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It’s time for summer and your nails will be dressed in bright colors.
We often notice the change in season when the days get longer, we get burned by the sun for the first time and our simple winter manicure no longer looks right. If you’ve been searching on Pinterest for ideas labeled “2025 beach mood,” hoping to find something that really excites you, you found the right spot. For summer, the best nails are those that are modern, simple, a bit adventurous and full of fun.
So, what are the trendiest coffin nails for this summer? Consider adding neon, beachy blue, pink ombré, fruity and glossy elements to your hair. And likewise, interesting textures, striking shapes and retro art that makes you feel like a Gen-Z-Y2K rebel. Whether you’re chilling on the coast of Greece, sipping spritz in Italy, or just looking for new ideas before your next salon appointment — I’ve gathered 25 looks that are anything but basic.
Want to make your hands the trendiest accessory for summer? Let’s start by looking at one set of acrylic, almond, square, matte and high-shine nails at a time.
Electric Pop Art Meets Pool Party
These shoes are sure to make you feel like you’re on vacation. Having yellow, red and those swirls in neon pink, lime green and turquoise on your nails is like holding a Miami sunset in your hands. It looks as if waves or paint are moving around the design, but slowly. As soon as I put it on, I felt the Spanish spirit, probably because it looks like Gaudí’s art or a sunny summer day with sangria.
You can achieve this effect with gel shades that are highly pigmented and the Beetles Gel Polish Summer Neon Collection has been great for me. For the black outlining, you should use a fine detail brush such as Winstonia’s 000 Nail Art Brush, to avoid blurring the lines.
The trickiest part? The abstract swirls. First, I put down the base colors, let each one dry and then add one contrasting line at a time, making sure to cure them between each step. According to celeb nail artist Mei Kawajiri (yes, the genius behind Bella Hadid’s best sets), the trick to balance is to treat each nail like its own canvas but keep the palette cohesive.
It gives me confidence even when I’m just getting an iced latte. People are often curious and ask where I got my brightly colored and confident-looking designs done. I always say: I worked at my kitchen table for three hours, listened to two podcasts and became a bit obsessed with nail art trends for 2025. Worth it.
Soft Watercolor Skies and Cotton-Candy Dreams
These nails look like your best summer moments, with soft ocean waves in pink, blue and yellow, all fading into each other like a sunset at the end of a summer day. The whole design looks dreamy, as if the wind painted it. This is beachy but make it soft-focus. Imagine watching the sunset in Greece, feet in the water and a drink nearby.
I recommend using sheer tints at home such as Madam Glam’s Blooming Gels or Born Pretty’s Ink Nail Polishes. When you use a sticky surface, they blend perfectly on the paper, creating a watercolor effect without making everything too blurry. A little sponge can also pick up delicate color.
Creating this marble effect means letting go of perfection. You want irregularity. Use a small oval brush or dotting tool and stop swirling once the color appears to be getting muddy. For a perfect shine, apply a top coat of Seche Vite at the end.
These nails made me feel like I was floating. Literally. I put them on for a beach picnic last year and someone thought my nails looked like clouds. I didn’t, but it was awesome that it seemed like I did.
Summer Skies and Smiley Sighs
Those days in summer when you lie down and watch the clouds are the best. That’s what this aesthetic nail set delivers. Matte baby blue, crisp white clouds and smiley faces make this design look innocent without being childish; it’s simply cool. There’s an air of simple, curated joy. I would be happy to wear these while walking on the boardwalk at the 2025 beach coast.
The matte finish is key here. Try using OPI’s Matte Top Coat as it dries quickly and doesn’t make the color look dull. For the art itself, I use Dotting Tools by Makartt and tiny stickers when I’m in a rush (don’t come for me, I love a shortcut).
This style is low-stress but high-impact. First, I apply two layers of blue, let it dry and then add white dots for the clouds. For the smileys, use a small brush since they are simpler to draw than they appear. Just breathe through it and remember: uneven = charming.
Before going to Italy, one of my friends tried this style and random people were reaching out to get a closer look at her nails. Happy nails seem to put a smile on the faces of everyone who sees them.
