It's funny to think that one of 2022's hottest nail trends was started completely by accident. All it took was Hailey Bieber and her trusty nail artist Zola Ganzorigt. "Glazed donut nails" were an on-a-whim idea Ganzorigt had that would complement Bieber's 2022 Met Gala dress. She decided to top Bieber's otherwise sheer mani with OPI's Chrome Effects powder in Tin Man Can, adding a pearly, ethereal sheen that soon took the internet by storm. Now, even years later, glazed donut nails are here to stay. Sure, they were trendier a few years ago, but Ganzorigt created something elegant that stood the test of time.
Now, she and OPI partnered recently to breathe new life into the glazed donut look by creating four chrome powders that can be paired with a myriad of gel polishes. "This collection was inspired by the nail looks I find myself creating repeatedly," she tells Who What Wear. "For me, chrome has always been a way to transform a manicure and add a new dimension to a look. I love how a manicure can completely transform depending on the colors, finishes, and details you pair together, and I wanted these shades to give people the freedom to play, mix, and make each look their own. Even something as simple as a polka-dot nail can take on a whole new personality when you layer chrome over it."
Chrome shades like Tin Man Can were originally only available to professionals, making them highly coveted. But now, with this collection, everyone can buy them and DIY at home. Ganzorigt told me a little bit more about how she likes to use these shades, and luckily for me, I got my hands on a set as well. For all our thoughts and favorites, keep scrolling.
This collection comes with four mirror-shine shades with a multidimensional finish. The shades are Tin Man Can Glaze, Chrome to Mama, Pearl Pressure, and Mermaid for Me. Tin Man Can Glaze is a sheer silver-white chrome; Chrome to Mama is a deeper silver; Pearl Pressure appears more pink, purple, or blue, depending on the base color; and Mermaid for Me has an iridescent blue-and-gold finish.
The great thing about this collection is how truly versatile it is. Ganzorigt says the sky is the limit when it comes to using Chrome Effects Powder because it can make any basic color instantly appear more magical. "The glazed donut nail look really showed how transformative chrome can be," she says. "Chrome has always been a go-to technique for me when creating my clients' red carpet and event looks because it has the ability to completely change the feel of a manicure. Since then, chrome has evolved from a trend into a true nail-artistry staple. I've created so many different variations of the glazed donut look, but what I love most about chrome is its versatility, especially the shades within the new Chrome Effects collection. It works with every shade, style, and mood." Ganzorigt also says that chrome is the perfect way to personalize a manicure and make a familiar color look fresh, unique, and completely your own.
Ganzorigt also says these shades work beautifully with any color—whether you're looking for something more neutral or want to try something different. In terms of OPI shades that are a perfect pair with Chrome Effects, Ganzorigt has quite the list. "My personal favorite base colors to pair chrome with are Funny Bunny, Put it in Airplane Mode, Bubble Bath, and Black Onyx," she shares. "Additionally, I love pairing it with any pastel lavender, blue, and yellow shades."
I've also paired Chrome Effects with a few neutral pink DND shades and a neutral lavender, and the result was gorgeous. If you're afraid to try vibrant colors with this collection, Ganzorigt says don't be! She swears that OPI's new summer collection Trip to the Brite Side, which is filled with flashier hues, is Chrome Effects' soulmate. "It's vibrant and fun. I actually created a 'cotton candy sunset' look using a couple of the shades," she adds.
Best Polishes to Pair With Chrome Effects
If you like a true neutral, Ganzorigt touts this as *the* best one to pair with Chrome Effects. While Tin Man Can pairs perfectly if you want a toned-down look, you can pair this with Mermaid for Me or Pearl Pressure for something a little different.
I love DND gel colors, and these rosy neutrals look so good with the Chrome Effects collection. I tried the shade Peach Buff with Tin Man Can Glaze and loved the results, but I'm also curious to see what the finish would look like with Pearl Pressure since it pulls different colors depending on the base shade.
Ganzorigt says not to be afraid of brighter colors when working with Chrome Effects. If you were ever in doubt, just check out Ganzorigt's Instagram post where she used the collection to create her gorgeous, iridescent cotton candy sunset nails. It's the perfect summer manicure inspo that I'm bringing to my next salon visit.
This shade is a deeper mauve-rose that works as the perfect base for chrome. This would look really cool with Tin Man Can Glaze or Pearl Pressure.
This lavender paired with Mermaid for Me is just *chef's kiss.* I hardly ever wear lavender on its own, but this pair creates a really summery, light-reflective finish that I can't get enough of.
Bubble Bath is a classic OPI shade that both nail art enthusiasts and professionals continue to love. If you love a classic, no-nonsense pink, this is the one.
Normally, black wouldn't be the color I'd pick to pair with a chrome powder, but Ganzorigt convinced me this could be a real winner paired with Tin Man Can Glaze or Chrome to Mama. It's perfect for the upcoming season.