When Korean nail maven Unistella gifted the world her mosaic-style glass nails,we breathed a collective sigh of relief that the internet could now forget they ever tried to make bubble nails happen. (If only the art-deco designs weren't so hard to recreate at home, right?) But as movements go, there's a new infectious (and impractical) manicure trend that's sweeping Instagram: exquisite aquarium nails that allow land-dwellers to deck themselves out like mermaids.
First, salon artists set the nails by injecting baby oil and glitter between a double-paned acrylic nail. Then, the nails usually get bedazzled with rhinestones and even more glitter (because go glam, or go home).
The result is a floating "aquarium" that swirls like a snow globe as you wiggle your fingers. And thankfully, designs don't involve actual dead fish. Behold some of the most extravagant aquarium nail designs, below:
BRB, booking an appointment.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
-
Only Three Episodes of 'The Traitors' Season 3 Have Dropped, But the Traitors Are Already Headed for BetrayalThe producers truly chose chaos for this installment of Peacock's reality hit.
-
This $4,900 Bag Is the Hero of Hailey Bieber's Mom StyleA case for the oversized staple.
-
Here's Where Textured Hair Education in America Stands in 2025Meet the leaders behind the movement for more equitable hair care.
-
25 Brown Nail Designs To Instantly Elevate Winter's Hottest Polish TrendLuxury at your fingertips.
-
Taylor Swift Pairs Her Sparkling Birthday Party Nails With Dripping Diamond EarringsPaired with dripping diamond earrings, of course.
-
Michelle Obama Pairs the Cherry Mocha Nail Trend With Holiday Bottega Veneta EarringsNot too brown and not too red.
-
Bella Hadid’s Minimalist Nails Are Proof That Understated Manicures Never Go Out of StyleBeautifully understated.
-
Dua Lipa’s Naked Nails Are Such a Chic Twist on the Minimalist Manicure TrendRecreating this manicure ASAP.
-
Selena Gomez’s Engagement Manicure Is Sheer Bridal PerfectionMinimalists and brides-to-be agree: This shade is a staple.
-
Gigi Hadid's Nail Artist Shares a Closer Look at Her 2024 Met Gala ManicureIt's a remix of a classic.
-
Anne Hathaway's Micro Fringe Is Perfect for Her Rom-Com EraShe debuted the look in the trailer for her next film, 'The Idea of You.'
