Just as fall is to dark and vampy polish shades, so summer is to juicy, punchy nails that look as refreshing as an ice-cold drink. Jelly nails, a beauty trend that originated in Korea and is making its rounds on the internet again as of late, are the quickest way to get a perfect-looking manicure at home — and all it takes is this one gorgeous polish from Essie. One of the major qualifiers of a jelly nail is that it resembles, for lack of a better comparison, Jell-O. A little sheer, very shiny, and gives the impression of gel-like squishiness. Jelly nails are appealing not just for this fun, unique finish, but also because they are lower-maintenance than those dark, fully opaque shades that betray the smallest chips and imperfections. With jelly nails, the finish is much more forgiving and natural-looking, so you can let them grow out for longer and it’s okay if you don’t have the most perfect polish application.Essie’s line of Jelly Gloss polishes promises a sheer, yet buildable translucent finish that’s incredibly glossy, never streaky and applies smoothly. Reviewers even attest to it.“I did not want to try the jelly trend at full price because I thought it may be streaky. I grabbed the apricot shade on sale and I love it. It’s not patchy or streaky and fun to build layers to whatever strength you prefer,” one Ulta customer claimed. Available in up to 11 shades, from neutral tones and pinks to fun fashion colors like apricot and jade green, the Jelly Gloss polishes can be used together to create nail designs and more customizable looks, like this one Amazon customer mentioned in their review:“I wanted an off-white sheer color to use for the tips of a natural French manicure - I finally found it. I use a coat of this, and 2 coats of Essie sheer jelly farm to [stipple] over it, looks super natural and clean.”And as already mentioned, though these polishes go on very sheer, you can easily build up the opacity with each coat applied, while still maintaining that juicy, translucent and jelly look. In terms of durability, reviewers also say that the formula is durable, “long-lasting,” and stays “chip-free for days.”“My nails feel noticeably healthier and stronger since I started using it, which is a huge bonus,” wrote one shopper.Grab yourself a bottle of this nail-perfecting polish before the season changes for as little as $11, or keep reading more promising reviews ahead. Promising reviews:“I did not want to try to Jelly trend at full price bevause I thought it may be streaky. I grabbed the apricot shade on sale and I love it. Its not patchy or streaky and fun to build layers to whatever strength you prefer. I will def pick up another jelly shade soon. I hope the apricot isnt being discontinued. I love most orange shade of nail polish but this is actually a pretty tame color of orange, like a nude orange. I love it.“ — Rachel Rae“I wanted an off-white sheer color to use for the tips of a natural french manicure - I finally found it. I use a coat of this, and 2 coats of Essie sheer jelly farm to stable over it, looks super natural and clean.” — Kara“Magic on my nails. You absolutely have to buy this product. I have struggled with dark nail color my entire life, which caused me so much stress and made me feel self-conscious. But after using this, my nails look so beautiful — almost like I just had a gel manicure done. I was honestly amazed. Now I can confidently and proudly show my hands to others. I am so, so grateful to the person who created this product.” — Just another dude“I am absolutely loving Essie’s Jelly Polish! The colors are stunning—so vibrant and perfect for any occasion. What really impressed me, though, is how long-lasting the polish is. It stays chip-free for days, even with my busy schedule! My nails feel noticeably healthier and stronger since I started using it, which is a huge bonus. It gives a beautiful, glossy finish and has a smooth, easy application. I highly recommend Essie Jelly Polish to anyone looking for great color, durability, and nail care all in one!” — MeaganIf you want to shop for more effortless polishes that make nails look healthy and juicy, take a look at the collection below:AmazonManucurist Active Glow nourishing polishFrench nail care brand Manucurist makes an extensive line of polishes that do more than just coat your nails with a beautiful, shiny lacquer — they make them healthier too. The Active Glow formula, available in four ultra-sheer yet buildable nail tints in punchy berry hues, contains restorative hardeners that strengthen the nail bed and nourishing sweet almond oil. I use these polishes, and I love how low-maintenance they make my nail care routine and the juicy pop of color they leave behind. AmazonLondontown illuminating nail concealer Londontown’s cult-fave nail concealer is a longstanding favorite among HuffPost editors and the deserving recipient of a HuffPost shopping award in 2025. It’s a game-changer whether you’re looking to take a break from gel manicures, want to touch up your polish at home between visits to the salon or simply want a quick and easy way to give your paws a refresh. Available in five different colors that look great on a variety of skin tones (bubble, pink, lavender, original and bare), the formula contains optical brighteners to give nails a subtle gleam and hide imperfections and discoloration, along with plant extracts and a nourishing complex.AmazonCirque Colors' glossy, milky polish in three shades