23 Bright Summer Gel Nail Design Ideas 2025 You’ll Want to Copy Immediately

With summer swiftly approaching, many are looking to undergo a change such as, wearing lighter clothes, consuming iced drinks, and refreshing their nails. The pressing question, though, is what is trending for summer gel nail design ideas 2025 and how can you customize them My goal is for you to feel optimistic and confident, whether you’re headed to the beach or planning a girl’s night out. I want you feeling bright and fabulous. From Bold styles to fierce cuts, this list idea is not just for inspiration; it is your summer nail board. As for inspiration, what about pink, blue, or even 2025 red? Perhaps all of them.
How would your perfect summer manicure look like? Does it lean towards soft and elegant, or loud and unapologetically colorful? Whether you’re lounging poolside, enjoying the warm sand between your toes, or sipping iced matcha on a city terrace, summer gel nail designs for 2025 are all about vibrant personality. But it’s not solely about trends; it’s how these designs make you feel. Let’s explore the looks that are currently trending in salons and on moodboards.

Pink Elegance with Gold Highlights

This design strikes that sweet spot between understated and luxurious. The cool-toned blush base serves as a canvas for metallic streams that resemble melted gold, adding just enough glow without going chrome. It has a touch of glam which makes it classy—for example, a silky dress that shimmers as light dances off of it. This look is ageless and works beautifully for both day brunch and summer weddings, enhancing light skin or a tan.

I would recommend OPI “Let Me Bayou a Drink” as it is a creamy pink gel polish with shimmer and gold foil accents. For the gilded drips, I would use Born Pretty Gold Foil Gel delicately applied with a fine brush and dotting tool. The final coat can be a gel top coat for a liquid glass effect. From my experience, this combination lasts for three weeks without any touch ups.

Start with a light buff on nails for better adhesion, followed by a clean dab of base coat. Pink gel is layered with two coats and cured under LED. Next, with gold gel, draw soft gentle swirls far from the center of the nail – imagine champagne fizzing over a glass edge. Add the finishing touches with dots at the ends and encase your artwork. Nail expert Tom Bachik suggests placing the designs at positions where light hits the nail to cast shadows to create a 3D effect.

This look exquisitely understated yet refined and polished at the same time. I wore this design during a friend’s rooftop soirée and it paired beautifully with a glass of rosé for sunset selfies. The light catching those gold droplets is nothing short of magic.

Floral Bloom in Sunset Shades

With every little hand movement, these adorable summer garden gel nails bring to mind a stroll in the garden. The flowers on these nails are painted in pink, yellow, and orange, brought to life on a milky base. This lively combination has hints of daisy fields and popsicles, and evokes nostalgia. It is feminine but not overly sweet. These florals sing instead of whisper.

Kokoists Baby Pink and Lemon Drop or Neon Orange along with floral gel paints would be perfect for this milky white sheer base by Beetles. With a detail brush or a dotting tool, paint petals and then darken the center for depth. Glitter gel is my go to for adding that glint of sunshine to the center of each flower.

To reconstruct the petals, begin with marking the outline with a soft pastel shade and layer on the vivid hues. For the “wet flower” effect, apply a dot of clear builder gel (which is cured) and then sprinkle some glitter. Planting the petals in translucent shades is how Jenny Bui achieves that effect and it truly is mesmerizing.

This floral design brings back memories of summer flower press kits I received as a child. There is something joyful about floral designs that is softly sophisticated. This design is universally flattering, making it a wonderful go-to for all skin tones.

Rainbow Chrome Pop with Gem Accents

This is a masterpiece with every color in the rainbow! For each glossy nail, use a bright pink, yellow, green, blue, and orange and add a gemstone near the cuticle for added elegance. Attention-seeking girls who enjoy a more subtle approach would wear something like this. It’s giving festival, pride month, rooftop brunch… literally anything and everything.

Gel polishes like Madame Glam’s ‘Summer Escape’ collection feature bold colors with a hot weather polish that is non chip. The jewels. Daily Charme sells the gemstones—flat-back glass-cut with a variety of sizes. Builder gel works best for securing them.

Getting the shades smooth and even is a challenge, so for this design I always go to the salon. But if you’d rather do it at home, just make sure you use a peel off guide and cure each layer carefully. Finish with a non wipe top coat, then apply the gems and cure again for the final time.

After putting these nails on, I went for a beach picnic, one my friends said they looking like “skittles for grown ups”. Which is honestly spot on. It’s cheerful without being childish and looking at them instantly brightens your mood.