Flamingo Hour: Neon Heat Meets Tropic Cool
Okay, this one is pure 2025 beach movie magic. Hot coral pink, midnight glitter, flamingo decals and black palm silhouettes are all featured on a fierce coffin shape. I can see this design being used in a music video filmed in Spain or Miami. The design is bold enough for your hands to become the main feature. Let’s just say… nobody misses these nails.
I get this effect by putting on Kiara Sky’s Dip Powder in ‘Bikini Pink’ and topping it with Modelones Holographic Gel Polish in ‘Night Glow’. After that, I place the flamingo and palm decals halfway through the process and seal them with builder gel. They’ll stay put through sun, surf, and spicy margaritas.
Here, you don’t have to sketch anything, as decals are used instead. Just place them strategically and cure. You need to combine the bold and the elegant: the black helps balance the design and the white allows the flamingos to stand out.
During my trip to Greece, this outfit made people approach me to ask about it. Tip? Wear just a few rings and a light amount of makeup to let your nails shine.
Minimal Pop: Neon Tips on Nude
A modern design with a touch of summer cheer. The design consists of neat neon orange, pink, yellow and blue lines around the transparent nude nails. The book gives a solid structure to its thoughts, but the tone is lighthearted and easy-going. The sharp finish comes from the square edge and the negative space is another feature. Chef’s kiss.
For a look this crisp, your tools matter. A striping tape or a detail liner brush can assist you if you want to draw your own design. DND Neon Gel Collection contains pigments that are very bright and do not seep out at the edges. A steady hand will make this job much easier for you.
Put on your nude base, let it completely dry and then line the tips with the neon color you want. I prefer to trim a V shape at the bottom of the tip to make it look more stylish. Finish everything off with a gloss top coat that doesn’t require wiping.
I prefer this type of acrylic design when I’m planning a quick and easy trip. I wore this while visiting the coast one weekend — it was perfect for the occasion.
Lavender Dreams and Crystalline Drama
Lavender has a special charm, especially when teamed with glassy surfaces and holographic decorations. It is a design that looks very glamorous but not like a costume. With the glitter in the tip and the prismatic detail, this nail polish looks both out of this world and fashionable. Definitely a vibe if you’re spending summer hopping between music festivals and beach brunches.
I apply Kokoist’s Lavender Milk gel to my full-color nails because it’s smooth and buttery and it doesn’t leave any streaks. Après Gel-X Extend Gel is a great builder gel for achieving a flawless, bubble-free clear base with the see-through accent. The sculptural charm? I used a mix of Aurora pieces covered in gel with Swarovski half-pearls and a thin chain to make the design more interesting.
The trick is to pair the sparkle with solid color; I begin by picking one design finger for each hand and then add more. When working with nail crystals for the first time, secure them with McCart Rhinestone Gel to avoid losing a charm in the middle of a toast.
This design reminds me of long walks along Ibiza’s marina in early August — the kind of look that makes your gelato taste better, somehow. 💜
Tangerine Fade for Golden Hour Girls
A popsicle teaming with a Paris runway would result in these juicy, sunset-colored coffin nails. The nude-to-orange ombré french twist is a simple yet colorful hairstyle. Because the shape is almond-shaped, the vibrant tip is softened and looks effortlessly cool. You could enjoy it over a weekend in Greece or while relaxing at a rooftop bar near you.
You should use a jelly orange shade such as The Gel Bottle Inc. in “Coral Punch” and a soft nude base such as OPI’s “Bubble Bath”. A sponge is useful for creating the smooth transition from the top to the sides. If you use a thin nail art brush, you can achieve a border that helps your design look professional.
I prefer to start with the nude base and cure it, then sponge a little orange from the tip toward the bottom, cure it and repeat to make the design deeper. Next, use your thin brush to outline the french so that the style looks neat and well-defined.
As soon as I tried this, I imagined myself with a silk scarf and large sunglasses. For some reason, orange is especially special in the summer of 2025.
Rainbow Melt with Crystal Cuticles
This one’s a total dopamine hit. Each nail showcases a different vibrant hue — pink, orange, blue, green — with a subtle fade and disco-ball cuticle crystals that remind me of beach bonfires and music blaring from someone’s portable speaker. It’s bold without being loud, and that iridescent sparkle? Just enough drama for your hot-girl beachy moments.
