Clean nail lovers, you’re in for a treat because I’m about to introduce you to a nail trend that I’m pretty sure you’re going to be obsessed with. A combination of the barely-there BB cream nails that everyone was wearing at the beginning of this year and the more statement jelly nail trend, rosewater nails are a sheer nail polish lover's dream offering a delicate wash of rosy pink colour while still allowing you natural nails to shine through.
The combined effect is elegant, slightly ethereal and incredibly chic, so much so that it’s shot straight to the top of my nail inspo board. (It's so good, in fact, that Executive Beauty Editor Shannon's rosewater pedicure has had team Marie Claire so obsessed that she's got everyone onto it.)
If you want to try out the rosewater nail trend yourself, there are a few things to consider. First of all you need to find the perfect sheer pink nail polish. Gelcare’s Rose Water (which coincidentally gave name to this trend, and is the gel polish Shannon has been opting for) is the perfect translucent rosy pink for those who want a little punch, while Dior’s cult Nail Glow offers a more subtle pinky tint. The great thing about this trend is it's entirely adaptable as you can not only tailor your pink tone to your taste but, because it relies on sheer polishes to achieve the water-like finish, you can also build up light layers until you achieve your desired effect.
When it comes to application, look to the experts for inspiration. Someone who’s a pro when it comes to creating incredible rosewater nails is celebrity nail artist Harriet Westmoreland, and luckily she took to Instagram to share just how she creates the look for her clients. In the caption she stated the key is that: “The gel is applied more thinly to the outer edges of the nail creating a healthy flushed and glowing effect.” It’s this spotlight application method alongside the translucent polish which makes rosewater nails so special.
I’ve already mentioned some of my favourite nail polishes to give you the perfect rose water manicure, however, they aren’t the only soft rosy toned polishes available. So, I’ve rounded up six of my favourites, stretching from bright pink tones to minimalist blushes. Keep scrolling to shop the edit…
Shop rosewater nail polishes
-
In need of fresh New Year makeup ideas? Here are 3 runway-inspired looks for a healthy glowGet the look from our Ramla Ali shoot with Dior Beauty.
-
Tom Holland’s dad has shared his initial concerns over relationship with Zendaya -
Sources have weighed in on reports of Jessica Alba and Cash Warren’s break up
-
These are the only nail polish shades you'll want on rotation in 2025, according to prosIndustry experts weigh in
-
The first nail polish I ever bought is trending again for winter—here's how I'm wearing it now I'm in my 30sIt's *perfect* for Christmas and NYE
-
Planning your next mani appointment? I've done the research—these are the 9 nail trends to ask for in 2025Nails never looked so good
-
Milky nails are done for—next year, satin nails are going to reign supremeSign us up for this barely-there manicure
-
There is only one nail trend I'm interested in right now—these 15 looks are all you need be concerned withFor the minimalists *and* the maximalists
-
Trust me, this current microtrend is the single chicest way to elevate your December manicureThere are so many ways to wear this type of polish
-
Take it from me, *this* is the simple nail colour swap to make to give your manicure a chic winter spinIt's the only manicure to wear right now
-
I asked an astrologer which nail designs suit each star sign best—here's her verdictAs a Leo, I'm pretty pleased with mine
