Floral Nail Ideas to Bloom in Summer 2025: The Cutest Pastel & Bold Looks to Try Now

There’s something about summer that makes us crave color, playfulness, and a little whimsy. And what is a better way to invest that sun energy than in your nails? Your manicure should flourish whether you are sipping an iced coffee at a brunch place of choice or dancing barefoot at a wedding in the backyard. How do you make your fingertips the happiest element of your ensemble this winter, then? Let’s explore.

Sunset Petal Pop

Bright coral, canary yellow, and flowering floral details make this manicure look carefree and even close to the vacation. The petals are airbrushed on in a gentle texture, not too detailed as to be busy, but just enough to attract the attention. That pop of solid color contrast that looks like sunshine in a bottle is the bright orange on the pinky. It says hello summer without being over eager and those randomly placed micro dots add a certain playful precision to the entire design.

I normally use OPI No Tan Lines and Essie Ballet Slippers as a base to achieve this look. The flowers look best when using ultra-fine brushes or a dotting tool – Beetles Nail Art Brush Set is worth trying. A no-wipe top coat will keep the subtle shine and will not dull the artwork beneath it. And on record, a gel formula, in this case, will leave things to appear fresh despite spending a week at the beach.

Making these nails at home does not have to be as scary as it looks. I put on a thin layer of a base coat, followed by two coats of nude pink. With the petals I work in layers, starting in the center and working out, with a little dot to mark symmetry. Your best friend here can be a toothpick and what if you make a mistake? Floral designs are actually very forgiving. They do not need to be ideal, they simply need to blossom.

Honestly, this one brings me so much joy. I had this same combo last July on a rooftop birthday of a friend and strangers were wondering where I had them done. Something about floral + citrus is simply happy and down-to-earth without being attention seeking.

Meadowcore Blues

This design borders on sophisticated and goofy. That yellow base is so soft and the yellow color is so perfect to place those small blue flowers which look like a botanical fairy-tale on each nail. The symmetry, the bright contrast, the smallest flashes of gold in the middle, all this collaborates to form a design that is rich yet never too busy. It is like wildflowers in cultivated rows, and I say that in the most complimentary sense.

As a base I would suggest a creamy pastel yellow such as Orlys Banana Cream, and the flowers? apply with a detail brush Essie in Butler Please or OPI To Infinity & Blue-yond. The leaves should be a dull green–Sage You Love Me by Sally Hansen. Add a gold foil or a glitter dot in the center as the finishing touch. These nails are most pretty when they are matte, so I finish off with a velvet matte top coat by Zoya.

A bit of patience is required in this design,–particularly in the uniform flowers. I plot the center dots, then with a micro-brush I sort of pull out each petal as sunbeams. It is therapy when you feel like it, and when you do not feel like it? A sticker set of nails in the same tones will save your nerves.

A follower of mine recreated this with shorter squoval nails and it was still so magical. That’s what a great floral is all about- versatile, age-proof and totally you.

Candy Garden Glam

This one’s all about joy. Pink nails are already holiday-ish, but add polka dots and high-shine flowers in neon hues and you have something that is fit for a summer party. It has a nude base showing through that makes it more down to earth, but the pinks, blues, and yellows are what give this manicure its confetti feels. It’s like a funfair for your fingers.

You’ll need some daring gel colors to make this work, so give Gelish a try in their shade “Pop-arazzi Pose” on the pink and DND in their sky blue. The dots? White polish and dotting pen will have you there in a flash. The appearance is best on medium-to-long nails, and particularly square or coffin-shaped ones.

The only trick is that between each of the layers, you must allow the coating to dry thoroughly before applying another one. This is not a slap-and-go design. But once it’s done? The shiny topcoat is the finishing touch that binds it all together like a present with wrapping paper on it.

Last summer when I tested this set, I wore it with a clear pink lip and blush and it made me feel put together despite wearing cutoffs and sandals. And sometimes it is the smallest details, which form the largest moods.

Lavender Daisy Days

This design is what I call a soft rebellion. Lavender makes it very soothing and almost meditation like, yet the daisies add some flirty audacity. The oval form of the nails makes it young and no-fuss. It’s simple, but it’s far from boring. The white petals jump out wonderfully against the dull ground–flowers appearing in the hazy morning light.

