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Woman & Home
Woman & Home
Lifestyle
Naomi Jamieson

The tide is turning - summer brights are out, and coastal-chic pearl nails are in

On the left is a close-up of a hand with a short pearl manicure by nail artist and digital content creator, Mateja Novakovic (@matejanova) and on the right is another hand with a square pearly manicure by nail artist and educator (Fliss Alton @gelsbyfliss)/ in a white and grey template with a stock image of a pearl and a pearly nail polish swatch.

For a manicure that feels timeless and expensive, but also carries a subtle nod to the coast, pearl nails are the way to go this summer - with their precious sheen and versatility.

Of course, while bright sorbet nails and ice cream-inspired shades are still very much in, this iridescent shade is once again creeping back up the list of 2026 nail trends. Unlike chunky glitters and more modern cat-eye nails, a pearl manicure feels very classic. In fact, similar to a chrome look, its shimmery finish feels almost like an extension of your jewellery, adding a soft hint of glamour to your nails, as a pair of freshwater pearl earrings would to your outfit. And while they're very chic year-round, the summer season is where they really shine.

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