I Know Expensive-Looking Nails When I See Them, and I'm Swooning Over This "Candy Floss" Mani
I couldn't have screenshotted it any faster.

Heads-up: Just because you want an expensive-looking manicure doesn't mean you must resort to boring neutrals. I'm of the opinion that a spunky "out there" polish can make a sophisticated outfit look extra chic. I totally understand the hesitation for neon green, but if you're down to dabble with color, might I suggest a "candy floss" shade of pink? I recently saw celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein donning the almost-sheer shade on Instagram, and I couldn't hit "save" fast enough. Think clean, soap nails with a little something extra.
A post shared by Betina R. Goldstein (@betina_goldstein)
A photo posted by on
Sheer, slightly shimmery, and Chanel—that's a recipe for an expensive-looking polish, if I ever saw one. Pinky-coral hues are practically made for spring manicures, and the sheer, glossy finish makes this one certainly on-trend. After all, celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards recently told us we'd see plenty of iterations on soap nails this year, including "lots of subtle shimmer." Goldstein's polish of choice definitely falls into that camp. I mean, just look how well it catches the light!
As a beauty editor with a knack for predicting nail trends (yes, it's a skill, and I should honestly put it on my résumé), I'm pretty much always thinking about the next mani we'll see taking over everyone's feeds. Since spotting Goldstein's demo above, images of soft clumps of bubblegum-flavored cotton candy have lived rent-free in my brain—so I'm officially dubbing this trend the "candy floss" mani. It's subtle, warm, and way chicer than your average baby pink, in my humble opinion.
Nail artist Iram Shelton also cosigned the candy floss trend with a gradient version.
Now, I have good news and bad news. The bad news? Goldstein's exact Chanel shade is currently sold out. (I know, I'm torn up about it too!) But here's the upside: I did some digging to uncover more candy floss shades, and it turns out there are a few stand-ins that give identical expensive energy. Scroll ahead to shop all of my favorites.
Shop the Best "Candy Floss" Nail Polishes

Jamie Schneider is Who What Wear’s senior beauty editor based in New York City. With over seven years in the industry, she specializes in trend forecasting, covering everything from innovative fragrance launches to need-to-know makeup tutorials to celebrity profiles. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Organizational Studies and English before moving to NYC, and her work has appeared in MindBodyGreen, Coveteur, and more. When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty finds, Jamie loves scouting vintage boutiques and reading thrillers, and she’s always down for a park picnic in Brooklyn.
-
I've Been a Fan of "Princess Nails" for Years: The 15 Classiest Designs I'd Wear in a Heartbeat
Show these to your nail artist ASAP.
-
First, Sabrina Carpenter, Now Dua Lipa: Celebs Love This "Outdated" Nail Design
That's it—I'm booking a manicure.
-
A Good Sandal-Worthy Pedicure Is Everything to Me—7 Stylish Summer Nail Colors I Can't Stop Wearing
Limoncello! Periwinkle! Ultramarine!
-
It's Officially a Limoncello Summer: See How It Will Influence Your Hair, Nails, and Scent
I'm sensing a complete takeover.
-
The "Italian Market" Manicure Is Summer's Peak Nail Trend—See the Best Designs to Send to Your Manicurist
This sparks joy.
-
Sabrina! Charli! Rihanna! These Celeb-Inspired Nail Colors Are Too Good to Pass Up for Prime Day
Celebrity shades at sale-rack prices.
-
Gel Manis at Home Are Shockingly Easy—10 Expert-Approved UV Lamps That Save You Time and Money
They're a must-have.
-
Not Butter Yellow, Not Sheer Pink: The Dreamiest Nail Color to Wear All Summer, Per Rihanna and Selena
The trendsetters have spoken.