What’s your summer feeling this time around — cheerful, plain or with a bit of excitement? Are you after beachy-looking gel shades or are you drawn more to natural colors that still stand out on your tan or dark skin? The highlight of every summer is when you notice your nails are the perfect final touch to your whole look. So if you’re looking to try something fresh, fun, and totally 2025 — you’re in the right place. Below are the nail designs I can’t stop thinking about — all easy to wear, worth recreating, and totally on-trend for summer nail colors 2025. Ready to find your next obsession?
Playful Aqua Waves with a Hint of Retro
These nails are just right for summer — bright, fluid and ready to add their swirling blue, white and pink mix to any look. The wavy pattern looks like a vintage beach poster, but the gold dots bring it up to date for 2025. Because of its glossy gel finish, this design becomes even more attractive when exposed to sunlight. It’s both enjoyable to wear and looks great on all skin colors.
I’d first apply a sheer nude base such as Essie Ballet Slippers or Zoya Dot. To continue the wave style, use fine detail brush for precision and gel polishes such as DND 706 Aqua Blue, Gelish Arctic Freeze for the white and choose Rose Glacé for the cool rose color. Dot a few gold studs near the cuticle (or try Tiny Charm Co. for those), then seal everything with a high-gloss top coat for that glassy finish.
During my weekend in Palm Springs, several people stopped me to find out who did my nails. That’s when I realized: getting my nails done wasn’t only about the manicure — it started a conversation. One that made me feel light, sure of myself and just a bit more than usual.
Glossy Magenta Marble with Sharp Contrast
This polish is like summer’s alter ego, showing up bold and bright in purple-fuchsia with swirls of black. It’s bold, it’s daring and it really stands out against dark or golden skin. Nails are given a high-shiny finish for an almost wet look and the pointy shape gives each nail character. I’d call this the main character manicure of the season — it’s bold and makes a statement.
For this style, apply a gel system with strong color — you could use Beetles Gel Polish Set in Vibrant Magentas or OPI GelColor in Strawberry Margarita. Pull the black polish through the lines on the nail using a fine liner brush. Cure as you go to avoid bleeding. I prefer finishing with Aprés Top Gelcoat X to get that gleaming glass look.
Queenie Nguyen, a well-known manicurist, told Harper’s Bazaar that “marble nails look best when the colors contrast with each other.” That stuck with me. It’s not important to match colors; contrast, drama and mood are more important.
Tangerine Swirls That Scream Poolside Energy
I can smell the sunscreen just looking at these. A base of orange and two white swirl nails on the accent fingers — it’s like a 70s beach towel, but more stylish. If your nails are short to medium-length, it works best on almond-shaped nails. These are the nails you wear when you’re holding a popsicle, a beach book, or a margarita — nothing more, nothing less.
If you’re doing this yourself, start with Gelish Orange Cream Dream or DND 425 Coral Reef as your base. A thin brush and a steady hand are all required to create swirl art — I use Winstonia Nail Art Brushes and LeChat Perfect Match in Snowflake. Keep your strokes fluid, not too structured. That’s the secret.
Coral art designs mixed with a lively energy remind me of sunlight. It’s not just playful — it’s empowering. I wore this same style last August in Miami and it looked great with both a white linen dress and my favorite cutoff shorts.
Sunset Gradient Meets Minimal Graphic Lines
There’s something beautifully restrained about this look. A set of soft colors—peach, blush and orange—was mixed with clean black and coral dots. It’s graphic, yes, but not loud. It brings a bit of fun to minimalism and suits all skin tones, especially when your skin is glowing brown or tan in summer. You’ll often see this type of manicure on the hands of the girl reading a book on the beach in Positano.
You can choose between Olive & June’s Summer Sunset Set and Côte’s Peony + Persimmon duo. You’ll need a striping brush for the linear elements and a dotting tool (or bobby pin) for the coral circle. If gel isn’t your thing, you can achieve this look with dip systems for summer nails in 2025.
I think this mani is perfect because it looks considered but not overdone. It’s giving “I travel light but I know my color story.” Also, the way it photographs? Perfection for Pinterest boards and rooftop brunch selfies.
Cool Matte Turquoise with Clean White Waves
This one’s for the blue lovers. A complete turquoise set with simple, white line art that looks fresh, adorable and very cool — as if you’re diving into a pool when it’s very hot outside. A matte style makes it more elegant and the soft waves help it stay warm and not boring. This color is perfect for pale skin, brown skin or any hand that has a bit of a tan.
