You’ve already heard of blurred lips, the makeup trend taking over the red carpet at the moment, but we’re all about to be obsessed with blurred nails.
That’s right, everybody’s love for lips that look freshly kissed and effortlessly sophisticated is arriving in the manicure space. “In 2026, beauty is all about looking effortless and being comfortable,” nail artist Mateja Novakovic tells Glamour on the rise of blurred beauty. “After years of HD, filter-level glam, people are rejecting anything that looks overly engineered. Just like ‘skin blur’ and second-skin finishes in makeup, nails are embracing that soft look too.”
But what exactly are blurred nails? Keep reading to find out about the upcoming beauty trend and learn from Mateja how to achieve the look yourself.
Inspired by makeup artist Nina Park, kissable semi-matte lips are everywhere this season. Here’s how to get the look.
What are blurred nails?
The new way to wear matte nails, blurred nails are at the crossroads between minimalist manicure and nail care. “The blurred manicure is like the Paris filter we use on our Instagram Stories, it slightly blurs out imperfections, and leaves you with a soft, velvety finish,” explains Mateja.
While matte finishes might not be for everyone, think of this more as a blanket for your nails, gently caring for them while giving a pleasing soft filter finish. “We’ve seen matte nail trends in the past, but they never stuck around,” says the nail artist. “In the past, they made nails look 2-dimensional and dull. The blurred mani, due to not being 100% matte, has elevated this trend and made it more wearable.”
How to prep your nails for blurred nails
For such a minimal look, good prep is key to achieving a perfect filter finish. “Gently push back the cuticles, lightly smooth the nail surface and cleanse the nail plate to ensure an even, clean base,” advises Mateja on how to prepare your nails before applying polish. “Always keep the hands hydrated” with a cuticle oil or hand cream too.
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How to achieve blurred nails
Once her prep is complete, Mateja completes her blurred nails using two thin coats of Manucurist Active Blur. “The finish is completely buildable from one layer onwards, depending on how sheer or perfected you want it,” she says. Orly Nail Retouch Smooth + Blur is also a great choice for achieving blurred nails. If a fully matte finish isn’t your thing, she advises layering other Manucurist Active treatments like Active Bright or Active Plump to bring an added shiny dimension.
With nail care being so important for this look – “because with such a soft, natural finish, everything shows,” says Mateja – you’re also giving your nails the TLC they need. “It strengthens your nail plate with chestnut extract, exfoliates with resurfacing AHAs and contains niacinamide, which stimulates keratin and collagen.”
Undoubtedly set to be one of 2026’s biggest minimal manicure trends, what does the future hold for the blurred manicure? “I hope the trend will spread onto similar shades: milky whites and beiges, delicate lavenders and subtle micro-iridescent sheen under the velvety finish,” Mateja shares. “I also think it would look beautiful with a micro French tip under the blurred finish.”
Blurred nails inspiration
Here are some of our fave blurred nails to give you some inspiration…
