With Summer 2025 just around the corner, it’s only right to update our nails with colors that are as eye-catching as they are elegant. But what are the best May Nail Colors for 2025? I have got the most beautiful designs and shades of the season ready for you, whether you prefer chrome, gel, or acrylic. Let’s explore the trends that will have you falling in love with your nails all over again.
Sunny Delight: Soft Yellow Serenity
Pastel colors are trending, but everything about this soft and creamy yellow is refreshing as spring and summer. This shade is a perfect balance – not too subtle or too loud. Think of it as the go to for a minimalistic yet stylish chic look. This is ideal for anyone wanting a hint of color without attracting too much attention. This shade of yellow is warm yet soothing and works well with any nail length.
Now, for the look I suggested “Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants” by Opi, which is a soft yellow that’s buttery and easy. Also smooth is Dnd’s “Yellow Wing” which has a gel-like yellow shine finish. For achieving the look I suggest a base coat followed by two thin coats of your chosen yellow polish and finishing with a top coat for shine, it’s really that easy.
All you need to do to achieve this look is prep your nails and cuticles, then put on a base coat. Apply a base coat to your nails as well to keep the color smooth. When applying the yellow polish, use thin layers and let each layer dry for a minute or two. Finish with a high-gloss top coat. For those who appreciate a touch of expert guidance, Betina Goldstein, a celebrity nail artist, advises using a quick-dry top coat to achieve the shine of a gel manicure without the UV lamp. Her tips always include keeping the edges clean for a tidy appearance.
Nothing beats that soft yellow feeling. As I sit here looking at it, I realize that it effortlessly reminds me of easygoing coffee breezy mornings and sipping coffee on sunlit balconies. If you need a shade that whispers instead of shouts, then this is the one.
Vibrant Bloom: Dazzling Yellow Daisy Delight
Behold the exuberant combination of a bright, bold yellow undertone adorned with delicate, three-dimensional floral motifs. It’s as if a garden party is taking place on your fingers. “Daisies in full bloom” is what I like to call this particular mix. It embodies both dainty and spunky at the same time. The color is more cheerful than obnoxious, which balances very well with the bright 3D daisies and little rhinestone glam. Ladies, if you are into sassy designs for your manicure, look no further than this one.
To get this stunning look, you would need a bold yellow polish such as Dnd’s “Bright Daisy” and a kit with 3D flower nail art which you can buy on Amazon or at your local beauty center. To give it that extra glitter effect, a tiny rhinestone can be applied at the center of the flower which adds just the right amount of shine.
To start, you need to shape and buff your nails. After that, put on a base coat. Apply the yellow polish in two layers while letting it dry in between so it’s completely dry before you work on the design. For the petals, use a dotting tool, and for the centers, place a bit of clear polish before adding rhinestones. Finish with a high-shine top coat and everything will be locked in perfectly.
Last summer, I tried something like this and I couldn’t stop staring at my nails—they looked like a miniature floral arrangement. A floral motif has this refreshing quality that adds grace to even the most mundane gesture.
Juicy Citrus Vibes: Tangerine Freshness
If you love a pop of color with some burst of personality, this juicy orange manicure is just for you.
It’s like your fingers are sipping on a sunny cocktail, and the look is all about rich tangerine tones with a playful citrus slice on one accent nail. The effortless addition of the tangerine slice brings polish, and along with it, a whole lot of fun 🌞. This look embodies the warmth of summer with a twist – bold, bright, and oh so quirky.
To achieve this look, I would recommend Opi’s “Juice Bar Hopping,” a vibrant neon-like orange. For the citrus accent, draw thin slices with a nail art brush using white, green, and orange for the zest details of the citrus slice.
For a perfect at home, start with the usual nail prep. Then apply two coats of orange to the base. On your accent nail, the citrus slice is simple to brush on with a fine liner. With a final top coat, your design can last for weeks.
