Top Summer 2025 Nail Colors to Try: Trendy Lavender and More Bold Designs for Every Vibe
Summer is back—and it’s louder, brighter, and more playful than ever. So, what’s your vibe this summer? Are you leaning into colorful, bold combinations that scream “hot girl summer,” or do you prefer gentler, soft, artsy designs laced with a hint of refinement? Let’s focus on the Top Summer 2025 Nail Colors to Try, because this season, your nails are not just an accessory, they need to be part of the outfit.
We are observing the rise of the unexpected combinations, mint green dreams, orange glow ups, and everything trendy and fun. This guide is more than just a scroll, it’s a dare to create and express, Your Way, One Nail at a Time.
Electric Vibes Only
This design is literally one of a kind. Its Hot Pink, Turquoise Blue, and Off White with a touch of Gold Foil completely transforms the bold electric burst into something out of this world. This is the type of summer neon that shifts colorful iced coffee to an essential, while every tank top turns into your favorite colorful statement piece. Without a doubt one of the “Electric Summer 2025 Nail Colors to Look Out For”.
Achieving this look requires the OPI GelColor “No Faux Yellow” and “Drip Dry Blue”. Most people opt for SNS Dip Powder for long last color. This will certainly help if you are planning to brave the sun. Foil transfer sheets will help you achieve the editorial look without a professional for the Gold Foil.
Nail prep is the most important part. Depending on your confidence, use a nail file to shape your nails into an almond or stiletto shape. Apply a gel base and cure it. Then, add and cure each neon gel polish one at a time. The foil design can be applied with foil glue or can be pressed into a partially tacky layer; seal with a top coat. This minute Betina Goldstein’s delicate foil tips on Instagram is a remix of what I’ve shown you.
This design makes me reminisce about my outdoor Juy concerts, sweltering with It’s impossible not to smile when your nails look this vibrant. I wore something similar while traveling to Miami, and every single day people were asking where I got my nails done.
Poppies & Passion
This design is so pretty that it challenges belief. It achieves a perfect balance between delicate and complex. The base in soft nude lets the poppy flowers burnish the flames. Each flower is hand-painted, its petals are fiery red, and the center is dark. It has some edge, but every bit of romance and charm is intact. This is the manicure one chooses when they are feeling classy but want to keep up with trends. It whispers, ‘yes, I did pick this over a French.’
Freehand floral designs can never be replaced with stickers, and for this very reason, I plan to use Gelish’s “Sheek White” for the base. For the petals, I will use essie’s “Really Red” and OPI’s “Black Onyx” for the centers. When it comes to thin nail art brushes I love to use the ones from Daily Charme.
A clean nail plate with bright gel polish underneath allows the sun to shine without dulling the brightness makes the design pop. If you are not a confident artist however, decals can work as a perfect backup. But, the beauty here lies in the imperfection: every flower different, just like real petals in a breeze.
When I went for a wine-tasting trip in Napa, I decided to pop on some floral nails, and I must say they garnered attention. It’s surprising how they go with everything without even trying. A touch of floral is accentuating and never hurts anyone – particularly, when it’s an uncommon floral design.
Lemonade Lines
This one? Now that is a sweet combo for Capri and summer mixed into one masterpiece–sleek digital art. Stripes with mint green colors do set the scene, but the stars of the show are the vibrant juicy lemons. Playful, graphic, and almost so good you could eat it. If you’re looking for a trendy and playful look that’s out of the box, this one hits the spot. You should definitely try this nail art if you find yourself in the sweet-and-zesty part of your personality – BluRaspberry Bliss is aiming for the top this summer of 2025.
Leamon go grab the leaves of essie Mojito Madness and DND “Sunshine” so that you can combine them with the OPI’s “This Cost Me a Mint” for the background. For the lemons, a dash of lemonade paints and verde cocktails. With a fine detail brush, some creativeness, and a sprinkle of patience, you can achieve great results—actually, the process becomes quite engaging.