Neon Lining Graphic Colorblock

This modern masterpiece captures negative space and stripes in pink, green, black, and orange with a stark white accent nail contrasting the chaos. For the bold statement makers only.

To achieve this design, use highly pigmented gels like Gelish “Radiance Collection.” For precision, use a steady hand and a curved liner brush for intricate outlines. To achieve the crisp edges I admire, use nail tape and tiny angled brushes for touch ups.

For a DIY version. Apply a nude base and do color one at a time. Use silicone guards or nail tape to section off areas. Make sure to cure each individual color so they do not bleed together. For those finishing neon stripes, a striping brush will do wonders. It’s very nail-tech-at-home friendly, so take your time.

This conversation starter works best when paired with an all white linen jumpsuit and chunky gold rings, which was also perfect for me.

Fuchsia-Tipped Fierceness

Pink’s resurgence in fashion for 2025 is certainly a bold statement with sharp and spiky elements everywhere, and this style captures the fierce femininity perfectly. The nails are painted in a pink French style with fuchsia tips. A blend of classic femininity and a “don’t mess with me” vibe, this design captures hot Pink energy not only on feet but on nails too.

For the base, I suggest Apres “Baby Pink Builder Gel”. For the fuchsia tips, use Luxa Polish “Hot Stuff”. It is the most saturated pink I know. As for the fusion nailed claws, they need to be stiletto shaped. Nail filing is to be done before painting tips to aid the illusion of claws.

Lastly, getting the design done at the salon is what I suggest; achieving the gradient accuracy at home is tough. If you are daring: two layers of pink, a large brush for tip outlining, filling, and then coated in two layers of top gel for protection works.

Let me reveal something — this shape makes me feel indestructible and with a slightly better straighter posture. The unique length and color combo does wonders. It’s unlikely to be an everyday style but statement days, this design dominates.

Butterfly Chrome Burst

These nails scream celebration! They are reminiscent of a Y2K and psychedelic style fusion. Each hand’s split design showcases butterfly wings and is dramatically outlined in black. Confidence is key with this look featuring bold black detailing, shimmer droplets, bright crystals, and a multicolor base. It’s not just nail art–it’s empowering mood therapy art.

The GelBottle Inc. or DND’s Rainbow Spectrum Series would work perfectly for the rainbow base. As for the black wing outline, it requires micro liner brushes and ultra-pigmented black gel paint. Using Holo rhinestones from Swarovski Nail Art is perfect for the gems too.

Start with your gradient base layers (pinks, blues, oranges, greens). You will need to cure each layer before adding the butterfly wings with a striping brush. Achieving a mirror image on both hands is challenging, so take your time. TikTok nail artists suggest lightly sketching the wing outline before painting which is surprisingly useful.

These let me feel like the protagonist, and I got compliments all over the venue from the line to the vending booth and even from a merch vendor. I remember an outdoor concert I went to last year where I wore something similar. With great nail art, people don’t need to say anything because it speaks for itself.

Opal Glimmer for Quiet Days

While it may seem simplistic at first, this is an astonishing look. The first impression is white with a soft shimmer, but in the sunlight, the layers claim their hidden depth, unveiling luminous elegance. Ethereal, reminiscent of freshly laundered sheets or the first sip of an iced lavender latte, the nails encapsulate a blend of white gel with prismatic sparkles on the accent nails.

For this look, Bio Seaweed Gel’s “Snow White” makes for perfect sparkle cream, and “Fairy Dust” from Holo Taco along with flake foil works amazingly as iridescent fairy sparkle. All you need to do is gentle, glistening textures so clean lines are optimum.

If I’m doing this at home, I prepare the nails, do two coats of white, and then press loose iridescent flakes into a thin gel base using a flat silicone tool. Then I Cure, and apply topcoat twice to seal and smooth. Gina Edwards Manicurist swears by finishing shimmer nails with a matte base and sealing only the shimmer with gloss for dimension.

It’s my go-to when I want to get things done without too much thought. It suits fair skin, dark skin, tan skin—seriously, this look works for everyone. Subtle, yet so much to offer.

Cherry & Cheetah Hybrid

If you’ve ever been torn between sweet and fierce, this one’s for you. Red animal print accents are callous cheeky yet flirty, especially paired with a nude base and tiny hand-painted red cherries scattered across. Cute, cheeky, and fun, but 2025 cool-girl style.

