almond shape nails

What Are Princess Nails? Here’s How to Get the Viral Look

The princess nails trend has taken over TikTok, runways, and royal events alike — and for good reason. This manicure blends soft elegance with everyday simplicity, featuring sheer pink tones, a glossy finish, and perfectly groomed short nails.

What Are Princess Nails?

Princess nails are the manicure equivalent of quiet luxury — soft, polished, and subtly royal. Instead of bold colors or long extensions, this trend focuses on short, neatly shaped nails with a sheer pink or nude wash that enhances your natural nails rather than covering them up.

The look is inspired by royal manicures often seen on Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Meghan Markle, who have all been spotted with clean, natural, blush-toned nails. The signature shape is short and squoval (a soft blend of square and oval), finished with a glossy top coat that gives a healthy, luminous sheen.

sheer pink princess nails
Credit: @nailchark

Unlike over-the-top nail designs, princess nails embody the less-is-more philosophy — refined, feminine, and wearable for any occasion. They’re perfect for work, weddings, or everyday elegance. Think of them as your natural nails, but upgraded to royal status.

How to Get the Look

You don’t need a royal budget to get royal nails. Here’s how to recreate the princess nails trend at home:

I. Shape your nails

First things first: trim your nails. The princess nail look is all about short, neat lengths. Start by cutting them straight across, then shape them into a soft squoval — file the top edge flat, and gently round the corners to blend that perfect square-meets-oval finish.

II. Apply a Sheer Pink Color

We need a milky pink or neutral polish to give that “princess skin” glow. Here are some popular colors:

OPI Nail Lacquer in “Bubble Bath”

OPI Sheer soft pink

Essie “Mademoiselle”

essie Nail Polish Mademoiselle

ZOYA Nail Polish in “Portia”

ZOYA Nail Polish in Portia

Modelones Sheer Nude Pink Set

Modelones Sheer Nude Pink Set

Choose your favorite color and apply it in 2 coats.

  • First coat: Wipe off excess; apply thin, even strokes of paint.
  • Second coat (optional): only if you still want a touch more pink; stop before it turns opaque.

Option 2: (Gel Route): Soft Gel or Builder-Gel

If you want longer wear without losing the airy, sheer finish, try gel nail polish.

What to use? Try APRÉS Light and Shadow 40 Sheer Gel Couleur Nail Polish Collection.

APRÉS Light and Shadow 40 Sheer Gel Couleur Nail Polish Collection

Apply one thin builder-gel layer (if any), cure, then apply a sheer pink gel coat. Keep the structure minimal so the nails still look natural and light.

III. Add accessories

Princess nails celebrate everything soft, sparkly, and romantic.

  1. Add shimmer or chrome powder — for that iridescent, glass-like shine.
  2. Accent with pearls or rhinestones — keep them small and spaced for a refined look.
  3. Seal with a high-gloss top coat — the glossier, the better.

💡 Pro tip: Press-on sets or nail stickers with pearl details are an easy, beginner-friendly way to try the trend.

Why Everyone’s Obsessed with the Princess Nails Trend?

Princess nail trend
Via Michelle Class

They fit any season and any age — soft enough for daily wear but glam enough for special occasions. Brides especially love them for their subtle sparkle and ethereal feel.

Plus, the trend taps into the growing “feminine revival” on TikTok — aesthetics like clean girl, coquette, and softcore — all celebrating delicate, ladylike beauty with a modern twist

Easy to Maintain

Because they’re sheer and short, this manicure suits every skin tone and nail type. It grows out gracefully, meaning fewer salon visits and no harsh color lines — ideal for low-maintenance beauty lovers.

Princess Nails vs. Other Viral Trends

  • Coquette Nails: More bows and ribbons — a little girlier.
  • Glass Nails: Focused on ultra-shiny, translucent finishes.
  • Princess Nails: A perfect in-between — soft, pearly, and romantic without being too maximalist.

In short, princess nails are the elevated version of coquette nails — elegant, ethereal, and versatile.

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