9 Best Jelly Nail Polishes Of 2024 For Translucent And Shiny Nails
Give your nails an attractive, yummy look with these long-lasting jelly nail polish!
Anuja Sachdeva is a celebrity nail artist, internationally certified nail master, and PMU artist with a demonstrated history of working in advertising, films, and commercials. She has over 4 years of experience and is also the founder of La Bella Nail Studio & Academy.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
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Jelly nail polishes are all about vibrant colors and translucent, shiny nails. They help you look bolder and stand out in a crowd. These sparkly and mind-blowing new polishes are trending on many social media platforms. They give you a manicured and polished look with a luxe touch. And the best part is that they can be applied easily to your nails at home, which may help you save your hard-earned money.
Jelly nail polishes are cost-effective and last longer than conventional nail polishes. They give flawless buildable coverage with salon-quality formula. It isn’t easy to experiment with different colors with conventional polishes as they offer very few variations. In contrast, jelly polishes provide many options which help you stand out with their bold colors. Jelly polishes are also available in non-toxic and cruelty-free variants, making them safe to use. So, if you are planning to give the jelly polish a shot, this article is just for you. We have listed the 9 best jelly nail polishes that may help you carry shiny, translucent nails. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll down!
In This Article
9 Best Jelly Nail Polishes Of 2024 For Trendy Nails
1. Best Long-Lasting:Jelly Belly + Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color – Strawberry Cheesecake
Haven’t the colors of jelly beans just fascinated you since childhood? Well, this expertly crafted jelly belly nail polish transports you to the carefree time of your childhood with its delicate hue. Just apply 1 coat in a single stroke with the insta-dri brush and you are done. It dries in no time and is ideal for those who are on the go, as the whole process takes just about a minute. It has an upgraded 3-in-1 formula with a built-in base and top coat to provide shiny, long wear in a single step. This nail polish is available in an assortment of gorgeous, spring shades from a fruity cherry red to a glitter spangled violet. Take your pick! Check out this video detailing a reviewer’s experience with this polish to learn more about it
- Long lasting
- Dries instantly
- 3-in-formula
- Requires just 1 coat
- Contains acetates
2. Best Cruelty-Free: ILNP Blackest Holographic Nail Polish
Get ready for magic in a bottle with this holographic black jelly nail polish, especially if you like the gothic look. This sparkly and mind blowing nail polish gives your nails long lasting coverage and is durable and chip-resistant. Only the most premium ingredients go into this nail polish and it’s formulated with love and care. It’s 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and free of 7 toxic chemicals. This product is formulated to maximize depth and holographic payoff while maintaining a pure, jet black glossy finish that is as smooth as silk and shines like crystal. This statement-making sheer nail polish allows the scattered holographic flakes to work their magic all the way through each layer right down to your nails! The end result is a super sparkly finish with unmistakable depth. Seriously, it’s absolutely wonderful! If you are still unsure, check out this video to explore a tester’s experience with this polish.
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan friendly
- Long lasting
- Doesn’t chip
- Non-toxic
- High gloss and sparkle
- Easy to remove
- Might require several coats for full coverage
3. Best Holographic Finish:Cirque Colors Holographic Jelly Nail Polish – Crushed Ice
Who doesn’t like a sparkly silver nail color that reminds us of unicorns! This jelly nail polish is a silver-scattered holographic nail polish made with sparkling holographic flakes. Many reviewers agree that this rich color delivers full coverage to your nails in 2 to 3 coats and has a smooth long-lasting finish. This stained nail polish is vegan, animal cruelty-free, and has a non-toxic formula which is devoid of 10 harmful chemicals. It’s hand made in small batches to ensure its premium quality. True to its name, Cirque, which means ring or circle, it is inspired by the color wheel, and each shade is a view into the endless possibilities of the color spectrum which are high in performance.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Hand made
- Free of 10 harmful chemicals
- Some may find it too sheer and lacking in glitter
4. Best Streak-Free Application:Essie Nail Polish – A List
Looking for a classic red? This translucent glossy nail polish is smooth, non- streaking and leaves you with the perfect thickness because of its professional quality. It is the go-to nail polish for beauty professionals, celebrities, and fashion icons around the world, and for right reasons. This classic creamy candied apple red polish is a nail color that’s here to stay with its high, glossy shine finish. The creamy look of this color gives it a softness that deep colors often lose, making it the perfect color for any occasion. It provides flawless coverage along with outstanding durability and has a brush that fits every nail size for streak-free application. The online reviews sing praises about its rich color and many customers love the long-lasting results it imparts. Its salon-quality formula and catchy names have made this brand a hot favorite.
