Fresh Nail Inspo for Summer 2025: Trendy Gel, Acrylic & Cute Short Looks for a Perfect Vacation
Summer fully blooms without warning, accompanied by vibrant colors and gentle sunrises, compelling us to freshen up everything—from our wardrobe to our nails. With that said, what kind of nail art are you planning on wearing this summer? Does it match with dreamy skies, full tropical vibes, or cute, minimalistic styles with a twist?
Whether you’re looking to capture that vacation beach pink moment or something simple and fun for a coffee run, I’ve curated some trendy, eye-catching nail designs for summer 2023. And the best part? These designs are easy to wear and customizable. Let’s go through every dreamy detail together.
Whispers of the Sky
This look is calming and structured all at the same time. And the nails are no exception, the purple-y periwinkle base serves as the foundation for the almond-shapped nails as white wisps are painted delicately on top like clouds. The warmth of a July afternoon when soft clouds drift by fills the daydreaming mind. Whimsical, isn’t it?
The paint I would use to achieve this is OPI’s Show Us Your Tips! as the base and for the streaks I would use Bio Seaweed Gel Unity in white. And yes, you will need a small detail or thin nail art brush along with a top-of-the-line sealer for a perfect finish. In this case, Seche Vite would add the perfect rested shine to the sky.
Make sure you prep with PH bonder if using gel polish, then shape the nail into a soft almond slice. Paint two coats of the base color and cure or dry; with a white polish, dip your brush and gently swirl cloud shapes. Remember not to overwork them! Seal and cure again, and you’re all done.
These nails truly embody my spirit! I absolutely love the look of cloud gel nails because of the fun twist they provide to nature, and I get so many compliments when wearing them. In fact, a friend even screenshot my zoom call mid-session, just to show her manicurist how pretty my nails looked!
Greenhouse Chic
This design exudes elegance and seamlessly combines style and botanical beauty. From a nature goddess’ perspective, modern, sleek green hues take fingertip to a whole new level. Each and every fingertip is like a leaf that is painted and blooming, featuring a gradient of deep forest green to soft lime and black veins to give them some dimension. The ground and foundation comes from these translucent almond tips, allowing them to be chic and wearable.
For the color, please consider ordering Beetles Gel Polish in Kiwi Leaf and Manucurist’s Green Flash due to its eco-friendly approach. You won’t skimp on quality for the fine black detail; a high pigmented gel liner will do. The step before sketching would be using a silicone nail art mat.
Do nude-pink nails first then add mademoiselle and cure it. Then use a fine brush to add green tips and set them on top of each other. With the green tips, blend the colors to achieve depth like watercolor. The last step is the black outline, just enough to define the shape, not enough to turn it cartoonish. Add topcoat and you’re finished.
This style is something that would make me feel polished instantly as if drinking green juice in a Malibu spa. It’s so simple yet looks like it’s straight from a fashion shot. Oh and fun fact—Hailey Bieber was wearing a style close to this for Erewhon collab event (yes, that type of energy).
Sunset Spritz
Do you understand how much pleasure this design brings to me? Imagine an Aperol Spritz in hand, your favourite song is playing in the background, and that warm golden glow is hitting your skin. The nails are charming as they fade from lime-yellow neon to a soft-peach hue, adorned with coral glitter. It’s a summery pink and beachy vibe but with a citrus spin.
What supplies do we need? DND Gel in Lemon Juice and Madam Glam’s Tangerine Glow plus gold glitter like NCLA’s Let’s Glow. For the ombre look, a sponge will do wonders. Glitter will have to be put in with a makeup brush. Don’t forget to dab.
Then you put on the base coat and a dotted sheer-pink coat, then pour yellow to orange and blend. This has to be done when in a sturdied position, not on a sinking boat. Now cure it under some lights. If you desire more sparkle, add another coat of glitter to the first coat, seal, and put under glassy gel top coat.
