Hailey Bieber’s Glazed Donut Nails are an effortless, chic way to enjoy a pearly, iridescent finish that looks like a sweet, frosted treat. This beginner-friendly guide breaks down the simple steps and key products to recreate the viral look at home, guaranteeing a salon-worthy manicure that’s both trendy and timeless.
Hey nail lovers! Ever scrolled through Insta and spotted those dreamy, almost-holographic nails and thought, “How can I get that mesmerizing glow?” You’re not alone! The “glazed donut” nail trend, famously rocked by Hailey Bieber, has taken the beauty world by storm, and for good reason. It’s a look that’s beautifully understated yet undeniably eye-catching. It’s like your nails are dipped in pure magic, offering a subtle shimmer that catches the light with every move.
But if you’re new to nail art or just looking for a simple upgrade to your usual mani, the thought of achieving this specific finish might seem a little daunting. Maybe you’ve tried to get that pearly effect before and it ended up looking patchy, or perhaps you’re not sure what products even create that unique sheen. Don’t worry, friend! My goal here at Nailerguy is to make gorgeous nails accessible to everyone, and this trend is surprisingly achievable for beginners.
This essential guide is designed to walk you through everything you need, from the exact colors to use, to the secret ingredient for that signature glaze. We’ll break down the process into easy-to-follow steps, so you can confidently recreate the Hailey Bieber glazed donut nail trend right at your fingertips. Get ready to discover how simple it is to add this touch of glam to your everyday style! Let’s dive into creating your own stunning, glazed-up nails.
What Exactly Are Glazed Donut Nails?
The glazed donut nail trend is all about achieving a subtle, pearlescent, and slightly iridescent finish on your nails. Think of the sheen on a perfectly glazed donut – it’s not a glitter bomb, but a soft, almost milky glow that shimmers gently when the light hits it. It’s a sophisticated take on a shimmery manicure, moving away from chunky glitters towards a smooth, luminous effect. Hailey Bieber popularized this look, and it quickly became a go-to for a clean, chic, and modern manicure that complements almost any outfit and occasion.
Essential Products for the Glazed Look
To achieve that signature Hailey Bieber glazed donut nail effect, you’ll need a few key items. The magic lies in layering, so investing in these specific types of products will make all the difference. Don’t worry, you don’t need a massive collection; just these essentials will have you mastering the trend in no time!
The Base Color
This is your foundation for the glazed effect. You want a color that’s neutral and slightly sheer, allowing the glaze to shine through beautifully.
- Opaque White or Off-White Polish: This is the most popular choice for the classic glazed donut look. A creamy, opaque white provides a bright, clean canvas. Brands like OPI (e.g., “Alpine Snow” or “Funny Bunny”), Essie (e.g., “Blanc”), or Gelish (e.g., “Arctic Freeze”) offer great options.
- Sheer Nudes or Pastels: For a softer, more subtle glaze, you can opt for sheer nude, pale pink, milky white, or even very light lavender polishes. These can offer a more unique, less stark version of the trend.
The Glaze Potion: Chrome Powder
This is the star of the show! The shimmering, iridescent finish comes from a special type of nail powder.
- Chrome Powder (Pearl or White): You’ll need a finely milled chrome or pearl pigment powder. Look specifically for “white chrome powder” or “pearl chrome powder.” This is what you’ll rub onto your nails to create the glazed effect. You can find these online from beauty suppliers or on Amazon. Brands like Born Pretty or Beetles offer good, affordable options.
The Essential Tools
These tools help you apply the powder smoothly and effectively.
- Small Eyeshadow Brush or Applicator: A soft, dense brush (like a synthetic eyeshadow applicator or a dedicated chrome powder brush) is perfect for buffing the powder onto the nail.
- No-Wipe Gel Top Coat: This is CRUCIAL! A a gel top coat that cures without leaving a sticky residue (often labeled “no-wipe”) is absolutely necessary for the chrome powder to adhere correctly and achieve that smooth, shiny finish. Brands like Beetles, Gelish, or Madam Glam have excellent no-wipe options.
- UV/LED Nail Lamp: If you’re using gel polish and a no-wipe gel top coat, you’ll need a UV/LED nail lamp to cure the gel layers. These are readily available online and are a great investment for at-home gel manicures.
Other Helpful Supplies
- Base Coat: For any gel manicure, a good base coat is important for adhesion and protecting your natural nails.
- Nail File and Buffer: To shape your nails and create a smooth surface for polish application.
