If I See You Wearing Any of These Summer Nail Trends, I'll Immediately Know You Have Taste
Not to be dramatic, but investigating nail trends is an Olympic sport—a sport I've eagerly signed up for as a beauty editor but a formidable task nonetheless! I'm constantly screenshotting, bookmarking, and personally testing the coolest looks and cross-referencing any patterns, not to mention consulting professional artists for their own seasonal predictions. So trust me when I say that while summer may be just around the corner, I've had beachy, balmy days on the brain for quite a while—especially when it comes to hot summer nail trends.
I'm officially ready to share all my findings, so scroll ahead for an early look at the expert-backed aesthetics poised to dominate the summer, from sticky-sweet syrupy finishes to mermaid-inspired scales to "spicy" manicures. Wear any of these nine looks below, and I'll immediately know you stay ahead of the style curve.
Syrup Nails
No, jelly nails aren't going anywhere this summer, but they are taking on a thicker, more vibrant quality—enter syrup nails. Simply imagine jelly nails with more of a color punch. "Traditionally, summer nails lean bright and playful, but this year, there’s a more refined twist," shares editorial manicurist Jin Soon Choi, founder of JinSoon. "Instead of just loud neons, you’ll see sophisticated versions—vivid but with a sheer, syrup-like finish or softened with a milky overlay." She's personally seen a lot of interest in these ooey-gooey manicures as of late, "especially with translucent layers that almost look like candy."
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Cirque Colors
Berry Jelly
Ella+Mila
Watermelon Jelly Rancher
Le Mini Macaron
Strawberry Gummy
Juicy Citrus
Speaking of juicy textures, a bright citrus certainly feels right for the season. Whether you opt for tangerine, lemon, grapefruit, or lime, these polish hues evoke biting into a fresh piece of fruit on a particularly scorching summer day. Plus, "These colors just radiate energy and happiness, which is exactly the vibe we all want in summer," Choi shares. Feel free to pair the mani with some kitschy citrus accessories, for good measure.
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OPI
Summer Monday-Fridays
Tinted-Moisturizer Nails
When summer hits, the mere thought of applying full-coverage, well, anything makes me want to permanently plant myself in front of my AC unit. (Just me?) I often swap my heavier foundations for skin tints with just a kiss of pigment to let my natural skin texture shine through, and tinted-moisturizer nails follow that same logic.
Like a breathable makeup formula, these polishes add an almost imperceptible (often milky) layer of color to your nail plate that appears natural yet elegant. Choi agrees: "The 'your nails but better' trend is huge—sheer, glossy finishes that enhance the natural nail with just a hint of color," she says.
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LONDONTOWN
Illuminating Nail Concealer
Manucurist
Milky White Nail Polish
Butter-Yellow Tips
Yep, butter yellow is officially everywhere, from bags to sneakers to soft, summery manicures. The warm hue adds just enough pop to your ensemble without appearing too saturated, so it's wonderful for those who want to crank their classic, expensive-looking neutrals up a notch. "It’s a sunny happy color that can be neutral but stands out," agrees nail artist Evelyn Lim, chief educator at MiniLuxe’s Paintbox studio. " also goes well with a tan."