To achieve the even lines, start with a striping tape. Add two coats of mint and remove the tape, then outline the lemons. A clear jelly topcoat will help blend everything together, making everything shine more. If you want it simpler, you may skip the stripes and just add a lemon accent to an accent nail.
I wore an outfit like this last year, and for some reason, I can’t seem to forget the flat lays I did with lattes. This outfit is retro and modern at the same time. It’s entertaining, completely out of the ordinary, and transforms your mood to holiday mode, even if you’re just going to Trader Joe’s.
Tropical Sunset Tips
Hello there Summer time sunset! This gel manicure is what happens when your tropical cocktail nails come to life. There’s something breezy yet bold about the color gradient going from orange to sunny yellow, complemented by the leafy green details of the tiny blossoms. The natural negative space at the cuticle makes it feel modern while the design takes over from the cool beach resort vibes.
For the gradient, you can try combining OPI’s “A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find” with Daisy DND’s “Sunshine Yellow.” For the green leaves on top? Go for China Glaze’s “Four Leaf Clover”. Together these colors are amazing for bold nail art.
Sponge blending is perfect for achieving the seamless gradient: dab from the tip to the middle, then blend with a brush before curing. The leafy branches are easier than they look; paint a line, then add smaller strokes on both sides. If you mess up? There are tiny blossoms that cover everything. Trust me.
Like me, if you’re someone who likes nails that are more than just a fashion statement, these tips are perfect because they will blend well with your summer glow, your bikini, and your Aperol spritz. This will go perfectly for a garden wedding, or just to make Monday feel less… Monday.
Sky Glitter Magic
This design is for the feminine daydreamers out there. The sky blue base is soft and serene, but there’s a touch of shine that captures shimmer at just the right angle. The shimmer gives it a soft galaxy feel of subdued flecks of glitter sprinkled around over the lavender-tinged blue matte. It’s understated yet dimensional. If you want something soft, pretty, but not boring, then this is definitely one of the Top Summer 2025 Nail Colors to Try.
The application method I like involves applying two coats of nail polish then dabbing sprinkle glitter with a flat brush or sponge over for a more scattered look. Depending on the finish you prefer, you can top it off with a matte or glossy topcoat. I personally like to mix glitters for custom sparkle.
These are the specific nails I pick when I want to feel like I am gliding through my day—weightless, breezy, and a little surreal. Great for pedicures, mostly if you want your sandals to twinkle.
Lavender Delight with a Citrus Breeze
This design resembles a refreshing lemonade with a switch of lavender paste on top of it. The background color is lavender which is soft yet confident while the two accent nails bring bold artistic; chartreuse wavy stripes on both nails. This combo is lively but isn’t drawn-out, think of it as very mature playful, the type that works well at both brunch and gallery openings. If you prefer classy with a twist then this palette undoubtedly ranks among the Top Summer 2025 Nail Colors to Try.
For the lavender accent nails I’d use DND’s “Pastel Purple” as the base and ORLY’s “Glowstick” for the lemon-lime accent. You’ll want an ultra-fine striping brush for the dainty layered movement. This is an ideal gel design, seamless and smooth.
In order to make this design pop you need precision; an unblemished buffed almond shape to start off with. Your fingers need the purple base which afterwards is fully cured. Stripes may be sketched a light pencil before going in with the gel, just don’t rush. The sharp edges is what completes the polish.
On the first warm weekend in May, I wore a similar shade which accentuated my mood and everything around me. It was like I’d just refreshed my Instagram feed. The color blocking with these tones just hits different—it’s as if calm energy captured in nail art.
Modern Roses & French Fade
This is the design that has me swooning! With striking coral red and simple yet stunning roses, it creates a manicure Modern Roses and French Fade that is sweet with a wink. The miniature half French tips add a timeless touch, while the rose art and dotted embellishments shout flirty. Perfect if you are looking for a romantic yet fun, wearable design.
Modern Roses & French Fade creates stunning results, take a look for yourself!
