Trendy Jelly Sandwich Manicures at Home for DIYers and Nail Technicians

The translucent, glassy appearance of the jelly manicure has a smooth and sparkly finish. Its popularity rose in 2023. Nail artists took to Instagram, creating their own rendition of the jelly manicure trend—from tangerine to raspberry hues, the playful and buildable kaleidoscope of colors is still being requested at nail salons.

In this tutorial, we’ll explain how to layer coats of polish, using jelly nail polish and finishing with designs.

What you need for a Jelly Sandwich manicure

Here are the essentials you will need to achieve the Jelly Sandwich manicure:

• Translucent or sheer jelly nail polish 
• Nail file and buffer
• Cuticle pusher
• Base coat
• Top coat
• UV/LED lamp (for gel polish) or quick-dry spray (for regular polish)

In addition to jelly polish, you can apply glitter polish before the final top coat. 

The jelly polish is usually applied over the glitter polish. When it comes to curating colors, you can let your imagination go wild. 

How to do a Jelly Sandwich manicure

The key to this sparkly-colored polish is patience and a steady hand. It’s essentially a four-step process. 

Step one

Apply a base coat to the nail. Allow the base coat to dry before the next step.

Step two

Next, apply one or two coats of jelly polish. Ensure that the first coat is dry before applying the second application. If you are using gel nail polish, use a UV lamp to dry the nails.

Step three

Apply the glitter polish over the Jelly polish. Use whatever colors you like, and create different effects with the design and the thickness of the glitter application. For example, you can create a gradient effect by placing most of the glitter near the cuticle and gradually thinning it out towards the tip of the nail. Using chunky glitter polish versus fine glitter can also help achieve different, more dramatic results in the final manicure.

Step four

After the glitter polish dries, apply an additional layer of jelly polish. Doing this will seal the glitter layer and add a visually striking and complete look. Alternatively, add more durability to the nails with a clear coat over the jelly, enhancing the glitter. Using a chip-resistant nail polish clear coat is ideal.

Learn more about becoming a nail artist

Did you know that being a nail technician involves much more than just nail art? As a technician, you are skilled in preventing infections, shaping nails, softening the skin on hands and feet, and creating professional-grade manicures.

If you want to deepen your understanding and grasp of advanced nail techniques, consider enrolling in Evergreen Beauty College’s nail technician courses. Our instructors will teach you how to use the latest styles and achieve professional, quality, and unique results. It is perfect for people looking to become beauty professionals or for those who simply want to learn how to execute advanced techniques in nail artistry.

Our on-campus salon is stocked with a wide selection of products for students to use, from regular nail polish and builder gel polish to an array of awesome glitter polishes that will be at the student’s disposal.

Students will get theoretical and practical training inside the classroom and, when ready, advance to the campus salon, guided by our trained instructors the entire time. Learn more about the duties of a nail technician.

Evergreen also offers a cosmetology program where students will learn everything from extensive hair styling and coloring to basic nail and skincare treatments. To specialize, we have comprehensive curriculums for aspiring nail technicians, barbers, and estheticians.

If you’re considering cosmetology, take our brief quiz to learn if life as a cosmetologist is right for you, or visit any of our campuses to see the facilities and meet the instructors and current students.

FAQ: Trendy jelly sandwich manicures at home for DIYers and nail technicians

How to do the Jelly Nails trend?

Apply a translucent, colored polish in multiple layers for a glass-like finish. Many nail artists use a layer of glitter over the polish. 

How can I make my manicure look professional at home?

Prep nails thoroughly. Neatly apply a base coat and thin layers of a translucent polish, and finish with a top coat for shine and durability.

Is it hard to become a professional nail technician?

A nail tech program can be completed in 12 months or less in Washington State. Students will learn everything from the importance of maintaining a sanitary space to confidently doing professional and elaborate manicures.

Evergreen Beauty College offers a nail tech program that teaches students advanced techniques, how to minimize and prevent infection, and how to engage with and consult clients successfully so they feel at ease completing their duties when they commence as professional nail technicians at a salon or spa.