To create the cherry & cheetah hybrid nails, you need dotting tools for cherries, a sharp detail brush, and Modelones “Peach Buff” which is a pinky-nude gel polish. For the ‘cheetah’ section, use Le Mini Macaron’s “Noir” and a warm tan polish to splash the spots on. This is so much more forgiving than floral designs.

The order in which I proceed is cherry first. Layer them with two small red dotted circles, and thin green stems for the connection. Add a top coat to preserve ‘cherry’ polish, this is where the fun begins – the cheetah pattern: first, a beige base coat, followed by dark brown or black semi-irregular shapes on top of open shapes. Oddly meditative.

After I got these, I wore them an entire weekend at the lake with the girls, someone turned to me and go, “I would pay to have those exact nails,” I was like ‘thank you!’.

Snow Cone Sparkle Tips

We can all agree we love the look of boardwalk ice cream. These blue and pink ombré square tips which are shining and dreamy pastel colors, shimmer white dip down into soft skys blue and pink. For those who love a vivacious pink pedicure and prefer a more demure shade for their fingers, this design tip strikes the balance and does so with elegance.

For this design, white shimmer base gel “Sugar High” paired with “Pink Smoothie” and “Sky Baby Blue” is blended. Remember that effort ripens into reward with this approach, as blending takes time in all cases. Utilizing an ombre brush or sponge helps achieve this goal.

Pastel pink and blue must be applied through a sponge while dabbing, so a good sponge to ombre brush aids in getting this done effortlessly. Don’t forget to cure after every layer. Uneven curing will hinder the end product, while excessive curing will result in blurring the sparkle.

This design shines for those with dark or tan skin — the shades do not overpower the tone, and rather enhance it. The photograph was taken after a beach day, where the combination of salt and sand along with shimmer looked incredible.

Snow White Glitz Combo

If you want to turn heads and are looking to shimmer nail designs, then pairing crisp white base with bold chunky holographic glitters is the way to go. These works are a combination of glam and wearability, keeping harmony with every single outfit you put on, from linen neutrals to Y2K color explosions.

The polish base for this look should be a ultra-muted “white out” which can be achieved through the Apres Gel-X line. For glitter, I prefer Saviland’s Chunky Holo Gel as it’s buildable and adds some much needed dimension.

Cure the base white gel after layering. To float the holo gel for glitter accent nails, use thick layers and silicone brushes. Cure completely and apply double top coat for smooth glass-like shine. Cleanup polish brush is advised as it can get messy.

This is perfect for vacation. While it may pair well with airport attire, it’s dressy enough for rooftop cocktails. Sparkly but safe is perfect for those wishing to try summer gel nail design ideas 2025 who don’t want to commit to neon.

Minimal French with a Heart Pop

The design is a delicate, modern classic full of elegance that is minimalist yet sophisticated. A gentle french tip on the thumb and a heart on both ring fingers is simple, charming, and edgy all at the same time. Ideal for slow summer mornings when minimalism envelops extravagance.

Achieving the look requires a sheer pink gel base, Essie Gel’s “Sheer Silhouette”, which radiates a soft glow. It can be matched with white-tip builder gels such as CND Shellac “Cream Puff” or with any other gel of a similar consistency. The hearts can be created with either a red nail art pen or a dotting tool. A recommended red polish to use would be “Big Apple Red” by OPI.

This design is incredibly easy to create yourself. Apply a sheer base and then paint thin french tips to finalize the curing process. Use a toothpick to create the heart and put a small drop of red gel over the designed area to form the shape. For the heart, do two dots on top, and bring in a tiny triangle from below to connect the dots. Finish it with a top coat for shine.

For me, returning to this one amidst bold designs is always a joy. It’s like white linen and a good playlist on a summer walk—refreshing yet impactful.

Neon Fire Meets Royal Matte

As a bold statement, this combination of purple and blazing orange is nothing short of an eye catcher. It feels contemporary in the twist of matte finish usage, and how both colors are blended feels like a modern take on an art class in color theory. On some nails, the gradient combines the solid color while others receive bold strokes, striking a moody yet electric rhythm.

To achieve this look, a matte finish top coat like OPI’s Matte Top Coat along with rich gels such as Beetles Gel Polish “Violet Pulse” and Makartt’s “Neon Blaze” will be great. For the gradient, applying the two with a soft sponge or an ombre brush will work best over a cured base.

Start by applying the purple base coat, then the tip orange dab should be blended upwards. Each coat applied needs to be cured and the final layer should be capped with a matte top coat. Nail educator Britney Tokyo has said time and time again that blending contrasting neons is about restraint—minimal effort reaps the best results.