If I did it, I’d go for OPI’s coral red ‘My Chihuahua Doesn’t Bite Anymore’ and the pinky base ‘Ballet Slippers’ from Essie. If you’re in a rush, rose decals work great, but for those who are detail oriented, tiny detail brushes are needed. For best results, this design looks best on acrylic or longer natural nails.
To create the roses, you begin with the base, adding a sponged or ombre blended white French tip fade, and painting the centre outwards with a dotting tool or brush. Then seal it all in with a glassy top coat. The trick that I love is using a dot of top coat to “lift” the petals of the rose to give it depth.
I created this design for a friend’s engagement dinner, and the photographs turned out beautifully. This design is one of those styles that looks like effort was put in even if there wasn’t (but we’re not letting anyone know how long it took).
Soft Petal Blues
The combination of a subtle, neutral base with delicate, light blue flowers is breathtaking. This design is clean and elegant but simple enough not to look boring. It’s like a whisper on a summer day. The design is further accentuated by the realistic gradient petals alongside their arrangement on the nail bed, embodying the epitome of boutique style. These are the chic trendy short nails you put on when you want your hands to look effortlessly elegant yet a little artsy.
Start by painting your nails with a sheer gel like Bio Seaweed’s “Natural”. After that, you can create the floral design with OPI’s “Mi Casa Es Blue Casa” and Essie’s “Blanc.” You could use a fan brush to blend colors for that watercolor effect. Finish everything off with a glossy top coat—it makes a huge difference and makes your design stand out.
Petal art is easier than it looks. All you have to do is dab on five teardrop shapes, and then soften the inner edges with a brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol. For depth, layer deeper shades near the center. If you mess up, no need to stress! Florals are truly forgiving—there’s so much you can do, just add more petals.
I think of these as my Sunday morning nails – they’re calm, feminine, and very delicate. They pair beautifully with oversized button downs and fresh pastries and, my favorite part, they hold a glass of iced matcha like a dream.
Retro Waves in Hot-Orange & Blue
This color palate is reminiscent of soaking in the sun during the summer break. The pop art waves in orange, sky blue, and a sandy nude base are representative of 70’s surf vibes. It’s vigorous and confident, especially if you’re someone who likes their nails done but not over the top. Out of the Top Summer 2025 Nail Colors to Try, this one literally begs to be worn for pool parties and complements striped beach towels.
This combination can be achieved with Gelish “Tahiti Hottie”, Zoya “Blu”, and neutral nude base like Beetles “Nude Pink”. On other nails, The design lives best on gel nails so the waves can be layered without smudging.
Using a detail brush, start with the blue and orange curves, and build the lines one wave at a time. Personally, I like sketching the waves along the edges with a fine pencil so you can easily follow your flow. Keep an acetone dipped brush handy to clean up edges, because trust me, you will need it.
Last year, I attended a music festival and put together an outfit that featured a set very similar to this one. I completed the look with high-waisted denim shorts and a white linen shirt. The compliments kept coming. Blending hues, whether bold or bright, appeal to the eye in some way.
Poolside French
Okay, how cool is this? It’s your classic French manicure, simply enhanced for 2025. The sky blue tips are not just painted; there’s a 3D ripple effect that resembles water. This is, quite literally, what you would call nail art. It instantly calms you as it mirrors the feeling of dipping your toes into a pool. Trendy, graphic, refreshing – just like diving into the pool on a sunny day.
The nail art can be replicated with OPI’s “Kanpai OPI!” for the blue base, and Glam & Glits Mood Effect in “Aqua Mirage” for that shimmery finish. Apply the blue polish on the tips as well, and brush on sheer topcoats to create the waves.
To create the ripple effect, you need to apply light and dark strokes in layers and blend them while wet to achieve that almost holographic shine. To create an illusion of movement, highlight certain edges with white using a dotting tool. To get it right, all you need is a steady hand and a love for summer, no salon required.
I’ve had this particular style saved on Pinterest for months and finally decided to give it a try. Let’s just say I was tempted to go buy new sandals instantly. It’s simple, pretty, and captures the essence of vacation on your nails.
