Pearl Nails Are the Manicure of the Summer
:upscale()/2024/06/27/706/n/1922153/3658375a667d8bc1274700.15912356_.jpg)
Though the highly anticipated live action "The Little Mermaid" came out last year, its had lingering effects on the current beauty trends. The hit quickly solidified "mermaidcore" as the aesthetic of the season.
"Sea glass" and "water nails" were just two of the trends to pop up in the nail world, but that's not the full extent of it. Social media is pointing to "pearl nails" as one of the biggest manicure trends of the summer.
Pearl accents, whether they're in your hair with clips and headbands, tied in via your jewelry, or incorporated through 3D makeup embellishments, have been popular for quite some time now. Pearl nail designs are just another way to get in on the trend.
There are a myriad of different ways to wear pearl nail art. You can go all out, adhering 3D spheres to your nails in different patterns, or opt for pearl-color nails with an iridescent polish shade. White pearl nails are the classic choice given the natural color of the sea pearls made by oysters, but when it comes to your fingertips, your options are limitless. Pink pearl nails are just as beautiful while being a little more unique.
Experts Featured in This Article
Madeline Poole is a professional nail artist.
Pearl Nail-Art Tips
If you want to create nails with pearls at home, nail artist Madeline Poole has a few tips and tricks to share. "Smaller pearls are better for nails, and you should try to find ones with flat backs," she previously told PS. "These are best for design as they stay put."
Sticking the pearls to your nails can be tricky and requires a bit of patience, but Poole has an unlikely tool she recommends you grab to make it a little easier. "When placing pearls, crystals, or studs, you can use a white-colored pencil to pick them up," she says. The lead tip is just sticky enough to grab onto the applique, allowing you to place it in your desired location. The color of the pencil matters to avoid leaving any noticeable residue on the face of the pearl.
Ahead, get inspiration for your own pearl nail designs to take with you to the salon or to use as a jumping-off point for a DIY attempt.
Large Pearl Nail Design
Using a white pearl nail polish as your base, you can use large pearls to create a textured manicure.
Seashell Pearl Nail Design
These seashell nails feature 3D pearl accents on each finger, as well as blue veining to mimic the look of actually shells.
Coral Pearl Nails
If you want to add some color to your pearl nail art, opt for a bright base, like this coral hue. The shade makes the pearl details really pop.
Pearl French Tips
If you don't like the idea of having 3D accents on your fingertips, you can achieve pearl nails by simply using nail polish to create a pearlescent finish. This manicure concentrates the detailing to create a french tip.
Mini Pearl Nail Design
Minimalists will love this understated manicure featuring a pearlescent base color and tiny pearl accents. This manicure is a subtle take on the mermaidcore trend.
3D Pearl Nails
For a modern twist on your pearl nails that feels a little less mermaid-y, opt to organize your accents in a linear pattern. This design can be worn year-round.
Chrome Pearl Nail Design
This manicure also features another popular nail trend for summer: chrome. The silver metallic polish contrasts nicely with the white base.
Purple Pearl Nail Design
These purple nails feature an iridescent finish and small pearls at the base of each finger. They'll turn heads and have everyone asking where you got them done.
Small and Large Pearl Nails
For a design that works on all nail lengths, short and long, try adhering pearls of varying sizes to the base of your choice.
Blue Pearl Nails
For an editorial manicure that's unique to you, incorporate different sea-inspired shapes, colors, and designs.
ā Additional reporting by Sarah Siegel
Jessica Harrington is the senior beauty editor at PS, where she writes about hair, makeup, skin care, piercings, tattoos, and more. As a New York City-based writer and editor with a degree in journalism and over eight years of industry experience, she loves to interview industry experts, keep up with the latest trends, and test new products.
Sarah Siegel is a former assistant editor for PS Beauty. She loves everything cute and has more lipstick than you could ever imagine.