If glazed donut nails were all about soft shine and subtle luxury, Jelly Donut Nails are their bold, playful sister. This trend dials up the sweetness with a translucent, high-gloss red finish that looks exactly like strawberry jam glazed over a fresh donut. Think juicy, squishy, candy-like nails that catch the light and make you want to stare at your hands all day.
With their juicy strawberry-red tone and glossy, candy-like finish, Jelly Donut Nails also feel tailor-made for Valentine’s Day—romantic without being predictable, sweet without leaning kitschy.
What Are Jelly Donut Nails?
Jelly donut nails are defined by a sheer red or berry-toned base with a glassy, high-shine finish. The key is translucency—these aren’t opaque red nails. Instead, they mimic the look of strawberry jelly: glossy, depth-filled, and slightly see-through, as if light is bouncing through layers of jam.
Some versions lean minimal with a single jelly shade, while others add subtle donut-inspired details like a milky edge, soft gradient, or extra-plump topcoat for that fresh-from-the-bakery effect.
Why Jelly Donut Nails Are Trending Now
This trend taps perfectly into fashion and beauty’s current obsession with:
- Sheer color over heavy pigment
- High-shine, glass-like finishes
- Food-inspired beauty that feels playful, not kitschy
Jelly donut nails also bridge seasons beautifully. The strawberry-red tone feels cozy and nostalgic, yet fresh enough for spring and summer. Plus, the translucent finish makes it surprisingly wearable—even for those who don’t usually go bold.
How to Get the Jelly Donut Nail Look
Shop The Shades:
1. A sheer red, strawberry, or cherry-toned jelly polish
Manucurist Active Glow in Raspberry
modelones Jelly Red Nail Polish
2. A high-gloss clear topcoat (the shinier, the better)
OPI Mirror Shine Top High-Shine Coat
3. Nail file and buffer
Nail File & Buffer Set
4. Cuticle oil (don’t skip this—it completes the look)
Cuccio Naturale Revitalizing Cuticle Oil
The Steps:
- Shape and buff nails until perfectly smooth—jelly finishes show everything.
- Apply one thin coat of sheer red polish and let it dry.
- Add a second coat to build depth while keeping translucency.
- Seal with a thick, ultra-glossy topcoat for that wet-jelly effect.
- Finish with cuticle oil for a freshly glazed finish.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Jelly Finish
- Less is more: Thin layers keep the look juicy, not streaky.
- Choose warm reds with pink or strawberry undertones—blue-based reds can look too harsh.
- Short to medium nail lengths enhance the “jelly” effect and keep it modern.
- If you want extra donut energy, ask for a slightly domed topcoat application.
TL;DR
Jelly Donut Nails are proof that nail trends don’t need to be complicated to be impactful. Glossy, sheer, and irresistibly juicy, this look is playful without trying too hard—and it feels like the natural next step after glazed donut nails. Sweet, shiny, and impossible to ignore.
Cover Image Credit: @low.nail
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