It’s sunny, your iced drinks are making a sound and your nails? They deserve to be part of the vibe. No matter if you’re looking at your travel photos or using your phone in the shade, your nails should show off your summer look all by themselves. What are you choosing to wear on your nails this summer? Is it fruit? Is it charms? It could be that they’re so simple they go with every bikini you own. Keep scrolling, I’ve got you. Whether you like short gel art or bold acrylics, these summer nails 2025 are just like the ones you’d find on Pinterest.
Neon Swirl French Tips with a Modern Twist
This set raises French nails to a new level by adding long, coffin-shaped nails in lively summer colors. Every nail is decorated with sharp bursts of blue, pink, purple, neon green and peachy coral, forming a loud but stylish ombré swirl. I particularly like how each nail color is from a different color family, as if they’re each sharing a different summer memory.
I would pick Gelish’s neon collection or OPI’s Summer Make the Rules to get this look. And for the base? It’s best to use a natural pink-toned nude so the color underneath stays neat and clean. A thin angled brush is the best tool for creating those curved lines.
It’s possible to create this yourself, but let’s be honest: This one is salon-worthy. Ask for a French swirl made of neon colors that change as they progress. If you have nail art brushes in different sizes, you’re all set. A high-gloss topcoat seals the deal.
Honestly, these feel like a mood-lift in manicure form. I wore a similar look when I went to Palm Springs over the weekend and everyone kept stopping me in the coffee line. They’re more than just pretty summer nails; they create a whole style.
Playful Charms and Smileys for the Happy Girl Summer
If I could turn Gen Z joy into a manicure, it would look just like this. Purple and highlighter yellow, bubblegum pink, and—hello!—that nostalgic smiley face charm? All painted on almond-shaped nails with confidence. No matter if you’re going to a beach bonfire or just to a bar for a drink, this design tells everyone you’re in the mood for fun.
To create this designs pretty art ideas simple, stock up on shades like Essie’s Play Date (purple) and Orly’s Glowstick (yellow). You can add the smiley face and flower accents using dotting tools or nail stamps or just press on some charms if you don’t want to paint.
If you’re painting at home, coat the base color twice, let it dry and then use a thin brush or decals to add the details. Finish with a shiny topcoat and always use cuticle oil to keep your nails looking and feeling good.
This one’s such a conversation starter. Even strangers notice. A small smiley face on your phone is charming because it’s easy but makes you feel happy. Cute summer nails simple? This is the playful peak.
Strawberry Fields and Creamy Pastels
This one gives major picnic-in-the-park energy. Nails that are short and softly rounded in pink, off-white and a fruit pattern of tiny strawberries spread like confetti. It’s playful, lighthearted and follows the simple style that everyone is looking for on Pinterest these days.
Strawberry nail stickers are available on Etsy and Amazon to help you get this look. For polish, use Zoya’s Dot for the pink and OPI’s Alpine Snow for the cream. If you’re looking for simple everyday designs, this is a good short look to try.
The trick here is precision with the strawberry placement. You can use tweezers for decals or if you’re creative, use a dotting tool and a micro-brush. Make your nails shiny by using a jelly-gloss topcoat.
I put this on when I want a girly look but don’t want to overdo it. It’s not much work, but the results are wonderful—great for brunch dates or lazy beach Sundays with a book.
Bold Wavy Colorblocking in Hot Pink and Sunshine
Drama meets sunshine in this color-blocked masterpiece. The vibe? 70s surf girl meets bubblegum candy. Half the nails are painted neon yellow and the other half is electric pink and buttery wave lines make the nails appear to move. These nails help your phone selfies stand out, even if you’re just holding a cup of iced coffee.
For DIYers, Lights Lacquer’s Cherry Jelly and Yellin’ Yellow are excellent shades to use. Nail vinyls or striping tape will help you achieve the perfect wavy lines. Otherwise, grab a detail brush and go freestyle.
Always apply your base colors with two strokes starting with each finger on each hand. When it is dried, add the pattern of alternating waves across your other fingers. Don’t skip the gel topcoat; it makes the colors look even more amazing.
There’s something rebellious about these. They want to be noticed, so they don’t try to look pretty or gentle. And honestly? That’s what I’m bringing into every part of 2025.