To recreate this, I go full gel. The shades in the Modelones Color Cube Kit are rich and blend perfectly with one another. Add the Born Pretty Rhinestone Kit by using tweezers and showing patience — it will be worth your effort. Put some rubber base or builder gel underneath the rhinestones to ensure they stay put.
Blending these colors takes a bit of practice. I use a wedge sponge or a fluffy ombré brush to make the fades at the base appear soft. Crystals are placed after everything else and the painting is finished with two coats of topcoat — be careful not to flood them or the shine will disappear.
People in the iced matcha line would compliment me on these nails. They always make me proud to say, “I did it all myself at home.”
Barbie Blush with Crystal Hearts
This one’s for the soft glam lovers. A heart charm and a semi-circle of rhinestones on top of a warm ombré from nude to pink reminds me of the sky at a fair and the sweetness of your first kiss. Its simple elegance comes from the gentle shine and the coffin shape makes it trendy and fresh.
I used a mix of Nail Reserve’s “Pink Panther” and their nude base to achieve the perfect gradient. That raised heart? Sculpted using builder gel and a silicone mold. You could also purchase pre-made hearts and stick them to your shoes using Makartt’s Bling Adhesive.
For this look, use a nude color, then use your pink at the tip and blend it upwards with a makeup sponge. It might take several layers, but being patient is worth it. When everything is done, add the heart and rhinestones before sealing it with a high-gloss coat.
Putting on this outfit made me feel like a summer girl in late July. The dusty pink slip dress, sandals and these nails made my outfit look much more put together. Obsessed isn’t even the word.
Hot Flame Chic: The Fire Set
If you’re in the mood for “only talk to me if you’re offering iced coffee and an opinion,” this art speaks for you. With jet-black tips and hot firey orange flames, rock ‘n roll is rebellious and perfect for anyone who wants something fresh for summer. This look doesn’t whisper. It roars.
Apply Gelish “Black Shadow” as your base and use the Born Pretty Flame Gel Set for the gradient colors. A thin flame brush (yes, they exist) gives you better flame tapering. Mix some red and orange, use black for the outline and cure your work after every step.
First, use a toothpick or thin brush to apply the lightest yellow, then add the warmer colors and flick them upwards with the brush. With the pieces dry, apply a topcoat and I’d suggest a semi-gloss finish to make it look like leather.
I wore these for a weekend in Italy (because yes, pizza and fire nails pair beautifully). Heads turned. And if you’re bold enough to rock this in everyday life, I salute you — and I’ll be copying you next.
Black and Neon Energy Surge
This is for the ladies who enjoy their summer days with a hint of rebellion. The combination of glossy black coffin nails and a bright green neon strip is very appealing. The style is so bold and cool that I’d wear it to any party that feels exciting after the sun goes down. Not much, but with a “hands off” kind of attitude.
I use Gelish “Black Shadow” to get this look, as it only takes two coats to achieve the patent-leather effect. For the neon? Bio Seaweed Gel Neon Green by ORLY “Glowstick” is your best bet. A striping brush or striping tape will help you create a very sharp line between the two colors.
I prefer to start with the neon and cover it with tape before painting on the black. As a result, the lighter color does not become dull or disappear. The last step is adding a high-gloss coat which makes the painting look just like glass.
Whenever I have black nails on in summer, someone will comment, “Aren’t black nails too strong for this time of year?” I believe that any time of year is a good time for contrast. Especially not 2025.
Wild Neutrals with Leopard Accents
Mixing muted colors with animal print is simply cool. The set adds a touch of classy elegance to modern safari. A leopard accent and gold stripes take the softness of matte black, taupe and cream nails and add a touch of sparkle. These nails are suitable for every occasion, from wild nights out to elegant evenings, whether in Spain or Chicago.
For the neutrals, I love the Gelish shades “Matadora” (matte black) and “Tan My Hide” (beige). You can create leopard spots by placing dots with a deep brown and black polish on a gel base such as ORLY “Liquid Vinyl” and “Prince Charmin’.” The reason this looks so high-end is thanks to the gold foil or striping tape.
