If your summer mood board is full of beach trips, iced strawberry matchas and gorg gardens, your nails deserve to be part of the aesthetic too. From mermaidcore details to clean girl classics, these trending manis are guaranteed to earn a “wait, where did you get your nails done?” from everyone you know.
Sunset nails
Nothing says wholesome summer vibes quite like an evening spent watching the sunset. These sunset-inspired nails blend warm pink and orange shades to recreate a bright dusk sky.
How to get the look: Start with a sheer nude or milky base. Using a makeup sponge, gently blend shades of pink, orange and yellow together to create an ombre effect. Add a glossy top coat to make the colors pop even more.
Starfish nails
Mermaidcore isn’t going anywhere, and honestly, we’re *so* excited to see this trend stick around. These adorable starfish designs are perfect for the ocean girlies amongst us (H2O, anyone?) Cute, colorful and beachy without being over the top, they’re the perfect accessory for your hours of goggles-on swimming.
How to get the look: Start with a light pink base (we like OPI’s Ballet Slippers). Once dry, use a toothpick or fine nail art brush to create star shapes in coral, electric blue, cherry red or neon purple. After the stars have dried, add tiny white dots along each arm with a dotting tool or toothpick to mimic the texture of a real starfish. Finish with a shiny top coat.
Beach vacation cat-eye nails
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This one goes out to all the nail art pros. Cat-eye nails have officially entered their tropical era, and we’re hyped. The magnetic shimmer catches the light from every angle, drawing direct inspo from ocean waves and seashells. To sum it up, these nails are *begging* to be photographed next to your SPF and beach read.
How to get the look: Apply a magnetic cat-eye gel polish and use the magnet before curing to create that signature reflective effect. Add beach-inspired details like seashells, pearls, tiny hibiscus flowers or wave designs for a v. tropical mani.
Micro French mani
Clean girl aesthetic lovers, this one’s for you. The micro French mani proves that sometimes less really is more. Delicate, chic and cool, this trend is perf for the minimalists among us.
How to get the look: Apply a sheer pink or nude base and use a fine nail art brush to paint an ultra-fine line across the tips of your nails. The key is keeping the line tiny and understated. It’s subtle, but it can add a tiny pop of color to your everyday looks.
Striped nail summer
If an instant serotonin-boost became a manicure, this would no doubt be it. Bright stripes instantly make your nails feel fun and playful. For this look, we’re taking inspo straight from beach umbrellas, Italian summers and all things colorful.
How to get the look: Start with a neutral or pastel base color. Once dry, use a striping brush to add colorful lines in different widths. Mix bright shades like blue, yellow, green and red.
Tag us on IG @girlslifemag showing off your summer nails!
Check out more nail inspo here:
💅 Your DIY guide to the trendiest manis this year
💅 QUIZ! Style an outfit and we’ll pick your next summer manicure
💅 Meet the mani trend you’ll rock all summer long
Slider image: @terranailss
Top image: @studio.east_
Body images: @lolo.nailedit, @nails_yuliahamilton, @pop_polished,@pop_polished