I wore a specific outfit to an art gallery popup last summer, and someone asked me whether it was inspired by a Rothko painting. I’ll be honest— sort of.

Lemonade French Fade

This take on the traditional French manicure will serve the world in the year 2025. The lemonade, ombré version makes pink the spotlight with a side of sunny yellow. It’s refreshing, sweet, and perfect for a picnic in the park. That moment is represented in this gradient where soft rose meets lemon tip…and magic.

Madam glam “Pastel petal” and “Lemon sorbet” are good choices. The smooth transition enhances the finish of the nails and can be achieved with a blending fan brush or sponge dabber. A glitter base layer adds depth as well.

This design becomes easier if you start by painting all your nails pink. After, gently add a yellow dry brush from the tips down for two layers. Curing each layer and sealing with gloss top coat. Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec suggests finishing gradients with a milky top coat, and it does the job every time.

This is how I would match my manicure with a date at farmer’s market or a barbeque gathering in the backyard on a laid back afternoon. It mid along fair skinned individuals and tans just as well as it compliments darker skin tones.

Graphic Tropic Doodles

This one is wild one and it’s in all the best ways. Think of a doodle extravaganza gone rogue and doused in pink, green, yellow and black lines. All of these layered on a high-gloss almond base turns into what looks like flip cup after a margarita fueled party in Miami. If refreshing and stylish is your jive, this one is tailor made for you.

To achieve this look, bold and contrasting colors will be necessary. DND’s Neon Collection has the perfect palette. Work your way up from Pink base so long as it is almond shaped with dots and swirls incorporated individually in different colored layers. Make sure to cure after each stage to avoid smudging. A tiny detail brush or nail pens allows precise control with finals.

For balance, I sketch my thoughts in paper, then I freehand to music (it helps, I promise). With this design, don’t stress symmetry—it’s best with a little inconsistencies. Mei Kawajiri, a celebrity nail artist, shares a tip: use both matte and gloss for additonal texture on different nails for added dimensionality.

This design best embodies “vacation energy” for me.

Graffiti Jungle Vibes

Neon rave fused with urban jungle. This creation applies orange, yellow, pink, and 2025 red splatter atop a forest green base. It evokes a graffiti vibe that literally feels like it belongs on a streetwear capsule drop. There’s rhythm, defiance, and just enough disorder to keep things intriguing.

Begin with a deep green base such as Zoya’s “Hunter” or Gelish “Tropical Teal.” Then, take a stiff fan brush with neon gel paints (pink, orange, yellow, red) and let loose. It’s messier than it appears—so fun!

First I put the base, cure it, then drip the colors on foil. I either use a thin brush or flick technique with a fan tool. Add a bit of black liner for depth and coat everything for shine. A bold suggestion by TikTok fave @nailzkatkat is layering clear builder gel over splatters for more splatter-like texture and for the adventurous.

This made me feel like the nails were an integral part of my outfit instead of an accompanying accessory. It matches streetwear, festival outfits and even a simple white t-shirt—it does all the talking.

Starfish Fantasy: 3D Ocean-Inspired Look

This Bright, multi-colored manicure transports me instantly to a boardwalk by the ocean. Relaxing on warm sand, sipping fruity cocktails, and listening to a nostalgic summer playlist. Each nail has yellow, orange, purple, and pink gradient colors with almost tangible 3D starfish embellishments. These designs do not just speak dress to impress. They whisper of picnic days on beaches, vacations near glassy shores, and even demure and bold weekender moods. Staring arrangement is acheived by cute and very artistic nail art. Glances from onlookers aslove left unheard, perhaps even sparking some conversations became quite popular incase you’re tired of the mainstream casual.

To achieve this look, you should find and get some ultra pigmented gel polishes like “Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants” by OPI.” Blend yellow with Essie’s purple named “Play Date.” Make sure though to have 3D nail art gels and molds or sculpting tools to hand-sculpt. Trust me with this too, the Born Pretty 3D sculpture gel i will recommend works wonders. Putting on a glossy top coat locks everything in while adding extra shine makes it look salon-level perfect.

Here’s how I do it. To begin with, it is best to apply your gradient background first. An ombré effect can best be achieved using a makeup sponge. After step one, make sure to cure. Next, you can move on to the starfish: you can either shape them from 3D gel or use press on nail decals. After curing for a second time, don’t forget to add the bubble dots to make it feel more underwater. As celebrity nail artist Mei Kawajiri often says, “Nails are the smallest canvas, so play like an artist,” so bring that energy to this design.

