Classic Glazed Donut Nails Are Getting A Hailey Bieber-Approved Upgrade

In 2022, Hailey Bieber grabbed attention at the Met Gala with a pale, pearlescent manicure. Ever since, this look — dubbed as glazed donut nails for their sugary, shimmery finish — has been a nail art must-have. From apricot glazed nails to glazed donut nails with eclectic blue or green undertones, nail enthusiasts have been eagerly trying out new variations on the now-classic glazed look.

With so much hype around one technique, you might think glazed nails would have burned out by now. However, it seems that the glazed manicure's original sheen queen isn't done with the look. On the contrary, Bieber is poised to revive the trend, debuting a fresh new take on glazed donut nails at a 2024 Oscars after-party. Whereas her original, trend-setting manicure showed off a nacreous white color scheme, Bieber's nail refresh is built around a warm, nearly nude pink that is chic beyond belief.

If this manicure reveal is anything like Bieber's first world-shaking moment, we'll soon be seeing more updated riffs on the glazed donut manicure — in particular, versions that highlight neutral hues of rose or blush. Fortunately, this nail aesthetic looks good on everyone, and it can easily be tweaked to reflect your manicure preferences and style.

On Instagram, nail artist Zola Ganzorigt explained that she created Hailey Bieber's new manicure by layering four OPI products: GelColor Stay Strong Base Coat, neutral pink GelColor in Bare My Soul, shimmery Chrome Effects in Tin Man Can, and, finally, GelColor Stay Shiny Top Coat. The finished manicure is alluring yet understated. Unfortunately, OPI's chrome powders, pivotal in creating the subtle glimmer of the glazed look, are only available to professionals. If you prefer to DIY your manicure at home, you can easily create glazed donut nails with eyeshadow.

Hailey Bieber's new take on the glazed donut manicure featured an elegant, mid-length almond shape, but feel free to dial up the drama on your own hands. For extra edge, why not sharpen up those points with stiletto nails? Or, for plenty of length without the keen point, consider long, coffin-shaped nails, the intriguing asymmetry of lipstick nails, or the eye-catching swoop of flared nails. 

Long and uniquely shaped nails can be a lot of fun, but they aren't everyone's cup of tea — nor are they always practical. If you're in this camp, you can take your pink, glazed nails in a gentler, less claw-like direction by opting for shorter lengths and a blunter nail shape (like a square, round, or oval tip). Glazed finishes are actually ideal for shorter manicures because their intense, glistening shine helps short nails stand out. 

Still in love with the original glazed donut trend? Get the best of both worlds by combining Hailey Bieber's new, pink-based glazed nail look with the white shimmer of a classic glazed donut manicure. Ombré nails — or even trippy, double-ombré nails — allow you to indulge in more than one hue while staying close to the simple elegance that launched the glazed donut look into beauty stardom. White tips serve as a graceful nod to French-tipped nails, but you can also play around with other color combinations to pair with your rosy foundation.

Whether you prefer a gold-skewing peach base or something a little more Barbie, a pink glazed donut manicure can be the perfect canvas for additional designs and detailing. Contrast the shine of your glazed nails with matte florals, geometric linework, or a clean French tip. Or you can double down on the inherent glamor of a glazed mani by adding more light-catching embellishments, including metallic elements, gemstones, or oh-so-appropriate pearl accents.