If you’re a little girl growing up with a beige-loving mom and want to paint your room hot pink and lime green, just tell her it’s inspired by princess cake. She won’t be able to say no to Scandinavian chic, especially when it’s linked to a Swedish classic. The iconic prinsesstårta dessert is the perfect excuse to embrace bold colors, and it’s also the inspiration behind this summer’s sweetest nail trend.
To get into the vibe, light the Prinsesstårta candle from Flamingo Estate, daydream about fika at Vete-Katten (or make a pastry run to Sant Ambroeus in NYC if you’re not in Europe), and put some ABBA on the playlist. You’re about to discover the trend of the season: Princess Cake Nails.
The Trend: From “Princess” to “Princess Cake”
Earlier this year, “princess nails” became a popular trend on TikTok. These nails typically featured pale pink polish, short and sweet shapes, and a minimalistic, polished vibe. While cute, this trend was starting to feel a little predictable. But now, we’re taking things up a notch with the Princess Cake Nails—a more flavorful twist inspired by the beloved Swedish dessert. The palette for this look brings in pastel shades of pistachio-green marzipan, sponge cake, jam, and whipped cream, all translated into a delicate combination of green, pink, and white for your nails.
Princess Cake Nail Aesthetic
The classic princess manicure sticks to soft pinks, but the prinsesstårta palette brings so much more to the table. Think pistachio green, blush pink, whipped cream white, and even touches of gold leaf for a hint of elegance. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and sophisticated, just like the cake itself.
To create the perfect Princess Cake nails, you’ll want to incorporate those signature colors. The pistachio green is the star, with a soft pink to complement it, and white for that extra creamy finish. If you want to go all out, feel free to add some glamorous details like gold leaf or 3D elements like pearls or floral designs.
1. Simple & Sweet
A two-tone pistachio and pink polish on short nails. This design requires minimal effort but delivers maximum Scandinavian vibes. A perfect balance of elegance and simplicity.
2. Royal Glam
Elevate your Princess Cake nails with 3D details like pearls or glitter. This royal-inspired design adds an extra layer of sophistication for a truly princess-worthy look.
3. Cat Eye Delight
Shimmery green takes center stage in this stunning design, paired with a soft pink base for contrast. It’s elegant, fun, and adds a modern twist to the traditional princess cake look.
4. Cherry On Top
White French tips with tiny glass cherries mimic the whipped topping of a princess cake. This design adds a playful yet refined touch, perfect for any dessert lover.
5. Floral Finish
Bring the dessert to life with 3D cherry blossoms and gold leaf detailing. This dreamy design transforms your nails into a cake-inspired work of art.
6. Marzipan French Tips
Swap the traditional white for a pistachio-green on your French tips. This dessert-inspired twist brings a modern, fun touch to a timeless classic.
7. Peony Princess
Delicate peonies over a baby pink French base make this look dainty and luxurious. It’s soft, elegant, and perfect for a high tea or a chic afternoon outing.
8. Dainty Daisies
Green French tips adorned with cute pink daisies bring a fresh, summery vibe. Inspired by Scandinavian design, this is an easy and fun design to wear all season.
9. Classic Princess
A sheer pink jelly polish on almond nails offers a soft, understated, and timeless look. Elegant and minimalist, this design stays true to the traditional princess manicure.
10. Chrome Dreams
Textured green chrome tips with a folded-in effect resemble marzipan in its most luxurious form. This design exudes elegance and adds a stylish twist to the Princess Cake trend.
11. Scandi Pop
Add a bit of fun to the princess cake nails with a mix of blues and yellows. The playful aesthetic channels both Swedish design and a cozy fika-inspired vibe, perfect for a summer day.
12. Fairytale Holographic
Opalescent pink and green hues create a shimmering effect that feels straight out of a fairytale. This holographic manicure brings magical vibes to your Princess Cake nails.
13. Ombré Blend
A beautiful pistachio and pink ombré effect makes this design feel like swirling marzipan frosting on your fingertips. A sweet and subtle way to embrace the Princess Cake trend.
14. Rosy Sweetness
Hand-drawn mini roses on a creamy base elevate this design into a romantic, cake-inspired masterpiece. This sweet look channels the elegance of a real princess cake with added artistry.
15. Marzipan Majesty
Go all-in on pistachio green, as this was the original color of the princess cake, known as grön tårta (“green cake”). The perfect nod to the classic Swedish dessert, with a bold and beautiful finish.
Final Thoughts
Princess Cake nails are a delightful way to bring a touch of Swedish elegance into your beauty routine. Whether you’re sticking with classic pinks and greens or adding floral or 3D elements for some extra flair, this trend offers endless creative possibilities. Pair it with your favorite pastry and a bit of ABBA, and you’ve got the ultimate Scandinavian-inspired manicure.