This style is most achieved with pastel lavender nail polish such as “Lilacism” by Essie or “Dreamscape” by Olive & June. The daisies can be freehanded with a petal brush, but if you’re not steady, pre-cut stickers or stamps work too. Seal with a quick dry top coat and a small yellow dot in the middle.

No lie—this one only took me 40 minutes total. It is amazing when you are in a hurry and desire to look adorable and well-mannered. I even heard my mom requesting the same design and she never requests anything floral.

There’s something sweet and nostalgic about daisies. Maybe it’s the flower crowns, maybe it’s ’90s revival, but either way—it just works for summer.

Daisy Breeze on Sheer Tips

Simple, neat, and slightly boho- this one is a manicure equivalent of a fresh linen dress. The pink base is sheer so it melts into the natural nail and allows the white daisies to pop against the breezy almost floating appearance. The almond shape makes it stylish and the fact that the green stems curl a bit with movement makes it botanical and almost ethereal in its movement.

You will require a clear nude base such as Mademoiselle by Essie and a white gel pen or brush on paint to do the petals. I do the stems in a mossy green- such as Olive Branch by Lights Lacquer. A top coat should be applied on this design, preferably glossy to maintain that dewy look.

To make those floating florals just right, I begin with a thin base, allow to dry, then very lightly trace stems on a very slight diagonal. And every flower grows out of that stem, in diverse directions–it has motion, as well as symmetry.

Genuinely speaking, when I am having a garden wedding, this would be the nail polish. It is not hard but has substance and the negative space allows it to breathe. A follower of mine commented that it reminded her of a daisy chain swaying in the wind and I cannot agree with her more.

Vintage Rose Whispers

Soft white nails are covered in delicate pink roses with a level of elegance that seems to have been ripped out of a Jane Austen book–but with a contemporary edge. The design is skewed towards minimal and romantic with long green stems providing a sufficient contrast. The almond shape is an addition to the polished silhouette, making it wearable on a daily errand and on the events that are a bit more polished. It’s soft, intentional, and oh-so-lovely.

To achieve this appearance, I prefer to use Essie in Marshmallow as the base cream. On the roses, something in the middle of pink, such as OPI Suzi Nails New Orleans, is lovely. A fine detail brush lets you swirl in those petal-like curves, and the green can be something like “Stay Off the Lawn!!” by OPI for a classic stem shade.

I have also done them with a gel pen, drawing the swirl roses when each layer was cured. The secret to no smudges is to allow each rose to dry between applications of the next layer of green. And a top coat of high gloss seals everything up with a dew on the petal look.

The first time I wore these nails I felt weirdly nostalgic, as though I were looking through the albums of my grandmother, who used to be a keen gardener. It’s floral, but not trendy-for-the-sake-of-trendy. There’s a quiet elegance in this one.

French Garden Chic

This is a spin on the classic French manicure that we think is made especially for summer 25. This almond-length set is held by crisp white tips, yet it is the baby pink sculpted roses that take centre stage. The slight 3D texture is luxurious somehow, like a garden growing just under the surface.

Quality builder gel and 3D art gel are really useful on this set. The under tone needs to be a translucent, natural color- perhaps Bubble Bath by OPI. The florals need sculpting gel in soft pastels. I adore The GelBottle in the color “Petal” on the roses and “Leaf” on foliage detail.

This is a salon-level set unless you’re confident with builder gels. The roses may be made by a dot and drag technique using a small brush and then cured separately. The French tips? Use a nail guide sticker for that flawless curve.

I have a variation of this that I attended a garden wedding in early June, and I promise you my nails received more compliments than my dress. It’s classy, but with a dash of storybook whimsy.

Bold Bloom Mashup

A full-on botanical rainbow. This pattern is a carefree flower festival, with each nail presenting a varying type of flower. Bright pinks, reds, blues, yellows–somebody put the energy of a wildflower meadow in a bottle and said, “Go ahead.” This is the one when you do not want to pick only one shade, because, come on, why should we?

You will require a pot of gel polish colors of the rainbow to create this appearance. It can be OPI I Am Not Really a Waitress, Lights Lacquer Blue Bell, and Sally Hansen Sunshine State. Keep the base nude and matte—something that doesn’t compete. Apply with detail brushes, or nail art pens to have complete control.