- Rubbing Alcohol or Lint-Free Wipes: For cleaning the nail surface before applying polish.
- Cuticle Pusher and Oil: For pre-manicure nail prep.
How to Get Glazed Donut Nails: Step-by-Step
Ready to transform your nails into shimmering works of art? This guide breaks down the process, whether you’re using regular nail polish or gel. The gel method is highly recommended for the best, longest-lasting glazed effect, but we’ll cover a regular polish variation too!
Method 1: The Gel Manicure (Recommended for Best Results)
This method ensures a smooth, durable, and vibrant glazed finish.
- Prep Your Nails: Start by cleaning your nails. Push back your cuticles, gently file them to your desired shape, and buff the surface lightly to remove any shine. Wipe your nails with rubbing alcohol or a lint-free wipe to remove dust and oils.
- Apply Base Coat: Apply a thin layer of your gel base coat. Cure this under your UV/LED lamp according to the lamp’s instructions (usually 30-60 seconds).
- Apply Your Base Color: Paint your nails with your chosen opaque white or off-white (or sheer nude/pastel) gel polish. Apply one thin coat and cure it completely. For a more opaque finish, apply a second thin coat and cure again. This base color is what the chrome powder will transform!
- Apply No-Wipe Gel Top Coat: This is where the magic happens! Apply a thin, even layer of your NO-WIPE gel top coat over the dried color. Make sure to cap the free edge (paint a tiny bit on the edge of the nail tip) to prevent lifting. Do NOT cure this layer yet.
- Apply the Chrome Powder: While the no-wipe top coat is still wet (uncured), use your applicator brush to gently pick up a small amount of the white or pearl chrome powder. Lightly and evenly buff the powder onto the nail surface, covering the entire uncured top coat. You should see the shimmering, glazed effect starting to appear!
- Buff to Perfection: Continue buffing until the entire nail has a smooth, pearlescent sheen. Be gentle to avoid over-buffing or creating streaks. If there are any stray powder particles around your nails, gently brush them away.
- Cure the Glazed Layer: Once you’re happy with the glazed effect, cure your nails under the UV/LED lamp again. This will seal the chrome powder into the no-wipe top coat.
- Apply Final Top Coat (Optional but Recommended): For extra shine and protection, you can apply another thin layer of a regular (non-chrome) gel top coat. Cap the free edge again and cure it. This step adds an extra layer of gloss and durability, making your manicure last even longer.
- Finish Up: Wipe away any tackiness (if your top coat isn’t no-wipe, though the one under the chrome must be) with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free wipe. Apply cuticle oil around your nails to rehydrate and you’re done!
Method 2: Regular Nail Polish Variation (Less Durable, Softer Effect)
This method is simpler if you don’t have gel supplies, but the “glaze” might not be as pronounced or long-lasting.
- Prep Your Nails: Clean, file, and buff your nails as usual. Wipe with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol.
- Apply Base Color: Apply 2-3 thin coats of your opaque white or chosen base color regular nail polish. Let each coat dry completely until it’s no longer tacky to the touch.
- Apply a Specific “Chrome Powder” Top Coat: Some brands offer regular polish top coats specifically designed to work with chrome powders. You’ll need to find one that says it works with loose pigments or has a tacky finish that the powder can adhere to. The key is that it needs to be slightly tacky when dry to grab the powder. Apply a thin layer and let it dry until it’s tacky, but not fully hardened.
- Apply the Chrome Powder: Gently dab or buff the chrome powder onto the tacky surface of the top coat.
- Buff to Shine: Continue buffing until you achieve the desired pearly sheen.
- Seal & Finish: Apply a durable, quick-dry top coat. You may need two layers to seal the powder in as best as possible. Let your nails dry completely.
Quick Tip: For the regular polish method, the longer you wait for the specialized top coat to become tacky (but not dry), the better the powder will adhere. However, be careful not to wait too long, or it will become too hard for the powder to stick!
Tips for Perfect Glazed Nails
Achieving a flawless glazed donut manicure is all about the application technique. Even with the best products, a few pro tips can elevate your DIY game from good to absolutely stunning!
- Buff, Buff, Buff! The key to a smooth chrome finish is to buff the powder evenly across the entire nail surface. Don’t be afraid to spend a little extra time here.
- Less is More with Powder: Start with a small amount of chrome powder on your brush. You can always add more if needed, but it’s harder to remove excess powder if you apply too much at once.