After everything is done, your nails will be striking. Every time I looked down at my hands, I felt a little more zest in my day. Something about a fresh design adds magic to an otherwise ordinary day.
Galactic Glow: Shimmering Chrome Elegance
Turning the nails into pink bold chrome nails resembling a cosmic shimmer. It encapsulated the future. The gel nails are best for someone who wishes to have some drama but not the OTT version. The sleekness and reflection on the nails with the chrome effect is striking. It is vivid yet polished . It reminds me of the old sci-fi movies and cartoons.
In my opinion, a pink or purple chrome powder would fit the description the best. It is better to use a black gel base for stronger reflection so maximum intensity can be achieved. ‘Chrome Candy’ by Dnd and Chrome Effect by Opi are fabulous options. Remember to use a gel top coat to protect the chrome from losing its luster while ensuring it remains shiny.
To recreate this look at home, start with a base layer, followed by two layers of black gel polish. You can achieve the look using chrome powder and a sponge applicator by rubbing the chrome powder against the cured gel polish. Finishing off with a non-wipe top coat to achieve the shiny mirror effect works best. As celebrity nail artist Miss Pop said, “Chrome nails are all about reflection, so make sure your surface is as smooth as glass.”
Over the years, I have adored chrome finishing. The futuristic touch, along with it’s ultramodern sleek vibe literally feels like chrome. Not to mention, it’s almost as if your nails are speaking for themselves. No jewelry required.
Pink Paradise: Playful Patterns
Vibrant pink, along with playful patterns is the embodiment of the summer 2025 aesthetic. This specific style motivates a mix of different colors such as hot pinks, baby pinks, sparkle glitter, and even some animal print. This style is bold, flirty, and most importantly, speaks without words. If you are one who likes to splash colors everywhere, this multi colored beauty is just for you.
I suggest using Opi’s “Strawberry Margarita” to brighten up your look, paired with Dnd’s “Pink Ribbon” and a sprinkle of silver glitter. You can also make use of white polish to accentuate and bring sharpness to the designs – be it a tad of animal print or a soft feather.
To do this myself, I would first apply the base pink color to most nails and the white polish for the accents. For the animal print, use a thin nail art brush, and for the glittery accent, use a tiny sponge. Top off with a clear polish for that extra shine. Nail artist Brittney Boyce adds, “Don’t be afraid to add on layers; it’s what makes your nails look three-dimensional.”
This design is wonderful because it is like having a mood board on your fingertips. Every time I do something like this, I can’t stop the conversation because everyone wants to know where I got my nails done. It really is a fun way to show off your character.
Coral Glow: A Subtle Baby Boomer with a Burst of Color
What fascinates me most about baby boomer nails is the way they softy gradient. It’s effortless yet refined. This particular interpretation truly elevates the style with the addition of a stunning coral tip that’s vibrant, whimsical, and ideal for the summer of 2025. It is the quintessential baby boomer with a twist: that soft, gentle pink base transitioning into a coral that just embodies summer fun.
As for the rest of the design, I would start with Opi’s “Malaga Wine” as the foundation and blend it with Dnd’s “Pink Ballet Slippers” for a flawless gradient. The coral tip is equally easy with Dnd’s “Coral Reef” which has just the right amount of brightness to elevate any look.
Start with a base coat on your nails and apply pink and coral nail varnish to a sponge, pressing it gently until the color blends nicely to achieve a seamless gradient. Double dab until the color blends perfectly, and finish with a glossy top coat for that polished look. Pink coral is a cheeky combination for that soft touch and can be best used in combination with warm summer dresses.
It is versatile enough to go with any outfit and is fun at the same time. I love the youthful feel it brings, yet can be worn anywhere and evokes a self-assured polish to it.
