Categories: Nails

Nail Polish Ideas To Help Get Your Summer Mani On Point

There’s just something amazing about a perfect, fresh manicure. Whether you are one to get it done professionally or are a DIY queen I think most would agree that our nails look better when they are painted. It’s even more of an essential during the summer months to have a awesome manicure; you’re going on vacations, have a packed calendar of family events and are spending more time with friends out on active summer nights. Here are some manicure ideas that will help you step up your manicure game for summertime.

1. Light Ombre:

For a more simple kind of “nail art” that is versatile and just plain fun to do go with an ombre manicure and to keep the theme of summer, use fluorescent or pastel colors. First, you’ll need to apply a base color. Then protect the skin around your nails with liquid latex or tape (you could also just clean up your fingers with nail polish remover after you’re done with your manicure). Next, arrange the colors on a small sponge from either lightest to darkest or vice versa. Lastly, just dab at your nails. You will have to re-apply the nail polish to the sponge for each nail and you are done when your ombre manicure is colored to your liking. Enjoy the fun taste of being a nail artist with this cute manicure idea!

2. Glittery Nails:

If you want to add a little extra glam to your summer nights glittery nails are always the way to go. Glitter nails are just something you should try at least once in your life in general. You could make them more “office appropriate” and subdued by just adding a little or only putting some on an accent nail. or you could make them shine and sparkle like disco balls under the hot sun. Let’s be honest, the latter is just what is needed for dancing the night away at an awesome summer party or a long day relaxing in the sun by the pool and these activities are really what summer is all about. So, if you’re able to rock a glammed manicure go for it.

3. Pure White:

Nothing says summer manicure quite like beachy rings and matte white polish. This pure white color reminds me of the complete essence of summer. It would be one of the easiest and most accessible manicure ideas and for many to pull off, as it requires very little to no skill. Almost every Walmart, Target, or beauty store carries at least one kind of white polish. You just use a matte white polish, or a shiny polish if you wanted a more sleek look for your beach photos, and paint your nails. Just make sure the color is that pure white and not cream or ivory if you want the most “summery aesthetic”. Now go to the beach, or sandbox, and get those Instagram worthy mani pics!

4. Elevated French Tip:

Like the white manicure, a clean white french tip is a great classic look for summer. However, if you feel like your french tipped nails need an even more glamorous makeover, an elevated take on the french tip manicure is a great idea. This manicure idea is great for typical summer days because it can be done in a more understated way or you could really glam up the french tip and make it great for a summer event. This can be done by doing the french tip in a color other than white or by adding some glitter to the tip of your nail.

5. Rainbow:

What makes one think of summer more than rainbows? Not much. You could go with the classic color wheel rainbow, or you could change it up and choose a different palette of colors. You could also alternate some of the same colors for a symmetrical effect. While there are a wide array of color combinations in the rainbow, and a wide selection of nail polishes at the drugstore, go with the typical rainbow colors. Rainbow manicure ideas will ensure that your manicure will look as bright as the rainbow coming out after a summer sun shower. They will attract just as many looks and compliments, too.

6. Nautical:

Nautical nails are the perfect manicure idea whether you want some added preppiness to your style or if you are going to be relaxing on a boat with your family on vacation. It could be as simple as blue stripes on a white nail or a little anchor on an accent nail, or as complex as the entire hand design on the picture below. But as long as the manicure echoes the theme of summer boating, then you’ve nailed the nautical look for those long summer beach days and Instagram-able dock pictures.

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7. Accent Nail:

For a manicure that will probably be pretty simple, but could also be as complex as you make it, go for a manicure with an accent nail. You can make the one different nail wild by adding an intricate design, glitter, or rhinestones or you could keep the whole manicure relaxed and easy by just making the accent nail a different color than the rest of your nails. This could also be a way to start test some new nail art skills that you have been dying to try if that’s something you’re in to.

8. Pastels:

Soft pastels are another color palette and manicure idea that just scream summer to me. Pastels are the colors of flowers, beach towels, and ice cream cones. If that doesn’t make pastels the official color group of summer then I don’t know what does. Depending on which color you choose or if you decide to alternate a number of pastel colors, the pastel manicure can go with so many summer outfits. Soft pastels can go with any number of other colors and outfits as well so keep hem in mind for the winter months as well.

9. Sunshine Yellow:

Besides rainbow which manicure ideas are bright and scream “summertime” just as much? Bright, sunshiny yellow colors. While this nail color might be harder to get your hands on than white, it is a summer mani staple and when the summer months roll around it is plentiful. This manicure can be versatile as you could go with a more intense highlighter yellow or a warm gold that reminds those around you of the warm summer nights. This summer mani would look great with silver or bright neon accents or jewelry and would also fit right into a summer music festival or backyard pool party.