19 Best JELLY NAIL POLISHES For A SHEER Look 2024

Here are the best jelly nail polishes for this year. Jelly colors are a great choice for when you need a translucent, sometimes barely there color. 

Here are some of the best jelly shades out there that will give you a classic jelly look to your manicure.

As a passionate at home nail art lover, my journey into jelly nail polishes began when I got a set of jelly polish as a gift. I absolutely love working with jelly nail polish.

It’s one of those polishes that you can do so many things with from a natural look to something more trending like an ombre nail manicure.

When it comes to a DIY manicure that has a jelly formula, there’s many nail polish brands to choose from. Some are the top sellers that you will recognize right away, and we also found some artisan brands that you might not have heard of yet.

What is a jelly nail polish?

Jelly nail polish refers to the finish of the polish. A jelly nail polish will be sheer and translucent and is the opposite of a crème nail polish which is full coverage. Jelly polishes can come in any color from nude to pink.

One of the characteristics of a true jelly polish is that with two thin coats, you can usually still see the smile line on your natural nail.

It’s your own personal preference if you want to put on more coats for more color coverage. You will still have a jelly look, no matter how many coats you apply.

Nail brands often offer the exact same color in a crème polish AND jelly polish. You get the same color, but the opacity of the polish is different.

A jelly polish can be worn alone or combined with other polishes to create unique opacities. By adding a topper like a cool crackle nail polish you can totally change the look up. Jelly polishes come in regular nail polishes and gel polishes that require a cure lamp.

Ok so now that you know about jelly polishes, let’s go through this list together and find your perfect shade!

Best Jelly Nail Polishes For This Year!

1. Jelly Nail Polish Gel Set

Starting this jelly nail polish list off strong, here is a full set of jelly gel polishes from Born Pretty. I’ve have used their products many times in videos and absolutely love their formulas.

Remember with gel polish you will need a cure lamp to cure the gel. The SunUV lamp is a good one to start out with as it cures the gel properly

2. Custom Violet Jelly Polish

Jelly nail polish has become increasingly popular thanks to its unique look. This beautiful shade of light purple polish is properly made with a jelly-like formula that gives it a translucent finish.

3. Loki Scattered Glitter Jelly Polish

Here’s a good choice for when you want a scattered glitter topper jelly polish.

These jellies are so fun to use and can be applied in two thin coats to create a beautiful look. This shop really stands out for their vegan and cruelty free nail polishes.

Their polishes are made in small batches so you know you are getting the absolute best quality.

4. Santa Monica Jelly Polish

Jelly nail polish has taken the nail art world by storm! This translucent polish is perfect for creating a range of looks, from natural and understated to bold and daring.

It is also incredibly versatile, thanks to its ability to be sheer or opaque depending on how it is applied. And Santa Monica checks all the boxes.

Jelly nail polish is a must-have in your collection! Santa Monica is a coral peach polish that looks like a true jelly. The best part is that this is an artisan brand made in small batches.

For the best results, make sure the polish is mixed well by rolling it in your hands.

5. Jelly Gel Starter Kit for beginners

If you are new to get polish and would like to try a jelly look, then here is a fantastic choice for a full jelly set that also includes the lamp.

A jelly nail polish set with a lamp is an excellent starter set because it includes all the necessary tools and materials to begin creating stunning gel manicures.

The kit typically comes with a variety jelly nail polish colors, a UV or LED lamp for quick and efficient curing, and essential accessories like base and top coats.

This package ensures beginners can experiment with different colors and designs.

6. Jelly Nail polish Gift Box Set

Have you ever seen those pictures of jelly nails on Pinterest and thought to yourself, “I could never pull that off?”

Well, jelly nails are not as difficult to achieve as you might think. In fact, this set of gel polishes comes in many fun colors. The key to jelly nails is to apply the polish in thin layers.

The first layer should be very sheer, and each subsequent layer should be slightly thicker. With this set you will need a light to cure the gel polish.

Once you have reached the desired opacity, simply top off your nails with a clear top coat. And voilà! You’ve just created your very own jelly nails.

7. Nude Jelly Gel Polish

Welcome to the exciting world of jelly nail polish! This unique set comes in 12 colors that are perfect for a sheer, nude pink look.

