Opalescent Nails Are The New Glazed Donut Nails

With everyone counting down the days till we reach the end of 2022, we here at The List can't help but look back fondly on this year's hottest beauty trends. We especially love how creative people got with their nails in 2022.

Nail enthusiasts have upped their game with this winter's nail art trends, coating their nails with festive glitter and other seasonal goodies that have everyone hyped for the holidays. But it was Hailey Bieber's fascinating glazed donut nails that dominated beauty news this year. Per Cosmopolitan, the model's Krispy Kreme-inspired nail trend has even been announced as the top Google search in the beauty category.

The reason we like reflecting on trends is because you sometimes have to look back to guess what will be overtaking the new year. That's why many style experts believe that the popularity of glazed donut nails indicates opalescent nails are becoming the nail trend to keep an eye on in 2023.

Much like their predecessor, the glazed donut nails, opalescent nails are soft and elegant, so it doesn't look like you're trying too hard to be stylish. Because of their shimmering glowy look, like what you can create with the Opal Sunset polish from ILNP, opalescent nails have an angelic, otherworldly vibe about them that fans of the style can't get enough of. The reflective surface that changes from one color to another makes opalescent polish stand out when you move your hands.

Opalescent nails get their name from the precious stone opal, one of the most unique precious stones. Depending on how the light hits the gem, it will produce an iridescent, kaleidoscopic glimmer that has enchanted societies since its discovery. According to the Gemological Institute of America, early Romans believed this beautiful stone to be the most precious of gems since it contains the colors of every other precious stone. Just another reason to feel like even more of a queen when you wear these classy nails.

Opalescent nails are riding on the wave of popularity that was the glazed donut nails. You may recall Hailey Bieber introducing the sweet treat to the masses at the Met Gala during the summer. Zola Ganzorigt, the nail artist behind glazed donut nails, told Glamour that the decision to add the glimmery chrome shine atop Bieber's translucent nails is what made the nails a worldwide trend (her glazed donut skincare routine is a hit, too.) Opalescent nails have the same subtle, chrome-like shine to them that made glazed donut nails so popular.

Opalescent nails look high fashion, so it's easy to believe they'll be hard to "nail" down. However, attaining them is actually super easy once you know what to look for. Opalescent nails should mimic the look of seashells, nail artist Deborah Lippmann told Marie Claire. These mermaid-inspired opal nails by TikTok user @omayra.santi are giving us total beach vibes. Over on Instagram, @blauerose84 used the Essie Nail Enamel in Twinkle in Time to create beautiful, pearlescent nails that shimmer in the sunlight.