Watermelon Sugar Nails (Yes, Like the Song)
Okay, how refreshing is this look? There’s no better way to use your favorite seasonal fruit than watermelon. The soft gradient of pink fading into bright green feels juicy, feminine, and totally edible (but don’t eat your nails, girl).
Get the gradient by using a sponge technique with polishes like Olive & June’s Grateful & Kind (pink) and Cucumber Sandwich (green). You’ll need a makeup sponge, latex barrier (trust me, it saves cleanup), and patience to blend.
This one’s a bit advanced for DIY, but it’s possible! Apply the pink-to-green ombré with the sponge, do it again in layers and seal it with a shiny gel top. Or, if you prefer, add the inspiration to your phone and watch the results appear.
These nails feel like summer. They’re not only adorable—they can inspire a fun but still flirty style. A glass of frosé, a white sundress and you’re all ready for summer.
Glossy Block Colors for a Mood-Boosting Pop
This one is sure to brighten your day—you’ll have lemon yellow, minty aqua and lime green short, shiny square nails. There’s a barely-there elegance to the layout that screams “modern minimal,” but it’s still vibrant enough to count as a statement. No art, no fuss—just designs simple and done right.
For this, I’m loving brands like Lights Lacquer (Now & Later) and Olive & June’s Grateful & Kind. A glossy gel topcoat will help the color shine when hit by natural light. Also? Pay attention to your cuticles—a clean style like this depends on being precise.
Start with a clean base coat. Apply two thin layers of polish in alternating colors and cure if you’re using short gel. Then finish with a mega-glossy topcoat. If pastels aren’t your thing but you still want color, this is just right for you.
The reason I like this design is that it’s so easy to wear. It’s ideal for teens short simple looks but also fits grown-up brunches or Zoom meetings. This one doesn’t try hard—and still wins.
Sunset Skies with Gilded Glimmer
These nails have a summer gradient made from pinks, purples and oranges, with small lines of gold glitter on top. It’s gentle, romantic and a bit fancy, but not too much. Think rooftop dinners, lavender cocktails, and golden hour selfies.
To recreate it, grab polishes like Lavender Bliss by Essie, Hot & Spicy by OPI, and a touch of glitter liner like Butter London’s Gold Rush. A sponge ombré method is the best way to achieve the smooth transition.
Rub a light layer of polish onto the nail with a sponge, then seal the shape with glitter down the side or at an angle on the edge. Always seal with a UV topcoat for maximum glow.
I wore this outfit to a sunset wedding and was complimented by both the bride and people I didn’t know. This color combination is just so special—it’s like inspiration for your nails.
Safari Fun with Cartoon Giraffes
Let’s talk fun. All the nails are painted sunshine yellow, except for two: one with a cartoon giraffe and the other with a leopard print which are the stars of the look. It’s cute, unexpected, and playful in the best way.
Apply Orly’s Lemonade for the yellow and use white, black or brown for the animal artwork. You can either paint the details by hand with tiny brushes or use decals if you’re doing it yourself.
Paint all your nails yellow first. After it’s dry, use detail brushes to paint the giraffe on one nail. Add topcoat to lock it in. If you don’t like painting, you can use a stamping plate or stick-on art instead.
I think these would be perfect for a day at the zoo or a summer theme park. They’re cute for children and also smart for adults who want to keep their manicure fun. Cute summer nails 2025 simple can definitely be this playful.
3D Ice Cream Cone Delight
Honestly, I gasped when I saw this. It’s a lovely pastel scene with soft coral, butter yellow and a big 3D ice cream cone. Blue, pink and lemon scooped ice cream sits on a white base, looking like a small dessert you can eat with your fingers.
You’ll need builder gel or acrylic for this. Pastel Punch from Lights Lacquer is a soft tone that looks great as a gel polish. For the best cone, use 3D nail art paste and a dotting tool.
After you’ve painted the background, put some colored gel blobs on your nails and shape them as scoops of ice cream. Cure each layer as you go. Add the cone with brown polish or builder gel. Decide how you want your nails to look and add either a matte or glossy topcoat.
