Lip Gloss Nails: The New Mani Trend Exploding On Social Media

The end of the cozy winter season means a slow transition from warm, dark, and vampy nail colors to soft spring shades. However, this season is bringing something new that's taking the beauty world by storm: the lip gloss mani!

If you’re constantly on the lookout for a fresh and unique way to up your mani game, you've come to the right place. Here, we give you everything you need to know about this new mani trend and how you can achieve it at home.

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What Are Lip Gloss Nails?

Lip gloss nails might conjure up visions of sticky, messy nails for some, but this mani style is anything but. Rather, lip gloss nails are clean, sophisticated, and chic — a look that mimics the plush, sheeny finish of lipgloss applied on the lips, without the stickiness.

This dreamy manicure style is achieved by applying a sheer pink shade to your nails and then finishing with a high-shine, glossy top coat to enhance the vibrancy of your natural nail color. The beauty of the lip gloss mani style is in its simplicity, plus it's super easy to achieve at home even if you're not a professional in nail artistry.

How To Do a Lip Gloss Manicure at Home

Given that your natural nails will be in the spotlight with this style, it's essential to prep them to ensure there are no ridges, texture, or chipped edges that could make your manicure look undone and messy.

Here are four easy steps to prep your nails before trying the lip gloss manicure.

Cuticle Care

Pushed-back cuticles will elongate the nail plate and make the nail look more attractive. Use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently push back cuticles and any dead skin growing up the nail plate. Avoid cutting your cuticles; not only do you risk injury and possible infection, but this will only make your cuticles grow back thicker and more ragged. Only nip any hanging skin around your nail.

Product To Try: Flowery Pro Manicure Kit, $19.99

Shape

Next, it's time to get your nails into the desired shape by filing and softening the edges. No length or shape are off limits for the lip gloss mani, so you can go for square, almond, oval, or any other shape that works best with your nail’s length and natural curve. Gently file the free edge of your nails, but use caution not to be too aggressive with a "sawing" action, as this can cause your nails to split.

Product To Try: Flowery Duraboard Nail File, $2.49

Buff

Whether you're using nail polish or gel polish, the key to getting your nail color to last is to remove some of the shine from your natural nail. Use a fine-grit buffer to gently and non-forcefully buff the nail plate just until the nail looks slightly dull. You aren't trying to remove imperfections like ridges or bumps (you can use a ridge-filling base coat for that), only to take off some of that natural shine. If you get too aggressive, you can thin your nail plate.

Product To Try: Revlon Shape 'N' Buff File & Buffer, $3.99

Clean

Once your nails are prepped, it's time to lightly clean the nail plate before applying base coat. You can do this by washing your hands with soap or applying a bit of rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball to remove any oils left on the surface of the nail.

Product To Try: Ulta Beauty Collection Nail Cleanser, $3

Base Coat

Now your nails are ready for base coat. Just a standard base will work for this, but if you have weak or brittle nails, try using a strengthening base coat or one infused with keratin. The goal is to make sure the nail plate is sealed and protected, as this is key for prolonging the longevity of any manicure.

Products To Try:

Seche Clear Crystal Clear Base Coat, $8.99

OPI Start To Finish Base Coat, Top Coat & Strengthener 3-in-1 Treatment, $14.50

8 Best Sheer Pinks for a Lip Gloss Effect

It's time for the color coat. Because the idea of this look is to enhance your natural nails, you want to choose a sheer pink that matches the color of your natural nail plate. Here are some great ones to try:

1. Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Nail Polish in Pink Cloud, $9.99

Sally Hansen's Pink Cloud is a beautiful sheer pink shade that instantly enhances your nails and adds a subtle hint of color.

2. Essie in Ballet Slippers, $10

Ballet Slippers is a classic pale pink shade that's perfect for achieving a romantic, girly lip gloss effect.

3. Essie in Tuck It In My Tux, $10

Tuck It In My Tux is a neutral sheer white shade for those looking to achieve a slightly more muted look.

4. Nailtopia in Sassy But Classy, $10

Sassy But Classy is a soft, feminine, baby pink shade that will enhance the nail plate.

5. Zoya Naked Manicure in Nude, $12

The beautiful pale Nude is a shade that looks great on almost any skin tone.

6. Zoya in Joey, $12

Joey is a pink cream shade excellent for those who prefer something slightly bolder than a pale pink.

7. Londontown Lakur in Pampas Beige, $16

Pampas Beige is a creamy beige shade that is ideal for those who prefer a more natural-looking, less pink, lip gloss mani.

8. Chanel in Ballerina, $30

Ballerina is exactly what you would expect from a classic Chanel polish: sheer and sophisticated. This light pink shade resembles a ballerina's ballet shoes perfectly, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a soft and feminine look.

Top Coat

Once you've chosen your favorite shade, make sure to seal it with a high-quality top coat. This is what gives your manicure that lip-gloss shine.

OPI Top Coat, $11.50

For a glossy gel effect without having to go through the process of curing under a lamp, Sally Hansen Shiny Top Coat is a great option.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish Shiny Top Coat, $12.99

Closing Thoughts

The lip gloss mani gives any manicure a glossy and sophisticated vibe without looking overdone or over-the-top. Plus, it’s super easy to do at home with the right preparation and product selection. While the lip gloss mani is a trend it's also on a good track to becoming a timeless classic.

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