In theory, I believed that trying this style would be a bit too “extra” for everyday wear. Surprisingly, it felt like wearing a piece of jewelry. Everyone noticed them, even my barista asking where I got them done. That’s when I knew that it was more than just another summer set; it slabbed a new vibe.

Jade Pool: Serene Teal with a Twist

This design feels like the first dip into a crystal-clear pool on a hot afternoon. The squoval shape coupled with the high glossy finish provides a polished look which is versatile and can be worn on a daily basis, making it accessible to both fair and tan skin tones. With summer just around the corner, if you’re looking for gel nail designs for the summers of 2025 Jade Pool is the perfect subtle yet stunning pick for you.

To achieve the look you require “Neon Green” and “Ocean Aqua” shades from Beetles Gel Polish. For the detailing, make sure to grab a fine nail art brush to paint the curves which add motion to the design. If you’re using Modelones gel, it’s blendability makes it great for DIY and effortless swirls.

My process begins with a base coat which is followed up with two coats of teal for the nail polish. As for the swirl, I yellow the sweep while the base is still tacky so the colors can kiss and blend softly before curing. The result is stunning! Chic effortless and looking stylish does not require effortless work.

Over the weekend, I wore the design to a brunch, and it went beautifully with gold rings and a linen blouse. It also matched perfectly with the summer. One of my girlfriends referred to the design as “pool water vibes” which is arguably the best compliment for a summer manicure.

Playful Doodles: Whimsical Mini Artworks

This is what happens when Cute meets Creative during the best of times chaotic. It strikes a balance between anime and art, and for that reason alone, it deserves a round of applause. Each finger showcases stripes, floral bows, dots, and bold pastels. Indecisive girls can rejoice because they can now wear pink, purple, and green all at once. It also nods toward micro art which became a 2025 trend, celebrating maximalism. The look suits dark skin or fair skin and is customizable.

The answer is not “one brand fits all”. This was a little bit of everything. A pastel flower set, detail brushes, and dotting tools. For florals, I suggest Makartt’s Blooming Gel Kit and for the rest, Aimeili’s pastel set works well. Adding a matte top coat would also add an interesting twist.

This type of design resembles journaling but with polish. If you want, you can freehand each design or use stickers if time is short. Nail educator Chelsea King mentioned that playful nail art is more about intention and less about achieving a perfect look. And she is spot on. It’s centered more about fun rather than being perfect.

The first time I was complemented in this outfit was at a backyard birthday party. The first to acknowledge the look were individuals both in their twenties as well as in their sixties. This is one of the outfits that instantly adds joy to everyone without any effort at all.

Glacier Waves: Cool Blues and White Foam

As the saying goes, “put on your sunscreen, it’s time to go to the beach”! Enjoying summer at the beach is fun, and getting a manicure like the one in California makes even cooler waves of icy blue, wavy white sea foam whispers, and nudy bases covered with silver sparkles frozen in gorgeous layers makes this look bold yet relaxed. The flowing lines have texture and movement to add, but the color palate keeps a good balance. Oceanic theme accessories would be great swimming on all skins.

To achieve the dreamy swirl, I recommend “Blue Lagoon” by Le Mini Macaron, some glitter gel, and a liner brush to make crisp curves for the outline. When working with shimmer, I prefer to use a sponge for applying, and light blue blending with a mini silicone tool works wonders!

This look is effortless to pull off. Start from the nude base with sparkle then add onto it blue wave outlines, white highlights, and accents on top. As Tom Bachik, a celebrity nail artist puts it “A great nail is a vibe you wear”. This set radiates nostalgia for warm breezy vacation air.

The first time I put this on was for a weekend in Laguna. It went well with my sea-glass earrings and white cover-up. My mental getaways still involve those nails.

Holographic Shells: Mermaidcore Elegance

This is the 2025 edition of minimalist magic. His design features white holographic shell accents on a pinky nude base that complements tan, fair, and light skin tones. Cute mermaid-core mixed with quiet luxury? I adore how soft geometrics with flashes of starlight merge effortlessly—subtle yet dynamic with light at every turn.

This look is best achieved with Aprés Gel-X extensions or perfectly prepped natural nails. A jelly pink base (try Bio Seaweed Gel “Muse”), chrome powder, and a UV top coat are all required. While the holographic shapes can be hand drawn, precision methods with transfer foil are also an option.