I wouldn’t use them daily, but for a birthday or a holiday? Absolutely. They’re enjoyable, colorful and always put a smile on your face.
Pop-Art Hearts with Neon Glow
We’re concluding this batch with a creative look: almond simple pink nails that make a statement. All the nails have a heart design, outlined twice and colored in neon, black and white. Its bright center with a gradient effect gives it a sense of life—that’s what makes it pop art fantasy.
To do this, try a neutral pink as your base, like Essie’s Ballet Slippers. After that, use striping brushes to place neon pink, blue and green inside heart shapes. Outline in black and white to make it bold. Use a dotting tool for smooth edges.
If you have nail art pens or a tech who loves fine details, try this design and simply tell them “heart-shaped neon glow pop-art.” They’ll know. Add UV gel on top for a highly polished glossy look.
These scream confidence. They’re romantic but rebellious, sweet but edgy. We’ve found the main character for cute summer nails almond.
Checkerboard Meets Smiley Meets Daisies
This set is a summer scrapbook on nails. There’s a deep red heart, a black and white checker with a pink accent, a classic smiley on a yellow background and a daisy parade on soft pink. It’s fun, yet orderly, with all the pieces in place.
You should have white, black, yellow, pink and red gel polishes in your kit. For this, you’ll want to have nail art brushes and dotting tools close by. If you don’t have time to make daisies, you can use flower decals instead.
Create each design individually—go one nail at a time. Outline the smiley and checkerboard with a fine liner and make sure your hand is still when you draw hearts. A thick topcoat gives everything that juicy, finished feel.
I took this outfit with me on a weekend trip to Santa Monica. Even the coffee barista noticed. They are summer nails almond that mix in a little trendiness with a lot of joy.
Neon Candy Swirl Magic
This is what rainbow road would look like as a manicure. Every neon nail polish turns into a smooth, swirling pattern because of these almond-shaped nails. There’s blue, orange, pink, lime, coral—you name it. And the movement in the design? So satisfying to look at.
Use the hottest gel polish colors you have and a thin striper brush. To get the swirl, paint each color one by one and gently curve the colors together—so you need to be patient.
First, use a pale natural base and then swirl your colors in either a vertical or diagonal fashion. Don’t overthink symmetry—the chaos makes it fun. Add a touch-up to undone spots when they are dry and then complete with a glossy topcoat.
These are statement nails, period. They’re perfect for festivals or days when your nails are your main accessory. Cute summer nails 2025 just got a sugar rush.
Pastel Gradient Dream with Glitter Accents
This one feels like a watercolor painting under sunlight. The soft pink and purple ombré goes from nail to nail, while the statement fingers are covered in glitter. It’s a calm, ethereal take on ideas simple, but it hits different.
You can use sheer gel polishes such as OPI’s Baby Take a Vow and Lavendare to Find Courage for a manicure. Apply the glitter flakes with a builder base and press them down with a silicone tool. It looks luxe but doesn’t overwhelm.
The gradient technique is possible using a round sponge or an ombré brush. Work in layers and blend slowly. Use glitter just on a couple of your nails to avoid making it messy.
If you’re looking for a piece that works at weddings and Target, this is the one. The almond simple pink nails are soft, pretty and quietly lovely.
Cherry Flames & Double Hearts
Here comes the attitude. These acrylics are designed with cherry drawings, red flames and double white hearts on a pink background. It’s a bold, hot and flirty scent that doesn’t need to be loud to stand out. Think of them as regular strawberry soda with a little bit of spice added.
Make sure you have cherry red, hot pink, white and black for your outlines. You’ll need a dotting tool and a mini brush to draw the flames and fruit. Or pick up cherry decals for a faster finish.
Use a natural or pink base first. Then layer on the flames and hearts. Let the cherries go on last so they pop. Trello, in its default state, has a nice glossy shield across the top that keeps its appearance smooth and clean.
If you asked me which nail to wear at a rooftop party at golden hour, I’d say this one. Summer nails in pink that read “I’m sweet, but I bite.”
Strawberry Picnic Nails
These cute square-shaped short nails have strawberries, daisies and a bit of red polish for a perfect touch. It’s similar to adding berries to your nail design. Cottagecore meets fun-girl.
