Pearlescent Nails Are Set to Be the New Naked Nails This Summer

You’ve probably seen nail trend after nail trend pop up on your timeline, but one that never goes out of style is pearlescent nails. The look can be worn in a myriad of ways, but a pearlescent manicure, with its soft, subtle shimmer and pearly finish, has true staying power because of its elegant and sophisticated vibe, achieved with minimal effort. (There’s a reason it’s a go-to shade among brides and brides-to-be; pearl is also the official birthstone of June, the unofficial start of wedding season.)

If you’re bored with your typical nude manicure, pearlescent nails are the elevated choice to swap in this summer—neutral enough to wear anywhere, anytime, but with an ethereal air that’s oh-so-enticing. Below, we’re sharing 10 pearlescent nail looks that have us convinced this manicure looks flattering on everyone, no matter how it’s worn. Then, keep scrolling to see some of our favorite nail polishes that can deliver the look in one step.

Pearlescent Nails Inspo

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Ivory Pearl

Nail creator Mateja Novakovic calls Ivory Pearl by Gelcare ($20), shown here, “the most special bridal shade.”

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Pearlescent Chrome

Celebrity nail artist Iram Shelton debuted a manicure of two of the hottest nail trends: pearly whites and chrome, calling it her “favorite nails ever.”

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Classic Pearl

For a timeless, pearlescent look, Shelton combines OPI’s Kyoto Pearl ($12) and Baby Take A Vow ($12).

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Iridescent Pearl

Need Easter manicure inspo? For a pop of springtime color, take a cue from nail creator @lolo.nailedit, who embraces iridescent pearly tints of all hues with the Cirque Colors Pearl Nacre Set ($73).

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Shimmer Pearl

OPI’s Kyoto Pearl and Baby Take A Vow wow again with another pearly manicure by Shelton. To give this look a bit of texture, Shelton applied a coat of Baby Take a Vow, then Kyoto Pearl with a sponge instead of a brush. Add a pearl gem to each nail to fully recreate the look.

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Sugar Glazed Pearl

Alexandra Teleki calls this silvery-glazed pearl manicure a “10/10.” (We love the addition of some pearled cuff rings to emphasize the look, too.)

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Pearl Frame

“Picture pearlfect!🤍” says Shelton of this eye-catching yet simple nail art. Swipe on a coat of OPI’s Put it in Neutral ($12), add some pearl gemstones to create the frame and voilà!

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Sheer Mother of Pearl

Celebrity nail artist Betina R. Goldstein adds some major oomph to long, almond-shaped nails. “I used @cndworld no wipe gel coat ($17), pearlescent powder that I bought on @amazon and real freshwater pearls,” she explains.

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Naked Pearl

The naked nails trend isn’t going anywhere, but we predict a softer take will be the IT trend of the summer season. Here, Novakovic blends Manucurist Paris’ Active Smooth ($19) and Moon ($14) to get the subtly stunning look.

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Milky Pearl

This milky pearl manicure also reminds us of another beloved trend: opal nails. To recreate, start with a layer of OPI’s Funny Bunny ($12), then add a coat of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Unicorn Top Coat ($13) or LONDONTOWN lakur Enhanced Colour in Starry Chrome Glaze ($16).

The Best Polishes for Pearlescent Nails

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