- Glossy finish
- Long lasting
- Flawless coverage
- Streak-free application
- Contains formaldehyde resin and alcohol
Quick Tip5. Best Eco-Friendly:Tomicca Jade Nude Color Gel Set
Practice nail art with a whole range of colors with this soak off gel nail polish that comes in a pack of 6 colors, ranging from orange to purple. They are made from non-toxic ingredients that make them safe and odorless. They contain no harsh ingredients or adhesives that can damage your nails. With proper application, this nail polish will last up to 2 to 3 weeks with a brilliant shine, and no chipping or smudging. It comes in an attractive gift box and these attractive red, orange, and purple colors make an ideal gift for different occasions and different ages. This expertly crafted jelly nail polish will bring you the perfect nail art experience at home or at a salon.
- Made from natural resins
- Non-toxic
- Long lasting
- Easy to apply
- Low smell
- MSDS-certified
- SGS-certified
- Environment-friendly
- Some may find the texture too thick
Pro Tip6. Best For Brittle Nails:butter LONDON Jelly Preserve Strengthening Treatment
Now here’s a nail polish that does more than just color but rather is a unique jelly polish. The butter LONDON Jelly Preserve Strengthening Treatment with a 2-in-1 translucent formula forms a moisture cover over dry, brittle nails and keeps them nourished. It is enriched with the goodness of tea tree oil that heals and seals in moisture, and vitamin E and acai berry that lend antioxidant benefits to protect, strengthen, and revive your nails. This sheer jelly nail polish effectively brightens your nails and eliminates the chances of their peeling and chipping with continued use, delivering exceptional results.
- Strengthens nails
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Xylene-free
- Toluene-free
- Requires 3 coats to create a bright pigment
7. Best Quick-Drying Formula:In.Hype Gel Polish – Jelly Pink
If you like to go for the sheer and natural look, this milky pink jelly nail polish uses the highest quality non-toxic ingredients to make sure you have the best quality nail polish. It’s devoid of 9 toxic chemicals like parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and xylene, and is especially formulated for your safety. It’s easy and safe to apply, environment friendly, healthy, and has a very mild smell. This jelly nail polish helps to strengthen your nails with a durable and shiny coat and can be used for natural nails for strengthening, tip overlay, and sculpture. This jellified nail color layers on so thin that it looks extremely natural. This product is fast drying and cures with both UV and LED lamps and soaks off in 5 to 9 minutes. Many reviewers feel that it is a perfect gel for someone who likes sheer looks and wants to strengthen their nails at the same time.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Sheer finish
- Mild odor
- Quick drying
- Environment friendly
- Free of 9 toxic chemicals
- Contains alcohol
Pro Tip8. Best Salon-Like Finish:BORN PRETTY Pearl Nail Polish Set
A whole set of sheer glimmer to match every mood and outfit? Yes, please! The Born Pretty Pearl Nail Polish Set offers 5 nail polishes and a base top coat that gives a pearl-like shimmery finish to your nails. This polish set can be used alone or as a top coat for a deep base polish for enhanced sparkle. This is a good addition to your nail polish collection as it comes in shades of blue, pink, purple, green, and yellowish-gold colors. These shimmery jelly polishes are easy to apply and toxin-free, which make them perfect for a safe home manicure.
- Quick drying
- Toxin-free
- Vegan
- Adhesive-free
- Cruelty-free
None
9. Best Chip-Resistant:Pretty Woman NYC Nail Polish – Don’t Be Jelly
This flattering jelly nail polish color is durable and long-wearing, while also being crack and chip resistant. This ensures that your colored nails will look as good as new, even after several days. It dries quickly when applied in thin coats, lasts for long, and at the most might require a touch up periodically. It goes on smooth and you can get an opaque effect in just 2 coats. It is free of 10 toxic chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, GMO, and triclosan to name a few. If you aim for a darker shade of this beautiful deep plum color with chocolate undertones, you just need a few more layers to do the job.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Long lasting
- Devoid of 10 toxic chemicals
- Crack and chip-resistant
- Smooth finish
- Dries quickly
- Contains alcohol
Now that you have gone through our review of the 9 best jelly nail polishes of 2024, it’s important that you know what to look for while choosing one for yourself. So, here are a few tips so that you can make an informed decision and pick up the most outstanding nail polish.
How To Choose Jelly Nail Polish
- Texture
A jelly nail polish is expected to be sheer and translucent so that it gives a 3D effect when used with glitter for nail art. This is what differentiates it from regular opaque nail polishes. It also should have a very glossy and shiny finish.
- Long wear
Your jelly nail polish should be resistant to chipping, cracking, and peeling and should last on your nails between 1 to 2 weeks. It should be quick to dry and easy to remove.
- Ingredients to avoid
Many nail polishes may contain toxins that are harmful for us. It’s important to check and see that your jelly nail polish does not carry toxins or harmful chemicals in it like toluene, DBP, alcohol, formaldehyde, acetone, formaldehyde resin, camphor, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, phthalates, parabens, gluten, triphenyl phosphate and fragrances.