At home, you should begin by putting on your base neutrals and curing after each application. Apply a nude base and then use a dotting tool to create random brown spots on the leopard nail. Outline with tiny black strokes to mimic fur texture. Cover the nails with gold tape or polish striping, seal them all with a matte top coat and finish the accent nail with a glossy one to keep the manicure interesting.
This one gives me serious “elevated vacation” vibes. Italy is known for wandering through old streets with a cold espresso in your hand. It is a strong move, yet it is still balanced and centered.
Ocean Ombre with Crystal Tide
That’s the moment when the ocean reaches the shore and turns into soft white foam. That’s exactly what this mani captures. The tips of the nails are decorated with tiny crystals that sparkle like sea glass found on the beach. This drink is feminine, refreshing and dreamy enough to remind you of a beach trip. This is a song that feels like a ticket to summer 2025 and could easily get you a passport stamp.
You can either use the Modelones Pastel Ombre Gel Kit or mix your own fade by using jelly gels. You should use a sponge or an ombre brush to blend the colors pink, lilac, baby blue and turquoise. Apply the crystals using nail glue or gel adhesive or if you prefer, use Swarovski adhesive.
Begin by painting your nude jelly base and then use a sponge to blend each ombre nail by adding a new color lightly to the previous one. Cure each layer before adding the next. Once the top coat has dried, use tweezers to put the gems near your cuticle in a wavy pattern. Seal again for staying power.
On my trip to the Balearic Islands, I felt that each of my fingers had a bit of Greece or Spain’s seaside in them. Those gems sparkle like the sun reflecting in the water, making them even more beautiful.
Lemon Zest Shine
Who says yellow can’t be glam? These yellow coffin nails are just like a ray of summer sunshine on your nails. Thanks to its high-gloss and micro glitter, it has the same refreshing effect as a citrus spritz on a sunny day. It is neat, it is bold and yes, yellow is actually very wearable. They are not complicated, but they are confidently designed and make me think of the brightest beach days in 2025.
The best yellow I have found is Yellin’ Yellow by Lights Lacquer or Electric Daisy from Holo Taco for its pretty glitter finish. A few layers of nail polish and a final coat of Seche Vite or Glossy by Apres will give your nails a golden finish.
No crazy techniques here. Paint your base color on the nail, let it dry and repeat the process two or three times. Add a layer of glitter on only some of your nails to make them different. Finish the painting with a UV top coat to make it shine.
This collection reminds me of daisy chains, lemonade and pool floaties. It is that unique expression that is cheerful without putting in much effort. And honestly? Yellow has been seriously underrated in nail designs. If you haven’t tried it before, this could be your summer adventure.
Neon Lines and Ocean Waves
They look like you’re wearing a pool float on your nails — soft, pastel blue merging into the background, with a highlighter pink squiggle hugging the edge of your nails. It feels like a throwback to the 80s, but with a modern twist. This casual, light outfit makes you feel like you are on a holiday, even if you’re not.
Use Candy Coat’s “Miami Pink” and OPI’s “It’s a Boy!” for that dreamy duo. The pink outline can be drawn with a liner brush, but marking it lightly with a pencil first will help you keep it even.
Usually, I start with a nude base, let it dry, then add two layers of blue, leaving the wavy negative space by the cuticle. The pink line comes last — thin and fluid. Give the car a glossy coat to keep the shine intact.
These nails are a full mood. They allow Greece to enjoy a rooftop pool or a rooftop party in LA. Either way, I’m obsessed.
Electric Lilac with Neon Geometry
This design reminds me of a futuristic party happening on the beaches of Ibiza. Although the base of these coffin nails is matte lilac, the contrast of the design makes them look powdery. Those electric yellow-green geometric lines? Total 2025. It’s a mix of fashion and fun, as if you’re walking on the catwalk in Spain. Great for summer nights spent on the beach, enjoying your favorite drinks. If you’re craving that Coffin Nails for Summer 2025 Vibes energy with a touch of unexpected edginess, this is it.
For the best results, use a lilac polish with a lot of pigment such as OPI’s “Do You Lilac It?” I used a micro-liner brush and The GelBottle’s neon lime gel from the “Neon Lights” collection to draw the lines. A matte top coat will help maintain the strong contrast between the colors.
