As the sun beats down, it’s time to give your nails a makeover that’s as radiant as a summer day. This season, it’s not just about sporting any old gel design; it’s about embracing bold, vibrant, and stunning trends that scream ‘beachy keen’! So, what are the must-have styles that will turn your nails into a sizzling hot mess?
Whether you’re new to the world of gel nails or a seasoned pro looking for fresh inspiration, we’ve got the inside scoop on the top summer gel nail designs that are making waves and setting tongues wagging.
Lemon Zest Almond Nails
Imagine slipping into a carefree summer state with every glance at your radiant and zesty lemon-yellow almond nails. This vibrant hue, reminiscent of sunny days and refreshing glasses of lemonade, brings a playful yet sophisticated touch to your fingertips. The perfect blend of modern length and classic almond shape creates a fresh and trendy look that’s perfect for the season.
To capture this sun-kissed essence, start by applying a base coat to each nail, followed by two coats of the bright Electric Sun gel polish. Cure the polish under a UV/LED lamp after each application before sealing with a glossy top coat.
With this simple DIY guide and the right tools – including OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, CND Shellac in ‘Electric Sun’, Essie Gel Setter Top Coat, and a UV/LED nail lamp for curing – you’ll be well on your way to recreating this dazzling design that’s as long-lasting as the summer days.
Royal Purple Gloss
Step into the realm of elegance with these ravishing, richly purple nails. This striking shade is effortlessly versatile, pairing perfectly with both laid-back daytime ensembles and sophisticated evening attire. The gel’s impeccable shine and flawless application evoke the precision of a professional manicure.
Credit: @parisabigdeli_nailsTo recreate this regal look, you’ll need:* Base coat: Gelish Foundation Base Gel* Purple gel polish: Gelish in ‘You’re So Vain-illa’* High-gloss top coat: Gelish Top It Off Gel Polish* UV/LED nail lamp for curingInstructions: Start by applying a thin layer of your base coat, followed by a layer of You’re So Vain-illa. Allow each coat to cure thoroughly to achieve the depth and richness of this majestic hue.
Finish with a glossy top coat to complete the luxurious look from the comfort of your own home.
Chic Matte & Gloss French Tips
French tips get a modern makeover by combining matte and gloss finishes for a striking contrast. The delicate pink base color is elevated by a pop of blue on the tips, creating a sophisticated look that’s perfect for any occasion. This unique combination redefines summer elegance and offers a chic alternative to traditional nail art.
For this creative look, you’ll need:
* Matte top coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Matte Top Coat
* Pink gel polish: DND Gel Polish in ‘Barely Pink’
* Blue gel striping tape
* Glossy top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
To achieve this look, start by applying Barely Pink to your nails and curing as instructed. Next, strategically place the blue striping tape at the tips of your nails and seal with a matte top coat.
For the ultimate contrast, apply a glossy top coat over the blue tips only.
Lime Green Energy
Let the vibrant energy of lime green nails electrify your look! The bold, neon hue is a statement-maker, exuding confidence and playfulness. A square shape adds an edgy touch, making it perfect for those who crave attention. And to take it up a notch, pair this nail art with a bold lip color or statement earrings. To achieve this striking design, start by applying a base coat, followed by two coats of LeChat’s ‘Lemonade Stand’ neon green gel polish.
Cure each layer under a UV/LED lamp for maximum vibrancy. Finish off the look with a top coat to seal in the color and add a glossy sheen. With these easy steps, you’ll be ready to rock this season’s most iconic nail trend.
Glittering Amethyst
Step into the enchantment of these radiant amethyst nails, where understated sophistication meets whimsical sparkle. The interplay between the textured glitter and smooth purple creates an alluring visual effect, perfect for a night out under the starry summer sky. As you gaze upon this mesmerizing manicure, let your imagination run wild with the secrets it holds.
Image credit: @iwannadonails
To recreate this masterpiece, start by applying ORLY Bonder Rubberized Basecoat for a long-lasting foundation. Next, apply Kiara Sky Gel Polish in ‘Purple Haze’ in thin coats, allowing each layer to cure and build up the glitter effect. Finally, use Gelish Nail Surface Cleanse to remove any remaining tackiness, revealing a polished, radiant finish.