Holographic Daydream
There’s subtlety to this set and to that, there’s also the whole point. Each one of the nails is chrome, reflecting _highshine_ colors of a rainbow; there chrome nails shine in a manner that dances whenever you move. It’s as if a custom light display was at the tip of your fingers. This works well for girls ho grab the worlds attention, and it is for good reason that it lands high on the list of Top Summer 2025 Nail Colors To Try.
Achieving this level of reflectiveness requires Born Pretty Holographic Powder, or Daily Charme Aurora Unicorn Chrome. You’ll need to apply over a solid white or light base such as OPI “Funny Bunny.” Also, make sure to grab a no-wipe topcoat to ensure the powder adheres without question.
The key lies in burnishing as well. Use an eyeshadow applicator to buff the chrome powder into the cured topcoat, then seal it with another layer of clear gel. Rainbow is made even more dramatic in prismatic stiletto shapes, as its edges are equally sharp.
I’ve never felt more festive than the pride weekend I wore chrome nails. People stop to ask what you’re wearing on your nails because they are so entertainment inducing – alongside the mesmerizing qualities of capturing chrome.
Retro Plaid Picnic
I think of chilled lemonade and picnic blouses with a side of cheerful summer in a breeze when I look at this design and it reminds me of the gingham dresses. Blue flower motifs alongside grid lines defintely add charm, but the subtle nude base takes the cake. That’s why this design hits the spot beautifully and serves as the energy we want in 2025.
Now we can work on the manicure bases like Essence’s “Sheer Fantasy” or Zoya’s “Dot”, both of which can be enhanced with bush white striping polish, for the lines–Orly Instant Artist White works wonders. The drawing of flower petals can be done with the help of a dotting tool or bobby pin by utilizing the ends of it.
Achieving smooth and even grid lines is easily done by applying striping tape first and painting over it, giving even steadier hands the grid work they crave. Add a dazzling center glimmered gold glitter to give a rhythm pep to daisy petal work. For that glassy picnic blanket look, finish with high-shine topcoat.I’d recommend saving this for a casual family gathering or brunch. It is soft, full of nostalgia, and overall makes one happy. At times, this may be precisely what we are looking for.
Hokusai Wave Energy
Let’s appreciate this nail design as a work of art. This nail art design is extremely entertaining yet elegant. It blends the classic Japanese wave print and nail art fashion together in a beautiful way. The blue waves and the red sun are striking yet not overdone. This is a whole new level of summertime art.
Hokusai Wave Energy showcases the striking red sun surrounded by the ocean’s rolling blue waves which perfectly capture the essence of summer.
For this specific technique, make sure the first foam starts around the portion of the frame where it is cut off by the edge of the window and slowly reduce the figure until all that is left is the curve and motion lines. The matte topcoat gives a soft art-like feeling.
The “art girl on vacation” aesthetic captures my attention for all the right reasons. Whether it is inspired by fashion or fantasy, gorgeous nails are stunning, and that idea is amazing this season.
Matte Amethyst with a Gem Cutout
This one is standout. The matte duct violet and accent nail decorated with negative space holographic triangle crystals have a lovely contrast. The combination captures both punk and modern princess worlds. This style is lowkey some of the best wearable acrylic nails if you’re looking for something different.
Try OPI’s “Lincoln Park After Dark” in matte, or any deep purple with OPI Matte Top Coat for the base. Grab some triangle gems from Swarovski Flatbacks or any 3D crystal set for the gems.
For the gems, it can be helpful to use tweezers to place each crystal precisely. My preferred method is to outline the shape first, and once I’m satisfied, I press down gently around the outline. Edge seal with water gel top coat, but don’t coat over the gems—you’ll lose that sparkle.
It adds the overt drama that I love for the black slip dress while allowing me the freedom that comes from linen neutrals. This was my preferred ensemble in the winter and summer.