For this, I’d use Zoya Matte Velvet in Loredana as a base if you’re open to a top coat change, or OPI Nature Strong in Cactus What You Preach with a matte topcoat like Butter London Matte Finish. Pain the crests of the waves using a fine brush and OPI Alpine Snow. Don’t add too much; just a single or double line is all you need.
I used this style and color just before going to the beach and it made my silver jewelry stand out right away. It’s low-effort but high-impact. Painting your nails blue in the summer always seems to refresh your mind.
Bubblegum Pop with Lime Dot Play
This one’s pure fun. Pink and neon green trade places and become the main colors in this tasty, shiny graphic. The dots aren’t only for emphasis, but they set the whole tone: joyful, surprising and very much 2025. It’s the type of mani that reminds me of a colorful playlist. The smooth, solid finish allows each color to be seen and the almond shape is perfect. Ultra flattering for any hand, especially if you’re going for that “fresh-from-the-salon” vibe.
I would use Madam Glam’s Bubblegum Pink and Highlighter Lime by Kiara Sky to get this look at home. You can use either a dotting tool or the end of a bobby pin to get the dots in the right spots. Gel polish gives your nails neat edges and a shiny look. Allow the colors to dry in between each layer so they don’t mix.
This style makes your nails look like jewelry. I enjoy teaming it with silver rings and denim jackets because the mix of girly and casual looks so cool. It’s easy: I didn’t work hard, yet I did well.
Pink & Green Smoothie Fade
Blending the gentle hues of pink and green gives a gentler look to these bold colors — it combines the strawberry yogurt sweetness with matcha freshness. What makes it work? The soft change of color that feels cool, refreshing and modern. It leans towards cute, but still grown-up. The glossy finish gives the whole set a stylish salon quality.
You should blend the shades with a sponge or brush before letting the print set. I’ve found that Modelones Gel Polish in Flamingo Pink and Fresh Guava Green works well for me. A gel topcoat like Glossify makes your nails look very glossy.
This one has a quiet elegance that makes it seem like you’re in the know about a trend. I feel this would look great on tan skin when worn with a sheer pink lip gloss and a green linen button-up. I made it for a friend’s bridal shower last summer and everyone loved it.
Lemon Glow with Golden Glitz
This is the golden hour — bottled. A yellow base with a touch of citrus fade and a glitter nail that looks like it’s been dipped in sunshine. It’s a great choice for summer nails on dark skin, especially if you have warm undertones. The shimmer catches light like highlighter on your nails. It says, “I’m glowing. Don’t ask why.”
To achieve this sparkly effect, apply DND 568 Lemon Juice and then add a bit of Butter London’s Golden Hour. I chose Orly’s Halo Glow for the glitter nail, since it covers the nail fully and doesn’t leave streaks. Polish your hair with a builder gel to keep it smooth and shiny.
I wear this when I want to stand out in my vacation photos while still looking good with everything else I’m bringing. It’s an easy look that looks good on nails of any length.
Abstract Citrus Twist
Here’s where bold meets artsy. A basic natural look with bold blobs of pink, yellow and white that appear like modern art. It’s a colorful citrus mix that’s not the usual summer flavor. I love how, despite doing their own thing, the curves and colors seem to flow so naturally. Totally TikTok-worthy. A great choice if you’re looking for something new and unique.
To get the look, you’ll need Essie Bare With Me as your nude base and then add dots and swirls of Sally Hansen Fuchsia Power and China Glaze Happy Go Lucky on top. Drag your wet colors around the paper using a striping brush or toothpick. You can choose between matte and glossy topcoat — I enjoy them both.
It looks like a drink you’d have at the beach — fun, a bit wild and well-balanced. I’ve found that putting on nail art like this helps me feel better and it really does work.
Neon Leopard Meets Ocean Blue
If dopamine had a manicure, this would be it. A shiny mix of deep blue and vibrant yellow, plus a dotted neon leopard print accent nail making the look stand out. Combining strong colors with unusual patterns makes it perfect for a festival. This is for those who have both a daytime and nighttime swimsuit and ten ideas for their nails, all for one trip.