The key here is structure. First, shape the nails into that clean coffin silhouette. Lay down two coats of your base color. Cure fully. Then, paint the neon lines with a striping brush, making them abstract and ensuring they are placed in a planned pattern. Cure and finish with matte topcoat. It’s easier than it looks if you’ve got a steady hand and a little patience.
While I was in Miami over a long weekend, I was asked four times where I had these done. They’re a vibe. I thought it looked like a piece of graphic art I could wear and they matched well with both swimsuits and linen clothes.
Daisy Dreams in Silver and Sunshine
This one just melts my heart. This design is like a ray of sunshine, with silver, white and the cutest 3D daisies you can find. The combination of glamor and innocence is perfect, just like a walk along the Amalfi Coast with daisies in your beach bag. It’s all about retro-summer Italy, but with a fashionable and stylish touch. It’s one of the nail designs I can’t wait to wear this summer.
The daisy details can be created using 3D nail art gel or even small dried flower decals if you’re doing it at home. You should use Essie “Blanc” to get the base white and LeChat “Silver Bells” for the glittery effect. The delicate accent comes from the warm yellow gel “Sunflower” from DND.
It begins by cleaning your nails and applying one layer of white, followed by glitter and then soft yellow. Place the daisies by dotting with the tool and brush and press on the micro-beads for the flower centers. Give the painting a glossy top coat to protect the flowers.
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about this look. It makes me think of picnics from the past and the charm bracelets from the 2000s. To me, this would look great on someone enjoying the sun by a pool in Greece, drinking a citrusy drink and watching the sparkle shine.
Peachy Hearts and Crystal Clear Tips
This one’s a sweet whisper of romance with a dash of glitz. The soft matte peach looks subtle, while the transparent tips with hearts and crystals look like something from a dreamy Reels scene. The nails are trendy and girly and if there was a nail set called “soft girl goes 2025 beach glam,” it would be these. They look great for a morning meal and are perfect for taking pictures during the sunset.
I used Kiara Sky’s “Peach Please” for the base color and clear builder gel for the transparent extensions. A soft nude jelly polish was used to paint the hearts and then Swarovski-style crystals were added to give them a sparkle effect.
After you have shaped and prepared your nails, brush your peach polish on all nails except for the accent ones. Apply the hard gel on top of the tips and cure them. Paint the shapes of your heart with jelly polish using a fine brush, add gems with tweezers and finish with a top coat. You should be patient, but the result is definitely worth it.
What I like best is that this outfit is comfortable and light, even in warm weather. It’s breathable glam. It feels like the first morning of your holiday, when you have all day to look your best.
Neon Tropic Jungle Lines
A tropical remix is what happens when colors from the jungle mix with the precision of a city. The combination of hot pink, bright green and black lines over a beachy nude background is just like being on vacation. These nails are for anyone who wants their manicure to be in charge this summer, making a bold statement.
You can find Madame Glam’s “Dragon Fruit” for the neon pink and “Lime Me” for the green. For the black detail, use Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in the shade Black Out. “Birthday Suit” from Beetles is an excellent base for your face makeup. It’s all about contrast.
These take a bit of work. Start with two coats of nude polish. When the paint is dry, use a detail brush to add pink and green lines on the sides and finish with some black lines. Try different ways of directing your film, as it should be bold rather than inflexible. Add a topcoat that gives the furniture a shiny and lasting finish.
In my opinion, this feels just like wearing a brightly colored swimsuit on your hands. Great for enjoying a pool party in Miami or spending a weekend in Spain. It’s pure statement inspo.
Olive Gold Minimalism
This is especially for the girls who enjoy a peaceful moment of luxury. The combination of matte olive and raised gold squiggles is a very stylish classic. It’s earthy, yet sophisticated. You could wear this with gold jewelry, linen colors or while dining at a Greek sunset. Minimalist nails are popular because they highlight your own style.
I chose Zoya’s “Charlie” for the base to give the nails that soft olive color. Leafgel’s gold liner was applied to the nails to give them a 3D effect without making them too thick. A matte finish is necessary because it gives the metallic effect without making the nails look too glitzy.
The trick to these squiggles is that less is better. Use the brush or dotting tool to smoothly draw the gold gel in curvy lines. Cure and mattify. It’s about embracing imperfection while still looking polished.