Worn this looks to a Miami bachelorette weekend for me, enhancing the already colorfilled city. Danced, beaching, and celebrating late-night tacos, it fully endured the whole five days. Perfect for summer gatherings, parties, and to be paired with matching toes for subtle elegance.
Waves of Cool
I’ve named this nail art style the “Graphic Cool-Girl Nail.” The blue waves transform it into a structured square yet add playful flair. The cobalt squiggles on a milky white background look bold, crisp and feel highly 2025.
Coat the fingers with Gelish Arctic Freeze for the white base and then add electric blue using Nails Inc. Baker Street. A dotting tool can work too, but a liner brush is much more precise in this case.
This one is surprisingly easy to do at home. Paint the blue wave on top of the cured white base while allowing different curves for each nail. Don’t overthink it; true charm derives from the freestyle approach. You may finish it with a matte top coat for something edgy or go full gloss to achieve that “fresh off the salon chair” vibe.
Before heading to Big Sur for a weekend getaway, I decided to try this design on a whim. My denim jacket and the foggy coast looked so crisp against the design. It has a big Pinterest feel and is simple yet fun.
Delft Blue Florals
This design inspired by the Netherlands is simply unparalleled. I can already picture short almond-shaped nails with white French tips, fine porcelain-like blue floral line art, and a pink background. Feminine and delicate best describe the intricacies of these nails up close.
Get yourself a sheer pink polish like Olive & June’s Pink Sands for the base. For the French tips, you will also need Essie’s Blanc for the white tip and navy gel paint for the flowers. If hand painting seems daunting, nail stamping kits work great.
Begin by applying French tips to each nail—either freehand or with guides. Cure or dry. Then add flower details beginning with petals, then stems. Using a dotting tool creates delicate kwargs that resemble flowers. This nail art looks stunning in both matte and glossy finishes.
From time to time I feel like the protagonist of a Nancy Meyers film when creating designs like these. Why? They are exquisitely romantic but easy to get done especially with a squoval shape, making it ideal for casuals like brunch or afternoon weddings. Pairing the design with a flowy linen dress and pearl hair clip is something I look forward to.
Tulip Parade
Spanning across an airy almond foundation is the image of a garden party, with tulips being the centerpiece of fresh, sleek, and cute floral minimalism. Each tulip has petals sculpted in vibrant colors with nugettes on their tip, showcasing a curvilinear aesthetic. What appealed to me the most about this manicure is its combination of playful energy and uniform elegance, courtesy of the design’s multicolored scheme.
I would suggest using the Born Pretty Fun Gel collection as their tulip gel polish set contains the required rich hues. In this case I would start with a semi-sheer nude base and Gelish Foundation Base to maintain the nude finish. For the intricate floral design, a thin nail art brush and a dotting tool is essential.
The last step is to apply a sheer nude polish over the desired nails and a colored polish for the flowers per each finger. To create the petals, frame them with a small brush, add stems, then secure the tumb with metallic studs or crystal dots. Finish off with a high gloss top coat to seal it all together.
We like to call the vibe just below that of tropical vacation beaches, Breezy Polished Summery. Picture the beach during brunch in Amalfi or just watering your plants in a sundress. This style is effortless while being trendy; pretty without striving too hard.
3D Garden Party
With 3D elements such as sculpted roses, hand-molded leaves, and rhinestone- encrusted blossoms, this ominous show of maximalism is proof florals are set for domination in 2025. This nail look is as per sculptedic perfection as haute couture, so expect all eyes to be on you.
When it comes to the 3D florals, acrylic powder is what you want. Mia Secret’s set of pastel sculpting powders works wonders. Construction of the petals and leaves has to be done directly on the nail which requires a flat sculpting brush.
Begin by sculpting a single rose on a cured base gel, one nail at a time. It’s not simple, and it will take a lot of time, but we assure the results are breathtaking. Get some flattened spaces ready to embellish with some rhinestones, and glitter striping tape for an extra layer. Do seal these areas, but do not cover the 3D sections with the top coat if you intend to keep detailing.