You should use gel polish that’s bright: I suggest trying Beetles Gel Polish Set in Lemon Pop and Blue Bliss. Use a dotting tool to put a little lime green on top of neon yellow for the dots and then seal them with glossy builder gel. A rounded and short shape will feel better when you’re typing or out and about.
I wore the style to a party on a rooftop in LA last July and three people messaged me asking where I had my hair done. It’s eye-catching without being too much. These colors are perfect for summer, so I’m sure they’ll become popular again.
Sunset Sorbet Fade
It’s like enjoying a drink on a rooftop during the beautiful time just before sunset. The color of the gradient changes from a sweet pink to a hot orange, just like sorbet over each almond-shaped nail. Because of the gloss finish, the fade is very smooth and you can’t see where the color changes from one shade to another. If you’re looking for a summer nail color in 2025, this one is great because it’s simple yet impressive.
I achieve this look by sponging on DND 527 Bubblegum Pink and DND 471 Orange Sun with a sponge ombré tool and curing after every layer. I always apply Beetles No-Wipe Gel Top Coat for the ultimate glass finish.
I always do an ombré manicure in the summer and this time I couldn’t stop looking at them. It’s eye-catching but still natural enough for everyday. A total warm-weather win.
Speckled Pastel Candy Tips
This one’s giving Easter egg chic — matte pastels in shades of blue, green, pink, and lavender, each with soft black speckles like faux stone. It’s quirky, modern, and honestly? So much more wearable than I expected. The combination of solid and speckled colors adds a little texture, but the fabric still feels light. Looks good on short nails as well as on long nails and suits all skin colors.
I first applied ILNP “Birthday Suit” and then added the Pastel Rainbow Collection from Born Pretty over every nail. Black polish can be flicked onto your nails using a nail art splatter brush or a toothbrush.
To me, this design looks like something we might have made in art class as kids, but turned into a runway look. I put it on one rainy weekend in June and it made everything seem brighter. Who knew pastel speckles could feel so fresh?
Matte Violet & Retro Floral Pop
Now we’re talking bold and nostalgic. Matte purple nails with two floral designs in pink and turquoise. It’s inspired by 70s sticker books, but made with a modern, editorial touch. It’s a fun and funky mix, but it’s also surprisingly easy to wear with both simple and colorful outfits. The matte base makes it feel soft and velvety — a nice touch.
If you’re into DIY, I’d go with OPI Purple Palazzo Pants (topped with Essie Matte About You) and use flower nail stickers or freehand the blooms with Dotting Tools from Makartt and shades like Orly Kiss the Bride and Essie Turquoise & Caicos.
I experimented with this for a girls’ trip and it always made me smile. Things like this show me that beauty isn’t always solemn; it should be fun.
Sunrise Sparkle Pastels
If you mixed soft light and shimmer, you’d get this. The foundation is a soft mix of pastel yellow, pink and blue and is then decorated with glitter that catches the sunlight. It’s as if the sunrise is on your fingertips, soft, breezy and exactly like something you’d find on Pinterest. The shape is a relaxed almond and it looks great on short or medium hair. It’s cute, but not too sweet.
Apply a set of sheer polishes like Olive & June’s Into You Collection and blend with a sponge before curing each layer. If you prefer a lot of sparkle, use Zoya Eclipse, but for a subtle touch, choose Essie Set in Stones.
You could picture this mani at a relaxing beach picnic with your favorite light wine and a snug dress. I put on the ring with gold rings and everything I touched seemed a little more enchanting.
Pastel Petal Power
We’ll end this round by adding some petal-shaped pastel flowers over a natural nude base and add a few black flecks for a touch of texture. The pink, blue and lilac soft petals look hand-drawn which makes this manicure look delicate, playful and easy to wear. It’s subtle, but still catches the eye — especially for summer nail colors 2025 dip or gel lovers who want something artsy yet light.
You should use a sheer nude base called Butter London Mum’s the Word and some pastel art gels or dip powders in gentle tones. It’s easiest to paint the petals with a petal brush, but you can also use a fine liner. Depending on your taste, add a matte or gloss topcoat and I prefer a satin finish for this project.
Every summer, florals are popular again, but these ones are less formal than daisies and more up-to-date than roses. I love how they look like something you’d draw in a sketchbook but made glamorous.
