Ready to give your nails the ultimate summer refresh? In the latest season, the French manicure is being updated with colorful paints, creative shapes, and eye-catching art that stands out. In 2025, you can show your style by choosing acrylic nails with bright pink tips or shiny gel nails with retro colors. Whether you’re into short, minimalist looks or acrylic square masterpieces with silver glitter and detailed designs, these summer french nails ideas will inspire your next appointment—or your next DIY night. Let’s have a look at the most popular nail designs for this season.
Chic Leopard Tips on a Soft Blush Base
The combination of animal print and French tips is bold, and this design does it perfectly. The base color is a soft blush pink, which gives a clean and elegant look, and the tips are decorated with tiny leopard spots that look like a small hint of wild glamor. Thanks to the oval shape, the gel manicure is easy to wear and still has a bit of attitude. It’s giving “coffee date with a side of power.” I find it interesting that a tiny detail can make the whole outfit seem a little daring.
If you want to copy this design, I suggest using Essie’s Gel Couture in Fairy Tailor as your base color. For the leopard detailing, go with a dotting tool and a black gel like OPI’s Black Onyx. Add a high-gloss top coat as the last step for a perfect salon result. Choose between acrylic and gel based on how strong your nails are and how much time you want the polish to last.
My nail tech friend told me to cure the leopard print dots by themselves before sealing the whole nail. So, the spots won’t get smudged once you add the top coat. This detail may be simple, but it has a big impact on the crispness of the design.
I choose these styles when I want to be a little tough but not too much. Adding a bold lip to a plain face is like taking everything to the next level. It works well no matter if your nails are short or long. Confidence in a manicure.
Sunset Flame French with Red and Neon Edge
This one is fire—literally. The orange-red tips on a neutral base make the design look like a summer sunset, while the almond shape adds a touch of style and toughness. It looks like a heatwave has been trapped in this gel manicure with its flame-like appearance. This is not the usual french tip; it’s a summer french nails idea that’s been turned up to the next level. It’s also great for displaying your rings and iced coffee cups in the bright sun.
If you decide to do this at home, you can use the Beetles Gel Polish Set with neon orange, coral, and red shades. I like to use Butter London’s Patent Shine in Piece of Cake as my base color. A fine liner brush will help you get that crisp edge, or you can cheat with tip guides if you’re nervous. For that ombré glow? Mix the colors together gently when the polish is still wet, before you let it dry.
Tom Bachik, who is Jennifer Lopez’s nail artist, always stresses that contrast makes a difference; this design proves it. It combines the most and the least in a way that looks expensive.
I wore these nails during a long weekend in Palm Springs, and everyone, from the waiter at brunch to a person at CVS, wanted to know who did my nails. Honestly, it’s one of those trendy looks that gives big energy with little effort.
Hot Pink French Fade with a Pop of Orange
The acrylic square design shows that pink is versatile. The color scheme goes from flamingo to citrus, which adds a new touch to the traditional French style. Because of its straight-edge square shape and shiny finish, this watch looks bold and very modern. It’s playful, bright, and totally mood-lifting.
The style is perfect for summer nails designs with acrylic french tips. An acrylic base is important here to ensure the style is sharp and stays in place for a long time. Kiara Sky’s dip powders in neon pink and tangerine have given me great results. Achieve a clean ombré by dabbing the colors at the ends with a makeup sponge and covering it all with a jelly-pink layer.
If you’re headed to a rooftop party or beach day, this is the mani to go for. It’s not just cute, it’s sunshine bottled up. I find that this style looks best when paired with gold jewelry and white linen—it looks so pretty and Pinterest-worthy.
Color Pop French With Retro Flair
If there was a child born between the ‘70s and Y2K, it would look like this. The combination of neon green, violet, bright blue, and lilac on a beige background gives french tip ideas for nails a new summery look. It’s part mod, part modern, and all about fun. Thanks to its gel finish and tapered tips, the nails look like they are made of shiny glass.
This one’s definitely for those who love playful color. It’s important to get four bold gel shades from Modelones, along with a strong base coat like OPI’s Put It in Neutral. Apply the liner brush to make the curves at the end and make sure the previous color is cured before adding another.
People are sure to ask about these types of manicures. I chose a similar outfit for a music festival last year, and everyone kept complimenting me. It’s a style that says: “Yes, I planned this. Yes, I’m loving it.”