This is a design I would wear to a wedding (either as a guest or the bride!) or on an extended vacation so I can flaunt my nails at every cocktail hour. It’s certainly not understated, but it is the statement look of the season. Depending on your preference, you can call it cute or romantic, but for me, this is one look that is truly unforgettable.
Daisy Tip Days
If you want to add a bit of fun to your summer outfit, I believe the perfect addition is short square tips with daisy accents. Not only is it a timeless classic, but it is also gives the impression of carefree summer; truly square daisy short nails are a combination of a French tip and a classic looking flower on every tip. It has a touch of vintage charm while adding an adorable dose of seasonal playfulness that makes it suitable for every age.
I choose OPI’s Alpine Snow for the white petal tips and Essie’s Marshmallow for the base. As far as the yellow centers go, I will always prefer Lights Lacquer’s Banana Yellow. If you want to do the nail art yourself, a toothpick or detail brush does an incredible job at making flower designs.
First, sculpt the nails into short squoval or square shapes, then paint over them with your chosen base color. Add little white arcs at the edges to make petals on each tip, and place a small dot of yellow in the middle. Each coat should **dry** thoroughly before applying a fast-drying top coat.
Whenever I see this design, I remember picnic days and that first sundrenched weekend of the summer. It’s uncomplicated and flawless, yet charmingly cute for the toes as well. This design would resonate with those heading for a laid-back vacation or for those who simply enjoy understated nail art.
Botanical Realism
With this design, I’ve tried to capture some life in the art of bright florals. I kept it a little too perfect, and the result looks almost unreal. The petals appear to have been copied from a botanical book using an astonishing blue, yellow, pink, and green—making it look alive. The background features a very light pastel blue that gives breathing space to all the details. These painted almond-shaped nails evoke effortless elegance sprinkled with subtle whimsy.
The secret for achieving such a realistic look lies in the use of paints like Vetro Gel or LeChat Perfect Match. They have a buttery texture and bold coloration, which helps to easily create detailed layers. If freehanding seems daunting, ultra-fine art brushes or stamping decals can be used.
Start with a pastel gel base, and cure completely. Then, sketch the outlines of the flowers. Blend the color from the middle to the edges of each petal, working on one petal at a time. If using gel, remember to cure between layers. Finish off with a glossy top coat. You can appreciate your little garden every time you type.
In Allure’s 2025 nail report, this design was featured, and I have to say that it truly lives up to the praise. I would wear this for an artistic date at the museum or as an eye-catching beach look during vacation. It has some elegance while still being bold.
Glam Amethyst Swirl
Purple is taking center stage for Fresh Nail Inspo for Summer 2025, and this glam swirl design proves it. The long square acrylic nails are each painted lavender. They are alternately accented with glossy swirls in darker purple hues. The marbeling is luxurious, effortlessly flowing like an amethyst geode begging to be worn.
Grab some OPI Do You Lilac It? and Orly Ephemeral along with a jelly purple for the swirls. If you are getting acrylics done, make sure to ask your nail technician for a long square shape with reinforced apex to support the length of the nails.
To do it yourself (DIY), paint each nail lavender and switch each other one. On the design nails, use a thin liner brush to drip and swirl three tones. To achieve that layered marble look, cure between color applications. Use a high-gloss gel top coat to enhance the shine of the swirls.
This look spells confidence with a capital C. I would don this for a rooftop party with metallic heels, or for a Vegas girls’ night out. Such a look does not only feel glam but also trendy, definitely pulse 90s revival meets 2025 vibes. Can’t get enough of this.
Chill Marble Drift
Serenity in blue and white marble nails textured pieces of art. Almond shaped nails turned into blue and white marbled oceans blended with sea stone shores is never going out of style. The vibe? Evocative, yet muted. It’s the kind of wear you bring out your nail art for when the only glance needed is not less than a sea breeze—classy but utterly relaxed.
Use CND Shellac in Cream Puff and Modelones Blue Planet Marble Gel for the swirl to achieve this flowing style the right way. Perfect the effect with a fine liner brush dipped in acetone and with just a trace of it on the tip, use it to delicately unbrush the waves.