Floral Fancies: Flower Power
Combinations of bright hues with gorgeous detailing are ideal for warm summer afternoons spent lounging outdoors soaking up the sun. Vibrant blue polish with delicate orange flowers captures this essence perfectly. Playful designs like this one inspire wonderful memories that take me to a world of sun soaked lazy afternoons spent lounging by pools. This carefree design is bound to put a smile on the face of everyone who happens across them.
For the base of this look, I would suggest OPI’s turquoise shade “Can’t Find My Czechbook”, and for the Porto Lip Certified Metro Diner orange neon, called “Orange Sunset” would work wonderfully. The more intricate portions of the nails, specifically the flowers, require a fine detail brush with white and yellow polish.
To do it yourself, begin with the base colors – wear orange on some nails, and turquoise on the others. For the floral accents, paint the flowers and the leaves using a thin brush; while the centers of the petals should have some yellow. To keep the design protected and shiny, make sure to add a top coat.
In terms of similar looks, once I tried it during summer to a barbeque and got a ton of compliments. Dishes and color combinations inspired by the tropics have an amazing ability to elevate one’s mood almost instantly.
Green Dreams: Lively French Variation
Who said that French manicures can’t be fun? This takes creativity a notch higher, using a bold orange color to tip off a soft green base. With the summer vibe around, this is also very refreshing and trendy. This look effortlessly blends a make bold and a classic look with a nice pop of color.
Dnd’s “Green Meadow” has that nice soft green that matches perfectly with “Orange you fantastic” by Opi. It definitely eases that the bright tip you should achieve with a fine french nail precision brush so that it has curve. Aim for the curve and use a very thin angled brush. You’ll want to put these in thin detail strokes for best results. Work from the center of the tip.
Start off with the green base and then green brush for the orange tip at the top. The tip can be subtle and thin or bold and thick, up to you. Don’t forget a glossy top coat.
French tips are great to switch things up, and this is a perfect balance of focal and understated. You can easily modify with very little effort in advance, minimum effort.
Lemon Zest: Citrus Explosion
This design is for you if you are seeking something bright and cheerful. It incorporates yellow lemon slices and blue leaves, exuding an energizing vibe akin to ice-cold lemonade. This design is bold, fun, and a statement piece for the summer of 2025.
Achieving this look requires Opi’s “Lemonade Stand By Your Man” and “Royal Blue” by DND for the blue leaves. To achieve lemon slice nail art, a fine nail art brush is necessary to create clean and crisp designs.
For a more customized approach, apply a sheer nude polish for the base, then lemon slices and leaves can be added slice by slice ensuring each layer dries before applying the next. Complete with a top coat for a polished shine.
In my opinion, fruit designs on nails are a summer essential. They are playful, refreshing, and are sure to brighten your day.
Dragon Fruit Pop: Playful Pink Accent Nail
For some styles, a single statement nail is enough and this dragon fruit design showcase nails is a prime example. Utilizing pale pink as the base color, this design features a pop of color with a singular bold dragon fruit accent nail. This color combination is cute and colorful, making it a suitable candidate for Instagram.
As for the suggested products to recreate this style, use Opi’s “Baby Pink” for the base and Dnd’s “Hot Pink” for the accent’s dragon fruit styled details. To create the dotted detailing and the crisp white outlined edges, use a nail art brush to achieve these fine details.
Repeat the steps for all of the nails but save the accent for the last one. Once completed, apply top coat for the best results.
Like many others, I have fond nostalgic memories trying out a similar fruit inspired design and immediately fell in love with how cute yet chic it looked.
Retro Aesthetic: Abstract Orange and Mint Swirls
This design is stunning for anyone who likes the retro style. In this case, soft mint green and vibrant orange swirling together in abstract patterns with bold black dots for contrast looks like a 70s summer-inspired dream; fresh, bold and chic.
For this design, use OPI’s “Mint Condition” for the soft green base, and DnD’s “Tangerine Bliss” for the orange accents. For the black dot details, a fine nail art brush and a quality black polish like OPI’s “Black Onyx” will serve you well.