You can either use jelly gel bases or leave the nail clear to get the transparent look. You can achieve flowers by adding strawberry and daisy decals or by dotting paint on yourself with tools. You’ll need white, yellow, red, and green gels.
The design works best if the strawberries are put in the cake as if they were scattered randomly. Add some solid-color nails to your look to avoid making it too busy.
I wore these to a summer picnic shoot and they were the star of the event. They’re bright, easy to dress up and one of the cutest summer nail ideas for 2025 if you want something simple and soft.
Retro Picnic Mix for the Maximalist Mood
If there was a playlist for summer, this manicure would be the album cover. The nails have a mix of everything—checkered red and white, pastel blue and pink, hearts, flowers and polka dots. And somehow? It all works. It’s a collage of joy on your fingertips.
To recreate it, you’ll need a palette of pastels (mint, peach, white) and a few bright basics like cherry red. You should try Color Club or Cirque Colors brands—they do a great job of making the polish creamy. To make the squares and hearts clean, you need a fine brush and a dotting tool.
Apply each design element individually, so you have time to enjoy and be accurate. You can either rock matte nails for a graphic feel or select a glossy topcoat to add a highlight. Either works beautifully.
This is what I make when I want a bit of everything and can’t decide on a theme. It’s bold, colorful, and full of ideas simple that can be customized or mixed with your own twist.
Soft Mint Simplicity
Sometimes less really is more. You can see from this mint-green mani that simple can still be stylish. The gel’s creamy finish reflects the light nicely, making your lips look soft and shiny with every outfit.
To get that clean mint look, go with Mint Condition by DND or That’s Hula-rious! from OPI. You can achieve a soft finish with a base coat and a glassy topcoat will keep it looking great for a week.
You only need to polish your nails twice and remember to cap the tips to protect them. If you’re looking for gel nails that are appropriate for both work and travel, this is the one to choose.
I chose this for a weekend away and I felt very polished without having to do much. It’s giving clean girl, summer edition. If you’re looking for a simple, cool summer nail, this is a great option.
Pastel Flower Power
These flirty almond nails pay tribute to the joy of flower fields and nice road trips. The design features a base in pink, yellow, lavender, mint or coral for each finger and every finger has a five-petal flower in the center, like a little burst of joy.
Lights Lacquer’s pastel capsule collection includes shades you can try. Dotting tools and nail vinyls are really useful when adding floral touches to your nails. All you need to do these designs is a steady hand and a bit of patience.
Apply your pastel base and let dry fully. After that, put five dots around the center and a dot of a different color in the middle. Finish up by applying a shiny coat to finish the project.
These feel super Y2K, like something you’d wear with butterfly clips and jelly sandals. I think they’re a great blend of fun summer nails and an elegant finish.
Smiley Melon Energy
This one is just pure happiness. Watermelon slices, smiley faces, bright yellow, punchy pink and juicy purple—all your nails are ready to celebrate. The structure of the square is balanced by the lively design.
It’s important to have both acrylic paints and pigmented gel polishes. Paint the base pink, use a brush to add green rind lines and add black dots for the seeds. Black marks are good for smiley faces and pink works well for hearts.
This one takes time, so break it into parts. Each nail can have its own mood. Apply UV topcoat to secure your product and improve the finish of it.
I wore these nails to a rooftop party and people actually stopped me to give me compliments. It’s not just nail art—it’s a vibe. Cute summer nails square, but make them maximalist.
Modern Yellow Swirls
Minimalist? Yes. Boring? Never. The nails are shaped like almonds, are yellow and have smooth white squiggles that add a little movement and contrast. They’re a graphic take on designs simple, perfect for someone who wants art without clutter.
Try applying Sun’s Out by Olive & June, a warm mustard yellow and use a white gel liner as your second color. A matte topcoat will help the whole look feel current and stylish.
Paint the base first and let it fully cure. After that, use a thin brush to paint abstract curves. It’s best to use organic shapes for this. You don’t need to wear the same color and that’s what makes it special.
I really like this acrylics look for whenever I’m going out. It’s very modern, artistic and pairs perfectly with gold jewelry. If you’ve been looking for simple art ideas—this is the one you want.
