SEOUL: This summer, childhood favourites like mermaid glam and jelly sandals are making a comeback, with ice cream nails emerging as one of the hottest nail trends for Summer 2024.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie has already embraced the trend, showcasing an ice cream-inspired manicure on Instagram while posing with Billie Eilish. It’s possible her own song “Ice Cream” influenced her choice.
Jennie, who often visits Unistella under the guidance of Park Eunkyung, debuted her latest manicure not for a music video or fashion show, but during an interview with Billie Eilish on the singer’s promotional tour in South Korea for her latest album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft.”
This year, 3D nail decor and charms have taken center stage in nail trends. The “drippy, delectable ice cream dream” manicure features chunky, 3D glitter atop smooth creme polish, perfect for a summery look. Beyond their nostalgic charm, ice cream nails offer versatility and ease of customization, making them a favourite among DIY enthusiasts.
These nails can be tailored to minimalist styles, French tips, vibrant hues, or even mismatched designs.
Jennie’s recent manicure featured long almond-shaped nails with ombré transparent tips—blue on one hand and green on the other—accented with 3D art resembling ice cream scoops, sprinkles, and a cherry atop melon soda. This playful twist on the classic French manicure captures the carefree spirit of summer.
Creating ice cream nails involves painting melting ice cream designs on your nail tips instead of the traditional French tip, often referred to as the ice cream French mani. Popular variations include designs featuring fudge, doughnuts, sprinkles, and more, offering a range of aesthetic choices.
To achieve this look, use a chunky glitter polish for the ice cream effect. Start with an opaque coloured base polish containing chunky glitter or use a clear glitter polish over a white or nude base.
Proper nail prep is essential. Begin by pushing back your cuticles and shaping your nails to your preferred style, such as oval or almond shapes. Apply a base coat to ensure your manicure stays intact. Opt for a creamy, pastel shade as your ice cream base, like vanilla or pastel pink for a strawberry-milk-flavoured look. Apply two thin coats, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly.
To create the signature drips, use a white or semi-white polish along the free edge or cuticle area of your nail. Start with vertical lines and round out the bottom to form a teardrop shape. Connect these shapes with smooth, curving lines and fill in any gaps. Once satisfied with the design, apply your chosen chunky glitter polish for a sprinkle-like finish. Complete your manicure with a glossy top coat for added shine and durability.
If sweets-inspired nails aren’t your style, BLACKPINK members showcase various stunning nail looks. Lisa sported silver chrome nails with star embellishments for her new song “Rockstar.” Rosé proved that black nails are timeless even in spring, while Jisoo opted for a classic French manicure for her first self-portrait campaign. With such diverse styles, there’s something for everyone!