Daisy Pop Blue
A final touch – let us finish with a striking sky blue. It is absolutely wonderful how playful this mani is. The stark blue nails with one daisy-covered accent finger radiate pure joy. It is all but guaranteed to make one think of pool days, picnic afternoons and iced lattes all combined. It’s among the most popular summer nail colors for 2025 because it is uncomplicated yet hard to miss.
Zoya “Sia” and Olive & June “OMG” are ideal choices for the bold blue base. For the daisies, a dotting tool and a steady hand with Essie “Blanc” and China Glaze “Happy Go Lucky” for the centers will get the job done.
This design may be created with short or long nails; the outcome will be satisfactory regardless. You have the option to smear the daisies across multiple fingers or go full accent nail. If you want intense shine and pigment that lasts, this offers the ultimate canvas in gel form.
Before heading to the beach for the weekend, I got a pedicure and chose this exact color for my toes. I must say that my pair of white slides with a flower design looked stunning. The combination of blue and flowers? Quite marvelous.
Mermaidcore and Metallic Mirage
This hypnotic metallic chrome finish looks like a fairytale – it changes from icy lavender to seafoam green and turquoise. It encapsulates the essence of mermaidcore while still feeling effortless, giving off an enchanting vibe. Almond shape adds a detail of ‘grown-up fairy’ and makes the entire manicure look confident archetype of summer 2025. One moment is feels like futuristic, and the other, its nostalgic. Like elevanted holographic childhood stickers.
For this mermaid inspired nail, try a chrome pigment such as Daily Charme’s “Unicorn Chrome” or OPI’s “Tin Man Can”. They look best on a soft lavender or mint green gel base. For this look, you will also need a no-wipe top coat, a sponge applicator and gel.
Begin by shaping the nail into a tapered almond and then apply and cure the base gel color. The magic happens when the chrome powder is applied and buffed onto the sticky layer of the cured top coat. After lightly buffing the pigment in, apply another layer of gel top coat to seal the pigement, and you’re set for a hot holographic summer!
I remember debuting the look at a rooftop summer party and someone literally stopped me mid-sentence during a conversation just to ask about my nails! They’re striking, eye-catching and absolutely ideal for anyone looking for effortless stand out designs for summer.
Daisy Doodles for Daydreamers
This design evokes pure spirit of cottage core: large daisy outlines in bold yellow placed onto each fingernail over a revealing light nude polish. Not only are the flowers joyful, but they also look fresh out of the pages of a sketchbook roaring with color. Daisy doodles can be worn on a casual workday or even on a brunch date. This design instantly boosts one’s mood and it’s ideal for anyone who wants something soft, yet utterly artsy.
If you’d like the flowers to last longer, this is most definitely a gel manicure moment. But if you’re patient, you can do it yourself with acrylic paints and a fine-tipped nail art brush. For the pink-beige canvas, look for base shades like Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” or OPI’s “Put It in Neutral.”
Tip I learned from a TikTok nail artist: do the outlines of the flowers first, cure them, and then go back in with the white petals and fill. It provides more depth and makes cleaning up mistakes easier. And if you’re using regular polish, remember to add a fast-drying topcoat like Seche Vite to lock everything in.
This playful summery nail art will make you get a lot of compliments and the detailed work done gives it a perfect vibe for the entire summer spirit.
Color Block Party on My Fingertips
I am sure you would have the same question on what happens when floral accents, foil rose gold, hot pink, and glossy midnight get mixed with sky blue. It is simple, a whole party. Each nail in this colorful mix-and-match set has some vibe to it, but they all flow as one. It is extremely interesting how the nail polish combinations are so diverting—simultaneously, like wearing five different moods—however, that’s what adds to the excitement. It is one of those colorful, loud acrylic sets that make chose bold and assertive nails.
This colorful set is one of the best for salon visits, although if you enjoy piecing together nail art, try using sky blue gel polishes, good floral decals, or metallic rose gold (like ORLY’s “Rage”). Add a blooming floral center for the middle nail and finish off with a high gloss gel topcoat to pull the entire work together.