The closed band is snug—starting with an alpine white canvas, gently lay the blue hawk at one end and softly push it through. Your acrylic nails get blended, cured, and repeated for dimensional look. Integrated garments into summer, topped with a seal coat.
Last July, for an Amber Cove trip I paired this set with linen and let me tell you—this look is the definition of effortless, simple, and fun cool-girl luxury. Easy, so 2025.
Peachy Pink Fade
This design is all about that blush-to-bold gradient glow. First you’ll have to apply a warm nude at the base of your square nails before finishing off with a hot coral-pink at the tip. It’s one of those easy, no-fuss looks that feels polished without the extra elbow grease.
A great base would be Lights Lacquer’s Lychee and blend into Madam Glam’s Papaya Whip. If you want a softer gradient, a sponge is your best bet, but for a flawless melt, feel free to reach for airbrush tools.
To create your gradient don’t forget to apply both shades over your blending sponge, tap over a sheer base softly, cure, and repeat until you achieve an even fade. Top it off for a glassy top coat and you’re good to go.
There’s a reason why ombré styles haven’t left the nail chat – because they never go out of style! Effortless elegance from tanned looking hands, flawless for every outfit, occasion, or vacation.
Pastel Party Mix
If chaotically coherent ever got a visual, this is it. Summer fair gets transformed into gel form by vibrant and playful colors, unlike anything we’ve ever seen. For square acrylic nails, each one gets yet another daisy blooming pastel accent but every single petal is in a different pastel color. Best form of cohesive chaos.
I suggest Holo Taco’s Pastel Rainbow Bundle and adding floral accents with The Gel Bottle’s Daisy White. With a dotting tool, you can create petal and accent dots. Swirls are much easier with fine-tip liners.
Start with pastel base coats, and layer petals and vines with dot details on the top-most layer of each nail. Make sure to cure after every step, or else you risk smudging the design.
This look is very bold, yet understated and confident. The design is fun without being aggressive. It’s even better when you are going to an exotic beach, making this technicolor design perfect for fun gel.
Pineapple Punch
Tropical vibes ahoy! These short square nails feature super cute pineapples painted over mint blue. Full of vibrancy and effortlessly Instagrammable, I’m already daydreaming of poolside frozen daiquiris.
Use Color Club’s Blue-Ming for the base, Orly’s Lemonade for the fruit, and Leaf Me Be for the stems. Paint-by-number stickers can speed things up, or set them up freehand to truly make a statement.
Start with two coats of blue, then sketch your pineapples using a tiny detail brush. And don’t kill yourself trying to get it ‘perfect’ — it’s fruit, not geometry! A matte top coat is a great way to finish, but if you want full ‘pretty pop’ you can go shiny.
When I really feel like decorating my fingers, most of the comments I get are on the fruit nails. It’s casual-chic that makes a Tuesday feel like something fun. Top that off with some polish on the toes and you get yourself vacation beach pink, redefined.
Tropical Heatwave
Birds of Paradise-inspired art? Yes please. This amazing look boasts a peachy orange tip, then gets busy with a fiery red floral alongside cobalt blue and sunny gold. Now where did I put my Bali vacation?
Try these with your manicure set: CND Shellac in Electric Orange, Bio Seaweed Blue My Mind, and a mustard like Gelish Golden Treasure for Nails. A multi-sized nail art brush set will certainly help achieve this layered botanical look.
Start with a semi-sheer nude base and use a bright coral for angled tips. Vivid tones are essential while finishing off with ultra-gloss top coat. Add cut petals and long leafy strokes to mimic a mini jungle.
This nail art style can be flaunted at a beach club in Tulum or even a poolside party. These nails are bold and trend-setting at the same time, making them my go to for the 2025 round up.
