If pink spring nails have been quietly taking over your feed, you’re not imagining it. Sweetpea nails are trending everywhere. Glossy, soft, and seriously pretty, this mani is the new go-to for anyone who’s over beige but still wants to keep it cute.
Whether you’re into clean aesthetics or just want nails that look like they belong in a close-up, this trend is calling. Keep scrolling—we’ve got all the deets, polish picks, and DIY steps to get the look.
What Are Sweetpea Nails?
They’re a sheer pink manicure that plays with light and texture. Most sweetpea manis stick to blush-toned polishes with jelly or translucent finishes.
Sometimes there’s a micro-French tip involved. Sometimes there’s a soft ombré fade from milky pink to white. But the core vibe stays the same: natural nails, but better.
You’ll see them on short almond shapes, mid-length gels, or soft squares. And because the trend isn’t locked into one exact look, it’s super wearable—whether you’re getting ready for a spring wedding or want to feel a little more pulled together for that group dinner.
Where the Trend Started
Like most nail trends lately, sweetpea nails didn’t start with a celeb endorsement or runway debut—they grew straight from TikTok and Instagram.
Nail artists like Harriet Westmoreland and Julia Diogo began posting soft pink manis with sheer finishes and ultra-glossy topcoats, and it didn’t take long before the screenshots and saves started piling up. From salon feeds to spring mood boards, the look quietly exploded across everyone’s FYP.
It was a natural next step after the milky nails and soap manis that dominated last season. Everyone wanted a little more color, but nothing too bright. Sweetpea hit that middle ground: polished, minimal, and totally clean girl mani look.
What’s With the Name?
Simple. The color and texture mimic the sweet pea flower—soft pink petals with a delicate, almost transparent look. It’s not deep. It just fits. One glance at these nails and the name clicks. It’s floral-coded without the literal florals.
How To Do Sweetpea Nails at Home
No appointment? No problem. You can absolutely pull off this look from your own bathroom setup. Here’s the breakdown.
🛠️ What you’ll need:
- Nail file + buffer
- Cuticle remover + pusher
- Base coat
- Glossy top coat: Essie Gel Couture or Seche Vite
- Cuticle oil to finish
TPI’s polish picks:
- Essie Mademoiselle—sheer baby pink classic
- Dior Vernis Nail Glow—translucent rosy tint
- Chanel Le Vernis in 175 Skieuse—milky soft pink
- Barry M Eden Rose—jelly-pink formula
- ILNP Sweet Pea—soft sparkle with a jelly base
- OPI Dream Come Hue (Xpress/On)—press-ons with the right blushy tone
💅 Step-by-step:
1. File and prep your nails.
Oval or almond gives that clean sweetpea silhouette, but go with what feels good. Push back your cuticles and lightly buff the surface.
2. Base coat first.
It evens things out and helps your sheer polish stay smooth.
3. Apply your pink polish.
Go for one thin coat if you want it super sheer. Add a second if you want the pink to pop a bit more. Try Chanel Skieuse or Essie Mademoiselle for that clean-pink tint.
4. Optional extras
Sponge a baby ombré fade with a pale pink and white. Add a micro French tip. Go for a coat of ILNP Sweet Pea for a tiny bit of sparkle.
5. Seal with a high-shine top coat.
This is what gives it the glow. Gloss is non-negotiable.
6. Hydrate with cuticle oil.
Always the final step. It levels up the entire look.
Wrap-Up
Sweetpea nails are the go-to for anyone who wants their manicure to look cute, low-effort, and on trend. No overthinking, no wild designs—just soft, sheer pink nails with a glossy finish. Screenshot your fav, grab your polish, and join the girlies.
READ ALSO:
- Meet the Ice-Cream Manicure—The Sweetest Spin on Minimalist Nails
- Seen the Iced French Nails Trend on Your FYP? Here’s the Scoop
