If you've spent any time scrolling through nail content this summer, you'll have noticed a shift. The heavy, opaque manicures that dominated the past few years are giving way to something far more luminous — glazed, jelly, and milky gel nails. Translucent, sheer, and impossibly glowy, this trio of finishes is the most requested look in salons across the UK right now, and the best part? You can absolutely achieve it at home.
What's the Difference? Glazed vs Jelly vs Milky
These three finishes are all part of the same translucent family, but each has its own character:
- Glazed nails — inspired by the viral "glazed doughnut" aesthetic, these use a sheer nude base with a high-shine chrome or pearlescent top to create a lit-from-within glow. The effect is deeply polished and almost holographic in the right light.
- Jelly nails — sheer, slightly squashy-looking finishes that allow the natural nail to show through. Think translucent pinks, corals, and even vibrant colours that feel like a sweet, bright jelly. The texture looks soft and tactile.
- Milky nails — somewhere in between. A soft, opaque-ish white or nude with just enough translucency to give the "your nails but better" effect. Clean, modern, and effortlessly chic.
All three share a common thread: they feel fresh, modern, and work beautifully with the warm, sun-kissed aesthetic of British summer.
Choosing the Right Chroma Gel Shades
The good news is that Chroma Gel's 1-Step formula is perfectly suited to all three finishes. Here are the shades we'd reach for:
For Jelly Nails
Jelly Bean No.4 is the obvious starting point — a vibrant, translucent shade that delivers that classic jelly aesthetic straight out of the bottle. Apply two thin coats for a buildable, sheer finish that still lets the natural nail peek through. Pair it with a high-gloss top coat for maximum effect.
For Milky Nails
Let's Ride the Milky Way No.73 is an absolute must. This softly milky shade delivers that effortless, clean aesthetic in just a coat or two. For a warmer take, Baby Chino No.78 gives you a creamy, coffee-tinted nude that photographs beautifully and wears elegantly whether you're at the office or on holiday.
For Glazed Nails
Start with a sheer base — Milky Way No.73 works brilliantly here — then layer Not Quite Gold Dust No.62 over the top for that pearlescent chrome shimmer. If you prefer a cooler tone, Silver Sunset No.58 delivers a stunning silvery glaze that catches every bit of summer light.
How to Apply for the Best Results
The key to nailing (pun intended) these finishes is in the application. Here's the technique:
- Prep properly — push back cuticles, lightly buff the nail surface, and wipe with a cleanser or alcohol pad. This step matters more than ever with sheer polishes because any lifting at the edges will be immediately visible.
- Apply thin coats — resist the urge to load up your brush. With translucent shades, thin coats give you control over opacity and prevent the bubbly, uneven texture that can ruin the finish. One coat for jelly, two for milky.
- Cure fully between coats — this is non-negotiable. Under-cured layers cause cloudiness in sheer polishes, which works against the luminous effect you're going for.
- Finish with a high-gloss top coat — the shine is everything here. A quality top coat seals in the colour and amplifies that glowy, glazed effect. Buff the surface very lightly between coats if you want a particularly glass-like finish.
Nail Shape Matters More Than You Think
These translucent trends genuinely look their best on short to medium lengths. The sheer quality of the polish draws attention to the nail's natural shape, so an elegant squoval or soft oval maximises the effect. Longer nails can work with the glazed finish, but for jelly and milky? Keep it neat for maximum impact.
Layering for a Custom Finish
One of the things that makes this trend so versatile is how well it lends itself to layering. Try:
- Jelly base + single coat of shimmer for an ultra-dimensional finish
- Milky base + delicate floral nail art for the summer botanical trend
- Glazed base + micro French tip for a modern twist on a classic
- Two different Chroma Gel shades layered for a custom ombré jelly effect
Ready to Try It?
The glazed, jelly, and milky nail trend is one of those rare moments where the look is effortlessly cool but genuinely achievable without professional training. With the right Chroma Gel shades and a bit of patience on application, you'll have summer-ready nails that look like you've just walked out of a top London salon.
Browse the full Chroma Gel 1-Step collection to find your perfect translucent shade — and if you're building your summer kit, the starter kits are a brilliant place to begin.