Begin with shaping to a square tip, a go-to for acrylics, and apply each polish separately. It’s best that you cure each color fully before moving to the next to avoid smudging if you’re doing it yourself. The secret is in polish quality—use a few Opi or Gelish staples for reliability.
I remember peering at a similar set on a makeup artist backstage at NYFW, and she remarked they helped her feel more expressive when everything else in her look had to stay neutral. That certainly left a mark on my mind.
Exotic Gold Floral Designs Nails
The masterpiece of art in flowers is here. Blush forms the canvas for bold hibiscus incomplete flowers while sprinkling golden foil dust at the cuticle area. It creates a balance as the fusion looks understated and refined yet the gold accent shines bright. The elegance makes the addition feel delightfully whimsical, much like the sophisticated mani florals. Is it a tropical vacation? A wedding? A Tuesday? Yes. All of the above.
After shedding the snow-filled clouds of winter, a fresh trim by the water will… A warm tropical kiss sounds good. They indeed sound like the perfect summer destination. The Mountains, Cruise, Paris. The list just goes infinite.
Wrapped in copper with Exotic Gold forms a stunning visual.
A comparable outcome could be achieved using something more accessible, such as OPI’s “Bubble Bath” for nude sheer and accentuating it with intricate red blossoms. Gold foil flakes that can be purchased on Amazon for under 10 dollars transform the whole composition when pressed into still tacky gel polish crowned with topcoat.
The hardest part? Getting the flower gradient just right. Blend in darker tones towards the middle and use a small brush to blend out the tips of the petals. Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik claims that “Layering thin washes of color instead of full strokes gives a more dimensional finish,” and I’d have to agree.
When I did this for my cousin’s bridal shower, I got so many DMs asking where I got my nails done that it overshadowed the event itself. It’s trendy but not at all over-the-top.
Sunset Tips in Bloom
This is a summer masterpiece. The tips bloom with a kind of floral ombre containing bright fuchsia and tangerine orange, mint green leaves, and an ever-so-slightly rounded french base—think a horizon at golden hour. The entire look is incredibly wearable thanks to the elongated almond shape which adds a dreamy silhouette. It’s giving “fresh off a beach vacay in Maui,” and I am loving it.
For this look, you’ll want super-pigmented colors—think DND or The Gel Bottle’s trending tones. I would first do the citrusy “Orange You Hot?” for the fade and add “Green Juice” for the leafy detail. You can build the flower shapes at the tips with a thin brush or dotting tool. Symmetry is not the goal here; while wild, the look should be sun-drenched.
Blend the base before curing the polish, then add to the flower petals in two layers for better opacity. Finish off with a glossy gel topcoat. It takes a little longer to get right, but the result makes it worth it, especially when worn with a soft linen outfit.
Honestly? This combination is just as striking as it is easy; gaggle-friendly selfies while enjoying a chilled drink will translate seamlessly to well-styled nails. This is one of my top recommendations for summertime nail designs.
Flame-Tipped Romance
This set is an exotic le_subset to the French style, featuring bold scarlet tips on sleek nude bases, alongside an accent nail overflowing with rose and swirl designs. It is soft but daring, and contains the perfect amount of drama. This one gently suggests “summer date night” with the addition of red lips and heels, though it is equally fabulous for dressing up a simple outfit during low-key occasions for that audacious touch. There’s something eternal about the charm that dark, orange-red undertones possess. They feel not loud, but rather, confidently present, which draws attention.
To achieve this type of clean linework with a strong red tone, I would suggest gel shades such as “Big Apple Red” by OPI, or for extra durability, one can try high-pigment cherry SNS dip powder. To further enhance rose petals and scroll motifs, use a narrow striping brush. Every detail is in the light strokes.
To all painting their nails at home, to create the French tip design, place the tape at an angle. For the accent nail, use deep maroon to paint the flower with subtle black accents for shadows, and seal it all with a high-gloss topcoat so the red shines magnificently in both sunlight and candlelight.
Wearing this style always enhances my style. It’s like I’m being splashed with red lipstick on my fingertips. Less effort, yet so powerful.
