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I’m a beauty editor who has been on a nail health journey over the past year. I’m on the quest for long and healthy nails, and so I’ve been testing all the best nail strengtheners and cuticle oils that come my way. However, there are two problems with this. One, these nail health products work best on bare nails (so I have to forgo my nail polish), and two, many nail strengtheners I’ve tested are almost always clear, which can sometimes be a bit boring and adds another step if I’m planning on putting polish on top. Ideally, I want something all in one, you know?
I already love a lot of the Manucurist nail colours (and the Manucurist Green Flash LED Kit, which is a great gel nail alternative, BTW). But I was yet to try the Active Glow nail polishes, which I’ve been seeing all over my feeds right now. These nail polishes combine nail-nourishing ingredients with a pretty tint of layerable colour that makes your nails look so juicy and healthy whilst actually making them healthier at the same time.
The Active Glow polishes (part of Manucurist’s Active range, which includes Active Smooth, Active Bright and Active Blur) come in four sheer, nail-brightening tints, including Blueberry, Grape, Raspberry and Cranberry, each one sounding as juicy as the next. I got my hands on them and swatched each shade to see how they looked and fared on my nails.
Manucurist Active Glow
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
Key ingredients: Blueberry, sweet almond oil, alpha-hydroxy acids, lactobacillus ferment
Pros
- Strengthens nails
- Adds a healthy tint
- Can be layered up
Cons
- Not for you if you want an opaque polish
1. Blueberry
Manucurist
Active Glow Blueberry
Blueberry has a deep pink tint, and it was the shade I was drawn to try first. The translucent blueberry shade instantly brightens the nails with one coat, but you can get a bolder look with two or three coats for a tinted lip gloss effect if you prefer more colour. What strikes me about these polishes is just how glossy and plump they make my nails look and feel. They’re a great protective layer even if you’re just wearing one coat, and they made my nails feel stronger over a couple of days.
2. Grape
Manucurist
Active Glow Grape
Grape is a more purple-toned, juicy nail tint, which is ideal if you prefer something a little bolder but still sheer and translucent on the nails. I’ve tried lots of nail tints, but I haven’t come across a purple tone like this one, so it’s pretty unique in that respect. Manucurist recommends experimenting with layering different shades, and this one makes for a great base shade to mix with the other colours.
3. Raspberry
Manucurist
Active Glow Raspberry
As the name suggests, raspberry has a peachy-pink tone, and after testing each shade, this is hands down my favourite shade of the lot. One coat brightens the nails (it’s probably the most subtle hue of the collection), but two or three really enhances the tint into a more jelly-like pink that I just know I’m going to wear all summer. It’s fruit water nails in a bottle.
4. Cranberry
Manucurist
Active Glow Cranberry
Lastly, we have Cranberry. This one is the juiciest-looking of the bunch with a coral undertone that’s so pretty. I found that this gave the most colour payoff on the first coat and gave my nails a pretty tint without the need for multiple layers. I think this would look great as a pedicure colour going into summer, too.
Final Thoughts
I’m so impressed with these nail tints. I love how plump and glossy they make my nails look, and they easily last between five and seven days, and because they’re so sheer, any chips are barely visible anyway. The shades are so pretty, but I have to say Raspberry is my favourite, which delivers a sheer pink flush to the nails. No matter the shade, one coat adds a brightening tint, whereas two or three coats provide a juicier finish if you want a stronger tint. They’re a great low-maintenance nail colour if you want something that strengthens your nails whilst adding a glossy glow as well. I’m excited to layer up the different shades and find a new favourite nail polish layering combo.
Shop Now:
Manucurist
Active Glow Blueberry
Manucurist
Active Glow Grape
Manucurist
Active Glow Raspberry
Manucurist
Active Glow Cranberry
How We Tested
I tested each of the Manucurist Active Glow shades, wearing each one over the course of a month to test the shades and also how well they strengthened my nails and lasted, too. I layered up each shade on my nails to see how each polish looked worn with one coat, as well as two or three coats.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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