Glass nails vs Jelly nails: Which one you should choose?
In 2025, transparency in nail art will be more popular than just bright solid colors or elaborate decals. With their distinctive shiny finish that allows light to reflect off your hands, glass and jelly nails are currently the most popular manicure styles.
Inspired by K-Beauty’s “glass skin” fashion, glass nails offer an incredibly transparent, mirror-like look. In contrast, jelly nails are reminiscent of the candy-colored jelly sandals that were popular in the Y2K era. Choosing between them can be tricky: Which style is more durable? Which one is within your budget? Which color matches your skin tone?
- Pros and cons of each style
- A comprehensive do-it-yourself guide
- Tips for nail shape and skin tone
- Maintenance tips to maintain a great manicure
- Color schemes and design trends for 2025
Read on to find out which translucent trends are worth incorporating into your mood board and your next manicure.
What are glass nails exactly?
Glass nails are characterized by their highly refined texture. They use layers of building gel and special chemicals to create a shiny, reflective surface that looks like glass or crystal.
Key characteristics
- Ultra-clear finish: A domed, glass-like surface is created by applying multiple coats of translucent building gel.
- Chrome and foil add-ons: For added dimension and shine, common embellishments include foil accents, holographic flakes, and metallic chrome powder.
- Professional use: Typically requires professional-grade builder gel and a UV/LED lamp.
- Long lifespan: With the right preparation and top coat, glass nails can resist breakage for two to three weeks.
Popular variation you may try on
Glass bead nails
Icy Cat-Eye Glass Nails
Who Should Try Glass Nails?
- Fans of minimalist and editorial aesthetics
- Anyone who wants a low-maintenance manicure (due to its longevity)
- People with short nails who want the visual illusion of length and depth
What Are Jelly Nails?
Jelly nails are the Y2K renaissance we needed. The colors are bright, juicy and transparent, a bit like candy-colored jelly sandals. Jelly nails use a colored transparent lacquer that allows your natural nail to peek through, unlike glass nails.
Why Jelly nails are so popular?
- Glossy finish with semi-transparent color
- Available in fruity, pastel or vibrant colors
- Deeper saturation can be achieved by applying layers
- Simple do-it-yourself projects using mixed formulations or jelly polishes
Different variations to try on
Skittle ombré jelly nails
3d Fruit nail art
Who You Should Try Jelly Nails?
- Gen Z beauty enthusiasts and trend-hunters
- Do-it-yourselfers searching for a reasonably priced at-home alternative
- Anyone in the market for vibrant, whimsical colors to go with casual or summer attire?
Glass nails vs Jelly nails: Side by Side comparision
Transparency
Glass nails : Provide a frosted or crystal-clear color that resembles high-end clarity.
Jelly nails : Give your fingers a semi-transparent candy-tone shine, making them resemble childhood sweets.
Finish
Glass nails : Ideal for editorial and statement looks because of their mirror-like shine.
Jelly nails: Adorable, whimsical and ideal for everyday wear as they give off a delicate, shiny jelly-like sheen.
Color Range
Glass nails : For beautiful styling, glass nails favor frosty tones, metallics and cool neutral colors.
Jelly nails : Full of neon, fruity and pastel colors, giving a feeling of joy and liberation.
Application
Glass nails : Perfect for professionals or salon-goers, glass nails require building gel and UV/LED curing.
Jelly nails : Are easy to apply yourself and just require a top coat and simple polish.
Durability
Glass nails : Ideal for long-term style maintenance as they last for two to three weeks.
Jelly nails : last for 5-7 days, making them ideal for frequently changing looks and moods.
Cost
Since glass nails require salon equipment or a professional kit, they tend to be more expensive.
Inexpensive polish kits for at-home application help keep jelly nails affordable.
Removal
Glass Nails : Require a soak-off process, thoda time-consuming but gentle on nails.
Jelly Nails : Easily come off with standard nail polish remover—fast and fuss-free.
Maintenance
Glas nails : To maintain that ultra-shiny shine, glass nails require re-coating weekly.
Jelly nails : For easy maintenance, jelly nails can be quickly repaired over chips.
Ideal Nail Shapes
Glass nails : For that stylish edge, glass nails look best on coffin, almond, and square shapes.
Jelly nails : For subtle and fashionable daily glam, jelly nails look good on squoval, oval, and almond nails.
Skin Tone Matching & Personalization
Choosing a nail color that matches your natural skin tone, expresses your personal style, and makes your manicure stand out is more important than chasing fashion. Complementing your undertone with a manicure polish tone can change your entire look, whether you’re showing off jelly nails or trying glass nail accents.
