How to Try Summer’s “Rose Water” Nail Trend

While you can never age out of using fairy dust, I do think rose water sprays are the “adult” version of all that glittery goodness. They don’t sparkle (unless you add your own shimmer, and you can always do that), but the soft smell and feeling of gentle mist falling across your face and body play into a sensory experience that’s as ethereal as you can get with a beauty product.

Now, if you want to extend that sensation even further? For days or weeks, depending on if you’re a DIY or in-salon girl? Well, a Rose Water Manicure is the only way to go. The fairies and Hailey Bieber told me so.

The Rose Water Manicure Trend

Last weekend, Bieber hit the streets of New York with a stunning almond-shaped rose water manicure. Each of her long nails was painted with the same soft and sheer pink shade with a glossy, liquid-like jelly finish.

And although the 28-year-old is usually the one to start trends, this time around she’s just the latest in a long list of ethereal girl summer participants embracing the look.

Last fall, Dakota Johnson appeared at the Gucci Spring/Summer 2025 runway show with sheer pink nails. Rihanna wore the look earlier this spring, and we can never, ever forget Jennifer Aniston and Megan Thee Stallion’s contributions to the sheer pink polish cannon. There’s also Lana Del Rey, who’s been wearing square-shaped rose water nails for her recent shows in the UK.

Why It’s Trending

There are a couple of reasons the rose water manicure has become so popular. As mentioned, there’s the ethereal girl trend. This summer, floaty, abstract styles have been reigning supreme. A jelly manicure—more specifically a pink jelly manicure—fits right in with all the tulle and effortless fantasy vibes.

Then there are the celebs—never discount Jen An or the Biebs’ abilities to promote a new polish. And, of course, there’s the energy of the manicure in general. It’s summer, after all! With its cool jelly finish, soft shade, and floral breeziness, this look is as warm weather-chic as it gets.

How to Get the Look

Crafting your own rose water manicure is surprisingly easy.

Last year, Bieber’s go-to nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt, revealed the recipe she used for a custom glazed pink jelly nail look. If you forgo the chrome powder, you’d be rose watering. After prepping the nails, she mixed up a special rose shade with hot pink (the polish she used, OPI’s Hotter Than You Pink, is no longer available, but you could use their Aurora Berry-Alis) and white (that would be the classic Alpine Snow) polishes.

Other brilliant rose water polishes on the market include Manucurist’s Active Glow Polish in Raspberry and Cirque Colors’ Rosewater Jelly. Both will help you get the look quickly and without much work, save for the addition of a glossy top coat to add an extra liquid-like sheen.

If you want to go the gel route, Gelcare’s classic Rose Water (there’s that name again!) is always a winner, or you could try their Rose BB Cream for a more subtle take. And as far as pressies go, Olive & June is stocked with a Pink Jelly glue-on style that’ll get you the look in a flash. It might be good to cut down on the drying time, actually—your garden party awaits.