12 Gorgeous Candy-Inspired Nail Art Designs With 3D Jelly Effect Popular In Korea & Japan

By Karmen on 08 Jun 2021

Digital Editor

Has severe RBF but is fairly jolly and carefree on the inside. Degree of life satisfaction is heavily influenced by food.

There's a new whimsical nail art trend in Korea and Japan that's taking over Instagram: 3D jelly nails.

Keep reading to find out more!

This cool jelly effect is created by applying sheer gel polish layer by layer, eventually forming three-dimensional transparent designs. It can take form in a variety of styles from a more minimal look with subtle 3D effects to all-out statement nails à la Harajuku girls.

Some Korean and Japanese manicurists have taken this mesmerising trend to the next level of kawaii by giving it a candy-inspired look. Think delicious-looking candy colours, gummy sweet designs and nods to iconic candies.

#1 3D Jelly Nails with Gummy Bears

Photo from @gnal_yurim via Instagram

Besides jelly, the transparent 3D gel polish is also pretty reminiscent of gummy bears! @gnal_yurim brought the iconic sweet to her nails with 3D gummy bears and a sprinkle of glitter.

Swap the bright colours for paler shades to get a more subdued look like the one below.

Photo from @gnal_yurim via Instagram

#2 Chupa Chups 3D Jelly Nails

Photo from @reborn_nail_se via Instagram

This lollipop-inspired design by @reborn_nail_se combines the colourful stripes of the traditional swirl lollipop with little 3D Chupa Chups designs. The matte finish grounds the overall look and keeps it from looking too gaudy.

#3 Pastel 3D Jelly Nails with a Gummy Bear

Photo from @gnal_yurim via Instagram

@gnal_yurim keeps this look more subtle with just one transparent gummy bear and a pastel colour palette with a touch of gingham.

#4 Pink 3D Jelly Nails

Photo from @gnal_yurim via Instagram

Another one by @gnal_yurim, this design is for those who love their pinks. Love that little 3D peach!

#5 3D Jelly Nails with Terrazzo Design

Photo from @ji_niiiii via Instagram

Turns out, the modern, speckled look of terrazzo goes well with candy colours and the jelly effect, as demonstrated by @ji_niiiii.

#6 Aurora Effect 3D Jelly Nails

Photo from @myun.nail via Instagram

With colours inspired by Sailor Moon and ombre effect mimicking auroras/polar lights, @myun.nail's nail art has a magical look that also reminds us of clear lollipops.

#7 Transparent Nails with 3D Jelly Patterns

Photo from @colors_ai via Instagram

@colors_ai's creative take on the 3D jelly trend sees a transparent, coloured base with different 3D patterns on each nail. If you like both colours and prints, this is one way to have both and still keep it chic.

#8 Ombre 3D Jelly Nails

Photo from @nailalamode via Instagram

@nailalamode combines an ombre effect with little pops of 3D shapes - perfect for those who want to start small with the 3D jelly trend.

#9 Colourful 3D Jelly Nails

Photo from @y_yjenny via Instagram

@y_yjenny's nail design combines a lot of different colours and 3D shapes but the whole look is wonderfully cohesive and not the least bit loud.

#10 Sparkly Candy 3D Jelly Nails

Photo from @msnail_1000 via Instagram

These glittery nails by @msnail_1000 look good enough to eat with bright candy colours making the transparent 3D shapes on top look like gummy sweets.

#11 Minimalist 3D Jelly Nails

Photo from @b.by_you via Instagram

This is one for the minimalists! @b.by_you's simple yet striking nail art design has a light wash of blues and yellows with transparent 3D effect.

#12 3D Jelly Nails with Summer Vibes

Photo from @kenyben20 via Instagram

@kenyben20's nail design has a candy-inspired aesthetic but with a tropical twist that reminds us of summer beach holidays.

While layering gel polish seems pretty straightforward, it can be a little tricky for the average person to create the defined "jelly" shapes the way it should look. If you're not confident in your skills, you could always show them to your manicurist to replicate!