If you're already thinking about your next manicure as we transition from spring to summer, water-inspired nail art is a fun way to try different yet easy-to-achieve designs while incorporating refreshing shades of blue. Choose from six trendy water nail art looks—or try them all—as we share how to create them in this blog post.

Textured Rippling Water Surface Nails

If you love nails with texture, this rippling water-inspired design that looks like it’s reflecting a sunset is a look you might want to try. To create this look, apply two coats of MG.85 from the Yogurt Nail Sunshine Collection after nail prep and base. Cure for 60 seconds. Wipe off the tacky inhibition layer. Next, place a small bead of clear Jel and Gel Ggumi Gel onto the nail. Using a metal spatula or other tool, such as the rounded tip of a paintbrush, push the gel across the surface of the nail while creating indentations in the gel to resemble the surface of rippling water. Cure for 60 seconds. Gently rub a small amount of Nailbayo Neon Pink Powder over the textured gel, focusing the powder on the raised areas. Finish with a medium-viscosity top gel to seal the design, then cure for 60 seconds.

Ocean Nuance Nails

This marbled nail look, inspired by ocean waves crashing onto the shoreline, is a must-try for nuance nail art enthusiasts. To create this nail look, apply one coat of By Muse BS01. Cure for 60 seconds. Apply MORE Nail Ink No.76 Aqua to the lower half of the nail. Allow a few seconds for the nail ink to dry. Apply Rozyhip RM01 over parts of the blue ink areas. Use a magnet to shift the magnetic glitter particles to your liking. Cure for 60 seconds. Next, apply a white nail ink across the upper edge of the blue area to create the foamy appearance of waves. Allow a few seconds for the ink to dry. Apply top gel and cure for 60 seconds.

Pool Water Nails

Capture the relaxing aura of pool water on your nails with this pool-inspired design. Apply one coat of DGEL DS.138 and cure for 60 seconds. Apply one coat of By Muse BS01, but do not cure. Using a dotting tool, apply dots of non-wipe top gel onto the uncured gel surface and allow the clear gel to spread naturally. A low-viscosity top gel will spread more quickly, creating finer white patterns, while a medium-viscosity gel will spread more slowly and create bolder patterns. If needed, flip the nail upside down for a few seconds to help level the gel for a smoother surface. Cure for 60 seconds. Finish with top gel and cure for 60 seconds.

Magnet Gel Water Ripple Nails

Magnet gel nails, also known as cat eye nails are a mesmerizing way to create a subtle yet dynamic look. Create water ripple patterns using magnet gel for an effect that shifts with the movement of your fingers. For this look, apply one coat of Rozyhip RM10 and cure for 60 seconds. Apply a second coat and use Sweetie’s 3-in-1 Wooden Nail Magnet or magnetic beads for nails to shift the magnetic glitter particles into swirl ripple patterns. Cure for 60 seconds. Finish with top gel and cure for 60 seconds for the finished look.

3D Water Droplet Nails

If you prefer a more minimal look, try a shade of blue with 3D water droplets. For this look, apply two coats of DGEL DS.138, curing each coat for 60 seconds. Apply top gel. Cure for 60 seconds. Apply small dollops of a medium-viscosity or high-viscosity non-wipe top gel on the surface of  the nail to resemble water droplets. Cure for 60 seconds.

Water Bubble Nails

Capture the appearance of water bubbles on your nails for a fresh, playful look. Apply two coats of GS-54 from MORE Gel Glasting Collection, curing for 60 seconds between each coat. Apply a thick dollop of KKOR 3D Embo Gel over the nail, and flash cure for only 10 seconds using a handheld curing light. Use a pointed tool such as the pointed end of a tweezer to poke the surface of the gel, creating an air bubble. Repeat across sections of the nail to create more air bubbles. Once your desired bubble appearance is achieved, cure for 60 seconds. Seal with top gel and cure for 60 seconds. 

Whether you try these water nail art looks as a full set or use them as part of a mixed design set, they’ll add a summer-ready vibe. Get creative with different textures, gel types, shades of blue, and splash into playful water-inspired nail looks all season long!

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