Summer nails don’t always have to shout—sometimes, the prettiest ones whisper. And right now, they’re whispering in soft pink.

Straight out of Seoul and into our sun-soaked Pinterest boards, rosewater nails are the K-beauty manicure moment making a soft splash this season. Think sheer, dewy pink. Think your favourite tinted lip balm—but on your fingertips. Dreamy, subtle, very TikTok-friendly.

“I love rosewater nails and do this look on [BLACKPINK’s] Rosé all the time,” says celeb nail artist and Chanel ambassador Betina. “It’s like lip gloss for your nails—natural, but with just enough tint to feel polished.”

And it’s not just a red carpet fave. According to New York-based manicurist Kandalec, rosewater nails are everywhere in Seoul right now. “Locals don’t usually go for solid blocks of colour—they wear sheer finishes that grow out without fuss,” she says. No harsh lines. No weekly polish panic. Just elegant, effortless nail beauty.

So, how do you get the look?

You can either pick up a ready-made polish (Kandalec swears by Lights Lacquer’s Just a Tint) or DIY your own version. Just add a drop or two of your fave bright pink polish into a bottle of clear, and shake it like your summer depends on it. Pro tip: choose a pink undertone that matches your skin’s—cool or warm—for that “did she wake up like this?” vibe.

Here’s a new twist on the trend: “rose bath nails.” Think of it like rosewater, but with a little spa energy. “Start with a thin layer of sheer cream polish, then glaze over with sheer pink. The result is soft, warm, and super elegant.”

Whether you’re heading to a summer wedding or just sipping iced coffee on your balcony, rosewater nails are the beauty equivalent of quiet luxury. Low effort. High impact. Perfectly pink.