My best trick is layering: base, then apply chrome foil shapes using gel glue, and finish with top coat to seal. The shimmer effect varies with light. Indoors, it’s a soft glow; outdoors, it’s fire. Julie Kandalec advises applying foils at an angle with different lighting, and she is completely right. It adds so much dimension.

This was the set for my rooftop date night. Wearing a satin slip dress and gold hoops, it felt like a Sofia Coppola summer scene.

Retro Groove: Barbiecore Swirl Art Combines With 70’s Styles

The long, square-shaped Pop Art nails are a combination of mint green, candy pink, lavender, and baby blue, making them both retro and swirled at the same time. Having nostalgia for poolside popsicles and roller skates on a hot day, these nails are not only a bold statement, but are also refreshing. They scream summer. They are a perfect gel nail design for the summer of 2025. The color palette on these retro gold nails is fabulous. Dark skin, fair skin, or anything in between, anyone would look great. The colors are universally charming.

If you wish to achieve a polished look, then for the pink you need Bubble Gum Pink Gel by Madam Glam and Kiara Sky’s Matcha Latte for the green. Achieving a clean glossy look requires both of these gel polishes. For accomplishing the swirl effect, you will need a striping brush or a liner detailer, which ensures those wavy edges are cut with precision.

This style of nail art is best swirled with the “wet on wet” technique. After applying the base color, create the swirls whilst the gel has not yet fully set so that the colors can blend softly. Remember not to blend too much, as the definition of the waves needs to remain intact. Finish off with a thick gloss seal like Gellux Shiny Top Coat for a high shine finish.

I wore this design to a rooftop BBQ and was stopped three times by strangers. “Who’s your nail tech?” was a question thrown my way and the real answer is, me, a brush, and a good playlist. This design is all about fun.

Midnight Mirage: Navy and Nude With Ashimmer

This design exists in that ethereal in-between realm of minimalist and maximalist. Composed of a nude peach base with a deep blue accent and thin silver outlines, it provides soft contrast while also sharp glamour. These coffin tips capture an elevated summer evening look – think summer rooftop cocktails or even an art gallery opening. Honestly, I love that it’s simple, yet stunning. It’s a super popular look this season for anyone wanting a classy edge.

“Dear Johnny Boy” by Gelish gives you the deep navy tip while “Peach Daiquiri” from The Gel Bottle serves as the base. For the silver shimmer line, you can use a metallic nail striping gel, or for more reflective dimension, ultra-thin foil pieces work wonders.

Begin with two coats of nude gel and curing, then apply navy French tips. Outline the transition with your metallic line and seal it with a glossy top coat. This process requires patience—there’s harmony and symmetry to strive for. “The smallest details define a manicure,” is one of Tom Bachik’s infamous quotes that I feel resonates with this look.

That look is what I wore for date night in late June. During this period, the sun doesn’t set until 9 PM so everything appears cinematic. Everything is dreamy, and it complements the moment perfectly.

Honey Pop: Yellow with a Side of Sass

Let us first consider the boldest yellow that is labeled as “the punchy” this design gives a playful twist with the black scattered hearts and dots. There is nothing shy about this, girls who rock this are definitely women who know “joy is contagious” as well as know that color speaks volume. These nails are perfect for all occasions like pool lounging and dancing on a terrace, announcing bright summery vibes at any given moment. They go with dark, tan or light skin and they are flattering in totally different ways.

You can try out “sun, sand and sea in my pants” by OPI or for the gel polish lovers, Beetles Gel Polish #503 would work brilliant as a base. For the hearts do not forget to use a tiny detail brush or a dotting tool and dip it in some jet-back gel polish. Want to go pro? Use pre-made nail stamps to get those sharp, crisp shapes.

To DIY: apply two coats of yellow, cure, then use a fine brush or stamp for the hearts and dots. Cure again, then add a super shiny top coat. I skip matte here because the glossy look gives it more pop, like actual candy. Nail artist Britney Tokyo often plays with contrast like this—and her designs always turn heads.

This was my “I need happy nails” look after a long week. And yes, I smiled every time I looked down at my hands. Joy is in the details, right?

Thus far, the ways to inspire heat, sparkle and summer notice, boldness and attitude to your nails brings us to 25. For those who prefer minimalistic styles combined with extravagant loud twist, summer gel nail design ideas 2025 are all about spontaneity, joy and a hint of boldness. I will admit that I have tried some looks while others I have put straight into my wish list. What’s best is that these designs will fit everyone! Dark skin, light skin, tanned beauties and every vibe in between. The choices are endless.

Which one are you going for on your next mani?