How to Wear Grape Jelly Nails this Fall

Every season brings a new set of viral nail trends. Wondering what you should bookmark this fall? Let us introduce you to grape jelly nails. Inspired by the early 2000s, this nostalgic manicure is reminiscent of Y2K nail vibes, replete with a high-shine, translucent finish. While your basic seasonal designs start to flood your feed, grape jelly nails feel fun and different. Something about the combination of a glossy, dimensional texture and a purple hue makes this design mesmerizing. Think of this trend as a bold iteration of subtle lip gloss nails, making it perfect for those who love to wear color yet still want a semi-transparent effect.

What Are Grape Jelly Nails?

A unique take on the viral jelly nail trend, grape jelly nails impart translucency with a wash of color for an elevated look that’s not too bold or dark. Like other colorful jelly nail looks, there’s a touch of milky sheerness to the shade, making this purple manicure reminiscent of the texture of grape jam. Celebrity manicurist Alex Jachno calls grape jelly nails “a delicious, sheer, glossy purple manicure that makes the nails look like hard candy or stained glass. The sheerness of the polish gives the nails depth (which you can build up) so you can see through the color’s glass-like finish to make the nails pop.” Thanks to a pretty tint of diaphanous color and high-gloss shine, this manicure is super wearable and effortlessly chic.

Lia Smith, the North America Brand Education Manager for OPI, explains that grape jelly nails transform crème polishes from opaque into a translucent color, giving the nails a juicy and wet look. “The trend is fun and plays into the idea of dopamine dressing, where bold, vibrant colors promote positive emotions, act as a mood booster, and are an expression of creativity,” she says. The opacity of the manicure creates a more subdued nail look than regular nail polish, yet still packs plenty of color.

What Shades of Purple Work?

No shade of purple is off limits here, and everything from pastel lilac, traditional purple, Smucker’s grape, or deep eggplant can work. “Finding the right shade of purple depends on your skin tone and style,” says Jachno. “Swatch a few shades against the skin to see what stands out, but remember that the nails are also about expression. So, if a shade makes you feel confident, then that’s the right purple for you.”

How to Get the Look

For starters, preparation is key so that the polish settles smoothly on the nail bed. Jachno recommends first cutting and shaping the nails, gently pushing back and trimming the cuticles, and using a fine-grit buffer to smooth over imperfections. “You’ll want to clean the nails with alcohol to remove any oils and debris, and nourish the nails with a bond repair to prevent damage while ensuring a long-lasting, flawless result.”

According to Smith, any purple nail polish can be made into a jelly finish by mixing the color with a topcoat. “I like combining OPI Grape Escape, which is a semi-sheer purple polish, and Skate to the Party, a violet crème opaque for the perfect grape jelly color.” The more topcoat that’s added to the polish, the sheerer it becomes. Apply at least two ultra-thin coats of the mixture to the nails, and layer a high-gloss topcoat in between, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next one.

There are also ready-made jelly polishes, such as Cirque Colors in Blurple Jelly and Le Mini Macaron Les Jellies Nail Polish in Grape Jelly, both of which create a translucent finish on the nails. Some manicurists go as far as building up the design with heavier gels to achieve a 3D effect, creating a more avant-garde look. Regardless of the method used, the final step is always a layer of a high-shine clear topcoat.

If you want to dress up grape jelly nails, Smith recommends adding a coat of sheer pink glaze (it gives a similar effect to chrome but with less of a metallic finish.) “This will elevate the nails while retaining the translucence.” Want to push the look even further? Opt for small nail decals, mini rhinestones, or a light wash of glitter nail polish to add a touch of glamour to the nails.

Once the manicure is complete, keeping it shiny and chip-free is a whole other feat. To extend the life of your grape jelly nails, Smith recommends reapplying a topcoat every few days and a light layer of cuticle oil daily.