Celebrity Manicurist: Why Jelly Nails Are Perfect For Women Over 50 — and How to Get the Look At Home
These super-glossy polishes completely mask ridges and dents, plus help strengthen nails
If you’re like us, the older you get, the more brittle your nails seem to be. Not only do they lack shine, but one false move and they bend and tear. And then there’s the dents and ridges that start to form and mar the way your nails look. One easy solution to both sets of problems: jelly nail designs. The shiny polish trend that looks almost like you painted petroleum jelly onto your nails, will not only cover dry, cracking nails, but will also make them look smooth, hydrated and dewy.
Whether you need inspiration to bring to your next manicure appointment or you’re happy to do your nails at home, we have the information you need. These jelly nail designs are easy to recreate, don’t require many products and will help your hands look years younger.
What are jelly nail designs?
“Jelly nails” refers to the nail art trend that gained popularity in early 2018 and is so compelling that it keeps coming back. The term “jelly” describes the translucent, see-through and usually brightly colored look of the nails, reminiscent of jelly shoes from the late 1980s.
“Jelly nails are a sheer, lip-gloss like wash of color that has a light, jelly quality for nails that looks fresh, youthful and fun,” explains celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec who has manicured the nails of stars like Jessica Chastain and Rose Byrne. Jelly polishes are more translucent than regular polishes making them great for those who may not love bold or dark colors.
Best of all, you don’t have to buy a special polish to achieve the jelly nail look — it’s a simple mix of clear nail polish with the colored nail polish of your choice and you can make it yourself using items you have at home.
Why jelly nail designs work well for women over 50
As we get older, our hands tend to have a more crepey texture, our nails form ridges and our cuticles need hydration leaving our hands look dull and dry.
“The glossy texture of jelly nails distracts from any age related hand issues like crepey skin and nail ridges in the nails,” says Dr. Dana Stern, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Dana Nail Renewal System. And the sheer and dewy appearance of jelly nails gives your hands a more youthful appearance. Read on to find the jelly nail designs that will make your hands shine.
1. Pretty in pink jelly nails
These jelly nails are the perfect shade of pink; not too bright but not too pale, for a soft, feminine look.
To get the look:
- Prep nails with one coat of a clear base coat like China Glaze Strong Adhesive Base Coat (Buy from Sally Beauty, $9).
- Mix 1-3 drops of a rose-colored nail polish like Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Color in Pink Pong (Buy from Walmart, $5) into a clear nail polish like Wet n Wild Nail Polish Wild Shine Clear Nail Protector (Buy from Amazon, $1). Shake and mix well. Paint two coats on each nail.
- Finish with top coat.
2. Sassy specks and swatches
A unique spin on jelly nails, @HannahRoxNails uses a speckled top coat to give the look added pizzazz.
To get the look:
- Prep nails with one coat of a clear base coat like China Glaze Strong Adhesive Base Coat (Buy from Sally Beauty, $9).
- Either buy the ready-to-use jelly polish like the ones used in the video from Cirque Colors (Buy from Cirque Colors, $14.50), or create your own by mixing 1-3 drops of each color into a bottle of clear polish. Then paint each nail two coats of the color; let dry.
- Using a speckled polish like the Spotted polish from Cirque Colors (Buy from Circque Colors, $12.50), paint 1-2 coats on each nail. Let dry.
- Finish with top coat.
3. Marvelous marble mani
These rose quartz jelly nails may look hard to achieve, but the marble design is a cinch to do and don’t even require tools! Youtuber Kelli Marissa walks us through her marble jelly nails design.
To get the look:
- Prep nails with one coat of a clear base coat like China Glaze Strong Adhesive Base Coat (Buy from Sally Beauty, $9).
- Paint two coats of a pink jelly polish such as Rose by Cirque Colors (Buy from Beyond Polish, $10).
- Use a lighter pink jelly polish such as Clean State by Cirque Colors (Buy from Cirque Colors, $12.50) and swipe on in random patterns and areas. This will create the “marble” look. Let dry, then go in with another coat of the light pink over the splotches again.