You’ll need a cure lamp to use this polish, but it’s great for DIY manicures. Plus, you can use either a glossy top coat or matte top coat to change the finish.

Watch the video in their listing to see exactly what these polishes look like. These nail polish swatches are so pretty!

8. Pearl Jelly Nail Polish

Unlike other types of polish, jelly polishes are not opaque, so they allow light to pass through them.

This property makes jelly polishes ideal for creating intricate designs and patterns.

When applied correctly, jelly polishes can create a beautiful, ethereal look that is perfect for any occasion like this set of pearl jelly gel polishes by Born Pretty.

9. Nude Sheer Polish OPI

For those of you who like OPI, they offer a nude sheer polish that’s great for all skin tones. 

This top-selling polish is good for adding a pop of color while giving you a classic jelly look.

The long-lasting formula provides up to 7 days of wear, so you can enjoy your fabulous nails without having to worry about them chipping or fading.

The best way to use this polish is with a base coat and top coat to help make it last the full week.

10. Sour Punch Jelly Polish

Have you ever seen something so beautiful that it took your breath away? That’s the effect that jelly nail polish can have.

This polish is made from a translucent green formula, and it contains shimmering sparkles. When the light hits it, jelly nail polish can look like a million tiny diamonds. It’s a favorite around here for sure!

When we spoke with Cirque colors about their polishes, they assured us that they are vegan and cruelty free.

11. Dove Jelly Nail Polish

If you’re looking for a unique nail polish that is on the lighter grey color, then you need to try Dove Jelly. This translucent polish will give you a beautiful light grey finish.

And best of all, jelly nail polish is vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about your manicure.

To create grey jelly nails, simply apply one or two coats of jelly nail polish to your nails.

You can also take it up a notch by using a thin brush to add iridescent rose gold sparkles for nails.

Once you’ve finished, be sure to seal your manicure with a top coat to protect your nails from chipping.

12. essie Ballet Slippers Jelly

This is hands down one of the best sheer pink jellies that we have used. Ballet Slipper is elegant, sheer and a true jelly polish with an ultra translucent formula. This brand also made our list of the best pink nail polishes.

13. Sandy Baby Jelly Nail Polish

Jelly nail polish that is filled with iridescent sparkles is something special to have in your nail polish collection.

You can use it to create delicate designs or go for a bolder look by layering it over other polishes. There’s so many ways to use just a couple of colors.

14. Sweet Pea Jelly Polish

Pretty pink jelly nails are all the rage these days, and this elegant sparkly polish is one of the top selling jelly polishes on Etsy and Amazon.

An easy to use formula that is quick drying and long lasting, making it a great option for DIY nail art. The sheer pink color is accented with subtle sparkles that add a touch of extra to any outfit.

ILNP has a swatching video in their listing so you can see how it looks with one coat and two coats.

15. Strawberry Rhubarb Jelly Preserve

Just the name of this polish gives us those jelly vibes we are craving! Butter London has one of the best jelly formulas in many colors, but today we are showing off their Strawberry Rhubarb Jelly Preserve.

Their whole collection of nail products are 100% cruelty-free, and that’s something we can all get behind.

16. Milky White Jelly

This see-through, milky white polish gives nails a chic, jelly-like finish that is cruelty free so you can feel good about using it. 

Their milky white polish will give your nails a unique, ethereal look. They can be worn alone or layered over other colors to create an infinite number of looks.

The best thing about jelly polish is that it is easy to apply and requires no special skills or techniques. Simply paint your nails with one or two coats of jelly polish and you’re done! 

17. Gummy Gelly

The Makartt jelly nail polish has become increasingly popular over the years thanks to their great formulas. 

The polish is made with a jelly-like substance that gives it a translucent finish. When applied to the nails, it creates an effect that is similar to wearing jelly shoes.

This would be a fantastic gift set for people that love to do their nails and it comes with 6 shades.

18. Jelly Preserves Polish

Jelly nail polish is popular because it embodies a trendy and vibrant aesthetic, offering a playful and fresh look that appeals to a wide range of styles. We love it because of the wide variety of colors that you can paint your nails with. Even making them into a pretty rainbow.

