15 Best JELLY NAIL POLISHES & Gel Polishes [2023]
We are discussing the best jelly and Korean jelly nail polishes. Here is the ultimate list of the best jelly nail polishes that are available this year.
Jelly colors are a great choice for when you need a translucent, sometimes barely there color. We have found some of the best shades out there that will give you a classic jelly look to your manicure.
When it comes to a DIY manicure that has a jelly formula, there's many nail polish brands to choose from. Some are the top sellers that you will recognize right away, and we also found some artisan brands that you might not have heard of yet.
Today we will discuss:
The top jelly polishes from Etsy & Amazon stores
Jelly gel sets that require a cure lamp
Semi transparent jelly polish with sparkle enhancements
Swatching videos with some of our favorite brands
What is a jelly nail polish?
Jelly nail polish refers to the finish of the polish. A jelly nail polish will be sheer and translucent and is the opposite of a creme nail polish which is full coverage. Jelly polishes can come in any color from nude to pink.
One of the characteristics of a true jelly polish is that with two thin coats, you can usually still see the smile line on your natural nail. It's your own personal preference if you want to put on more coats for more color coverage.
You will still have a jelly look, no matter how many coats you apply.
Nail brands often offer the exact same color in a creme polish AND jelly polish. You get the same color, but the opacity of the polish is different.
A jelly polish can be worn alone or combined with other polishes to create unique opacities. Jelly polishes come in regular nail polishes and gel polishes that require a cure lamp.
Ok so now that you know about jelly polishes, let's go through this list together and find your perfect shade!
Best Jelly Nail Polishes
1. Jelly Nail Polish Gel Set
Starting this jelly nail polish list off strong, here is a full set of jelly gel polishes from Born Pretty. We have used their products many times in videos and absolutely love their formulas.
Remember with gel polish you will need a cure lamp to cure the gel. The SunUV lamp is a good one to start out with as it cures the gel properly
2. Violet Jelly
Jelly nail polish has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to its unique look. This beautiful shade of light purple polish is made with a jelly-like formula that gives it a translucent finish.
3. Loki Scattered Glitter
Here's a good choice for when you want a scattered glitter topper jelly polish. These jellies are so fun to use and can be applied in two thin coats to create a beautiful look.
This shop really stands out for their vegan and cruelty free nail polishes. Their polishes are made in small batches so you know you are getting the absolute best quality.
4. Santa Monica
Jelly nail polish has taken the nail art world by storm! This translucent polish is perfect for creating a range of looks, from natural and understated to bold and daring.
It is also incredibly versatile, thanks to its ability to be sheer or opaque depending on how it is applied. Whether you're a polish novice or a seasoned pro, jelly nail polish is a must-have in your collection!
Santa Monica is a coral peach polish that looks like a true jelly. For the best results, make sure the polish is mixed well by rolling it in your hands.
5. Jelly Gel Starter Kit
If you are new to get polish and would like to try a jelly look, then here is a fantastic choice for a full jelly set that also includes the lamp.
A jelly nail polish set with a lamp is an excellent starter set because it includes all the necessary tools and materials to begin creating stunning gel manicures.
The kit typically comes with a variety jelly nail polish colors, a UV or LED lamp for quick and efficient curing, and essential accessories like base and top coats.
This comprehensive package ensures beginners can experiment with different colors and designs.
6. Jelly Gift Box Set
Have you ever seen those pictures of jelly nails on Pinterest and thought to yourself, "I could never pull that off?" Well, jelly nails are not as difficult to achieve as you might think.
In fact, this set of gel polishes comes in many fun colors. The key to jelly nails is to apply the polish in thin layers. The first layer should be very sheer, and each subsequent layer should be slightly thicker. With this set you will need a light to cure the gel polish.
Once you have reached the desired opacity, simply top off your nails with a clear top coat. And voilà! You've just created your very own jelly nails.
If you have not tried Meet Across polishes yet, check out our cat eye nail tutorial using their 3d magnetic polishes.
7. Jelly Gel Polish
Welcome to the exciting world of jelly nail polish! This unique set comes in 12 colors that are perfect for a sheer, nude pink look.
You'll need a cure lamp to use this polish, but it's great for DIY manicures. Plus, you can use either a glossy top coat or matte top coat to change the finish.
So whether you're looking for a dramatic look or something more subtle, jelly nail polish is the perfect choice.
This is a geat set to have in your nail art supplies stash.
Watch the video in their listing to see exactly what these polishes look like. These nail polish swatches are so pretty!
8. Pearl Jelly Nail Polish
Unlike other types of polish, jelly polishes are not opaque, so they allow light to pass through them. This property makes jelly polishes ideal for creating intricate designs and patterns.