These take time. Every flower is to be outlined and then colored in. It is good to draw the design on paper first, sort of mapping out a mini mural. When the nails are all done, seal them together with a UV top coat.

It’s a conversation starter—no doubt. They will ask you whether they are press-ons, whether you painted them, whether it is a wrap. The real answer? They are little wearable art objects that happen to reside on your hands.

Mint & Glitter Petalwash

This one’s where floral meets frosty. A pale white ground is dotted with mint green foil, a cool effect that is also glowing. Think sea glass, eucalyptus leaves, and a salty breeze. No direct flower form here–and yet it is floral, as though petals had been blown about in the morning dew. Unexpected? Yes. Undeniably pretty? Also yes.

Here the main ingredient is foil flakes, give Born Pretty green shimmer foils a go. Begin with a white base such as Alpine Snow by OPI, and cure it, followed by an application of foil adhesive, and tap in mint green foil. The effect should look organic, not too uniform.

I use tweezers to apply foil and thick gel-like top coat to seal. Don not forget to buff in between layers- this will avoid that chunky texture that sometimes occurs with foils.

I attended a pool party wearing them and they reflected light madly. Bonus? Foils hide chips surprisingly well. It’s glam with zero stress.

Pastel Dot Blossoms

Sparkly, cheerful, and absolutely summer-acceptable this design makes us think of an ice-cream-parlor-meets-flower-garden. Little elevated pastel dots blossom on sheer nude tips in a mischievous floral trick of the eye. It is subtle enough to satisfy minimalists, but elaborate enough to be considered nail art. The square tips just sharpen it into grown-up territory.

You will need a clear or nude polish such as Bare It All by Essie as a base. The flowers may be applied using dotting tools and pastel colors- you can use the Color Club Pastel Neon Collection. Cure between each color layer to avoid smudging.

I prefer to use them with a small ball stylus and apply them evenly on the top half of the nail. Take your pink, blue, yellow and lavender dots–then put a white or complementary color in the centre to bloom it out.

This one’s great for beginners. And every time I wear it, I get that “Oh my gosh, your nails!” from friends and even strangers in the coffee line. Summer nail art doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs to feel fun.

Daisy Pop Pink

Vivid, daring, and slightly vintage–this pink daisy nail art is aggressive enough to be noticed, yet still cute enough. The juicy pink base shows off the thick white petals beautifully and that deep fuchsia center is the cherries on top. It is the ideal combination of adorable and assertive and delivers strong “main character at a garden party” vibes.

When I am in the mood to be bold yet wearable I apply Essie`s `Mod Square` as a base and apply a fine brush dipped in opaque white gel as the petals. Dot tools are used to maintain the daisy centers sharp and steady. These nails are most effective on a short round or oval shape- they simply just make them appear more playful.

I tend to freehand the daisies in a criss-cross to make them look moving, and allow them to overlap a little to make them look more lived-in. A top coat of glossy seal makes it classy yet not boring.

I wore them to a brunch place in LA last summer and I kid you not, three girls asked me if they were press-ons. They’re not just easy to wear—they start conversations. And honestly, that’s the dream.

Botanical Color Story

This manicure is a summer in a bottle, all the bright pinks and yellows, but with hand-painted flowers that are hyper-real. There is a daisy, a dandelion and a pink flower with sculptured petals which appear to be dancing on the nail. Every design is well positioned yet does not seem too planned. That balance? Magic.

On those flower details I prefer to work with pastel 3D gels or acrylic paint – particularly on the raised yellow dandelion. The solid nails in pink and yellow on either side of the look bring it down to earth, without stealing the show away form the art in the middle. You could easily swap colors to suit your vibe.

This one’s definitely more advanced. I have silicone brushes which I use to push the petals in, allowing each layer to dry before I come in with the next color. In case the idea of painting the dandelion seems frightening, stickers or nail decals will also be excellent.

I had a variation of this on a styled shoot with a local brand and the close up of my hand holding a glass of lemonade? Absolute chef’s kiss. Other times, it is the simplicity of the details that makes a mani a memory by layering.

Modern Dandelion Wishes

These nails are the quiet dreamers. It has a pale nude ground, black line work and the soft puff like dandelions making it an airy and poetic design. Throw in some solid yellow and sage green on the sides and what do you have is a subtle contrast that causes the florals to float even further. It’s peaceful, minimalist, and deeply expressive.