The translucent nature of jelly polish adds depth and dimension to the nails, making it a versatile choice for both subtle, everyday wear and bold, artistic nail designs.

19. Sheer Nude Jelly Polish

Natural nude jelly polish has gained popularity for its timeless and understated elegance, providing a sophisticated and versatile option suitable for various occasions.

The translucent quality of jelly polish enhances the natural look, giving nails a healthy, polished appearance while maintaining a subtle and universally flattering aesthetic.

So now you know that jelly nail polishes are available in a wide range of colors, from clear to opaque, and can be used to create a variety of looks.

Jelly nail polishes tend to be thicker than traditional polishes, so they require a bit more care when applying.

Additionally, jelly polishes are at their best when a base coat and top coat are applied.

Jelly Polish FAQ’s

1. What is jelly nail polish, and how is it different from regular nail polish?

Jelly nail polish is a sheer and translucent type of nail polish that gives a glossy, jelly-like finish.

Unlike regular opaque polishes, jelly polishes allow some visibility of the natural nail underneath, creating a unique and dimensional look.

2. Can I achieve full coverage with jelly nail polish?

While jelly nail polish is designed to be translucent, you can layer it to build up color and achieve a deeper hue.

However, it may not provide the same fully opaque coverage as traditional nail polish. The beauty of jelly polish lies in its semi-transparent quality.

3. How do I make jelly nail polish last longer?

To extend the longevity of jelly nail polish, start with clean and dry nails, apply a quality base coat, and allow each layer to dry thoroughly before adding the next.

Finish with a good top coat to seal and protect the polish. Avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals and activities that can cause chipping.

4. Can I use jelly nail polish for nail art?

Yes, jelly nail polish can be used for various nail art techniques.

Its translucency makes it ideal for creating gradient effects, layering different colors, and achieving a stained glass appearance.

Experiment with combinations and techniques to create unique and artistic designs.

5. How do I remove jelly Gel nail polish?

Removing jelly nail polish is similar to removing regular polish. Soak a cotton ball or pad in nail polish remover containing acetone, place it on the nail, and wrap it with aluminum foil or use nail clips.

Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the jelly polish to dissolve, then gently wipe or push off the polish using a cuticle stick or remover tool. Finish by moisturizing your nails and cuticles. See our complete guide on how to remove gel polish.

Expert Tips For Using Jelly Nail Polishes

1. Start with a smooth base

Begin by preparing your nails with a smooth base. File and shape your nails, push back your cuticles, and ensure the nail surface is clean and dry.

A smooth base helps the jelly polish adhere better and provides a polished finish.

2. Apply Thin Layers

Jelly nail polish works best when applied in thin layers. Start with a thin coat, allowing it to dry completely before applying the next layer.

This not only helps in achieving a more even and translucent look but also prevents the polish from becoming too thick and prone to chipping.

Use a steady hand and avoid overworking the polish.

It’s easy to flood the cuticles and then the look is ruined. So go light and slow over the natural nail. Thin and even coats is what you are going for.

3. Experiment with Layering

One of the unique features of jelly nail polish is its layering capability.

Experiment with layering different colors or applying multiple coats of the same color to intensify the shade.

This allows you to customize the look and create a variety of effects, from subtle to bold.

4. Use a Base and Top Coat

Apply a quality base coat before applying jelly nail polish. This not only helps the polish adhere better but also protects your natural nails from potential staining.

Finish with a good top coat to seal the color, add shine, and enhance the longevity of your manicure.

5. Embrace Nail Art Techniques

Jelly nail polish is fantastic for nail art. Explore techniques like gradient or ombre effects by layering different jelly colors.

You can also try creating a “jelly sandwich” by placing glitter or nail art between layers of jelly polish.

The translucency of the polish allows for versatile and creative nail designs.

Try making a manicure featuring jellies on most of the fingers, and then switch up an accent nail with the same color but with a full coverage crème. 

How to make your own jelly nail polish

It is possible to mix your own jelly nail polish with your favorite colors into a clear base. Just take a little bit of base and mix in the color of your choice bit by bit. You will want just a little bit of color so that the polish is translucent.

When applying jelly polish you can go as sheer or jelly-like as you like. Apply as many coats of jelly polish as you like to get the desired opacity.