Glazed nails are the pearl trend of the season: the nails look as if they were coated with a whisper-thin sugar glaze – glossy, softly shimmering and still natural. We'll show you how to create the glazed look with gel in 6 steps without any powder, which 5 variations are trending right now and what pros pay attention to in the salon.

What are glazed nails – and how are they different from pearl nails?

With glazed nails, a fine, slightly iridescent shimmer sits on top of a delicate base colour. The result is reminiscent of a glazed surface or the inside of a seashell. The terms are often mixed up:

• Glazed nails: a sheer, soft veil of shimmer over nude, milky white or pastel – the shine is the star, not the colour.
• Pearl nails: a slightly stronger, pearly shimmer that shifts colour a little depending on the light.
• Shimmer nails: fine glitter particles in the gel create a subtle sparkle, ideal for everyday wear.

The best part: all three variations can be created with shimmering gels. So you don't need any powder or complicated technique – just the right layering. If you love milky base shades, check out our article on Milky Nails too – the two trends combine beautifully.

What you need for glazed nails with gel

For this look, you combine a light base with a shimmering layer. These products have proven themselves:

• Prep: file, buffer and a dehydrator from the Primer & Nail Prep category.
• Base & build: the self-levelling 1-phase gel BNC Profi-Gel – according to its description suitable for priming, building and sealing.
• Milky base colour: BNC Cover Make up Gel milky for an even, natural base.
• Shimmer gel (the heart of the look): Pearl Gel apricot No. 1 (delicate rosé with a lilac pearl shimmer) or Pearl Gel lilac No. 2 (lilac with a bluish pearl shimmer) – both are shimmering pearl gels that are not fully opaque and, according to their description, work as a shimmering layer over a colour.
• Shimmer builder: Base One Shimmer Glazed Apricot (delicate apricot pink) or Base One Shimmer Misty Rose (delicate, milky pink) – glitter builder gels that can also be used as a 1-phase gel.
• Finish: BNC Finish Gel High Gloss without sticky layer for a crystal-clear finish without a cleaner step.
• Lamp: the BNC curing lamp with 168 watts with 36 dual LEDs and a timer for 10, 30, 60 or 99 seconds. According to their description, the Base One Shimmer gels need at least 48 watts – with this lamp you're on the safe side.

You'll find more shimmering shades in our effect gels and colour gels.

Glazed nails with gel: tutorial in 6 steps

1. Prep the nails: gently push back the cuticles, file the shape (short almond or oval nails show off the shine especially well), lightly buff the surface and remove the dust. Then dehydrate.
2. Apply a thin base: massage in a whisper-thin layer of Profi-Gel and cure. For extra strength, you can add a second layer as a build.
3. Add the base colour: apply the milky make-up gel evenly and cure. If you prefer a more natural look, skip this step and work directly on the clear build.
4. Apply the shimmer layer: spread the Pearl Gel or a shimmer builder thinly. Tip: two whisper-thin layers are better than one thick one – that way the shimmer stays even and looks “glazed” instead of streaky.
5. Cure: cure every layer completely. Follow the curing times in each product description – for the Base One Shimmer gels, that is 60 seconds at a minimum of 48 watts according to their description.
6. Seal: finish with the no-wipe finish gel, cap the free edge and cure. Your glazed look with deep shine is done.

Working with gel for the first time? Our nail design glossary explains terms such as sticky layer or self-levelling.

5 glazed looks you should try now

1. Classic glazed nude

A milky base of make-up gel plus a thin layer of Pearl Gel apricot – creates a delicate rosé pearl look with a hint of lilac shimmer, timeless and perfect for everyday wear.

2. Glazed apricot

Base One Shimmer Glazed Apricot creates a warm, translucent apricot shimmer. Read more in our post about the Glazed Glow with Glazed Apricot.

3. Lavender pearl

Pearl Gel lilac over a milky base – the lilac-blue pearl shimmer looks cool, delicate and perfect for anyone who loves pastels but prefers them subtle.

4. Misty rose glaze

Base One Shimmer Misty Rose gives you a milky pink with a fine sparkle. Ideal as a natural nail overlay with a wow effect.

5. Glazed French

A fine tip with BNC French Gel White, topped with a layer of Pearl Gel – this gives the classic French a modern pearl shimmer. If you like it even more glamorous, you'll find ideas in our glitter French tutorial. For accent nails, you can also embed the BNC Mother-of-Pearl Look Nail Art in the gel layer – the real mother-of-pearl flakes create an elegant seashell effect.

Common mistakes with the glazed look – and how to avoid them

• Streaky shimmer: the shimmer layer was too thick or uneven. Work thinly and let the gel level itself briefly before curing.
• Shimmer looks dull: usually a clear finish is missing. The finish gel adds the typical glaze shine.
• Too much colour: glazed nails are all about lightness. Choose a light, milky base instead of a strong colour.
• Lifting at the free edge: the edge wasn't capped or the prep was too short. You'll find help in our overview gel problems & solutions.

FAQ: glazed nails with gel

Do I need chrome powder for glazed nails?

No. With shimmering pearl gels such as the Pearl Gel or the Base One Shimmer gels, you get a glazed shimmer without any powder – which is also easier for beginners.

Can I do glazed nails myself at home?

Yes. With a sufficiently powerful UV/LED lamp, good prep and thin layers, the look works at home too. The 6 steps above guide you through the process.

Which nail shape suits glazed nails best?

Short to medium almond and oval nails show off the shimmer especially beautifully. In principle, the look works on any shape – as long as the surface is filed smooth so the shimmer reflects evenly.

How long do glazed nails last?

That mainly depends on the prep, the layer thickness and the sealing. With clean prep and a capped free edge, gel nails usually last until the next refill.

Do glazed nails work in winter too?

Absolutely. Lavender pearl or a glazed French look like fresh frost and are perfect for the cold season.