Now that you know what to look for while choosing a jelly nail polish for yourself, it’s equally important to know how to use it to get the best effect. Jelly nail polishes can be used by themselves or for nail art, so here are a few points that you would need to keep in mind.
How To Use Jelly Nail Polish
Step 1-
Before applying, make sure your nails are completely dry, clean, and oil-free, otherwise it will peel right off.
Step 2- Remember to apply a thin layer as a thinner layer serves as a strong base.
Step 3- Apply gel to nail edges and tips, and seal the gel with the brush to avoid chipping, thus increasing its wear.
Step 4- Do not cure the gel for too long or too short a time.
Step 5- Don’t apply gel on the skin or cuticle. If there is gel on the skin, please clean it before curing or your nail color will peel off.
In case you are using the jelly nail polish for nail art, do go through the following steps once.
Step 1– After prepping your nails, use a base coat, apply 1 to 2 coats of a sheer, jelly polish to each nail. Give it time to dry.
Step 2– Apply a layer of glitter polish with a clear base over it.
Step 3– Once the glitter is dry, put an additional coat of jelly polish on top of it.
Step 4– Finish off with a top coat for added protection and shine.
To get the best out of your jelly nail polish, there are a few general rules that you need to keep in mind while using them.
- Use layers
As the nail polish is sheer, you will need to apply 3 coats and sometimes even 4 coats for the look you want, and that’s what gives your nail polish the 3D effect with the glitter flakes reflecting light at different depths on your nails.
- Let the nail line show
As you are going for a translucent rather than an opaque look, it’s okay for the nail line to show even after 3 coats. If you are not a big fan of it, you can always use a neutral or white base color under your jelly nail polish.
- Use a top coat
After applying 3 or more layers of your jelly nail polish, follow it up with a top coat the next day for that extra shine and to show off the layering of the jelly.
- Extensions
A jelly nail polish goes very well with extensions as it enhances the long, clear nails. So, you can always use your jelly nail polish for your extensions.
- Curing
Check the wattage of your curing lamp, which should ideally be between 4 watts to 9 watts, and that will determine the curing time. It’s suggested to cure the base coat for 30 seconds, each coat of jelly polish for 60 seconds, and the top coat for 60 seconds.
Infographic: A Step-By-Step Guide On Proper Removal Of Jelly Nail Polish
You can try a fun manicure session with some vibrant jelly nail polish shades for a unique and sheer nail look. However, it is also important to remove them properly to keep your nails clean and healthy. Jelly nail polishes are not hard to remove. However, the process requires a gentle approach to avoid damaging the nails. Check out the infographic below for step-by-step instructions.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
It’s everyone’s dream to flaunt perfectly manicured nails., which is now possible with jelly nail polishes! Unlike conventional nail polishes, jelly nail polishes last long. They come with a translucent finish with vibrant colors. They appear sheer on the first coat, and the color seems visible only after applying two to three coats. Some of the nail polishes listed above offer quick drying, while some offer a sparkly finish, some offer flawless coverage, and some provide a shiny finish. Some of the polishes are also free of animal testing and are certified vegan, ensuring a guilt-free experience. From strawberry cheesecake to black holographic, and from crushed ice color to nude set – you can get all kinds of shades in our list of jelly nail polishes. The Jelly Belly + Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color – Strawberry Cheesecake offers long wear with its insta-dri brush, the Cirque Colors Holographic Jelly Nail Polish – Crushed Ice has a multidimensional finish, and the In.Hype Gel Polish – Jelly Pink is a good choice for strengthening your nails in a natural hue. Consider long-lasting jelly nail polishes that dry quickly and stay for a long time. Avoid nail polishes formulated with phthalates, paraben, and sulfate, as they are toxic and harmful to your nails. You may side with expert-recommended polishes as they are high-quality and deliver exceptional results. However, remember to read customer reviews before making a purchase.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Srijani Roy Chowdhury, is a makeup enthusiast who loves trying out different beauty products. She has curated a list of jelly nail polishes after carefully researching and browsing through online reviews. Her list is perfect if you want to impress your friends with your nail polish and nail art which complements your entire look! Not only are these nail polishes cost-effective, but they also last longer than the conventional ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does jelly nail polish last?
Jelly nail polishes last for one or two weeks. However, with proper care, you can make them last longer.
Can I use a top coat with the best jelly nail polish?
Yes. Use a matte or glossy top coat over your jelly nail polish based on your choice. The top coat will hold the polish for many days.
What is the difference between jelly and gel nail polish?
A jelly polish is a colored polish that has a transparent finish and might show the nail line. On the other hand, gel polishes do not have a transparent finish and show the nail line.
Does jelly nail polish need UV light?
Yes. Jelly nail polishes need UV light to harden and cure the nail colors.
Is jelly nail polish cruelty-free?
No. Besides some brands, jelly nail polishes are tested on animals and are not cruelty-free.
Read full bio of Anuja Sachdeva
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
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