Lip Gloss Nails: How to Get the Look in 2023

The best nail designs take inspiration from the most unexpected places. There’s no denying that Hailey Bieber’s glazed donut nails headlined last year. But if glazed skin is any indication, makeup is inspiring the next mani trend. That's how we know lip gloss nails are about to be everywhere.

Like their glazed little sister, lip gloss nails are glossy, glam, and delicious. The difference? They’ve skipped the chrome sparkle top coat for something a little more minimal.

What are lip gloss nails?

Before you get visions of sticky fingertips, the trend mimics the plush, sheeny finish of lip gloss applied on lips. It takes your bare nail base and adds a sheer layer of gloss (complete with a hint of pretty pink tint) to create a yummy, fresh finish. Think jelly nails, but much more minimalist.

“Lip gloss nails are a classic, slightly sheer, nude type of manicure,” says Ainur Rustemova, owner of Noor Nail Bar in Sola Salons. “About 80% of our clients regularly choose lip gloss nails. These nails have become so popular because they match any outfit, any event, and any type of nail. Whether the client likes oval, round, square, or even coffin-shaped nails, the lip gloss nails will work perfectly for them.”

How do you get lip gloss nails at the salon?

Given that your natural nails will be getting more of a starring role, they should be in good order. Make sure they’re buffed, super clean, and immaculately filed into shape (here's our guide on how to paint your nails.) But you can fake the effect by adding a couple of extra coats of your sheer tinted topcoat to build up a semi-opaque pink if your nails are a little bashed up.

As for the shade you choose, Rustemova says there's room to be versatile. “Every brand of gel polish has slightly sheer colors that work perfectly for the lip gloss nail,” she says. “Our favorites are the Luxio brand in shades Coy and Cremelle. We usually apply two coats of these polishes, and then a super shine topcoat on top, which gives you the most beautiful lip gloss nails.”

What color should you use for lip gloss nails?

Generally, Rustemova recommends nude or pink. "A lot of our clients love to mix the lip gloss trend with the glazed doughnut trend and add a chrome powder to the lip gloss nail," she says.

We love OPI Bubble Bath, Essie Mademoiselle, and Kure Bazaar Rose Milk Glow. You can add a clear gloss with sparkles or a little pearlescence if you're fancy, then add two coats of ultra glossy gel topcoat on top (try CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat, Essie Gel Couture Clear Nail Polish, or Seche Vite Instant Gel Top Coat.) Looking for non toxic nail polish options? Try Manucurist, which has a wide range of sheer nudes and pinks.

Can you do lip gloss nails with dip?

Rustemova specializes in hard gel nails, rubber base, and biab, but adds that it's definitely possible to create lip gloss nails using dip powder. “I am sure you can achieve the same lip gloss nail with dip manicures as well.”

How are lip gloss nails different from glazed donut nails?

They follow a similar pattern to the glazed donut nail but work more with your natural nails as the base, so it’s generally a little more sheer. Also, while sparkles can feature if you want some Juicy Tube realness, they should be suspended in the gloss (like in lip gloss) rather than applied on top. Instead, you want to go heavy on top with your gel topcoat to create more of a glossy, jelly finish.

How long do lip gloss nails last?

“Just like with any other manicure style, how long a nail will last totally depends on the nails of the client as well as the manicurist,” says Rustemova. “The way the nail bed was prepared for the manicure, as well as the materials used really affect the longevity of the manicure. Our clients go three to four weeks, some even longer with the lip gloss nails without any chips or breaks.”