Cotton Candy Fade and Celestial Tips
The pink, white, and blue ombre is what sparked my interest first. The blending is beautiful and reminds one of a dreamy summer sky before sunset. Adding metallic gold star accents do feel a bit magical. They evoke ethereal fairy-core vibes. The look is further transformed with an addition of soft 3D daisy on one of the nails which greatly increases the cuteness levels. The base is almond which makes the style softer. This adds femininity and makes the look more elegant, but does not raise the drama levels too much, unlike other styles.
For such a gentle fade, use gel polishes like OPI’s “Alpine Snow,” “Bubble Bath,” and “To Infinity & Blue-yond.” To achieve the desired gradient, you should use a sponge blending technique with the gel polishes. You can finish off the look with a clear no-wipe top coat and with some carefully placed metallic star stickers. You can make the daisy with a silicone mini mold to achieve perfect symmetry.
This type of a fun gel design may appear to be difficult at the beginning. But once you practice blending the bottom fade with a sponge, it becomes extremely soothing. I suggest avoiding blending the gradient further when curing each section. And the stars? Remember to use the tweezers. Trust me on this one, sticky fingers are nothing but trouble when it comes to detail work.
This design makes me feel like I’m going on a summer beach holiday, even if all I plan on doing is sipping iced coffee from the balcony. I wore a version of this design for a weekend in Santa Monica and got approached twice at brunch. Nail art can be an unexpected ice breaker sometimes.
### Tangerine Coral Fantasy
The brightness of the citrusy, coral colored, delicate branches is so eye-catching that it instantly makes me think of beach vacations. Just picture snorkeling at the Keys, but make it fashion. These squid shaped square nails strike a balance between classiness and summer fun. The style is bold, but in a gentle way. The background is mostly clear so the orange design can speak for itself.
For recreating this look, I would use a gel base like Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” or The GelBottle’s “Nude 02.” For detailing in coral, grab a fine liner brush and a highly pigmented polish like Orly’s “Life’s a Peach.” A palm steady helps, but don’t stress too much because imperfect lines can resemble real coral branches more naturally.
This look is great if you are trying to keep up with trends but want something that is easy to style with summer clothing. It is unobtrusive, balancing between casual styling without being overbearing so it can be paired perfectly with lined pants or a bikini slathered in SPF.
If you usually stick to a single plain color of nail polish, this is a subtle venture further outwards. Also, coral never goes wrong in summer, just ask Pantone.
Iridescent Daisies & Lavender Fields
Now that is what I means when I say nails are pure daydream, imagine them with an iridescent lavender base that shifts under the light them and hand-painted soft-whispering daisies on them. Short almond shape keeps them wearable for work and everyday, but gives them charm filled vibe making them irresistible. This is one of those designs that are adorable, like your favorite sundress but in form of nails.
“Magical Allurez” Daisies tips are ready to amaze everyone with multicolor edible peg polish, now available at “Daisies Dessert Cart”. Just after lavender nail polish by Holo Taco, “Purple Slushie,” we will begin with the holographic gel base. Then rest the daises with the help of a dotting tool and a thin brush, using a white petal and yellow sunshine center for each. Each flower needs to be pasted for 30 seconds before the next flower to avoid spreading the polish—remember to cure it between layers.
Just before heading to Porta to visit friends in Sonoma, I tried something similar and it lively suited going wine tasting and for countryside walks. It’s soft and light while still bold. If you are looking to try 2025 floral nail art for the first time, this is the take you need, but it’s glam.
After all the solid colors and busy designs I will be trying, at times going back to simplistic flowers really resets my mood, it feels like there is no need to be noticed though I definitely will be.
Retro Citrus Swirl
These almond shaped bolder tips give the look Santa Monica vibes. Exiting with brightly colored and bold defined blonde and white whirling formations makes way for fun! These bright sassy burst of color combined with soft rounded white outlines, get this polish a perfectly cozy air. Feel free to sport the two together for a poem themed pool party or impromptu summer road trip with friends, perfect for slaying in the sun.
