Glazed donut nails are the sheer, luminous manicure that took the nail world by storm and never left. Characterised by a soft, pearlescent finish that mimics the sugary glaze on a fresh doughnut, this look delivers understated elegance on any nail length or shape. Whether you prefer short glazed donut nails or long almond tips, the technique is the same — and surprisingly simple to do at home with gel polish and Moonshine Powder
Colour Shown: Pearl White
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What Are Glazed Donut Nails?
Glazed donut nails (sometimes called glazed chrome nails or Hailey Bieber nails) feature a milky, semi-sheer base topped with a fine chrome powder that creates a soft, reflective shimmer. Unlike a full mirror-chrome manicure, the effect is subtle and diffused — think warm candlelight rather than a disco ball. The result is a clean, elevated finish that works with everything from casual daywear to wedding-day glam.
The look became a global sensation after Hailey Bieber debuted her glazed donut manicure, and it has since evolved into dozens of variations: pink glazed donut nails, chocolate glazed donut nails, strawberry glazed donut nails, and even glazed donut French tip nails. The core technique stays the same — only the base colour changes.
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What You Need
Here is everything you need to create the glazed donut nail look at home:
- Bluesky Base Coat
- A sheer, milky pink or nude gel polish from our nude gel polish collection — we recommend Romantique 80504 for a classic pink glazed donut or Moonlight & Roses 80528 for a warmer beige glazed donut
- A powder from our Moonshine Powder Collection — try Pearl White Powder for a classic glazed donut look
- A silicone applicator or eyeshadow sponge for buffing the chrome powder
- Bluesky No Wipe Tempered Top Coat
- A UV/LED nail lamp
Colours Shown: Girls Secret, Gweneira, Pearl White
How to Do Glazed Donut Nails: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Follow this step-by-step guide to create the perfect glazed donut nails at home. This tutorial is demonstrated by Bluesky Friend of the Brand Emily Jones (@nailed_byemily) — watch the full video below or read along.
Step 1: Prep Your Nails
Start by shaping your nails with a file and gently pushing back your cuticles. Lightly buff the surface of each nail to remove shine, then wipe away any dust. Clean nail prep is essential for long-lasting gel polish.
Step 2: Apply Base Coat
Apply a thin, even layer of Bluesky Base Coat and cure under your UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds. This protects your natural nail and gives the colour something to bond to.
Step 3: Apply Your Sheer Colour
Apply two thin coats of your chosen sheer gel polish, curing each coat under the lamp. For the classic glazed donut look, Romantique 80504 gives a beautiful soft pink base. If you prefer a warm, beige glazed donut finish, reach for Moonlight & Roses 80528. The key is to keep the base sheer and buildable — you want to see a hint of your natural nail beneath.
Step 4: Apply No Wipe Top Coat
Apply a layer of Bluesky No Wipe Tempered Top Coat and cure. This step is critical: the no-wipe formula leaves a tacky-free surface that the chrome powder can grip onto evenly.
Step 5: Buff On the Powder
Using a silicone applicator or soft eyeshadow sponge, pick up a small amount of the Bluesky Moonshine Powder and gently buff it onto the nail surface in circular motions. Work the powder into the nail until you achieve an even, pearlescent sheen across the entire nail. This is what creates that signature glazed donut glow.
Dust off any excess powder with a clean brush.
Step 6: Seal with Top Coat
Apply a final layer of No Wipe Tempered Top Coat over the chrome powder and cure for 60 seconds. This locks in the chrome finish and adds a glassy depth that makes the glazed effect really pop.
Watch the Tutorial
Glazed Donut Nail Variations to Try
Once you have mastered the classic technique, experiment with different base shades to create trending variations:
- Pink glazed donut nails — Use Romantique 80504 with silver chrome powder for the original look.
- Chocolate glazed donut nails — Start with a warm brown gel polish base and top with gold chrome powder for a rich, indulgent finish.
- Strawberry glazed donut nails — Layer pink chrome powder over a sheer rosy base for a fruity twist.
- White glazed donut nails — A milky white base with silver chrome gives a clean, icy finish that looks stunning on short nails.
- Glazed donut French tips — Apply the chrome powder only to the tips of your nails over a sheer base for a modern take on the French manicure.
Tips for the Best Glazed Donut Finish
- Keep your base sheer. The magic of glazed donut nails comes from light passing through the semi-transparent colour and bouncing off the chrome. Opaque polish will not give the same effect.
- Use a no-wipe top coat before the chrome. A sticky inhibition layer will make the chrome powder clump rather than glide on smoothly.
- Buff gently. Press too hard with the chrome applicator and you will scratch the surface. Light, circular motions are all you need.
- Two coats of top coat after chrome. Sealing the chrome properly prevents it from wearing off and keeps your manicure glossy for up to two weeks.
What to Ask for at the Salon
If you would rather have your glazed donut nails done professionally, ask your nail technician for a "chrome powder manicure over a sheer pink or nude base." You can also simply show them a photo — most nail techs will recognise the glazed donut look immediately. Specify whether you want the classic pearly finish or a variation like glazed donut French tips.