Pastel Chevron French With a Long Almond Twist
Let’s talk angles. By using sorbet colors, this design gives the traditional French tip a pastel look with chevron points on long acrylic almond nails. The colors are mint, coral, lilac, tangerine, and sky blue, which are all softly contrasted with a clear nude base. They are as refreshing as going to a popsicle store in June. And the elongated shape? Total elegance with a twist.
If you want a longer manicure, I suggest acrylic or hard gel overlays to keep the nails from breaking. You’ll want a fine brush to create those layered chevrons—Makartt’s nail art brush set works wonders here. After every color, cure the paint to keep the edges sharp and finish with a flexible top coat.
Anyone who likes tips almond blue or candy-inspired styles with a modern look will find this design perfect. I think it’s just right when it is both playful and polished. Match it with a pastel sundress and some silver hoops—it really reminds me of brunch outside, with summery sunlight and jazz on the speakers.
Bold Multicolor Block Tips on Natural Base
Symmetry and surprise are very satisfying, and this set manages to provide both. Every nail is different, showing yellow, hot pink, cobalt blue, or tangerine, but the natural gel base makes sure the look is steady and even. Its structure comes from the square shape, and the high gloss makes it look more luxurious. At first, it looks easy, but the addition of color-blocking makes it a fashionable piece.
In this style, the success depends entirely on picking the right polish. When I want a bright result, I use OPI’s Nature Strong colors in Sunflower Yellow, Exercise Your Brights, and Cobalt Blue-tiful. You only need to have steady hands and striping guides to get ultra-sharp lines, without needing any art tools.
When doing this at home, apply your nude base coat and make sure it is fully cured. After that, use either tape or a square-edged brush to add each color to the matching tips. Cure in between each shade to avoid blending mishaps. A solid gel top coat seals the look beautifully.
I’ve used this method for beach trips and quick trips, and it’s never chipped early while receiving lots of compliments. It’s cute, clean, and so easy to personalize.
Frosted Mint French for a Clean Summer Look
Sometimes a classic just needs a little chill. The look of short acrylic square nails with a soft white-to-translucent base creates a refreshing frosted effect. The curved tip makes the French look more gentle, and the mint flavor feels as fresh as a scoop of gelato. It gives a quiet sense of luxury, much like a linen shirt for your nails.
To nail this (pun intended), I go for Zoya’s White Perfector as a base and Essie’s Mint Candy Apple for the tip. You can extend the results by getting a gel manicure as well. Ensure your brushes are sharp when you paint the curved part.
I have realized that this design can be used in many ways. I’ve styled it with a big sweater and with a swimsuit, and it looks great in any weather. The muted part of the nail makes it easy to experiment with your pedicure design.
Layered Navy and Pink French Tips
Why pick one when you can stack two? In this summer 2025 look, navy and soft pink bands are put at the tips to add some depth to the neutral base. The lines are very sharp, which results in a crisp look that is also soft because of the gentle color combination. The fact that it’s short makes it look neat and suitable for everyday or work occasions.
If you want the best outcome, begin with Bio Seaweed’s Bare Canvas, which is a neutral gel polish. Then layer a rose pink and a rich blue (try Butter London’s Royal Navy) with a fine-tip brush or liner pen. If you want the colors to be completely apart, use tape.
I really enjoy this when I’m in the mood for something a bit more, but I don’t want to shout it. The style is quite balanced, but the navy gives it a little extra flair. If you prefer almond nails in summer french style, you can use this layering technique on them too.
Lavender Moon with Metallic Silver Base
This set is pure shimmer magic. The square gel manicure is made with a chrome silver glitter base and a soft lavender arc at the tips, so it looks like a crescent moon shining in the evening. This is what I call futuristic fairy-core. The curved edges of the tips make the metal look softer and friendlier.
If you want this look, use OPI’s Metallic Composition for the base and Gelish’s Lavishly Loved for the lavender. Layer carefully, curing each shade separately. A no-wipe top coat will make the surface glossy and protect the foil underneath.
A NYX campaign from last year made me fall in love with that look and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It’s unexpectedly wearable—perfect with slip dresses or structured blazers. It bridges that rare gap between bold and bridal.
Rainbow French with Glossy Details
If summer was turned into a manicure, it would look like this one. The french tips are done in a way that soft pink, lemon yellow, green, and turquoise blend together in a smooth gradient. The little white highlights give the design a shadow-like look, making it look like a cartoon in a good way. It’s giving Lisa Frank meets Pinterest-core, and I’m obsessed.
You should have fine art brushes and be careful with your hand to achieve this look. For the color blend, use Beetles’ rainbow pastel gel kit, and add the high-gloss dots using a dotting tool. Finish your manicure with Seche Vite’s Gel Top Coat to get the best shine.