You will need a clear nude base, I like Essie, Topless & Barefoot. The dandelions are outlined in ultra-fine black detailing pens or gel liners and a light dot of white on the top with a micro brush. The sage and yellow can be applied in either classic lacquers or gels depending on your preference of finish.

I tend to draw the stems of the dandelions in an upward direction as though they are going to be blown off. It’s calming to paint, almost like journaling with polish. Apply a matte top coat to get a parchment-like finish- or make it dewy by applying a glossy one.

Every time I wear this I hear things like, those are so soft, and that is the feel I am trying to give off. It’s not trying too hard. It just knows it’s beautiful.

Periwinkle Petal Press

This one is like strolling through a water color garden in a linen dress. The periwinkle purple base is eye-catching yet calming, whereas, the two accent nails feature pressed floral-like patterns on soft yellows and lavender hues. It is a blend of sharpness and smoothness, and just what one needs when they desire artistry without losing color.

If you want to duplicate it, you can use You Do Blue by OPI or Periwinkle Pop by Lights Lacquer. The florals may be applied using dry flower stickers or may be hand-painted using translucent jelly colors with much care. A clear base assists in achieving the effect of the glass flower that makes the petals seem to be encased in resin.

Painting this one at home? Patience is key. I apply the petals or dots one by one and allow everything to dry and then seal with 2 thin top coats.

It is the type of mani that makes you feel put together despite a messy bun and lip balm. I paired it with a loose white shirt and frankly, it completed the entire look.

Blue Skies & Chamomile

Soothing blues greet clean white daisies in a design that is soft, amiable and bursting with summer cheer. It is that ideal transitional nail, simple enough to wear every day but pretty enough to dress up. The daisies are done in warm white, with golden centers, and the blue gives that cloudless-sky, peaceful feeling.

I turn to this when I am in the mood to have something pretty, yet not too precious. I apply Bikini So Teeny by Essie on the blue and white acrylic paint on the florals. The chamomile feel is given by a small dot of mustard yellow.

This is where spacing comes in- you want to make sure that the petals have enough space and they do not feel cramped up. I take a small detailing brush per flower and add the centers last.

Each time I have worn this one, I receive compliments starting with “Your nails are so fresh.” And that’s really what summer nails are about, right? Fresh, fun, and only a bit in bloom.

Soft Blue Petals with a Botanical Whisper

This design has a kind of quietness about it -the way soft linen moves in a June breeze or the initial taste of iced tea on a June day. It is almond shaped to remain graceful and the matte cornflower blue and creamy nude base provides a soothing palette. The hand-painted blue flowers with green stems? They nearly resemble having been pressed out of a summer meadow.

I would apply OPI To Infinity & Blue-yond to achieve this look because it has the best powdery finish. On the florals, a detail brush and high-pigment gel in sapphire and leaf green will be the difference maker. Not confident with a brush? Stamping plates, such as those by MoYou London, surprisingly have very detailed designs that remind of this vibe.

Start with a solid gel base on alternating fingers. Next, apply your greens with a striping brush in gentle, upward strokes -sort of painting little blades of grass. Follow that with floral petals in five-point bursts. I use a dotting tool to help with placement. A glossy top coat makes it look salon-fresh.

This design immediately caused me to relax more – to have more time in the day. Funny how nail art can do that, right? I took it upstate on a weekend trip and was spotted by someone taking a pic of my hand at the farmer market. It was that kind of pretty.

Vivid Pink Flowers with Rhinestone Glam

This would be the nail set summer. Hot pink is saturated and bright with flirty and fun bold floral details. It has the almost-tattooed appearance, which is a graphic impact that is modern due to the large petals defined with black color. And the tiny rhinestones nestled into the cuticle? A little drama never hurt.

To make this happen, you will require a daring base – Essie Cascade Cool is just exquisite in this case. The flowers are nail art pen or fine brush and pink and white gel polish mix. As for the bling? Swarovski nail crystals are the ones to get, although there exist numerous budget duplicates that can be used with a thick gel topcoat.