Delicate Blue Blossoms
The soft pastel florals feel like “reception bouquet splashed into an elegant bowl.” The light sky blue petals paired with trailing mint green stems are soothing in combination with a busy summer, especially when placed on a nude base. The combination feels scattered yet as if they have been pressed into a journal, like flowers, along with graceful contours showcasing the newly trending soft girl aesthetic on TikTok.
You can achieve this design with a gel nude base such as OPI’s “Bare My Soul,” and The Gel Bottle’s “Baby Blue” and “Pistachio Green” cutouts. Gentle brush pressure is key for petal painting in order to keep florals light and thin.
When it comes to floral nail art, I like to do it in stages: starting with the stems, then the petals, and finishing with the small details. It’s relaxing to decide how I want each design to look, and the good news is that not every nail has to look identical. Honestly, there’s not many designs that can withstand my iced latte runs and typing, so these floral nails are certainly a winner.
Electric Garden Tips
Graphic French takes a 2000’s revision, with bold tip outlines in deep ocean blue and neon mint green cut into fun shapes. This manicure gets a retro-modern twist from the square shape, while letting the illustrative spaces in between breathe. Think of these as a colorful tank top for your nails. Wear them at a beach-side music festival or simply with a white t-shirt and some gold hoop earrings for a pop of color.
For this, you’d need a steady hand and a gel sky blue like ‘Blue-Eyed Beauty’ by LeChat and a mint green like DND’s ‘Limeade.’ Their combinations require no thinking and lots of 2025 fun; the contrast can be played heavily into. You’ll need a crisp striping brush for this as well.
If you are doing it at home, begin with 2 coats of a nude base, cure it, and then add your French shape, either with tape or freehand if you’re feeling daring, with acetone dipped clean-up brush to smoothen the edges. I urge you to try these techniques as the clean lines do make a substantial impact.
The nails are ‘Dopamine nails’ and feel like you’re covered with the drug. While I was on a long weekend trip to Palm Springs, I wore these, and I can’t even tell you how people at the hotel bar kept asking if they could look at my nails up close, and that’s what a good color design can do.
Monarch Wings for Wild Hearts
This may be the most detailed—and beautiful—nail design for summer. The butterfly wing design is hand-painted in warm swirls of orange, brown, and golden yellow, which gives the impression of being a sophisticated butterfly. The dash almond shape gives it a soft but powerful look. Like a monarch gliding by on a summer hike, these nails oscillate between bold and romantic.
Of course, achieving this look takes time, but we’d say it’s worth the effort. Begin with dusk orange for a base—Zoya’s “Sawyer,” for example—and subsequently add yellow tones with a sponge gradient. The black liner gel is used to define the wing structure, and the tiny white dots at the border represent the butterfly.
“Reward those who look a little closer”, said celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein describing fine detail nails. Well, they certainly claim this title. These nails are awe-inspiring and refresh your entire look.
Change and mischief are what instantly springs to my mind when talking about butterflies. If you’re prepared to switch things up, these nails will soar along with you.
Pastel Wave Therapy
This design feels like a warm breeae as soft music: wavy lines in pastel pink and sky blue blend onto long square tips like movement in water. It’s delicate, uncomplicated, and very much in style for 2025’s more fluid and organic trends. Best of all, it works for those who prefer a vague, whisper-soft reference to summer. That wonderful feeling of Sunday balcony mimosas is captured in this design.
A dreamy finish can be achieved using a juicy pastel polish such as Essie’s “Fiji” and “Blue-La-La” with a fine liner brush. For that ultra-smooth flow, gel polish is preferable—it aids with layering and allows curing as one goes to reduce smudges.
I love freestyle drawing the curves rather than following a template. Wavy shapes are best when they aren’t overly symmetrical. Like real waves, they are meant to ebb and flow.
For a lake’s weekend, this is what one should try. This wonderful design makes staring at your nails aesthetically beautiful every time you pick up your sunglasses. It’s one of the best low-effort, high-vibe ideas that you can carry for summers and breezey seasons.
