It’s time to move away from the classics: the traditional French manicure is giving way to the “glass” version. This ultra-glossy manicure is everywhere right now — from minimalist designs in milky or soapy shades to bold, eye-catching styles. Ultra-glossy French tips in trendy colors and original patterns are especially popular — glass French with polka dots? Why not! Among the most stylish ideas are combinations with chrome, velvet, and the “cat-eye” effect, creating truly mesmerizing results. No matter your taste, the glass French easily adapts to any manicure concept — and the brighter the shine, the more striking the look. Below are 10 inspiring glass French ideas for your next manicure.
01 Milky Micro French
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/MilkyMonochromeMicroWhiteFrench-114a4cfc9fa34687ad2d309634828f72.jpg)
Let's start with a modern classic French manicure. Instead of the usual transparent or semi-sheer nude base, this look uses a milky white shade, giving the nails an elegant and versatile appearance suitable for any season. A thin, opaque white line at the tip creates a neat contrast that highlights the nail shape, while a glossy topcoat provides a “glass-like” shine and a flawless finish.
02 White Chrome
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GlassBridalFrench-10d73599fb1d446b9533e7f7e89df29a.jpg)
If you love a clear base, check out this sparkling glass French manicure — it’s a perfect choice for both wedding nails and winter’s snowy looks. Even without pearls or bows, the white chrome tips create a magical feeling, as if your nails are the stars of a real fairytale.
03 Cat-Eye Effect French Manicure
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/AbaloneShorties-fd27ee0401ae402d930f7fc01efb83df.jpg)
04 Velvet French manicure
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GlassVelvetMartiniInspiredFrench-12f686dfe96940e190d69ef5ed4280c8.jpg)
Martini still remains an inspiring motif in the world of fashion and beauty trends. This French manicure with a velvet effect, inspired by the cocktail, is sure to attract attention and compliments. For a more understated look, you can skip the 3D olive accents and keep only the elegant velvet design.
05 French manicure with dots
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GlassPolkaDotFrench-0c5b0a9d18114f2ba15361703158e0b3.jpg)
Dot nail art has remained on-trend for six months straight. Regardless of the chosen color palette, tiny dots create a striking French manicure effect, especially when highlighted with a glossy glass-like finish.
06 Cobalt French
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/CobaltMixNMatchGlassFrench-d40afdb849c5463284545b98a9f22852.jpg)
If you love bright and striking shades, consider cobalt. This color looks stunning on all nails or as an accent, especially when paired with a glass or chrome effect, adding a modern and stylish depth to your manicure.
07 Heart French manicure
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/DecorativeValentinesGlassFrench-2913be7673fa4a55a853d5328033754e.jpg)
This lace doily–style manicure is the perfect choice for anyone looking for something delicate and romantic. The bows pair beautifully with the hearts, creating a refined and captivating look that will delight you all year round.
08 French manicure with snowflakes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/SnowflakeGlassVelvetFrench-435f80a12bb343e5acfeb056d46bad81.jpg)
09 Micro french manicure
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/SoapyMicroFrench-670d92af51cc4ff7b87ba885d52af7b1.jpg)
10 Black and blue
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/StripedGlassFrench-9032dab73b334b02bce1e8fb007eb624.jpg)
This design pairs beautifully with any color palette, and for the boldest experimenters, combining different duos on each nail will amplify the “wow” factor and make the look truly unforgettable.