A summery manicure is a great way to show your love for the warm season and when it comes to nail designs and trends, there are so many things you can do to take your manicure to the next level. Summer nail colors and nail art is a great time to play with different colors, textures, nails shapes and designs, from textured chrome accents to neon polish to milky BIAB nails, there are many different ways to get creative.
If you’re like us and have been bookmarking tons of different summer nail inspiration on social media, you may need help deciding on a manicure because there are so many good choices.
We’ve made it easy for you and have rounded up a list of 22 of our favorite nail designs and trends. Keep reading for summer nail colors and designs that can help you add the perfect accent to your warm-weather beauty look.
Check out these creative nail designs and colors that are perfect for flaunting your favorite things about summer.
For the record, your favorite childhood beverage looks ridiculously good on a manicure of any length and shape. Like the drink itself, the color can be as light or as dark as you like it, depending on how much chocolate you add. If you don’t want to go too dark for summer, try a milky chocolate hue.
Mermaidcore nails are shimmery, iridescent and pearly in soft tones like turquoise, cream, lavender, seafoam green and ocean blue. It’s a fantasy come to life and it makes for one gorgeous mani.
Editor's tip: If you're doing gel and your skin feels dry after application, let the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum work double-duty and apply it to the tops of your hands and fingers. Your skin will feel instantly hydrated and refreshed.
If statement-making nails are on your mind, it’s time to get acquainted with marble nails. This unique design mimics the look of marble surfaces for a gradient, luxurious style. To DIY the look, use a small detail brush to paint swirling colors onto your nails, then seal everything in with a high-shine top coat.
Like most things ‘90s, neon is back with a vengeance — even on the nails. A great way to achieve bright summer nails is to go with a neon hue, as it adds just the right amount of pizazz to your nails, for a vibrant look that won’t go unnoticed.
Florals in bright colors are super on trend for summer. Whether it’s on a short mani or long, almond-shaped nails, they’re charming and just right for the season.
Orange is one of our favorite nail polish shades for summer and it looks stunning on all skin tones. With a glossy top coat, it’s simple, yet absolute summer perfection.
Fresh, juicy strawberries are a sure sign of summer and they look so good on a manicure. With a nude base, you get to focus on their bright red hue and intricate details — add the design to one nail as an accent or all of them for a strawberry masterpiece.
We love a sweet, blossoming flower design on our nails the second the weather starts to turn, and white daisies have been so popular as of late. Add them all over one accent nail or give each nail a large flower for a standout look.
With marbled swirls of color and gold accents, gemstone nails look just like the crystals that you keep nearby to ward off bad vibes. Overall, they’re great for summer (and anytime of year) and definitely a compliment-getter.
One of the latest iterations of trendy chrome nails is chrome stars. It’s a metallic, graphic masterpiece that shines (no pun intended) on a bare, milky nail polish base with stars in a foiled hue like silver or blue chrome.
With blooming gel, you can create a number of different gradient designs and tie-dye nails are one of our favorites for summer. Pick a few shades of your favorite colors or go for the boldest statement with a vivid swirling of all the colors in the rainbow.
If you like a neutral, barely-there nail look, try your favorite pale pink polish with white chrome powder on top. It leans into the glazed donut nail trend, but you still get a neutral manicure that will stay looking fresh, even as your nails grow.
Along with chrome stars is chrome line work on different bases colors and designs, like aura nails. This free-hand design is edgy and on-trend with a mix of different textures and finishes.
Half moon nails exude old Hollywood glamour and timeless styling. With a bright cherry red polish, there’s not a nail size, shape or length it looks bad on.
Any variation of airbrush or aura nails is super on trend for summer because they evoke emotion and personality. If you need some inspo, go with a few different colors or try a pink and orange variation, as the two shades are very complementary.
Fruit-themed nails with cherries and florals are sweet just like summer. To play up those cottage-core (a simple, romanticized, vintage and rural life aesthetic) feelings, wear them on a round nail like an almond shape.
An abstract design typically includes various shapes and swirls to create a contemporary nail look. Go for a bold shade like cobalt blue or hunter green (both are super on trend for summer) and a nude base to let the pops of color and freehand design stand out.
Next: What’s the Difference Between Gel Nails and Acrylic Nails?
Photo Credit: IG/@gels.byjess, Photo Design: Sarah Duvivier
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