It’s ideal to wear these at music festivals, during vacations, or casual brunches. It’s just fun. They seem a bit old-fashioned and a bit futuristic, just like what’s trending in nail art today. You can see how these summer nails designs with acrylic french tips art are the most fun.
Neon Loops and Electric Blue Tips
This collection mixes simple shapes with the lively spirit of rave. The combination of bright blue and highlighter yellow forms a design that looks very modern. The space between the loops lets the nails have an open look, and the lively colors make sure they are not timid. This one’s a total conversation starter.
For this gel manicure, go bold with The GelBottle’s Blueberry and Light Elegance’s Neon Knockout. To do the arches, you’ll need a fine striping brush and should not rush your work. To finish, apply a high-gloss sealer to help keep the finish looking like a mirror. If you want your tips to last, use acrylic when making a square shape.
It’s all about being lively, having a bold look, and showing off futuristic festival style. I found that wearing something like this to a gallery opening made me stand out, as it looks sculptural without being too complicated. Truly trendy, truly bold.
Mermaid Pearl Aqua with White French Fade
You can’t call this soft aqua and glittery shimmer manicure anything other than mermaid-core. The hair’s shape is natural, but the colors are soft and sparkling. This is a summer french gel nails idea that doesn’t make a big effort, but it still ends up being the center of attention.
The first step is to apply OPI’s GelColor in Gelato on My Mind, and then blend in a bit of DND’s White Bunny just at the tips. Apply some dust over Born Pretty’s Mermaid Dust, and your skin will glow. If you want to paint on a large canvas, use acrylic almond for a secure commitment.
This style looks great for weddings, going to the beach, and any other occasion. It’s subtle magic. I’d match it with a long maxi dress, sunglasses, and sunblock, since a healthy glow can be seen everywhere.
Highlighter French on Dusty Rose Base
It is clean, has a modern feel, and is punchy too, as thePoints is a soft mauve-pink base that ends in vibrant citron yellow. The colors are the main attraction, and the rounded edges make the whole outfit seem more comfortable and ready to wear. It is both stylish and full of life, much like a smart blazer worn with bright heels.
If you decide to apply your own manicure, start with Essie’s Gel Couture in Take Me to Thread for the base and add Lights Lacquer’s Now & Later for the neon part. Use a rounded edge brush and cure thoroughly. Keep the layers of your hair thin so you don’t end up with a thick, heavy style.
I love a manicure that matches all your outfits, and this one is perfect in between daring and everyday. Good to know: neon looks amazing when the sun is shining and takes great pictures for your social media.
Purple & Lime Pop French for Short Nails
This look is like a fruit sorbet explosion: short lavender nails with vivid lime french tips that pack more punch than you’d expect from a minimal style. Because there is no negative space on the acrylic square, it gets a shiny and bold finish, making it ideal for any seasonal update.
If you want this look, choose Orly’s Synthetic Symphony and Color Club’s We’ll Never Be Royals. Seal your manicure with a top coat that gives a high shine to keep the lacquer look. If you’re after long-lasting wear, gel or acrylic are your best bet.
There’s something so refreshing about a short, punchy mani. It says you’re here for fun, but you’re not skipping your skincare routine. This outfit is great for both backyard barbecues and dinners on the roof—it’s easy to wear and super modern.
Lemon Lavender Love with Heart Accents
This set is straight out of a pop-art fairytale. The yellow nails are half the collection, the lavender nails are the other half, and each yellow nail gets a tiny chrome heart that adds a lot of charm. The twist? The french tip curve goes over the yellow and then the lavender, giving it an edgy flip from the usual look.
I suggest using Lights Lacquer’s Slice of Life and Olive & June’s Bold & Unshaken when trying this color combination. The hearts can be decorated with small metallic nail stickers or 3D charms. The design works best when you use gel or acrylic polish to keep the decorations in place.
This one has a fun and nostalgic feel to it, but it’s still a great piece to wear. What I like most is how it is both soft and bold, cute and cool. It gives me the same feeling as stickers from my childhood, but with a more sophisticated look. It’s summer’s sweetness in nail form.
Pastel Ombré French with White-Framed Tips
The design is like a dreamy scene, with pink, green, blue, and lilac colors blending into each other and outlined by a thin french tip. The finish is very gentle but perfectly polished, making the nails look like they belong in summer gel nails ideas 2025. It’s like a cotton candy sunset wrapped up in a manicure.
