Caviar pearl manicures, which have been aptly named after the luxurious appetiser they resemble, have been getting a lot of attention over the past year. It almost seems like no matter where you look, there is a content creator or influencer showing off their new set of caviar pearl manicure nails and getting praise from their followers. And with such positive engagement, it’s unsurprising that many other women have embraced these nails, not just for the office but also for their weekend brunches. But even with this huge uptake, it is normal to question if caviar pearl manicures are the right fit for you. We talk about what makes them unique and the thin line between elegant and clunky.
The Edge in Caviar Pearl Manicures
Caviar manicures are named so because they feature tiny beads that are reminiscent of the roe seen in caviar. Now, caviar pearl manicures take this concept to the next level by using pearls in the place of beads. And this tiny detail makes all the difference in the following ways:
The Application
With typical caviar manicures, the nail technician pours beads over a wet coat of nail polish. Then, they press down on the beads to make them stick to the surface. In contrast, caviar pearl manicures require the technicians to use tweezers or dotting tools to place each pearl onto the wet nail polish. This process is a bit more calculated as the placement must be correct for the design to work. Then they add a layer of top coat, and their work is done.
Of course, you can also do these nails at home with a DIY kit, but it helps to note that you will need much more patience than you would require for a typical caviar manicure.
The Texture
While caviar pearl manicures have ‘pearl’ in their name, most of these nail designs do not actually use real pearls. Instead, nail technicians rely on craft pearls made from plastic or resin. They look just like the real thing but come at a fraction of the price. The use of these pearls results in a raised and bumpy surface, which women love, not just for the aesthetics but also for the feel.
The Look
Craft pearls may not be real pearls per se, but they are just as good at irradiating light and creating that glossy effect we have all come to love in our nails. In fact, if a nail technician does the placement right, caviar pearl manicures make you look like you have just dipped your fingers into a jewellery box and come out with shiny, luxe nails that sparkle and shift as you move. Pair these nails with a nice bracelet or ring, and you have the perfect look. These nails are so beautiful that they, too, can serve as your only accessory.
Why Are These Nails Taking Over FYPs?
If you are a nail enthusiast, chances are high that you have come across caviar pearl manicures on your FYP at least once or twice. And that’s because, season in and season out, women cannot get enough of these unique designs. For starters, these nails look expensive. Even if a nail technician uses cheap craft pearls, the final look still gives off a luxurious vibe that is perfect for all occasions, from dinners to engagement parties. Secondly, these nails are anything but boring. The simple placement of a few pearls turns an otherwise ordinary nail design into a work of art. And, of course, we cannot talk about these nails without touching on how well they fit modern aesthetics, from ‘clean girl’ to ‘ feminine energy’ with the addition of a 3D twist. Altogether, these perks make these the perfect nails on and off social media.
Are They Too Much?
While caviar pearl manicures may seem effortless to achieve, there are two extremes when it comes to this side of the nail world. On one end, we have the feminine manicures that grace our FYPs. These are the nail designs with tiny pearls, which have been placed so subtly that they come off as understated and elegant. These designs augur well with softer shades like ivory and are perfect for the woman who wants to make a subtle statement.
On the other side of this, we have what we would refer to as the clunky manicures. These nails feature oversized beads, which pave the way for an array of issues. Not only can these larger beads appear like bumps or warts on a nail, but they also tend to make people’s fingers look shorter or bulkier. Sometimes, the problem is not the size of the beads, per se, but rather the placement. When a nail technician uses too many pearls on every nail, the end result starts looking messy, which takes away from the typical elegance of these manicures.
Luckily, there is a balance between the two. If you are not eager to go for the subtle feminine look, you can avoid the clunky look by playing around with the bead size and coverage to find what works for you.