- Finish with top coat.
4. Lovely lavender haze
This video offers six different easy jelly nail designs. From light and dreamy to more dark and edgy, simply choose a design that goes with your style. Here, our favorite which starts at 1:42:
To get the look:
- Prep nails with one coat of a clear base coat like China Glaze Strong Adhesive Base Coat (Buy from Sally Beauty, $9).
- Paint ½ of each nail (vertically) with a peach jelly polish, like Cirque Colors in Peach Jelly (Buy from Beyond Polish, 12.50) and while still wet, paint the other half of with a lavender jelly polish, like Cirque Colors in Haze Jelly (Buy from Beyond Polish, $12.50).
- Paint each nail with a coat of a shimmer jelly polish, like Cirque Colors in Glitter Glue (Buy from Cirque Colors, $16.50). Let dry.
- Finish with top coat.
5. Pink French with a twist
These pink jelly nails are chic and classy and the pink French tip adds a modern twist to the classic nail design.
To get the look:
- Prep nails with one coat of a clear base coat like China Glaze Strong Adhesive Base Coat (Buy from Sally Beauty, $9).
- Mix a pale pink polish like Sally Hansen Sheer Nail Color in Rosy Quarts (Buy from Walgreens, $10) with a clear polish. Then paint the mix halfway up the nail from the base.
- While still wet, use a rose jelly polish like Cirque Colors in Rose Jelly (Buy from Beyond Polish, $10) to paint the other half of the nail all the way up to give a more blended look.
- Using a nail art brush and light pink polish, paint a curved French tip on each nail. Let dry.
- Finish with top coat.
6. Gorgeous jelly sandwich (minus the peanut butter)
A darker, more mysterious take on the jelly nail trend, this look will work well for fall and winter. There are many variations you can try all ranging within the different shades of blue. Our favorite starts at 1:31:
To get the look:
- Prep nails with one coat of a clear base coat like China Glaze Strong Adhesive Base Coat (Buy from Sally Beauty, $9).
- Paint each nail with a dark blue jelly polish like Cirque Colors in Navy Jelly (Buy from Cirque Colors, $12.50). Let dry.
- Use a glitter polish like Cirque Colors in XX (Buy from Cirque Colors, $12.50) to paint 1-2 coats on each nail or use loose glitter of your choosing and sprinkle on the nail. Let dry.
- Paint another coat of the blue jelly polish over the glitter. Let dry.
- Finish with top coat.
7. Natural nudes with a floral pop
This simple, yet chic jelly look is perfect for those who don’t like a lot of color, but still want to try the jelly nail trend. Adding flower decals gives it just a touch of spice and spunk.
To get the look:
- Prep nails with one coat of a clear base coat like China Glaze Strong Adhesive Base Coat (Buy from Sally Beauty, $9).
- Paint each nail with two coats of a nude sheer polish, like Sally Hansen Sheer Nail Color in Unveiled (Buy from Walgreens, $10).
- While still tacky, place a white floral decal, like 3D Flower Nail Art Charms (Buy from Amazon, $8), in the corner of the ring and pointer fingernails.
- Finish with top coat.
Not into jelly nail designs? Try these jelly polishes for a simple look
For a quick jelly nail look, simply swipe on two coats of one of the polishes below and you’re good to go!
1. Ella + Mia
Ella + Mia’s jelly polish (Buy from Ella + Mia, $10.50) will make your nails look like they just left the salon. They are affordable and will give you the perfect sheer coat, contributing to that jelly look.
2. Gel-ly Polish – Born Pretty
If you like to do your own gel nails at home and are equipped with the right supplies, these jelly gel polishes from Born Pretty (Buy from Amazon, $10) are great! The shades include the prettiest pinks and are great for every season. Just add an LED light and you’re good to go!
3. Cirque Colors
Stunning, sheer and bold these jelly polishes from Cirque Colors (Buy from Cirque Colors, $12.50) will leave your nails looking shiny and bright.
Want to make your own jelly nail polish? Watch this video fro simple step-by-step directions:
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