The trick is patience. The petals should be painted individually and the black outlines can be applied on top of the cured base color. In case of using gems, place them with the help of tweezers on the wet gel and re-cure. And don t forget to seal it all in with a thicker top coat -that keeps everything in place and provides that glassy look.

I adore this style in summer evenings – rooftop bars, birthdays or simply when you want to feel a bit more confident. It’s not shy, but that’s the point. I made a friend re-create this prior to her engagement party and it was an entire ice-breaker.

Dreamy Purple with Crystal-Studded Petals

This one feels like lavender skies at golden hour. The base is a milky purple that is soft, and the accent nails feature the watercolor petals, purples, yellows, and indigos, outlined with small crystals. It’s soft, but it’s luxe. Like you’re wearing jewelry on your fingertips.

The builder gel or soft acrylic is the best gel to use with this design and also in case you wish to have the crystals remaining in position. You can get the pastel punch with a base such as the Lilac City by Orly, then you can mix some clear gels and use them to float the flowers. Think of it like layering watercolors on your nails.

Creating those dreamy florals is all about feathering. Apply with a flat art brush, dabbing little puddles of color into a wet base -allow it to smear a bit, then dry. When they are dry you may trace with metallic touches or leave them gentle. Seal your gems on last with a gem glue, not top coat, you will be surprised how long it lasts.

I have done something like this to a summer wedding, and I promise you I received more compliments than the bridesmaids dresses. It is so light and airy and the crystals reflect the sunlight just as it should -you will not be able to take your eyes off your hands.

Bold Blossoms on Violet and Magenta

It has a depth to it that tastes different -as though it were a berry in the middle of summer, or a garden in full bloom at night. It is a daring floral daydream, where lavender and berry hues are greeting fresh and assertive lines. The square composition is structuring, and the floral art hovers between realistic and playful. It’s equal parts romantic and chic.

To mimic this palette I would use Gelish in “You Glare, I Glow” as the bright magenta and balance it out with a lighter lilac such as Zoya in “Abby.” The floral art will require a thin detail brush – dark grey or charcoal gel on the leaves, overlaid with soft pink and white on the blossoms. The shimmer on the accent nail makes the entire set three-dimensional; apply a fine glitter gel such as “Berry Good Dancer” by Kiara Sky.

This design is a patience design to create at home. Apply your base shades first, and cure thoroughly. In the case of the flowers, start with the leaves in graduated strokes and then group the petals. Allow one layer to dry between applications of the next to keep things crisp. Seal it up with a high-gloss top coat to give the art some pop — as in stained glass in the sunshine.

I attempted this aesthetic last summer and it felt like I had just walked into a Lana Del Rey album cover. It is the nail art that makes you want to have a cold cocktail in your hand, have on loud lipstick and send a text to someone you really should not.

Daisy Pop with a Ladybug Twist

This one’s got sunshine written all over it. White daisies blossom on the nails, topped with that classic yellow center, and then when you think it could not get any more adorable, a tiny ladybug is perched in the middle of it all. The outer nails have the juiciest punch of coral-red on the base. It’s playful, retro, and totally alive with energy.

Here you will need a good opaque base, how about a nice coral like Hot Tamale by DND, and a nude-pink jelly for the daisy nails. The daisies would be easiest to accomplish using 3D gel or nail art clay to provide them that sculpted appearance. And the ladybug? Nail charms can be purchased already made or you can painstakingly apply a fine liner brush with red and black gel polish.

This set isn’t quick, but it’s definitely a showstopper. Construct the daisy petals in layers using white builder gel or 3D art gel, and allow each petal to cure separately so it will maintain the shape. Put a dotting tool in the middle and add yellow gel. Attach the ladybug charm to the end with nail glue and seal all around the edges without taking away the shine.

I attended a backyard BBQ in a more subdued variation of this and people literally reached across and took my hand in the middle of talking to have a better look. It’s summer joy, bottled up and painted on. The ideal option when one wishes to have their manicure be the icebreaker.

Cherry Blossom Hints on Glossy Crimson

This one adds some class to minimalism of the everyday life. The classic, deep crimson nails are contrasted with a soft accent nail, on which there is a delicate cherry blossom pattern – almost a secret garden on your fingertip. It is a design that incorporates coziness and understatement, and it is ideal for someone who loves the idea of florals but does not want the whole bouquet.