Sunny Gradient Charm
Neon French Tip Innovation
In a departure from traditional designs, this stunning nail art combines the serenity of a sky blue base with the vibrant energy of neon green tips. The result is a look that’s perfect for making a statement at a lively beach party or adding a pop of personality to an everyday outfit. This unique design harmoniously blends calming and playful elements.
The creative process begins with Dior’s Base Coat Abricot, followed by two coats of Essie’s Gel Couture in ‘First View’ to achieve the sky blue base. For the eye-catching neon green tips, use a striping brush to apply Nails Inc.’s Gel Effect in ‘Neon Greenery’. Finish the look with Dior’s Gel Coat for a high-shine and long-lasting manicure.
Chromatic Spectacle
In 2024, the summer season is expected to shine brighter than ever before, thanks to the innovative chromatic nails that have taken the world by storm. These futuristic masterpieces boast a mesmerizing metallic finish that catches the eye and reflects the vibrant colors of a summer festival in all their glory. Each nail serves as a miniature canvas, showcasing an dazzling array of glossy hues that seem to shift and shimmer in the light.
For this remarkable creation, we’re grateful to @shelovenailstudio for capturing its essence through their stunning photography. To achieve this show-stopping look at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Start by applying OPI Gel Color Base Coat as your foundation, followed by a layer of black gel polish and curing under the UV/LED lamp. Next, sprinkle Daily Charme Chrome Mirror Nail Powder evenly across the surface, buffing gently until it shines like the stars on a summer night.
Seal the deal with an application of OPI Gel Color Top Coat and cure once more for a finish that’s truly out of this world.
Earthy Olive Elegance
Understated elegance defines these olive green nails, perfectly capturing the essence of nature. The rich, earthy tone harmonizes beautifully with summer attire featuring linens and light cotton, while its glossy finish exudes sophistication and a grounded style.
Credit: @parisabigdeli_nailsTo recreate this look, you’ll need:Base coat: Butter London Nail Foundation Priming BasecoatOlive green gel polish: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in “Proper P-Rose”Top coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top CoatUV/LED nail lampFollow these DIY steps to achieve the desired result: Start by applying the priming basecoat and curing it. Next, layer on Proper P-Rose for a deep olive green expression and cure again.
Finally, finish with the Miracle Gel Top Coat to seal in the color and add a high-gloss shine reminiscent of a forest in full bloom.
Linear Illusion Artistry
Pastel Perfection
This captivating palette harmonizes the gentle essence of spring with the vibrant warmth of summer, creating a unique fusion that transcends seasons. The elongated shape lends an air of sophistication to the soft pastel colors, making them suitable for both formal occasions and everyday refinement.
Photo credit: @iwannadonails
Inspiration and Essentials:
Base coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
Pastel gel polishes: Ciaté London Gelology in “Baby Doll,” “Peach Puff,” and “Bon Bon”
UV/LED lamp
Top coat: Zoya Armor Top Coat
DIY Guide: Begin by applying a base coat, followed by a different pastel polish to each nail. Cure the color under the UV/LED lamp before finishing with a top coat for a long-lasting, glossy finish that amplifies the colors’ vibrancy.
Sunset Sparkle Fade
Soft Sparkling French
The French manicure gets a glamorous revamp with the addition of sparkling pink accents and a dash of luxury. A clear base coat sets the stage for a blush-colored foundation achieved by applying Gelish’s ‘Pink Smoothie’ gel polish. The pièce de résistance is the glitter overlay, courtesy of ILNP’s ‘Rose Gold’, which adds depth and visual interest to this timeless classic. To recreate this look, start with a base coat, followed by Pink Smoothie for the base color.
Then, add Rose Gold glitter to the tips before finishing with a top coat from Deborah Lippmann’s Gel Lab Pro range for a glossy, long-lasting finish that’s equal parts classic and modern. Photo credit: @aureliemanucure.
Modern French with a Coral Twist
Blue Skies Ahead
The summer-inspired nail design boasts a vibrant blue hue reminiscent of a clear sky on a warm sunny day. The combination of the bold color and elegant square shape creates a look that seamlessly blends playfulness with sophistication, perfectly capturing the essence of carefree yet chic summer vibes.
For this stunning creation, we credit @monail_s for the captivating photo.
To achieve this look at home, start by applying a solid base coat.
