If you’re someone who loves expensive-looking nail trends, you’re going to want to save some watery nail inspiration down for your next nail appointment. It's a look I’ve seen cropping up on all the most influential and exciting nail artists’ feeds. Watery nails are one of the chicest, most elegant-looking manicures I’ve seen since milky nails first stormed onto the trend circuit.
If you’re already familiar with the best sheer nail polishes, watery nails take things one step further. Featuring diluted shades with an ultra-glossy finish, they mimic the look of sunlight on water, both reflecting the light and allowing your natural nail to show through. While some nail artists choose to approach watery nails in their most literal sense in cool gray and blue tones, it’s a trend that can also be applied to other shades, too. That means you’ll find watery nails in soft pinks, delicate lilacs, and even nude tones for a more unexpected take on a soft spring nail look. Allow me to show you.
The Best Watery Nails Inspiration
1. Lavender Water
A high-shine, glassy manicure with a hint of sheer color? These are watery nails at their best.
2. Pink Soda
For a warmer feel, try a soft pink tone.
3. Cool Tones
Cooler tones like this watery gray polish give a fresh feel.
4. Rosewater
Nail artist Mateja Novakovic uses Gelcare’s Lavender Water for a wash of sheer color.
5. Sheer Perfection
Proof that watery nails look great on longer nails, too.
6. Nearly Nude
The perfect watery nail look for minimalist nail lovers.
7. Statement Tips
A watery base and bright-pink tips offer a fun twist on the classic French manicure.
8. Feeling Blue
If pink tones aren’t for you, lean into the watery vibe with a sheer blue look.
9. You're Blushing
For a softer take, go for these blush-pink watery nails.
10. Love Hearts
Here, nail artist Sarah Alaina combines a pink watery base with 3D nail art.
11. Lilac Haze
Another great lilac look. This time, there’s a little more punch.
The Best Watery Nail Colors
Two coats of Manucurist’s Active Glow will give the perfect pink-toned watery manicure.
Dior’s Nail Glow offers just a hint of color with a high-shine, liquid-like finish.
A nail-artist favorite is Gelcare’s Lavender Water gel, which is a sheer polish that’s buildable.
For a true water-like look, try Maychao’s soft blue Gel shade.
Essie’s Jelly Gloss range features nine sheer shades that can be layered together to create endless watery nail looks.
Nails Inc.’s polish features a subtle shimmer for a delicate pearlescent finish.
This post originally appeared onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK.
-
Oat, Almond, or Strawberry? The Best Milky Nail Polish Shades for an On-Trend Summer ManicureSoft, subtle, barely there nails.
-
Trust Me—These 10 "Boring" Nail Colors Transcend Trends and Always Look ChicUniversal crowd-pleasers.
-
Scoping Out Nail Trends Is My Extreme Sport, and I'm Predicting a "Sunny French" SummerClassic yet striking.
-
From L.A. to London: The Top 5 Pedicure Colors Stylish People Are Wearing for Summer 2025Celebrity nail artists have spoken.
-
Sorry, French Tips—I'll Be Wearing This Cute, Low-Lift Nail Trend All Summer LongEffortlessly chic and so much fun.
-
I Won't Wear Sheer Nail Polish Unless It's This Exact OPI Shade CombinationOnly the best.
-
If I See You Wearing Any of These Summer Nail Trends, I'll Immediately Know You Have TasteHop on before they hit the mainstream.
-
Charli XCX Wore This $13 Anti-Brat Nail Polish on the Cannes Red CarpetIt's a classic choice.