Begin with a mint green base on most nails. With a thin brush create the swirling orange lines. Using a dotting tool, add the black dots spaced out to give the design that retro vibe. Seal with a glossy top coat for that finishing touch.
I adore the fact that this design evokes a feeling of nostalgia. It is whimsical and bold, making it perfect for someone looking for a touch of retro without going all out.
Neon Drip: Colorful Chaos
This is where the minimalistic approach is put on hold and maximalism steals the spotlight. Neon drips in pink, yellow, blue, and orange cascade down a clear base giving a bright and vivacious look. It screams summer – bold, fun, and utterly eye-catching.
You’ll need a set of polishes for this look – Dnd’s “Neon Yellow”, “Electric Pink”, and “Cobalt Blue” will suffice. A fine nail art brush is essential if you want to create the drip design.
Start with a clear or light nude base. Using the thin brush, switch out the colors for each layer while letting the previous color dry. Finish with a glossy top coat to achieve a glassy end look.
Every time I wear a neon design, I can instantly feel *a little burst of happiness*. The design instantly boosts my mood and is a perfect icebreaker – especially during summer.
Holographic Dream: Ethereal Blue Chrome
This design really is the showstopper! It has a chrome finish that is a dreamy ethereal blue with light reflections. Like complimentary colors, this design can blend with soft and elegant styles while keeping the futuristic vibes in check.
For this look, you can use a blue chrome powder over a light blue or white gel base and it will look fabulous. A perfect base would be with Dnd’s “Sky Blue” and their chrome powder gives a reflective look.
Using gel, apply 2 coats of the blue base and cure it under a UV lamp. With a sponge applicator, gently press the chrome powder to the surface and seal it with a non wipe top coat.
My ideal choice of nail looks would indefinetely be chrome nails since they look elegant and minimal while also embodying the essence of the future.
Lavender Elegance: Soft Lilac with Gold Accents
Lavander as a whole is beautiful and this particular soft lilac shade with gold trimming is certainly exquisite. It embodies gentleness and sophistication while still being subtley bold. Everyone would appreciate the lavender purple with gold flake as part of their collection, especially because it incoporates shades warm to gentle.
I would suggest Opi’s ‘Do You Lilac It ?’ as the purple base. To achieve the gold as well, gold foil flakes are your answer. You may adhere them onto a clear based polish to give it a shinny delicate finish.
Achieve the design step by step: start with applying lavender on all. After that, add gold foil to the designated accent nail while the polish is not dry yet. Finally, lock the design with a top gloss to achieve a smooth look.
I remember wearing one to a wedding, and the number of compliments I received was outstanding. This particular design is timeless and appropriate for all occasions.
Ocean Bliss: Blue Gradient Perfection
For those yearning for clear skies and beach waves, this design will certainly appeal to you. The ocean blue hue, which is coupled with a nudembe, creates a clean and fresh look that is very much summery. This style is perfect for anyone wishing to embody that dreamy, beachy feel without being too brazen.
For achieving this look, I recommend Dnd’s sky blue color “Clear Sky” alongside a sheer nude base for a flawless gradient finish. In this case, a makeup sponge should be used for perfect blending.
With this procedure, start with the sheer base first while then using the sponge to dab the blue gradient at the tips while fading towards the middle. Build the color until desired while adding a top coat to seal.
Blue gradients radiate an enchanting calmness. They transform one’s fingertips into mini oceans, clean and refreshing, while soothing the senses.
Sunny Citrus Delight
This is an upbeat summer manicure for 2025 with a cheerful and lively vibes brought out by the use of colors and designs inspired by fruit based on the season. It has vivid shades of orange complemented with gentle green leaves that brings to mind a refreshing orange grove which oozes with life. The manicure is not only attention grabbing but refreshing and gives a sense of getaway.
