The classic French manicure has remained timeless, but in 2025, it’s experiencing a significant transformation with a frosty, glazed twist.
Meet the Iced French manicure, the ultra-sheen, pearl-dusted version of the French tip that’s all over TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, and bridal moodboards.
The trend started heating up (or cooling down?) after celebrity bridal manicurist @hicarmelina dropped a photo of the icy design, featuring crisp white tips layered with a pearly shimmer over a milky base. Beauty editors caught on. Nail girlies took notes. Suddenly, everyone wanted in on this snow-glow effect.
What Makes Iced French Nails Different?
Unlike your traditional French manicure that features a sheer pink base and blunt white tips, the iced French takes things in a softer, glossier direction. Here, it’s all about a milky-white base, a slim tip, and that signature pearlescent shimmer layered over the whole nail for a frosted finish.
It has the same clean-girl appeal but with a glow that feels expensive. Manicurist @hicarmelina describes it as “cool, minimal, and refined”—and she’s right. When the light hits it, the chrome overlay gives off this glint that reads more fairy-wing than disco ball.
And yes, it does give angel chrome vibes, but the French tip anchors it in something classic. It’s why the iced French works on both trend-loving 20-somethings and minimalist brides alike.
How to Recreate the Iced French Look at Home
Let’s be real—not everyone has the time or budget for a $100 salon set. The good news? You can totally DIY this at home with a few affordable polishes and a little patience. Here’s your easy iced French starter pack:
Step 1: start with a milky base
Skip the sheer pinks—you want something soft and cloudy. Try Essie’s Marshmallow for that creamy white finish. Paint 1–2 coats, depending on how opaque you like it, and let it dry fully.
Step 2: add the chrome sheen
This is where the “iced” effect comes in. You can use a pearly chrome topcoat like Chrome Effects powder in Tin Man Can by OPI (the one Zola used on Hailey). Rub it gently across the nail or layer a translucent chrome polish. The vibe is ethereal, not metallic.
Step 3: paint the tips
Use a thin nail art brush or French tip guide stickers to get that precise white tip. Keep the line fine and clean for a modern feel. Want a little variation? Go ombré with a faded French using a sponge or sheer white polish to blend the tip downward.
Step 4: top coat + gloss
Lock it in with a glossy, high-shine topcoat. This not only seals your layers but also adds to the glassy effect that makes iced French so hypnotic. Don’t skip this step—shine is the whole point.
Pro Tip:
Let each layer dry fully before applying the next. The depth and softness of this look come from careful layering, not one thick coat.
Best Polishes to Nail the Look
Want that Pinterest-perfect glow? Here are some cult faves and drugstore gems that nail artists swear by:
1. Essie Marshmallow—a go-to milky base
2. Essie Iced Out—gives that pearlescent shimmer
3. OPI Funny Bunny—milky white with the perfect balance
4. OPI Chrome Effects Powder Tin Man Can—iconic glazed shine
5. Sally Hansen Well, Well, Well —soft white on a budget
6. Wet ‘n Wild Break the Ice—shimmer polish under $3
7. Revlon Early Bird—pearly neutral with a hint of glow
No need to splurge—any iridescent or pearl-effect topcoat can bring that iced French to life.
How to Style Iced French Nails
This mani goes with literally everything. It’s neutral enough to pair with your everyday vibe but glam enough to wear to a wedding.
Need a mani for a job interview? Iced French. Heading to brunch? Iced French. Getting married? Yup, still iced French.
Brides especially love this look, calling it “clean but glam” and “photo-ready without being flashy.” And because it reflects light so beautifully, it looks amazing in real life and on camera.
If you’ve ever been haunted by a flashback of your mani in pics—this is your redemption arc.
Want to remix it for spring or summer?
Try swapping the classic white tip for a soft pastel—think baby blue, butter yellow, or lilac for a fun, spring-coded vibe. Feeling creative? Add micro hearts, rhinestones, or a swirl over the base before layering the chrome for that extra detail.
And don’t worry—this mani isn’t just a spring fling. The frosty shimmer hits in every season. It sparkles in the summer sun and gives snow-angel energy in winter. Basically, it’s a year-round win. Scroll down to see some of our fave picks. 💅
It works on short nails, long almonds, or a sharp square—no shape left behind. Whether you’re all about the clean-girl vibe or just want a hint of shine without the full rhinestone drama, this look fits right in.
Whether you’re painting your nails from the couch, booked in at the salon, or FaceTiming your bestie for inspo mid-scroll—this mani’s the move. It’s cool, it’s chill, and yes, people will ask where you got them done. Don’t forget to tag us when you post. 💅✨
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