Everything You Need to Know About Jelly Nail Polishes (2024)

FAQs

How does jelly nail polish work? ›

So, what are jelly nail polishes exactly? Like creams, mattes, and opalescents, the term jelly refers to the texture of the formula once it's applied. The difference with jellies, though, is that they offer a splash of sheer color and loads of shine—kind of like lip gloss, except for your nails.

Temporary skin and nail damage

Getting there could be a problem, too! Gel polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which are known to cause allergic reactions, like rash (contact dermatitis) and — far less often — hives (urticaria). Removing gel polish, if not done carefully, can temporarily damage your nails.

If you'd rather head to the salon, ask your nail technician for “crystal” or clear tips, which are key to the jelly nail look. You can get them any length you want, but keep them long enough to clearly see the demarcation between the nail tip and your nail bed for the best effect.

How Long It Typically Lasts. Generally, gel polish can last up to 14 days without needing any additional application. Therefore, this is about two weeks in total, where your gel nails will be in the best shape possible.

When purchasing a gel polish, make sure that it specifies on the label that the polish does not require a UV light or LED lamp to cure. If the polish doesn't specify that it's a non-UV polish, it likely won't cure without a light or lamp.

Since jelly polishes are very sheer, you'll probably want to apply at least two coats.

Gel nails are also known for being easy to remove and less likely to cause damage to natural nails. However, they are typically more expensive than acrylic nails and require a UV lamp for curing.

Mix a few drops of a clear top coat with colored polish to create jelly polish. Use a few drops of a regular top coat rather than a fast-drying one so that the colors will mix more easily. Add a drop of an opaque cream polish so that the ending color will be more vibrant.

Jelly polishes are not the same as gel polish. Linear Holographic: A version of holographic glitter finish that is so micro fine, when applied the glitters line up to form the rainbow effect in a line, strongest in sunlight or direct light.

Gel nail polish: Gel nail polish contains photoinitiators that require UV or LED light to harden, so the drying time depends on the light source used. Typically, gel nail polish takes 2-3 minutes to cure under UV light and 30-60 seconds under LED light.

What nail polish to use for jelly nails? ›

And, according to Choi, jelly nails are actually pretty easy to achieve. While you can buy sheerer jelly polishes (JINsoon's Sheer Gloss Collection in Pixie, $18, is a great option), you can also create your own—just mix the nail color of your choice with a clear base or top coat to help dilute the polish.

Jelly polishes are not the same as gel polish. Linear Holographic: A version of holographic glitter finish that is so micro fine, when applied the glitters line up to form the rainbow effect in a line, strongest in sunlight or direct light.

Gel nail polish: Gel nail polish contains photoinitiators that require UV or LED light to harden, so the drying time depends on the light source used. Typically, gel nail polish takes 2-3 minutes to cure under UV light and 30-60 seconds under LED light.

If you're unfamiliar with jelly polish, it basically gives your nails slightly see-through look with a glass-like finish. Since it's "glass-like," jelly polish makes a great base for nail art.