The first step is applying a DND gel polish in nude for the base which will be a bold orange. Use “Orange You a Rockstar” from OPI’s GelColor for The DND Nature Series has rich green, which is ideal for fine detail brushes used on the leaves making them pop even more. Finally, the manicure should be completed with a high-shine gel top coat for a refreshing glossy shine.
The style can surprisingly be done at home fairly easily. It starts with a base coat, which in this case is a light brown or nude, followed by drawing on the leaves and flowers in the described order. Lastly, seal the work with a clear top coat.
To be completely honest, this is one of my favorite styles for summer. It’s refreshing, fun, and perfect for hot days at the beach when you want your nails to attract attention. The best part? It makes you look instantly tanned, a touch of summer magic.
Edgy Tangy Tangerine Pop
Bold solid colors as this one will always be in fashion and we can easily forget to talk about it. This tangerine color is an all-time favorite and this one is a bright and fiery orange that surely screams summer.
This style focuses on Using OPI’s GelColor “A Good Man-Darin is Hard to Find.” If that’s the look you are going for, then this is your go-to shade. For full opacity, apply two thin coats and seal with a glossy top coat to achieve that salon finish.
This look is super simple to get on your own. Prep your nails as usual, apply a base coat, then paint on two tangerine polish coats. Don’t skimp on the top coat if you want that salon finish shine. You can even use a soft matte top coat if you want a velvety finish.
Like all good colors, this one brightens your hands almost instantly and tanner skin. It’s a go-to classic summery color, and a must-have for a summer trip in 2025.
Cool Chrome Elegance
The chrome style has made its return, and look stunning with a blue chrome icy manicure. This look is for someone who cherishes shimmer, but doesn’t want to go overboard on sparkle. That type of polish that always seems to give the perfect sparkle will forever get your nails the glowing mystical look.
To achieve this style, you will need to use DND’s Chrome Powder in Reflection Sky layered on top of a gel base. Additionally, a high-shine top coat is needed to keep the mirror-effect polish. A French chrome tip would be a more daring yet classy variation if you want something extra.
For this look, I suggest applying a base coat then a blue or white gel polish as a base. After curing, buff on chrome powder with a sponge, then top with gel polish to finish.
This design always makes me feel fabulous right away. It is the perfect balance of playful and classy and looks great on both short and long nails. It also wonderfully matches summer accessories.
Artistic Tropical Leaf
Lush tropical leaves are synonymous with summer, and this manicure brings the warm and fresh feel of tropics with white polish and detailed blue-green paintings. This is perfect for nature lovers.
DND’s GelColor in “Forestry Green” and a detailing brush will work wonders for the nails art of delicate leaves, while OPI’s Alpine Snow provides a clean and crisp white base.
Nail art is all about time and effort. DND’s Gel Color gives a crisp white base and the rest is patience. For starters, paint a flawless white base, and methodically add the leaf details. If you’re inexperienced, there are handy stamping plates available for quicker nail art. To finish, add a cheerful top coat.
Personally, I adore this design just because of a fact that it is calming, so effortless, yet exuberantly illuminating. The best part is its application, during wear it becomes a brilliant accessory to any beach attire or your unmissable summer outfit.
French Neon Pop
Summer 2025 is set to be even more stylish after this update: the classic French manicure will be revived with electric neon green tips over a soft pink base. Bold yet with just effortless hints of class, it is a flawless match for any occasion.
For this look you need a soft pink as a base, like OPI’s Bubble bath, and a neon green, like DND’s Neon Lime, for the tips. For the tips either use nail guides or freehand with a thin nail art brush.
Start with a base coat, then apply the pink base color. Once the green tips are dry, paint them on carefully. Finally, add a clear top coat to achieve that glossy finish.
This playful look is a perfect bright summer color for the beach and parties, or anytime you want to draw attention. It’s super joyful and feels like a celebration in your nails.