Jelly Nail Colors for Indian Skin Tones
Jelly nails are stunning, shiny and transparent, but not every shade looks good on every skin tone. Every undertone of Indian skin, from fair wheatish to deep caramel, needs a colour that enhances it, not diminishes it.
Top Shades of Jelly Nails for Indian skin tones
Warm (Yellow, Golden)
Recommended jelly nails shades: Coral orange, mango yellow, watermelon red.
Why it will work: Enhances warmth, adds vibrancy
Cool (pink/blue)
Recommended jelly nails shades: Berry pink, lavender, icy rose
Why it will work: Balances coolness, adds softness
Neutral
Recommended jelly nails shades: Peach, nude pink, pastel lilac
Why it will work: Versatile, blends with both warm & cool
Glass Nails for Warm Undertones
High-shine, reflective finishes are the main focal point of glass nails, but the embellishments you choose can enhance or diminish your sparkle. Choose earthy colors with warm undertones and warm metallic embellishments for Indian skin.
Best Glass Nails for Warm Skin
Foil flakes
Recommended jelly nails shades: Coral orange, mango yellow, watermelon red.
Why it will work: Enhances warmth, adds vibrancy
Neutral
Recommended colors: Rose gold, bronze, champagne
Benefits on skin: Adds warmth and luxury
How to make glass nails at home?
What You’ll Need
Nail file & buffer
Rubbing alcohol or nail cleanser
Cuticle pusher & nipper
Base coat
Ultra-glossy clear polish or top coat
Chrome or mirror powder (optional for added reflection)
Soft applicator (eyeshadow sponge or silicone brush)
Nail polish in nude or clear tone (optional tint)
Steps to get Glassy nails
1. Prep Your Nails
To achieve the shiny look, start by filing and shaping your nails to your desired length—oval, almond, or square look best. Lightly buff the surface of your nails and use rubbing alcohol to remove oil and dirt.
2. Push & Care for Cuticles
Use a cuticle pusher to gently push back the cuticles. Carefully trim away any dead skin or overhanging nails. This creates a clean edge that draws attention to the shiny finish later on.
3. Apply Base Coat
Apply a thin layer of base coat to your nails. This will smooth out the bumps and prevent the color from chipping. Let it dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
4. Use Clear or Sheer Nude Polish
For a lighter color, apply one or two coats of a transparent or translucent nude polish. If you want a sheer look with a slight sheen, use a transparent polish. Golden undertones pop beautifully with warm colors like peachy nude or delicate champagne.
5. Optional – Chrome or Mirror Powder
Use mirror powder or chrome to make your polish shine like a mirror. Apply the powder with a silicone brush or sponge on half-dry nails. Seal it after lightly polishing until it shines like a mirror.
6. Seal with High-Gloss Top Coat
Finally apply a super-glossy top coat. This raises the reflective shine to glass levels and also protects the polish. Allow it to dry for at least 15 to 20 minutes, in a cool place.
Top trending nail art designs
Faqs
How to make glass nails at home?
To create glass nails at home, prepare your nails, apply layers of clear or sheer gel polish, and then dry them with a UV lamp to get a shiny, smooth finish. For more shine, apply mirror flakes or chrome powder, and then apply a high-gloss top coat.
How can glossy nails be achieved?
Applying a transparent or light-colored polish over a smoothing foundation and finishing with an ultra-glossy top coat creates a crystal-clear result that’s both simple and sophisticated.
How can I achieve nails that seem glazed?
LOOK AT THESE Glazed Donut Nails
- Get the nails ready.
- Put on an OPI GelColor Stay Classic Base Coat layer (and let it cure).
- Put on a single layer of OPI GelColor Funny Bunny (and let it cure).
- Lightly apply OPI Chrome Effects. Avoid Cleaning the Top Coat.
Rub-On Chrome Powder (also known as Lightning Bolt or CND Over-The-Top Effects)
Can I use normal polish on glass?
Paints and polishes can usually be applied to glass. However, since fillers can interfere with the operation of wipers, problems can arise if the Blackfire polish you are talking about is Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish.
Is it possible to apply liquid nails to glass?
Wood, steel, ceramic, glass, polystyrene, ABS, fiberglass, textiles, concrete, aluminum, rubber, carpet, painted surfaces, vinyl and upholstery are just some of the materials for which the product’s moisture-curing polymer technology provides instant grip, accelerated cure and adhesion.
Conclusion
Applying glass nails at home is easy, beautiful and picture-ready, whether you’re preparing for a fun evening or writing an article on nail trends. With just a few tools and a little perseverance, your hands can make a fashion statement.