A new season means new nail product drops and exciting nail trends to explore. This summer, we’re seeing a shift towards glass-like effects, sheer colors, soft shimmers, and aquatic-inspired details that feel light, ethereal, and effortlessly wearable. If you’re looking for summer nail ideas, here are seven nail art looks for you to try this season.
Shimmery 3D Shell Nails
These shell nails are an elevated take on the popular standard 3D shell nail trend. Layered color details, textured shimmer, and dimensional shell ridges create a look that feels part realistic and part ethereal. The endless possibility of color combinations make shimmery 3D shell nails incredibly versatile, allowing them to be incorporated into beach-inspired nail sets.
Products Used
Left Nail: (Rozyhip RM-01, Jello Jello Edge Clear Gel, Nailbayo Neon Pink Powder, JIN. B Crazy Top Thick)
Middle Nail: (Mithmillo FC20, The Favori Ink Midnight Pink, The Favori Ink Saturn, Jello Jello Edge Clear Gel, Jello Jello Edge Beam Powder JP-06, JIN. B Crazy Top Thick)
Right Nail: (Yogurt Nail #MG.83, The Favori Ink Midnight Pistachio, The Favori Ink Jupiter, Jello Jello Edge Clear Gel, Jello Jello Edge Beam Powder JP-06, JIN. B Crazy Top Thick)
Beach Towel Nails
Thick tropical-colored stripes inspired by classic beach towels bring a playful and nostalgic vibe to summer nails. If you’re looking for something colorful, cheerful, and fun, this design is a perfect choice. The NEKOGEL Monet Collection features ten Monet painting-inspired syrup gel colors that work beautifully year-round, but with intentional color combinations, they can also evoke retro tropical palettes reminiscent of vintage beach towels and sunny coastal vacations. This look is simple, yet full of personality for a fun, beach-ready nail look.
Products Used
Colors from the NEKOGEL Monet Collection
Left Nail: (NS-20, NS-22, NS-24)
Middle Nail: (NS-16, NS-23, NS-19)
Right Nail: (NS-21, NS-16, NS-25)
3D Flower Nails
3D flower nails are not going away this summer. While florals remain a seasonal favorite, this year is all about experimenting with unexpected color combinations and finishes. Try mixing and matching vibrant colors, chrome, pearlescent details, iridescent finishes, and other details for a fresh take. 3D flowers bring texture, artistry, and a tropical touch to any summer manicure.
Products Used
Left Nail: (Mithmillo FC20, Mithmillo Airfit Yellow, Yogo Milk Jam Gel)
Middle Nail: (Yogurt Nail syrup.50, L.A.P Deep Silver Powder, Yogo Milk Jam Gel)
Right Nail: (Mithmillo FC79, Valla Toy Gel - Mermaid)
Iridescent Bubble Nails
Layering different nail art elements can create some of the most unique summer effects. Combine sheer color, magnet gel, nail foil, and aurora powder to create nails that resemble floating bubbles floating outdoors in the summer air. The translucent layers help create a reflective finish with shifting color from different angles, giving these iridescent nails a dreamy, weightless quality that feels perfect for the season.
Products Used
Left Nail: (UNGU URU URU 2.0 Hologram 2 Foil, Jello Jello Edge Beam Powder JP-06)
Middle Nail:(MORE Gel GS-55, UNGU URU URU 2.0 Hologram 2 Foil, Jello Jello Edge Beam Powder JP-06)
Right Nail: (Yogurt Nail #MG.85, UNGU URU URU 2.0 Hologram 2 Foil, Jello Jello Edge Beam Powder JP-06)
Glass Tip Nails
Clear tips offer a delicate, modern effect that feels light and elegant for summer. This look requires cutting the natural nail down short and forming a clear extension using gel extensions. Soft nude colors or magnetic gel can be used as a base color on the natural nail. Then apply a clear tip and enhance it with glitter, transparent gel colors, or subtle shimmer for a glass-like finish. The result is a manicure that appears delicate and refined while still offering visual interest.
Products Used
Left Nail:(Liuhwa Grady L#117, Yogurt Nail #MG.89)
Middle Nail:(Bonoir BM17, Blanc Blanc stickers)
Right Nail: (NEKOGEL NS-22, JIN. B Crazy Top Thick, L.A.P Deep Silver Powder, Rozyhip RG-01)
Swimming 3D Character Nails
3D characters continue to be a cute and whimsical element in nail art. This summer, take a deeper dive by creating 3D characters that appear to be swimming or floating across the nail. Whether it’s bears in floaties or other cute water creatures, these designs add movement and storytelling to any summer manicure. They’re especially fun to view from different angles, and tube gels make it easy to sculpt simple character shapes with dimension and personality.
Products Used
Left Nail: (MORE Gel GS-54, Tude Taem Embo Gel PT-19 Light Green, Tude Taem Embo Gel PT-04 Beige, Mithmillo Artfit Gel Black)
Middle Nail: (MORE Gel GS-54, Tude Taem Embo Gel PT-04 Beige, Mithmillo Artfit Gel Pink, Mithmillo Artfit Gel Black, Mithmillo Artfit Gel Yellow)
Right Nail: (MORE Gel GS-54, Zig Zag Gel JT-43, Tude Taem Embo Gel PT-09 Orange, Mithmillo Artfit Gel Black)
Water Bubble Nails
Water bubble nails or water drop nails have been one of the standout trends of the season. This ethereal aquatic look can remain minimal while still being eye-catching through the use of magnetic effects and iridescent glitter pieces that mimic suspended water bubbles. Use a water bubble effect gel for quick application, or customize your own version by combining your favorite magnetic gel with strategically placed glitter pieces. The result is a fresh, dewy design.
Products Used
Left Nail:(Yogurt Nail # MG.85, BonnieB. Hologram Glitter Strawberry)
Middle Nail:(Yogurt Nail # MG.84, BonnieB. Hologram Glitter Strawberry)
Right Nail:(Yogurt Nail # MG.88, BonnieB. Hologram Glitter Strawberry)
From shimmering seashells and floating bubbles to glass-like tips and dimensional flowers, these nail art looks embrace texture, transparency, and a sense of lighthearted playfulness. There is plenty of room to experiment and make each look your own. Let the summer season inspire you to explore new techniques, mix unexpected elements, and create nails that feel as fun as the season itself. Happy summer!
Check Out These Gel Collections for Summer Nail Colors:
BANDI - Peppy Shade Syrup Collection
DVOK - Four Seasons Summer
MORE Favorite Summer 2023 Collection
VALLA - Summer Glow Collection
For more nail content including nail art how-to’s, swatches, and new releases, follow Sweetie Nail Supply on social media:
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