Summer is the perfect canvas for showcasing an array of nail colors that reflect the vibrant energy of the season. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying an evening soiree, the right nail color can be a fashion statement all on its own. As we delve into the trending ideas and designs for this year’s summer nail colors, remember that each shade can embody a mood, a moment, or even a memory from the sunny season.
Soft Almond Bliss
From the professional manicurist’s palette, summer nail colors almond shape nails bring forth an essence of elegance that pairs beautifully with the season’s light and breezy fashion. In photo, we see a sophisticated combination of deep blues and soft, nude accents that whisper of starlit summer nights.
The deep, shimmering blue provides a bold counterpart to the skin, working exceptionally well for both pale and dark skin tones. The highlight of this design is the single nail with a fading sparkle, transitioning from a rich gold to a nude base, achieving a chic and understated opulence.
Materials List:
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- Deep blue gel polish – DND ‘Sapphire Dream’
- Nude gel polish – OPI ‘Bare My Soul’
- Gold glitter polish – Essie ‘Golden Nuggets’
- Topcoat – Seche Vite Dry Fast
To recreate this design, start by applying two coats of the deep blue polish on all but the ring finger. For the accent nail, use a sponge to dab the gold glitter onto a nude base while still slightly tacky, creating a gradient effect. Seal all nails with a glossy topcoat for durability.
Glimmering Onyx Night
Who says summer nights can’t be captured on your fingertips? The photo showcases an enchanting mix of black and silver glitter, ideal for those summer evening events where you want to make a statement.
This design uses a matte black as a backdrop for a sprinkling of glitter, creating a cosmic allure. The accent nail features block lettering, adding an edgy twist to the otherwise minimalistic look. It’s a daring choice that speaks to the bold and pretty.
- Materials List:
- Matte black polish – OPI ‘Black Onyx’
- Silver glitter polish – DND ‘Starry Night’
- Lettering decals
Apply the matte black polish as the base for all nails except the feature one. Use a fine-tipped brush to apply silver glitter to create the illusion of a starry sky. For the lettered nail, apply the decal over a black base and finish with a clear topcoat.
Ethereal Pink Marble
Soft, pretty, and wonderfully whimsical, photo takes us on a journey through clouds and sky with a dreamy marble design that is both vibrant and soothing.
The gentle blush tone paired with delicate white marbling gives a cloud-like appearance that’s perfect for summer nail colors for pale skin. It’s a heavenly match for breezy linen dresses and sun hats.
Materials List:
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- Pink gel polish – Essie ‘Ballet Slippers’
- White gel polish – CND ‘Cream Puff’
- Marbling tool
- Matte topcoat
Apply a pink base coat and let it cure. Then, dot on white polish and use a marbling tool to swirl the colors gently. Cure again and apply a matte topcoat for a soft, ethereal finish.
Playful Polka Dots
The photo titled photo is a delightful expression of summer fun. It flaunts short nails in a playful, pink base punctuated with bold, black dots, encapsulating a modern twist on the classic polka dot design.
The juxtaposition of vibrant pink with stark black dots gives these nails a bold and pretty aesthetic, perfect for summer frolics. The almond shape adds a touch of sophistication, making them an excellent choice for summer nail colors almond shape enthusiasts.
Materials List:
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- Vibrant pink polish – OPI ‘Strawberry Margarita’
- Black detail polish – Essie ‘Licorice’
- Dotting tool
Begin with a base coat followed by two coats of the vibrant pink polish. Once dry, dip your dotting tool into the black polish and apply evenly spaced dots over each nail. Finish with a clear topcoat to seal the design.
Fresh Citrus Twist
In photo, we see a fresh take on summer nail colors that captures the zest of the season. These short nails feature a translucent pink base with a hint of citrusy charm, creating a soft yet lively look.
These nails could easily become a summer staple, especially for those with pale skin, offering a whisper of color that tells a story of lazy afternoons and cool drinks.
Materials List:
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- Sheer pink polish – DND ‘Pink Lace’
- Green and yellow nail art paint
- Thin brush for detailing
After a clear base coat, apply the sheer pink polish. Using a thin brush, paint on the green and yellow citrus accents. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next to avoid smudging. Seal the design with a glossy topcoat.
Tropical Greenery
‘Tropical Greenery’, represented in photo, brings the lushness of nature to the fingertips. The bold green polish is a standout choice for summer nail colors, providing a vibrant backdrop for the delicate, nature-inspired art.
This design is a tribute to summer nail colors for dark skin, where the vibrant green shade truly pops. The accent nails adorned with gold foil and intricate leaf designs invoke the allure of exotic summer gardens.
Materials List:
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- Vibrant green polish – Essie ‘Off Tropic’
- White polish for base art – OPI ‘Alpine Snow’
- Gold leaf foil
- Fine detail brush
Apply the vibrant green polish as your base on all nails except for the accent ones. For the feature nails, lay a white base, then hand-paint the botanical designs. Add touches of gold leaf for a luxurious finish.
Abstract Autumn
Defying the seasonal norms, photo presents a color scheme that brings an autumnal vibe into the summer palette. The grey base adorned with splashes of orange and gold leaf brings an abstract art feel to the nails.