On that deep base I adore applying “Rouge Essentiel” by Chanel Le Vernis -the pigment payoff is lavish. The flower accent is simply gorgeous on a nude background such as Ballet Slippers by Essie, and to create the red and white flower petals you will require the tiniest nail brushes or dotting tools. Olive or sage greens are a good choice to add natural depth, but not take away the show.

Apply the red polish to all but one nail. On the floral nail, choose two coats of soft nude, cure, and cover the branches with brown liner gel. Next are petals, which are softly dotted and stretched into soft strokes. Seal with a shiny top coat – this style depends on the shine to make those flowers shine.

This combo is always my go-to when I am in the mood of something simple yet put together. It is classic, elegant, and unexpectedly goes with both work clothes and a sun dress. A definite summer choice of mine when I am in the mood of a bit of romance.

Fresh Red French with Tiny Leaf Accents

Here’s where classic French meets botanical garden. This design is simple nude base with red tips, which is already a win in the summer, but the twist is the leafy floral details playing around the nail beds. It’s understated, modern, and refreshingly clean.

In order to nail this contrast, begin with a nude base that is sheer such as OPI Put It in Neutral. The red? Try Big Apple Red by OPI – high shine and bright. To paint the greens, you will need to mix olive green and hunter green gels and paint it on with a short angled brush to control the paint.

The red tips are most simply done using a French manicure brush or a smile line stencil. When cured, the leaves are carefully drawn – make them small and well balanced along the nail bed. Put on a couple of white or red dots to represent buds or berries. The key is spacing — don’t crowd the tips. Clean lines keep the look fresh.

The style is one that always makes me think of a fashionable brunch or a sun-filled afternoon strolling through a farmer -market. It’s casual but curated. I was wearing them on a long weekend in Santa Barbara and I swear they held up better than half the stuff in my suitcase.

Bold Blue Blooms and Orange Shine

Discuss surprising combinations, this one combines tangerine-colored nails with sheer bases overlaid with watercolor-like blue flowers. It’s playful, eye-catching, and kind of genius. The contrast is like citrus and sea: brisk, bracing, and perfectly of mid-July.

Begin with a bright orange gel such as, Marigolden Hour by Lights Lacquer. On the floral nails, a milky nude or jelly pink base will be desired. Apply very highly pigmented blue and white gel polish and use a very soft detail brush – this is not about precision so much as it is about petal texture.

To achieve the effect paint the petals in brief feathered strokes, curing between coats. Mix deeper blue in the middle and white thin edges all around. If you’re new to floral art, using a blooming gel can help give that painted-in-water look with much less effort.

Frankly speaking, it is one of those sets which attract attention at once. I attended a rooftop happy hour wearing it, and a random person literally requested to make a picture of my nails. It is flirtatious, but not sloppy, and makes you feel that “she knows what she is doing” kind of advantage.

Roses and Thorns in Electric Pink

This one goes out to the romantics -– but with gusto. Gradient nude-to-pink long almond nails are adorned with complex roses curling on the edges in bright bubblegum colours. It’s garden glam with a sharp silhouette. Think soft petals with a little bite.

Apply a nude base with a fade brush to a bright pink tip, I used Pink Gellac in Funky Fuchsia and it is gorgeous. The roses work best when done with 3D gel or high viscosity builder gel, applying layer upon layer of petal with a rounded art brush. On the leaves, a medium green with some sheen gives some depth.

These roses require layering. commence with the bottom spiral and construct out, curing frequently. shape – Don t work it too hard – the curves and edges should be just a bit irregular to make it soft. The clash of pink and green has it all to say.

Each time I put this on, I feel like I ought to be at a place sipping ros and writing poetry, even when I was only running errands at Target. It is female, fierce, and somewhat fantasycore in the most excellent manner.

Tropical Garden in Sage and Sunset

Let’s end this batch with a true summer statement. These lime green nails are a real canvas as the tropical plumeria flowers are hand-painted across the surface of each nail. The petals are coral, white and orange on top of layered leaf motifs, so the island energy is right there on your fingertips.

On this tropical set, a neon green base such as “Wasabi” by Pear Nova will do. A fine brush and opaque gel paints in coral, orange and white can be used to create petals. It all comes out thanks to the contrast with the green, it is the sort of design where more is more.