Sunny Beach Blooms
This design is lively and quick to carry one’s thoughts to the beach under the warm, bright sun. The delicate yellow flowers coupled with vivid blue tips will certainly bring a smile, bringing a cheerful beachy aesthetic to your nails. This look is sophisticated yet fun; it captures an essence of a mini vacation.
For this design, the colors required are: DND’s GelColor “Sky Blue” which will be used to create the bright blue tips and OPI’s “Sunshine Bliss” which has a delicate yellow shade for the flowers. A fine detailing brush is needed for the floral embellishments, while a glossy top coat preserves the glow and freshness of the design.
If doing the design at home, begin with a clear or nude polish as a base. Using a fine brush, paint the blue tips, and carefully add the flowers. For the flower centers, precision can be attained through using a dotting tool. A smooth and shiny appearance can be achieved by applying a glossy top coat.
This design is suitable for the summer of 2025 and implementing it can bring a smile to your face especially when looking at the nails while dreaming or strolling along the beach. One will always feel joy from looking at your nails in such a colorful and fun manner.
Soft Iridescent Glow
Would you like a magical and dreamy soft manicure? If yes, then this one definitely retells all its dreams. It looks like a piece of the rainbow due to its soft pastels and shimmer. This glow can be achieved with a gentle blend and shimmer that catches the light. Although soft, it can still be captivating.
To get this effect, use “Fairy Lights” which is an OPI GelColor soft shimmery pink. For the very gentle yellow over shine use DNDs chrome powder called “Golden Light”. To achieve the magical glow, the colors need to be applied in subtle layers.
For the tips, start with a clear base coat and apply a light layer of shimmery pink. With a sponge pad, lightly dust on the gold chrome powder and lock everything with a clear top coat to seal.
This is my go to look for days when I want my nails to look neat but polished and dreamy at the same time. It has that wow factor when worn in the sunlight and is subtle enough for everyday wear.
Golden Hour Ombre
Ombre gradient nails are always a winning combination, but this one stands out more with the use of gold foil and warm sunset colors. It makes you feel like you are basking in the final rays of a summer day.
For this look, you’re going to need DND’s GelColor “Pink Blossom” for the base and then a pastel gradient of blue, yellow, and pink for the rest. Gold foil can be applied as an accent through soft foil adhesive.
Achieving this at home takes time and patience. To start off, apply the pink base, and slowly incorporate the colors using a make up sponge to achieve the gradient. Once satisfied with the ombre effect, gently place gold foil on the spots you would like it to be. Complete the look with a clear top coat.
This is one of those designs from summer 2025 that looks beautiful and sophisticated without much effort. It’s like wearing a sunset and the golden touches are the perfect amount of elegance.
Minty Fresh Minimalism
For those who prefer uncluttered and muted styles, this mint green design is for you. It is fresh, delicate, refined, and the kind of tone that instantly boosts the appearance of your hands without much work.
For this look, go with OPI’s “Sage Serenity” or DND’s “Mint Whisper.” With these two, you get a delicate minty shimmer. Do not forget a glossy top coat for that sleek, professional finish.
Definitely one of the easiest designs to do yourself at home. Apply a base coat, followed by two thin coats of the mint polish, and top it off with a top coat for that glass-like luster.
This is such a wonderful design and I recommend it especially because mint screams fresh and this look is great in multiple settings. It’s appropriate for the office, but also great on a casual day out. It’s clean and the wearer looks stylish without even trying.
Coral Blossom Charm
A pop burst of coral color is the hallmark of summer 2025. This cheerful shade embodies warmth and delights with the delicate white daisy touch. The look is fresh, fun, and eye-catching, as always.
To achieve this design, apply a base coat, then two coats of the coral polish and DND’s GelColor in “White Petal” for the daisy details. A fine brush or dotting tool is a must for the flowers. Seal everything with a glossy top coat for a polished look.
Easy to do at home, this design is ideal for summer. Cheerful and whimsical, they’re perfect for hot beach days.