This look takes summer nail colors short to a new level of artistic expression. It’s a design that speaks to the bold and the trendy, ideal for those looking to make a statement.
Materials List:
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- Matte grey polish – OPI ‘Berlin There Done That’
- Orange accent polish – China Glaze ‘Papaya Punch’
- Gold leaf flakes
- Matte topcoat
Start with the matte grey as a base. Once dry, strategically place orange polish in abstract patterns. Apply gold leaf flakes to areas where the orange polish is still tacky. Finish with a matte topcoat to enhance the textural contrast.
Safari Sunset
The image photo depicts an adventurous blend of fiery orange and a wild, animal print design, perfect for those who want to express their untamed side during the summer season.
The vivid orange is a quintessential summer nail color, offering a bold and vibrant statement, while the animal print on a white base demonstrates a trending design that’s both edgy and playful.
Materials List:
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- Bright orange polish – DND ‘Sunset Safari’
- White polish – Essie ‘Blanc’
- Black detail polish – Sally Hansen ‘Black Out’
- Detail brush
Begin with two coats of bright orange on all nails except for the accent nails. On the latter, apply a white base, then use a detail brush dipped in black to hand-draw the animal print. Finish with a topcoat to seal and add shine.
Whispering White Vines
Photo whispers the secrets of a white summer garden, with intricate vine patterns over a translucent base, embodying the soft and delicate side of summer.
The design is particularly flattering for summer nail colors for pale skin, and the sheer backdrop creates a refined and pretty canvas for the white detailed artistry.
Materials List:
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- Sheer polish – OPI ‘Don’t Touch My Tutu!’
- White art polish – CND ‘Cream Puff’
- Detail brush
Paint a sheer base layer, followed by freehand drawing of the vine patterns using white art polish. For beginners, a stencil can help achieve precision. A topcoat will add longevity to this delicate work.
Impressionist’s Dream
In ‘photo, we encounter an Impressionist painting come to life, with nails as the canvas for splashes of color that reflect a modern summer nail colors blue and summer nail colors dnd green palette, sprinkled with flecks of gold.
This design is a work of art, ideal for those seeking a unique and bold expression. It suits any skin tone and brings a burst of vibrant energy to the fingertips.
Materials List:
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- Blue and green gel polishes – DND ‘Lagoon Blue’ and ‘Green Acres’
- Gold leaf
- Topcoat for sealing
Start with a clear base. Dab on blue and green polishes in a blotting motion, mimicking the strokes of an impressionist painter. Apply pieces of gold leaf randomly for an opulent touch. Finish with a topcoat.
Soft Pink Serenity
Lastly, photo is a serene portrayal of summer nail colors short nails. It’s a classic pink and white ombre accented with a touch of sparkle, embodying the gentle warmth of a summer’s day.
The ombre technique here is subtle, resulting in a look that’s both soft and pretty. The single rhinestone accent adds a dash of elegance without overwhelming the simplicity of the design.
Materials List:
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- Pale pink polish – Essie ‘Muchi, Muchi’
- White polish – OPI ‘Alpine Snow’
- Rhinestone
- Sponge for ombre effect
- Topcoat
To achieve the ombre, apply a base of pale pink. Sponge on a mix of pink and white at the tips, blending downwards. Add a single rhinestone on the ring finger as an accent. Seal with a topcoat for a glossy finish.
Metallic Leaf Elegance
In photo, we have a luxurious display of metallic leaves over a blush base, bringing an element of nature’s sophistication to your summer style.
This design speaks of elegance and finesse, with the metallic accents providing a bold and vibrant contrast against the soft pink, making it a perfect fit for summer nail colors for pale skin.
Materials List:
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- Blush polish – OPI ‘Put it in Neutral’
- Metallic polish for leaf design – Essie ‘Good as Gold’
- Detail brush
Paint your nails with the blush polish as a base. Once dry, use the metallic polish with a detail brush to create the leaf designs. Keep a steady hand, and don’t rush the details. Finish with a topcoat for a glossy sheen.
Sunny Streaks
‘Sunny Streaks’ captured in photo, showcases a sunshine-inspired flair with bold yellow streaks cutting across a clean white canvas, evoking the simplicity and energy of summer days.
The streaks give off a bold, vibrant feel that makes it one of the best choices for a summer statement manicure, especially on short nails. It’s modern, fresh, and undoubtedly trending.
Materials List:
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- White gel polish – CND ‘Cream Puff’
- Yellow striping polish – DND ‘Sunshine Yellow’
- Striping brush
Start with a white base, and once that’s set, use a striping brush to draw bold yellow lines across each nail. The trick is to pull the brush in one fluid motion for smooth lines. Seal with a topcoat to protect your sunny art.
Lavender Swirls
The image titled photo presents whimsical lavender swirls over a muted pink base, conjuring the playful side of summer nail colors blue.
It’s a pretty and creative take that’s ideal for those who love summer nail colors short but want to add an artistic twist. The flowing lines give a sense of movement, reminiscent of a gentle summer breeze.