Recommended to pair with this design is “Sun-Kissed” by ILNP and “Snow Me White” by Sinful Colors. To draw the lines, a curved liner brush will work best, and I always recommend starting from the inside and twisting out. Many do find this look complicated, but if you follow these instructions, it will be fairly straightforward.
This is perfect for August, when you’ve warmed up a little bit and are feeling cheeky. A bit of 70s disco, a bit of a surfboard vibe. If you’ve been itching to try something colorful, this is a place to start — it is bold without being overwhelmingly bright.
Orchid Bloom in Mauve
Final, but definitely not least: deep dreamy mauve with soft lilac and white orchid blooms. The color screams grown-up, but the floral art makes it playful. These gel nails are sculpted into elongated almond ovals which give a sublime extension to the fingers. For those wanting something elegant for their 2025 nail lineup, this is the design you’ve been waiting for.
To create this look, start with Bio Seaweed Gel’s “Dusty Rose” as a base and, using a detailing brush, add flowers with “Sweet Lilac” and “Cream Puff” from CND Shellac. Seal it with a top coat for that glossy finish.
The look transports me back to sun-soaked late summer evenings when I would have dinner on the terrace, sipping wine as the golden hour sets in. It leans more on the whisper-soft side rather than the shouty side of romance and sometimes, that is exactly the remedy for what you need.
Nail artist Mazz Hanna has said recently that “nails are becoming more about storytelling” and I could not, and cannot, agree more. In the chaos of the July heatwaves, “these nails on the other hand, tell the story of serenity.”
Summer Sips & Fruit Slices
Recall the summer vibes and bask in the playful aesthetics of this glitzy nails set that looks just like the citrus cocktails we sip poolside. Each nail tells a florid story captured in a montage, where every slice is an art on its own. Almonds as shapes give the design a streak of bold femininity which along with glossy finish accentuated in sunlight makes the entire design quite audacious.
Zoya-‘Avery’ aims at providing the translucent essence we want and the gem colors ‘green com true’, and ‘hotspicy’ along with OPIs “tutti fruit tonga’’ give boost to the overall look we want to achieve. With thick gel on top, the nails take forever to dry giving them an edgy glaze.
At home, you can give it a new feel with outlining fruits straight from the fridge. On the uninhibited backdrop, the translucent base allows for effortless cleanup in vivid colors. The detail is just perfect to draw attention without overwhelming the rest of the toenails which makes this a wonderful addition to any summer’s collection.
This look brings to mind tropical vacations, refreshing sundresses, and exotic sparking cocktails. I won’t lie—I sported something very similar in Miami last summer and felt like a walking piña colada. Absolutely no regrets.
Bubblegum Waves
That mesmerizing swirl of pink and white gives a retro 70s roller skating vibe, but with a twist. Combining bold contrasting lines with a pointed almond shape gives it a dashing yet nostalgic look. Barbie-core with an edge is what I’d call it—something you wear on a weekend trip with the girls where cocktails are bottomless.
To perform this look, use bubblegum base (Essie’s “Fiji” or Gelish “Light Elegant” are great options), and using a liner brush, add hot pink gel swirls. Be sure to cure each finger after finishing the design for clean line work.
What I personally love the most about this design is how customizable it is – full acrylics or short and cute, either way looks youthful.
A piece of advice given to me from celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik is to “freeze every stroke under the lamp” while working quickly which will make the gel lines remain crisp and sharp. That certainly makes tasks like this much simpler.
Lemon Amalfi Dream
Honestly, as soon as I set eyes on this nail design, a vacation beach dream rushed to my mind. From the southern Italy region. The vivid blue script and lemons alongside the blue intricately tiled patterns make it seem as though your nails were transported from a ceramic Positano plate. Almond shapes are now soft which allows for the pattern to have space to expand and breathe.
A base of nude or eggshell polish will do the trick along with blue detailing gel, bright shades, and DND’s “Bright Sunflower.” Those who are pros will add layers of yellows and whites to fruit realistic shading which, albeit time consuming, will payoff in levels beyond amazing.
