Get in on the fun with your nail designs and shades. Enter: Pearl nails—i.e., a spin on the O.G. milky-nude nail polish shade that cools it up yet still has that timeless sophistication. Similar to glazed donut nails, pearl nails have probably been popping up all over your feeds lately, and I’m not mad about it.

Take it from Sara Kardan, founder and creative director of the social beauty club Majesty’s Pleasure: “We love the pearl trend for its versatility and timeless appeal.” Kardan explains that the shade combines a milky base and a metallic-like top coat, and you can even swirl the polish to create a shimmering effect. Or, if you want to go the literal route, the pearl nail trend can also be done by adding some small flat-back pearl embellishments to the top of your polish.

As your resident self-proclaimed beauty advisor, I have taken it upon myself to round up the best pearl nail shades, pearl charms, and inspo for your next mani appt below.

I Do

If you want the most classic iteration of the pearl nail trend, check out I Do from Lights Lacquer. It’s richly pigmented, ever-so-slightly metallic, and it truly reflects what a real pearl would look like.

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I Do

lightslacquer.com

$13.00

Lights Lacquer

Kyoto Pearl

If you want to combine the pearl nail trend with the trending metallic look, check out Kyoto Pearl from OPI. It’s a white satin polish with teeny-tiny flecks of gray shimmer that goes on opaque. It’s got a stronger metallic effect compared to other options on the market, so it gives you an edgier vibe.

Pearly Whites

If you’re choosing to go the literal route, opt for some easy-to-use pearl decals that come sticky. However, my personal favorite way to apply an embellishment is to take your flat-back pearl, a really great nail glue, and delicately place it on with a nail pen for maximum staying power.

Frosted Gloss

This transparent iridescent pearl-like shade is perfect for wearing on its own as a your-nails-but-better look or by applying it on top of any shade for a pretty effect. Even though it’s a regular polish, I find that Olive & June shades look like a gel mani and last significantly longer as well.

Moonbeam

I’m a gold girlie ’til the day I die, so anytime I find a gold detail in anything, I immediately want it. This white nail polish from Cirque Colors has a s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g gold pearl-like shimmer mixed in for an extra added oomph on the style.

Chrome in Gilded Galaxy

Nail queen Aamirah Essof aka @abrowngirlrecommends has created some of my favorite nail looks to date, and when I saw her recreate the pearl trend on her Instagram with this shade, I was immediately obsessed. Using Essie’s Arctic Jelly as the base coat, she applies this slightly peachy jelly chrome on top for the perfect take on the pearl nail.

5 Stunning Pearl Nail Ideas:

Meet the expert:

Sara Kardan is the founder and creative director of New York and Toronto-based, Majesty’s Pleasure. A social beauty club, Majesty’s Pleasure specializes in manicures, pedicures, and nail art.

Why trust Cosmo?

Siena Gagliano is an associate editor at Cosmopolitan who writes beauty, with over three years of experience writing in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces. She’s an expert at researching and writing nail stories, like the best nail stickers and the coolest press-on nails. She regularly tests and analyzes new “Pearl Nail” shades and designs on her own nails for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top manicurists to assess new products and brands.