How to DIY the Viral 'Glazed Donut' Nails for Under $20

You don't need a salon appointment to get Hailey Bieber’s signature look. All you need is one magic powder.

Anna

Anna

1 min read

How to DIY the Viral 'Glazed Donut' Nails for Under $20

The 'Glazed Donut' manicure has officially taken over our feeds. It’s the epitome of the 'Clean Girl' aesthetic: pearlescent, milky, and undeniably expensive-looking.

While salons charge a premium for 'chrome' add-ons, this is actually one of the easiest nail art techniques to master at home. The secret lies in a tiny jar of white chrome powder.

The Toolkit

  • Milky White or Sheer Nude Gel (The base is everything).
  • White/Pearl Chrome Powder.
  • Non-Wipe Top Coat (Critical: It must be 'Non-Wipe').
  • Eyeshadow Applicator or Silicone Pen.

Step 1: The Base

Prep your nails and apply your Base Coat. Apply 1-2 coats of a Milky White or Sheer Pink gel. You want it to look semi-transparent, like skim milk. Cure fully.

Step 2: The 'Sticky' Layer

This is where most people fail.

Apply a layer of Non-Wipe Top Coat.

Flash Cure: Cure for only 30 seconds.

Why? You need the surface to be almost dry but slightly warm/tacky so the powder sticks. If you cure it too long (60s+), it will be too slick and the powder will just slide off.

Step 3: The Glaze

Dip your eyeshadow sponge into the Chrome Powder.

Rub (buff) the powder firmly onto the nail surface.

Watch as the magic happens—the milky base transforms into a mirror-like pearl finish.

Use a soft fluffy brush to dust off any excess glitter from your skin.

Step 4: Seal the Deal

Chrome powder is fragile. To prevent it from chipping at the tips:

Apply a final layer of Top Coat.

Make sure to 'cap the free edge' (paint across the tip of the nail).

Cure for a full 60 seconds.