To get this look, apply the colors from the Cirque Colors’ Creme Collection using a sponge-blending method. To do the tips, use a detail brush and apply Essie’s Blanc. This style is perfect when you use gel to ensure it stays shiny and in place all day.
Every time I choose this style, my nails seem to stand out and make every outfit appear light, fresh, and happy. And it somehow works with both denim and sundresses? A summer unicorn in nail form.
Mint & Pink Split Ombré on Short Nails
Having split nails is trending now, and this short style gives you a new look with a summer-inspired twist. Every nail has a stripe of cool mint on the left and soft blush pink on the right, with the middle joining them just enough to make them seem like one. It’s minimal, it’s clean, but it definitely doesn’t blend into the background.
Use Beetles’ Candy Cane Gel Set to get that bubblegum pink and mint hue, and blend with a silicone tool or sponge. Add a gel top coat to the nails to make the gradient shine and look juicy.
Honestly, it’s one of my favorites for early summer. It gives a poolside vibe without screaming for attention. You could say it’s a delicate pastel look with a bold graphic touch that flatters all skin tones and is easy to wear.
Classic Lemon French with Square Tips
Here comes the sunshine. Acrylic French tips with a lemon yellow tip on a nude-pink base is a summer look that never goes out of style. The form is simple and elegant, but the bright citrus color gives it a touch of freshness.
To get that soft yellow, I recommend Lights Lacquer’s Slice of Life or OPI’s Don’t Tell a Sol. Apply them on top of a gel-nude base called Aprés Gel X in Natural. You can try this style if you’re just starting with colorful french tips.
It is the easiest way to create a manicure that looks great. I’ve had people notice it when I travel for work or pleasure, but it never looks too much. It’s classy with a twist of zest.
Silver Glitter with Neon Edges on Gray
This combo is electric. A dove-gray base is given a touch of silver glitter at the cuticle and a shock of yellow at the tips, resulting in a nail design that looks both modern and bold. The glitter curve helps smooth out the lines, and the gel finish makes all the colors stand out. Definitely for the girl who’s not afraid of contrasts.
Apply China Glaze’s Fairy Dust at the base and then top it with Essie’s Petal Pushers. Add a little Floss Gloss Con Limon highlighter yellow to the tips of your nails. You’ll get the best look with this nail style on acrylic almond or square nails.
I had this manicure for a rooftop dinner in L.A., and it looked great with the neon lights nearby—it was a manicure that sparked interest without any effort. It’s bold, but grounded.
Black and Teal French Tips with Glitter Curve
Drama meets sparkle in this layered french tip set. The glitter moon curve frames the base of the nail like a half halo, while the black and teal shimmering colors line the tips in an intentional way. The use of both colors makes the empty space look interesting and fashionable.
Make use of a fine brush applying OPI’s Black Onyx and ILNP’s Teal Me More. Tap Starrily’s Magic Rainbow glitter across the cuticle arc. This style is perfect for both short and long nails designs.
I especially enjoy the design because it mixes high fashion and sparkle fairy so well. For a simple look, I’d match it with white clothes to let the nails stand out.
Rainbow Wave Arches on Pastel Base
This set is a pastel lover’s fantasy. All the nails are highlighted with soft shades of lemon, mint, lilac, and pink, each one decorated with arching triple-wave designs in the same color. The result? It’s a light, lively take on the french tip that adds more style but doesn’t take over the look. It feels like sunshine filtered through a prism.
Select colors from the Sorbet Collection for both the main and the accent areas. For the triple arches, go in with a fine liner brush—it’s easier than it looks with the right tools. It helps to show off your manicure even more when you use acrylic square nails.
I find that these nails have an immediate effect on making you feel happier. They feel light, soft, and orderly, just like a burst of serotonin on your hands. This is definitely the one to choose for the season, and people keep complimenting it.
Golden Sunrise Tips for a Chic Statement
This one is summer elegance wrapped in gold. The usual placement of a french tip is changed by placing the soft shimmer almond accent on top of a full mustard yellow nail. The finish makes the hair shiny, and the color gives it a warm and elegant look.
Use Olive & June’s Bright & Focused as the base color, and then add Zoya’s Gilty to make it shine. A round liner or a half-moon stencil will help you get the clean arc by the cuticle. Works best on almond or rounded acrylic shapes.
I wore this outfit on a city weekend and was amazed by how my nails looked in the sun. It’s rich, grown-up, and yet still totally summer. Like if gelato had a chic older sister. It’s a daring look that still looks put-together—and I could see myself wearing it again in the future.