The trick is to work from the background up. Begin at the bottom, and put on your leafy strokes in graduated shades of green. Then the petals– broad and gentle in curving lines. The center is outlined using a thin detail brush with some yellow and red hints. This one takes time, but the payoff is undeniable.

This set screams vacation. Whether you’re actually on one or just dreaming, these nails bring the sunshine with you. I would wear them when I was not able to escape and somehow, everything seemed a bit warmer.

Lavender Mist with Whispered Petals

There’s something ethereal about this one. Lavender shadows give way to a creamy white ground, and the white patterns of the leaves are like feathers floating upwards like smoke. The result? Delicate, dreamy, and perfect for catching golden-hour light. It is the nail that does not shout “look at me”, yet makes heads turn.

A builder gel in semi-translucent pale pink is used on the base to provide that soft-lit effect. The lavender can be achieved by sponge ombr to work with lilacism by Essie. On the leaves, you will need a precision liner brush and a very white gel such as Blanc by CND Shellac.

I would suggest that the lavender be applied as an angled French tip and then feathered down with a sponge. After they are cured, draw in the leaf strokes, one at a time, very lightly -curved branches instead of straight lines. Here everything is about softness, be gentle on the pressure and build up layers patiently.

I have this same style, and I did not regret it during a weekend getaway. It gave that “I wake up like this” energy. And even somebody said: Is that hand-painted? – Which, yes, it was. Extra credit making my hands look tan as well.

Sage Green Daisies with a Retro Pop

A total vibe. Matte sage nails with scattered retro-looking white daisies and mischievous polka dots. This collection is minimalist Mod – just what you need in case you love something floral, yet not frilly. The almond silhouette makes everything balanced, and the color range puts a new spin on the traditional florals.

Begin with a sage polish – Olive & June has a almost dead-on one called “WKF”. Use a matte top coat before applying the flowers. On the petals, a detail brush and white gel polish will trick. The daisy centers? Just a dot of jet black polish.

It is an excellent at-home manicure in case you are steady with your hands. Paint the ground-colour, and allow to dry thoroughly, and then come over with your petals – short outward strokes in groups of 6 or 8. Polka dots and flower centers: use a dotting tool. Seal it all in using a matte top coat to finish.

It can be playful yet down to earth and I have surprisingly found it to be quite wearable. I once wore it to a gallery opening and happened to match a strangers tote bag. Connection made.

Neon Leaf French in Citrus Green

Talk about bold. The design is a neon green French tip over a shiny nude base – accompanied by sweeping black and green leaf illustration, which provides serious jungle-chic vibes. It’s tropical, modern, and unapologetically eye-catching. Definitely not for the shy types.

Apply a neon gel polish, such as “High Voltage” by LeChat, on the tips, and a nude-colored one in the middle, “Bubble Bath” by OPI being a good, safe choice. You’ll need a fine liner brush and two shades of green (lime and forest) for the leaves, and black for contrast.

Begin by shaping the French tips almond shapes will make the hand look longer and display the color. The leaf art may either curve along with the tip or may cut across. Apply light, curved flicks with different pressure to apply a layered leaf effect. Apply the black accents in the end and top coat all to make it shiny.

This mani is electric. I went somewhere on a beach wearing it, and it somehow complemented my swimsuit and my lime margarita. Go figure. In case you are obsessed with green, this one will be your new addiction.

Red Heat with Shadowed Petals

Floral… but fierce. This mani is a mix of fire-red polish and shadow-like leaf designs in black and crimson, which are pulled across a sheer nude base. It is dark, sexy, and a bit enigmatic like the nails you would have on when you are about to storm out of the room or say something memorable.

Select a real red such as Red Hot Rio by OPI as an accent nail and leave the rest in a nude gel polish. The black and red petals: these are most successfully accomplished with ultra-fine detail brushes and a fair degree of patience -they depend upon clean lines and curves.

This design is all about control. Start with your base, and draw your petal outlines starting with the outside towards the centre. To give the depth effect, use black and red alternating on both sides of the petal. Finally, seal the whole thing with a high gloss sealer to give it that wet appearance.

It is an evening event staple or whenever I feel like being my inner femme fatale. The red pops beautifully against summer tans, and the black keeps things grounded — like a floral tattoo but temporary (and way chicer).