This is my current go-to. It’s quiet, intentional, and works with every outfit. If you’re more of a subtle artist but want to try acrylics, this is your chance.
Pressed Petals in Soft Lilac and Blush
This set will transform your nails into a lovely garden party. We’re talking soft lilac polish paired with sheer nude bases adorned with 3D floral appliqués in dusty pink and lavender. It’s ethereal without being fussy. These coffin nails are so lovely, you could wear them to a wedding in Italy or a brunch in Spain and everyone would notice you. The combination of organic and polished shapes works perfectly in this sculpture.
Choose a soft lilac polish such as “Wisteria Wisdom” by Cirque Colors and 3D gel flowers in pastel colors which can either be bought or made from builder gel. A high-gloss finish on top of the painting adds depth to the flowers. For some flowers, I suggest using a rhinestone center so they sparkle a little.
First, paint the solid nails and allow them to dry before adding another coat. Begin by applying a light nude color as your base for the accent nails and then use tweezers and some nail glue or gel to place the flowers. Getting the spacing correct can be a challenge, but after the petals are on, cure and seal the design with topcoat. This one’s more intricate, but worth every minute.
Personally, I love these for their romantic vibe. They make me think of strolling through fields of lavender on a chilly morning in Greece during June. There’s movement and color, but it’s never loud—it’s just…beautiful.
Monochrome Marble and Onyx
Let’s talk power nails. The combination of black and white marble with a glossy acrylic finish gives this design an almost architectural look. It’s cool, clean, and wildly dramatic without needing a single rhinestone. I love this look for anyone who’s got minimalist style but still wants something with serious impact. It works well for a night out in town, a visit to the gallery or a black-and-white party in the summer. Timeless, yes—but also very now.
For the jet-black part, use “Licorice” from Essie Gel Couture and for the white, use “Alpine Snow” from OPI. To make the stone look cracked, use a fine detail brush and some black alcohol ink or a thin gel liner.
The technique involves layering. First, add your base, then cure it and finally, use a thin black and white polish with a detail brush or dotting tool. Don’t overwork the lines—less is more with marble. After removing any excess, cure the stone again and add a glossy topcoat to enhance the look of the natural stone.
There’s something deeply grounding about this set. I brought this style with me to Lisbon and it fit in perfectly with my neutral clothes. These nails don’t shout. They whisper, “she’s got great taste.”
Sunset Sorbet Ombre
Here’s your go-to summer fade. The ombre mixes a light nude with a gradient of hot violet-pink, as if a 2025 beach sunset were turned into a manicure. The shape is simple, yet not basic, especially since the coffin shape makes the fingers appear long and elegant. If you’re into pink, but you don’t want a full Barbie-core moment, this is your sweet spot. Eye-catching, yet easy to wear every single day.
Begin with a solid nude like “Birthday Suit” or “Bare My Soul,” then add a bright pink like “Purple Palazzo Pants” or any from the Beetles Summer Ombre collection. Apply the makeup sponge or ombre brush to blend the two colors.
Start with your nude base and cure. Sponge some pink onto your nail and dab from the tips to the center, blending as you go. Repeat in thin layers to intensify the color. Finish with a shiny topcoat to smooth everything out. Tip: using a base coat with color in it can blend the colors in your nails smoothly.
I find this one perfect for when you want your nails to look like a creamsicle. The makeup is soft and colorful, matching the Coffin Nails for Summer 2025 trend and looking great under the sun.
A fantastic summer manicure has a way of making you feel different.
Possibly it’s the burst of color in your coffee cup or the smooth marble background when you browse pictures of the ocean, that makes you enjoy it. Your nails are a reflection of your style, your feelings and your life. This summer, coffin nails are showing off a strong, lively and confident look.
No matter if you choose easy, small and smiley or more elegant, long necklaces with 3D charms, it’s the one that suits you best. Try a design that surprises you. Wear a color you never thought would work. Match your nails to your cocktail. Or your swimsuit. Or the playlist you’re blasting. This summer is yours.
Now, go book your appointment. Or break out the gels at home. Either way — your next nail moment? It’s about to go viral.
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