Even though this look may not be the easiest thing to do in a DIY fashion, it definitely makes for a special occasion. In fact, doing this once in the summer is worth the attempt. With fine tip brushes, take your time, and allow each layer to dry before working on the next.
I sported this very outfit for my birthday trip during July last year and I distinctly remember thinking that I felt like I could be on the packaging of Limoncello. Would 10/10 recommend coupling it with Aperol and a sundress.
Galactic Vortex
Under a thin translucent top coat, swirls of deep purple, lavender and blush pink twinkle with tiny moons and stars. These gel beauties are long, pointed almond perfection — somewhere between the space-nail fantasy and the glam night-out. If you’re searching for something that feels elevated, yet striking, look no further.
My recommendations include blending gel polishes piled on “Plum Fiction” and “Lavender Stardust,” then adding chrome powder for that shimmery effect. It should be seamless, like a galaxy pulling you in.
metallic star stickers and freehand moons provide the look momentum. In Elle magazine’s 2025 nail trend report, “cosmic nails” were highlighted to be making a serious comeback this summer.
This nail style makes me feel powerful. Like… I just put this on and boom. I can now manifest things. Not even joking.
Chrome Peach French
Here’s the thing: minimal doesn’t mean boring. These square nails featured a glossy chrome french tip that fades into soft matte peach. It’s architectural and sharp, yet soft— a pale nude for 2025. These would slay at a dinners party on vacation or at a sunset cocktail hour on the rooftop.
I love the way this one merges simple squoval and flashy futuristic at once. I could totally see this on Zendaya at a press tour, or a super stylish, tech exec with serious taste.
If you are doing this at home, chrome pens are the ideal option. No chrome dust, no mess. Place them with your fingertip or silicone tool, seal rapidly with no wipe top coat, and you are ready to wear it boldly.
Molten Marble & Hot Pink Luxe
This look is going full on glam; yacht party, red carpet ‘glam’ is the best way to describe it. The pink almond nails with marble accents captured my attention right away. The design features a mix of pink polish with gold and white swirls, and the high-end vibe is balanced perfectly with pinks, soft colors, golds, and shiny art. Feminine yet artistic, the marbled nails feel smokey and liquid, like rose quartz gently melting in the sun.
The look I based off this photo featuring almond style nails and pinks is molten marble with high end luxury vibes. For example, I used CND’s “Tutti Frutti” gel for the pink base. Marble can ‘be done with white gel and pink with some swirling added pink and rose toned gel, mixed with detail brushes. The foil was added after the uncured top coat was applied. That means it can be done after the gold leaf is added, then sealed in.
The “don’t fix it” rule works very well with marble, so does the layering slowly rule. Organic swirls in rose quartz are beautiful and shouldn’t be changed. I recommend practicing on swatch sticks before attempting on your real nails.
Last summer I attended a rooftop wedding while sporting this look and it literally felt like my nails were adorned with jewelry pieces. This one does not call attention to itself, rather it sparkles. Perfect for dressy nights on vacation or unplanned dinner dates.
Ocean Lines on Matte Porcelain
These short nails are borderd with abstract ocean blue swirls with a delicate white matte base on select fingers and are artistic, pristine and silent. The palette evokes soothing feelings similar to blowing ocean air through frilly curtains. A spa feel, gentle vacation, or that feeling of taking off your flip flops and sinking your toes into the cool sand.
My go to for this look is OPI’s Alabaster, for which I apply neutral gel, add a matte topcoat and then use a micro brush to paint cobalt, denim, and turquoise swirls. For added contrast, seal the blue with glossy topcoat or go full matte for a more subdued look.
This look is subtle enough to wear daily while still remaining sophisticated for various events. For those who enjoy sophisticated nail art, this is a great option — the understated elegance of a short gel manicure that retains its allure.
I got this one after going down an internet rabbit hole for minimalistic nail designs on Pinterest — it felt like painting tiny canvases. And the best part? It’s super forgiving if your lines are not perfectly symmetrical.