Materials List:
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- Muted pink polish – OPI ‘Tickle My France-y’
- Lavender polish – Essie ‘Lilacism’
- Detailing brush
Paint the muted pink base and let it dry. With a fine brush, draw freehand swirls in lavender. Don’t aim for perfection; the beauty is in the spontaneity. Finish with a clear topcoat to add durability and shine.
Smoky Marble Mystique
Lastly, photo is a testament to the bold and trendy. It features a smoky marble design that blends greys and blacks, creating a mysterious vibe perfect for those summer nights out.
This nail art is vibrant yet enigmatic, making it a bold choice for those who want to stand out. It’s also a versatile design that complements both summer nail colors for pale skin and dark skin.
Materials List:
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- Grey polish – China Glaze ‘Recycle’
- Black polish – OPI ‘Black Onyx’
- Marbleizing tool
- Topcoat
Apply a base of grey polish. While still wet, dot on black polish and use a marbleizing tool to swirl the colors together. Work quickly before the polishes dry to achieve the best marbled effect. Finish with a topcoat for a glossy effect.
Embracing the last set of summer inspirations, let’s dive into these beautiful nail art designs.
Ethereal Feather Touch
The design in photo is a poetic interplay of delicate white feather strokes on a translucent base, reminiscent of soft clouds drifting in a summer sky.
The fine lines and gentle contrast give a soft, pretty finish, ideal for a minimalist yet trending summer look. It’s perfect for those who prefer summer nail colors short and understated.
Materials List:
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- Translucent white polish – OPI ‘Funny Bunny’
- White striping polish – Sally Hansen ‘White On’
- Thin brush for feather details
Apply the translucent polish for a subtle base. With the striping polish, create delicate feather strokes fanning out from one corner of the nail. Use a light touch and finish with a protective topcoat.
Golden Ember Tips
In photo we see a sophisticated design with bold, burnished gold tips, contrasting beautifully against a sheer pink base, capturing the essence of a summer sunset.
The design blends classic sophistication with a modern edge, making it a vibrant choice for all skin tones. This look could serve well as summer nail colors toes for sandal season.
Materials List:
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- Sheer pink polish – Essie ‘Mademoiselle’
- Gold foil or gold leaf
- Adhesive for foil application
- Topcoat
Start with a base of sheer pink. Apply a thin layer of adhesive on the tips and carefully place gold foil once it becomes tacky. Shape the foil to your desired design and seal with a topcoat.
Cherry Blossom Serenade
Photo is a delicate dance of cherry blossom designs over a pale pink base, evoking the fleeting beauty of summer blossoms.
This design offers a soft, romantic vibe, adorned with subtle floral accents and tiny gold flakes, perfect for a pretty and short nail look.
Materials List:
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- Pale pink polish – DND ‘Pale Pink’
- Floral nail stickers or decals
- Gold flake topcoat
Paint the nails with the pale pink polish. Once dry, apply the floral stickers to create a pattern reminiscent of cherry blossoms. Add a touch of glamour with a gold flake topcoat.
Glacial Shimmer
The photo design presents an icy-cool allure with a shimmering silver gradient over a crisp white base, perfect for making a bold summer statement.
The sparkling silver provides a vibrant, frosty contrast, making it one of the best choices for those who want their nails to stand out with a bold and trendy look.
Materials List:
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- White gel polish – Gelish ‘Arctic Freeze’
- Silver glitter – OPI ‘Silver Canvas’
- Sponge for gradient effect
- Topcoat
Apply the white gel polish as a base. Use a sponge to dab on silver glitter polish from the tip, creating a gradient effect that resembles frost. Cure under a lamp and finish with a topcoat for extra sparkle.
Spring into Summer
The photo design is a fresh fusion of vibrant green and soft pink, with playful polka dots, bringing to life the joyous spirit of transitioning from spring into summer.
The contrasting colors are bold and vibrant, while the summer nail colors blue green energizes the softer pink. This look is perfect for a summer nail colors toes design, ready to be shown off in your favorite sandals.
Materials List:
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- Vibrant green polish – Essie ‘The More The Merrier’
- Soft pink polish – OPI ‘Baby Take A Vow’
- White polish for dots – Sally Hansen ‘White On’
- Dotting tool
Paint your nails with the vibrant green and soft pink as alternating bases. Use a dotting tool to apply white polka dots on the pink nails for a whimsical touch. For the green nails, keep them solid to let the color pop. Finish with a clear topcoat for durability.
Whispering Waves
In photo we have an elegant, minimalist design of gentle, flowing lines over a clear base, invoking the serene movement of soft waves on a calm summer shore.
The design’s soft simplicity makes it one of the best choices for an understated yet trending summer look. It’s pretty and delicate, perfect for those who prefer their manicure to whisper rather than shout.
Materials List:
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- Clear base polish – Seche Clear Crystal Clear Base Coat
- Black striping polish – CND Vinylux ‘Black Pool’
- Thin striping brush
Begin with a clear base coat for a natural nail look. Dip the thin brush into the black striping polish and draw wavy, contouring lines across each nail, echoing the ebb and flow of the tide. Seal the design with a topcoat for a glossy, smooth finish.
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