Okay, let’s be honest — how many of us saw Hailey Bieber flash those shiny, dewy nails and instantly went, “Yup. I need that.” 🙋♀️ That’s the moment Glazed Donut Nails went viral — and honestly? We’re still obsessed.
If you’re into soft glam, neutral vibes, and that lit-from-within glow (on your nails), this trend is 100% for you. Whether you’re a DIY nail queen or a salon regular, let’s dive deep into the sweetest trend of the year and why it continues to stay on every mood board.
✨ What Are Glazed Donut Nails, Anyway?
Think: a shiny, sheer base that looks like your nails just got a facial. They’re smooth, pearly, and glow in the most subtle, elegant way.
🔍 The Signature Look:
- Milky white or nude base
- Ultra-shiny, pearl chrome powder on top
- Minimalist but striking
It’s a nail look that says, “I woke up like this” — even if you totally spent 30 mins perfecting the top coat.
📈 Why Glazed Donut Nails Are So Popular
Let’s break down the hype — because it’s more than just Hailey Bieber.
✅ Universal Appeal
They flatter every skin tone, nail length, and shape. Whether you’ve got short round nails or long almond tips — glazed works like magic.
✅ Minimal But Glam
Perfect for weddings, office, beach vacations (yes, even the Best Beaches in Spain), or just everyday glam.
✅ Goes with Everything
You can wear these with a hoodie or a designer dress — no clash. That’s the power of neutrals + shine.
✅ Easy to Customize
Play with:
- Colored chrome (hello, lavender donut!)
- Different base shades (pink, beige, peach)
- Nail art accents (like tiny pearls or silver lines)
💅 How to Get Glazed Donut Nails at Home
You don’t always need a salon visit — you can totally DIY this trend.
🧴 Step-by-Step Breakdown:
1. Shape & Prep
- File your nails to your preferred shape
- Push back cuticles
- Buff the nail surface for smooth application
2. Base Coat
- Apply a clear or soft nude base coat
- Cure under a UV lamp if you’re using gel
3. Milky Polish Layer
- Use a sheer white or nude polish (1-2 coats max)
- Cure between coats if gel
4. Chrome Powder Magic
- Gently rub pearl chrome powder on the cured surface
- Use a sponge applicator or your fingertip
5. Seal It
- Apply a top coat and cure again
- Optional: add cuticle oil for that finishing salon touch
Pro tip: The chrome powder works best on gel polish — FYI!
🛍️ Must-Have Products for the Perfect Shine
Here are a few tried-and-tested faves (trust me, your nails will thank you):
- OPI Funny Bunny – cult classic base color
- Beetles Chrome Powder Kit – comes with applicators
- Modelones Gel Polish Set – beginner-friendly
- Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat – glossy and strong
- UV/LED Nail Lamp – if you’re going full gel DIY
You can grab these on Amazon or beauty stores near you — most are budget-friendly too.
🎨 Trending Variations You Need to Try
Let’s spice things up. Glazed doesn’t have to mean boring. Here are some viral twists:
🦋 1. Glazed Donut Chrome with Lavender Base
Soft lilac + pearl chrome = spring dream.
🍑 2. Peachy Donut Glow
Use a peach base under the chrome for summer beach vibes. Imagine rocking these on the Best Beaches in Spain — pure ✨ chef’s kiss ✨.
💙 3. Icy Blue Glazed Tips
Perfect for winter or frosty aesthetics. Bonus: looks great with silver rings.
🌸 4. Glazed Floral Accents
Add tiny dried flowers under the top coat. So dreamy, especially for weddings or bridal showers.
🖤 5. Black Base + Silver Chrome
Gives you that mysterious, edgy-glam vibe. Not your average donut — but unforgettable.
🏖️ Glazed Nails for Vacation Season
Planning a beach trip or a summer getaway? Glazed nails are a must-pack. Here’s why:
- They go with swimsuits, sundresses, and sandals
- Low-maintenance and chip-resistant (if you use gel)
- Look amazing in sunlight (hello Instagram reels)
Especially if you’re headed to the Best Beaches in Spain, that glowy nail look just hits differently under the sun 🌞
🔥 Pro Tips from Nail Artists
I spoke to a few nail tech friends and here’s what they always recommend:
- “Less is more” – Don’t overdo polish layers; you want a sheer base
- “Top coat matters” – A high-quality top coat seals the chrome and adds life
- “Keep it smooth” – Chrome reveals everything, so buff those nails first
- “Hydration = shine” – Use cuticle oil daily to maintain the healthy glow
❓ FAQs: Glazed Donut Nails
✋ Can I get this look with regular polish?
Yes, but you’ll need to skip the chrome powder and use shimmer polish instead. It’s not identical, but still pretty.
💡 How long do they last?
With gel: 2–3 weeks
With regular polish: 5–7 days (with top-up)
🧽 How do I remove them?
Use acetone and foil wraps for gel. For regular polish, a normal remover will do. Don’t peel — your nails will hate you.
✨ Final Thoughts: Still Craving the Glaze?
Let’s be real — glazed donut nails aren’t just a trend. They’re a whole vibe. Soft, shiny, elegant, and totally wearable in any season. Whether you’re lounging at home, going to brunch, or jetting off to the Best Beaches in Spain, these nails have your back.
IMO, they’re the ultimate low-effort-high-payoff manicure. Plus, the versatility means you’ll never get bored. So the next time you’re in the mood for something fresh but not flashy, give the donut glaze a go.
Try it once — and you might never go back. 😉
