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 Novakovic how to achieve the look yourself.
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 Novakovic.
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 two-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 Novakovic on how to prepare your nails before applying polish. “Always keep the hands hydrated” with a cuticle oil or hand cream.
How to achieve blurred nails
Once her prep is complete, Novakovic 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.