When applied correctly, jelly polishes can create a beautiful, ethereal look that is perfect for any occasion like this set of pearl jelly gel polishes by Born Pretty.
9. Nude Sheer Polish OPI
For those of you who like OPI, they offer a nude sheer polish that's great for all skin tones. This top-selling polish is good for adding a pop of color while giving you a classic jelly look.
The long-lasting formula provides up to 7 days of wear, so you can enjoy your fabulous nails without having to worry about them chipping or fading. The best way to use this polish is with a base coat and top coat to help make it last the full week.
10. Sour Punch Jelly Polish
Have you ever seen something so beautiful that it took your breath away? That's the effect that jelly nail polish can have. This polish is made from a translucent green formula, and it contains shimmering sparkles.
When the light hits it, jelly nail polish can look like a million tiny diamonds. It's simply stunning.
11. Dove Jelly
If you're looking for a unique nail polish that is on the lighter grey color, then you need to try Dove Jelly. This translucent polish will give you a beautiful light grey finish.
And best of all, jelly nail polish is vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about your manicure. To create grey jelly nails, simply apply one or two coats of jelly nail polish to your nails.
You can also take it up a notch by using a thin brush to add iridescent rose gold sparkles for nails. Once you've finished, be sure to seal your manicure with a top coat to protect your nails from chipping.
If you are looking for some stunning grey nail polishes. Check out our article about the best grey nail polishes for this year.
12. essie Ballet Slipper
This is hands down one of the best sheer pink jellies that we have used. Ballet Slipper is elegant, sheer and a true jelly polish with an ultra translucent formula.
We did a review on this polish that came in a travel set. If you would like to see the essie formulas, read the essie nail polish review.
13. Sandy Baby
Jelly nail polish that is filled with iridescent sparkles is something special to have in your nail polish collection.
You can use it to create delicate designs or go for a bolder look by layering it over other polishes. There's so many ways to use just a couple of colors.
14. Sweet Pea
Pretty pink jelly nails are all the rage these days, and this elegant sparkly polish is one of the top selling jelly polishes on Etsy and Amazon.
The easy to use formula is quick drying and long lasting, making it a great option for DIY nail art. The sheer pink color is accented with subtle sparkles that add a touch of extra to any outfit.
ILNP has a swatching video in their listing so you can see how it looks with one coat and two coats.
15. Strawberry Rhubarb Jelly Preserve
Just the name of this polish gives us those jelly vibes we are craving! Butter London has one of the best jelly formulas in many colors, but today we are showing off their Strawberry Rhubarb Jelly Preserve.
Their whole collection of nail products are 100% cruelty-free, and that's something we can all get behind.
16. Milky White Jelly
This see-through, milky white polish gives nails a chic, jelly-like finish that is cruelty free so you can feel good about using it.
Their milky white polish will give your nails a unique, ethereal look. They can be worn alone or layered over other colors to create an infinite number of looks.
The best thing about jelly polish is that it is easy to apply and requires no special skills or techniques. Simply paint your nails with one or two coats of jelly polish and you're done!
17. Gummy Gelly
The Makartt jelly nail polish has become increasingly popular over the years thanks to their great formulas. The polish is made with a jelly-like substance that gives it a translucent finish. When applied to the nails, it creates an effect that is similar to wearing jelly shoes.
This would be a fantastic gift set for people that love to do their nails and it comes with 6 shades. Try to use jelly polishes with loose glitter for nails or with waterslide decals and let the fun begin!
So now you know that jelly nail polishes are available in a wide range of colors, from clear to opaque, and can be used to create a variety of looks.
Jelly nail polishes tend to be thicker than traditional polishes, so they require a bit more care when applying. Additionally, jelly polishes are at their best when a base coat and top coat are applied.
Tips For Jelly Nail Polishes
First, jelly polishes are very sheer. They look great on their own and also as a base for stamping on. You can also use jelly polishes as a topper to change a base color.
Second, jelly polishes can be a bit tricky to work with, so it's important to use a steady hand and avoid overworking the polish. It's easy to flood the cuticles and then the look is ruined. So go light and slow over the natural nail. Thin and even coats is what you are going for.
Try making a manicure featuring jellies on most of the fingers, and then switch up an accent nail with the same color but with a full coverage crème.
Jelly polishes also look amazing as a base for stamping and for nail art embellishments.
How to make your own jelly nail polish
It is possible to mix your own jelly nail polish with your favorite colors into a clear base. Just take a little bit of base and mix in the color of your choice bit by bit. You will want just a little bit of color so that the polish is translucent.
When applying jelly polish you can go as sheer or jelly-like as you like. Apply as many coats of jelly polish as you like to get the desired opacity.
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