- No-Wipe Top Coat is a MUST for Gel: I can’t stress this enough! If you’re using the gel method, only a true “no-wipe” gel top coat will allow the powder to adhere properly and give you that seamless glaze. A regular gel top coat that leaves a sticky layer won’t work for this technique.
- Cap Your Edges: Always “cap” the free edge of your nail with each layer of gel polish (base coat, color, and top coat). This seals the edges and helps prevent chipping and lifting, making your manicure last longer.
- Clean Up Messes Immediately: If you get chrome powder on your skin or cuticles, wipe it away with a dry brush or a slightly alcohol-dampened lint-free wipe before you cure the final layer. It’s much harder to clean up once it’s sealed.
- Smooth Base Color Application: Ensure your base color (white, nude, etc.) is applied smoothly and evenly. Any bumps or streaks in the base color will be amplified by the chrome powder.
- Work in Thin Layers: Whether it’s your base color or top coat, thin, even layers are always better for gel manicures. They cure more effectively and create a smoother finish.
- Experiment with Base Colors: While white is classic, try a pale pink, beige, or even a sheer milky blue underneath the pearl chrome for a different vibe. The pearl powder will reflect differently over various base shades.
What is the best way to clean up chrome powder?
For the cleanest finish, it’s best to brush away excess chrome powder with a dry, fluffy brush before you cure the final layer of polish. If powder gets on your skin or cuticles, use a makeup brush or a lint-free wipe slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the area. Avoid using too much liquid, as it can affect the uncured polish.
How long do glazed donut nails last?
When done with the gel method, glazed donut nails can last anywhere from two to three weeks, similar to a standard gel manicure. The durability comes from the gel polish and the careful curing process. The regular polish method will be significantly less durable, likely lasting only a few days to a week before chipping or losing its shine.
Can I use regular nail polish for the glazed effect?
Yes, you can achieve a version of the glazed donut look with regular nail polish, but it’s trickier and won’t last as long or look as smooth as the gel method. You’ll need a special chrome powder compatible with regular polish and a top coat that dries to a tacky finish. The result might be a bit more textured, and the shine may not be as intense or as durable.
What is the difference between white and pearl chrome powder?
White chrome powder tends to give a brighter, more opaque pearly effect, reminiscent of a classic glazed donut. Pearl chrome powder often has a slightly more iridescent or multi-dimensional sheen, sometimes with subtle pink or blue undertones, offering a softer, more ethereal glow. Both achieve the glazed look, but the intensity and subtle hue can vary.
Troubleshooting Common Glazed Donut Nail Problems
Even with the best intentions, sometimes our manis don’t turn out exactly as planned. Don’t get discouraged! Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
Problem: Streaky or Patchy Finish
- Likely Cause: Not enough powder, uneven buffing, or the no-wipe top coat wasn’t fully covering the nail.
- Solution: Gently buff the patched area with a clean brush. If it’s too difficult to fix, you might need to carefully wipe off the uncured top coat and powder (if still wet) and reapply the no-wipe top coat and powder. Ensure you’re buffing in small, circular motions across the entire nail.
Problem: Powder Not Sticking or Rubbing Off
- Likely Cause: The no-wipe gel top coat was cured for too long, wasn’t a true “no-wipe” formula, or wasn’t applied thinly enough. For regular polish, the top coat wasn’t tacky enough when powder was applied.
- Solution: With gel, you may need to carefully file off the top coat and try again with a fresh application of no-wipe top coat and powder. Ensure your lamp is set to the correct time and that you’re using a reliable no-wipe formula. For regular polish, ensure the top coat has the right amount of tackiness.
Problem: Dull or Matte Finish Instead of Shiny
- Likely Cause: The final top coat (if used) wasn’t shiny enough, or you didn’t cure the final top coat properly. Sometimes, if you buff the chrome powder too aggressively, it can become slightly diffused.
- Solution: Apply a thin, even layer of a high-shine gel top coat and cure it fully under your lamp. Make sure you cap the free edge. If the issue persists, you might need to reapply the chrome powder over a fresh layer of no-wipe top coat.
Problem: Chrome Powder on Skin or Cuticles
- Likely Cause: Over-buffing or difficulty controlling the powder application.
- Solution: As mentioned, a dry brush is your best friend for sweeping away excess powder before curing. If it’s already cured, you can gently clean it up with a small brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol. You can also use a latex peel-off base around your cuticles before application to catch any stray powder.
Variations on the Glazed Donut Trend
While the classic Hailey Bieber look is a stunning opaque white base with a pearl glaze, the beauty of this trend is its versatility! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it