Electric Blue Chrome Energy
The bold and fearless hyper-glossy cobalt blue is exactly what’s in style right now. It’s a go-to for dark skin especially — the contrast is everything. Because the shape is squared off, the nails look neat and modern, while the color is eye-catching on its own. There are no frills or special effects, just plain blue and it’s enough for you.
DND Gel in the 466 Electric Blue or Beetles Royal Blue Series is always my recommendation. If you want that ultra-shiny look, Apres Gel-X Glossy Top is the best topcoat to use. It looks just as good when applied as a gel overlay on short square nails.
I chose this color last summer to help me reset and it really did the trick. Slipping on these summer blue nail colors makes you feel like you’re in the spotlight.
Dainty Daisies on Cotton Candy Tips
These soft pastels with tiny daisies look like sunshine on your nails. A sheer base combines pink and soft blue and flower stickers or painted petals make the look fun. It’s simple, but those tiny daisies catch the light and attention just enough. A new approach to floral for summer nails in 2025.
It’s best to use a sheer pink builder base, for example The GelBottle’s Dolly BIAB and Floss Gloss in Perf for the blue. Using flower decals or a brush with yellow and white polish is how you paint the petals. Top it off with a gel shellac and try to make the final shape an almond-like oval for a beautiful look.
It makes me feel instantly more delicate, just like a fresh bouquet set in a cafe window. I wore this to a friend’s engagement picnic, and it made me wish I had a sundress to match.
Retro Sunset Waves
This is California dreamin’ on a nail. Squiggles in coral, burnt orange and white, covering the long square tips. It feels like a big 70s revival, thanks to the bold confidence of its bright set. These nails don’t whisper, they groove. A great summer nail color for those who love retro is a classic gel.
Apply OPI’s Infinite Shine in It’s a Piazza Cake and Sally Hansen Coral Commotion over a base of White On stripes. For crisp-looking waves, you need a liner brush. Top with gel to lock in the detail.
I dressed up as this at a festival and felt like the main character the whole time. These nails beg to be seen — and photographed.
Neon Matte Tie-Dye Dream
We’ve officially gone psychedelic. This matte rainbow swirl shows pink, green, blue and purple in big, abstract waves. The use of color blocking is planned but still fun — it’s like having a tie-dye fantasy on your nails. This manicure is for those who are always doing the most and enjoying every moment.
I suggest using gel paints or the Aimeili Matte Gel Polish Set for the best pigment. Mix colors with a thin brush while they are still wet and allow to dry after. Use a matte topcoat in the last step for the smooth velvet finish. You can easily change things up by trying this design on very short nails.
The first time I saw this style, I gasped. I made it before a long weekend and people in the coffee line told me it smelled great. It’s just the right amount of bold, without being too much.
Watermelon Sugar Pop
This might be the ultimate fun summer manicure. With bright pink, juicy green and watermelon seed art, these nails look just like a picnic. It’s bright, it’s fruity, and yes, it’s totally on theme for summer nail colors for brown skin and pale skin alike. You can put this on at the pool, on the beach or when you’re sipping an iced coffee in hot weather.
I painted the seeds with Kiara Sky Neon Pink, DND Mojito Green and black art gel. You can use a small dotting tool or nail pen to make those shapes look perfect. A high-gloss gel finish really makes it pop.
I wore it on the Fourth of July and it caught more attention than the fireworks. If you’ve ever wanted your nails to draw attention, this is the right one for you. It’s the ultimate summer nail colors pink moment — juicy, juicy, juicy.
Lime Matte & Daisy Crush
This one’s got serious garden party charm. A bright green matte base with a daisy-decorated accent finger is sure to brighten anyone’s day. It’s simple but impossible to ignore. The handbag’s matte effect makes the strong color soft and the white daisies give it a bit of gentle, old-fashioned cuteness. It’s bright, bold and makes a great choice for summer nail colors 2025 fans looking for something earthy but fun.
I’d recommend applying Aimeili Matte Gel Polish in Limeade Pop to achieve this style. The daisies can be done with a dotting tool or stickers — I’ve used Whats Up Nails Daisy Stickers before, and they held up beautifully under a gel topcoat (matte again to stay in the vibe). A good white and yellow pairing such as OPI Alpine Snow and Essie Chillato, is what you should use.
I often wore this to a Sunday brunch in the park, along with a white sundress and received a lot of compliments. Having lime and daisies on your nails just gives you a sense of happiness. Tan skin and pale skin both look great with this lipstick and it never appears too bold.