Next, apply two coats of Smith & Cult’s Gel polish in ‘Subnormal’, allowing each layer to cure before moving on to the next. Finally, seal your masterpiece with Above It All Top Coat from Smith & Cult for a glossy, long-lasting finish that can withstand all your outdoor escapades.
Ethereal Pink Sheen
With an otherworldly allure, these nails boast a translucent pink hue infused with a subtle sheen that’s both ethereal and grounding. The squared tips imbue the design with modernity, while the understated shimmer lends versatility to the look, making it effortlessly adaptable to any summer outfit.
For those looking to recreate this vision at home, we’ve included the necessary consumables:
* Base coat: Morgan Taylor Stick With It Base Coat* Sheer pink gel polish: OPI Gel Color in “Bubble Bath”* Shimmer top coat: ILNP “The Magician” Topper* UV/LED nail lamp
To achieve this enchanting look, simply follow these DIY instructions:
1. Apply your base coat and cure.2. Layer on “Bubble Bath” for that sheer pink allure, allowing each coat to cure.3.
Top with “The Magician” for that enchanting shimmer, and cure under the lamp to seal in the magic.
Celestial Haze
Purple Passion with Artistic Flair
A bold pop of color, these vibrant purple nails showcase a playful and passionate personality. The intricate nail art adds an extra layer of uniqueness, making each nail a miniature canvas that reflects the wearer’s artistic side. The combination of colors and design elements comes together to create a truly eye-catching look.
For this creative masterpiece, we used:Gelish Foundation Base Gel as our base coatGelish ‘You’re So Vain-illa’ for that deep, rich purple hueA nail art pen in black and silver for added flairGelish Top It Off Gel Polish to seal it all in with a glossy finishTo replicate this look at home, follow these steps: Start by applying your base coat and curing it, then add a layer of ‘You’re So Vain-illa’ for that deep purple color.
Use the nail art pen to add your personal touch, letting your creativity guide you. Finally, top it all off with Gelish Top It Off Gel Polish for a protective and glossy finish.
Aquatic Acrylic Infusion
Swirls of Summer Fun
With vibrant colors swirling together like a playful dance, these nails evoke the carefree joy of a summer’s day. The soft pastel hues against a crisp clear base are reminiscent of a warm breeze on a sunny afternoon. The creative process behind this look begins with a Bio Seaweed Gel No-Sanding Base coat, followed by a blend of pastel shades from their collection, applied with a detailing brush to create a watercolor effect.
To seal the design and add shine, finish with Bio Seaweed Gel Diamond Shine Top. Simply apply the base coat, cure it, then layer on your colors and blend for a whimsical, lighthearted look that’s sure to brighten up anyone’s day.
Vibrant Green Statement
Whispering Wintermint
The wintermint hue of these nails is reminiscent of a crisp morning, bringing a refreshing coolness to the sweltering summer heat. The subtle infusion of fine glitter adds a radiant sheen, evoking the sparkle of dew-kissed leaves under the warm sun. This delicate balance of cool and warm tones creates a understated yet stylish nod to summer trends. For a polished finish, start by coating your nails with Elite99 Base Coat, followed by ‘Minty Fresh’ gel polish.
Sprinkle Nubar’s ‘Hologram Glitter’ before curing, then seal with Elite99 No Wipe Top Coat for a long-lasting sparkle.
Ombre of Elegance
The nails’ understated elegance is achieved through a harmonious blend of rose and white hues, reminiscent of a serene summer twilight sky. The rounded tips add a touch of modern sophistication, making this look perfect for upscale gatherings or special occasions.
For this creation, we’re grateful to @nailomi91 for the stunning visual aid.
Here are the essential consumables:
– Base coat: Orly Bonder Base Coat
– Rose gel polish: LeChat Perfect Match “Rose Glow”
– White gel polish: LeChat Perfect Match “Flawless White”
– Sponge for ombre effect
– Top coat: Orly Glosser Top Coat
To replicate this look, follow these DIY steps:
1. Apply the base coat and cure it.
2. Using a sponge, build up layers of “Rose Glow” and “Flawless White”, gradually blending them to achieve the desired ombre effect.
3.
Seal your masterpiece with Orly Glosser Top Coat for a high-gloss finish.
Summer’s Berry
