There is arguably no nail design more beautiful or timeless than simple French tips. They suit any nail shape and length, making you look instantly polished, and there are countless ways you can play with them—from rainbow-top gem To Mix-and-match printsThe classic look will always have a place in my heart, but I look forward to seeing your French tip and cheering you on nail crowna design that has been It’s hot since the holidays And it shows no signs of cooling down.
If you like French money, trust me. You’re going to be head over heels for this trending iteration. (I’ve, sort of, been obsessed with it since seeing it in WDW’s associate beauty editor Maya Thomas nail inspiration guide.) A small change enhances beauty by 1000%. But don’t just take my word for it! Below, celebrity nail artists Julie Kandalek Tells you all the details you need to know.
What are nail crowns and why are they trending in 2025?
The name says it all—cute, little crowns for your nails. Yes, it basically refers to a French gem adorned with gems, But the “nail crown” has a much nicer ring, don’t you think?
Instead of a cluster of gems on the nail plate, a nail crown has an even layer of gems placed on the tip of the nail exactly where you will paint a French tip. “Just outline the smile line,” explains Candelec. She recommends using small gems for minimal sparkle. “It’s a little more attractive,” she notes.
Of course, we have nothing against full-on Starry Night Nails. Shiny, glitzy tips will always have their time and place — especially during the holidays — but there’s something about a tiny nail crown that just kicks up the funk. “We had a moment in summer Where the jewels were randomly sprinkled around[the nails],” says Candelec. “It’s a perfect way to wear them when it’s just at the tip.”
How to make nail crown at home
First things first: choose your gemstone. Kandalek recommends placing the smallest gems in the corners, and gradually increasing the size, and placing the largest gem in the center – a beautiful tiara moment! “It’s more flush on the edges, and you’ll also get longer wear,” she says. “A lot of kits (of jewelry) these days come with multiple sizes, so you can do it easily without having to buy different sizes.” (Don’t worry; she offers some suggestions below.)
Once you’ve chosen your jewelry, follow these easy steps.
- Work on one nail at a time. Apply a layer of topcoat to the entire nail plate, then dip a dotting tool into a little topcoat to highlight the gemstone of your choice.
- Place it over the wet polish (“It kind of bulges around the stone,” explains Candelec), and hold it in place. Repeat this process until your entire nail crown is outlined.
- “I usually apply another coat of topcoat over it so it’s really encapsulated between the two layers,” says Candelec. Especially if you are using a larger gemstone, you will want to make sure that it is secure between those two layers.
- If you’re using gel polish, follow a similar format: “Put that gem straight into the untreated gel, cure it, outline it with a little more gel, then cure again,” She tells. It is important to apply the second layer of gel nearby Not over the gems, as the top layer of gel will dull the facets of the gems.
In terms of colors, feel free to choose as minimal or bright a color as you want. A silver crown is always elegant, or you can opt for colored glitter. Kandalek herself is partial to an Elphaba-Glinda moment (“Pink and green, by the way, are beautiful colors together,” she shares) or a bold pink and black combo.
She adds, “I’m one of those people who really like colors that are next to each other on the color wheel — like blue and green, green and purple, red and yellow, pink and purple.” “I think they’re really subtle together, and they can also be really charming.” No matter which gemstone you choose, keep your base polished. nude So those flashes can really make an impact.
More nail crown ideas to try
If all this seems too time-consuming, don’t worry. You can find easier ways to try, like stickers and press-ons. They may not give you as much creative freedom as the DIY method above, but they still look beautiful. Find more tips from Candelec below.
- Stick-on Gems: Candelec is a fan of Deco Beauty nail stickers, namely sparkle and ’90s baby. Do you remember those fun stick-on earrings you used to play with as a kid? They make incredible nail decals, says Kandalek. ,Kylie Jenner agreesFWIW!)
- Magnetic Polish: Cat-eye manis aren’t going anywhere, but you can upgrade the look by creating tiny dots on the tip of the nail with magnetic polish, then waving a magnet over it to get that three-dimensional effect. “It gives you the texture to look like a gemstone without the actual looseness,” shares Candelec.
- Press-on: “Press-ons are always fun,” she adds. “Kiss has a few looks already made. … (They’re) easy to find, and it’s an easy way to wear them, too. “
- Shiny Polish: you can also give yourself shiny french mani And call it a day. The glitter on the edge of the nail resembles mini crowns, especially if you use metallic gold or silver polish.
shop the trend
light lacquer
dark fantasy charm
If you go the DIY route, Candelac immediately mentions this pot of gems from Lights Lacquer. “You have a few different sizes and a few different colors, so you can make any tiara shape that you like,” she says.
deco beauty
nail art stickers in glitter
For stick-on gems, you can’t go wrong with Deco Beauty’s great offerings. These, aptly named sparkles, are the most beautiful gemstones.
deco beauty
90s baby nail art stickers
These vintage stick-on gems are sure to get you lots of compliments.
deco beauty
nail art stickers in jewels
Here, we have a classic sheet of jewelry in every shape and size.
abenkal
10 Pieces Art Dotting Tools for Nail Art
Kandalek likes these dotting tools from Amazon.
Kiss
I Feel You Gel Fantasy Press-On Nails
OK, these are technically gradient (not shiny) French tips, but Candelec says they look just as beautiful.
gelish
magnetic reflection in blue eclipse
If you prefer to go the magnetic-polish route, this galaxy-like lacquer is perfect for you.
gelish
Gel Reflection in Let’s Glow Girls
This burgundy situation is also mesmerizing.
Essie
metallics nail polish
As far as good old glitter polishes go, this Essie number is positively glittery. French tips with this will definitely resemble a diamond crown.
If gold nails If that’s more your jam, this shimmery option from Jinsun is eye-catching.
