22 Light Nail Colors & Summer Gel Design Ideas for Every Nail Shape & Skin Tone

When it comes to light nail colors, the versatility and elegance they offer are unparalleled. Whether you’re a fan of Summer gel manicures or prefer a simple and cute design, light shades are your go-to for a chic and polished look. But how do you choose the perfect hue that complements your skin tone and style? Let’s dive into some stunning nail designs and ideas, and explore how to achieve them.

Soft Blue with Floral Accent

This light nail color idea is all about embracing the serenity of soft blue tones with a delicate floral accent. The combination of a solid pale blue with a neutral base and tiny white flowers exudes a pretty and soft aesthetic that’s perfect for any season.

Consumables:

• • OPI Nail Lacquer in “It’s a Boy!”
  • DND Gel Polish in “Peach Beige”
  • Fine detail brush for the floral design
  • Top coat for a glossy finish

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Start by applying a base coat to protect your natural nails.
   2. Apply two coats of the OPI soft blue polish to the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
   3. For the ring and pinky fingers, use the DND nude shade as the base.
   4. Use a fine detail brush to create small, delicate flowers on the ring finger.
   5. Finish with a high-shine top coat to seal in the design.

Mint Green and Pastel Pink Combo

This manicure blends light nail colors with a playful twist. The pastel pink and mint green combination, accented by minimalistic nail art, is super cute and perfect for those who love soft yet eye-catching designs. The subtle details make it a standout for both casual and formal settings.

Consumables:

• • DND Gel Polish in “Pink Candy”
  • OPI Nail Lacquer in “My Dogsled is a Hybrid”
  • Thin striping tape for clean lines
  • UV lamp for curing gel polish

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and cure under a UV lamp.
   2. Paint the nails alternating between DND Pink Candy and OPI Mint Green.
   3. Use striping tape to create clean edges where the colors meet, and apply the contrasting shade.
   4. Cure each layer under the UV lamp.
   5. Finish with a glossy top coat and cure again for a long-lasting finish.

Iridescent Shell and Starfish Design

For a touch of oceanic inspo, this light nail color idea brings together soft iridescent tones with intricate shell and starfish detailing. Perfect for short and almond shape nails, this design offers a pretty yet simple way to add some seaside vibes to your look.

Consumables:

• • DND Gel Polish in “White Pearl”
  • Shell and starfish nail stickers or decals
  • Fine glitter for added shimmer
  • Chrome powder for an iridescent effect

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and cure.
   2. Apply two coats of DND White Pearl and cure between each coat.
   3. Lightly dust chrome powder over the nails for an iridescent finish.
   4. Place shell and starfish stickers on accent nails.
   5. Seal with a top coat and cure under a UV lamp.

Fruity Fun with Strawberry and Lemon Accents

This cute and playful design features light nail colors paired with tiny fruit accents, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a soft yet vibrant look. The simplicity of the nude base allows the fruit designs to really pop, offering a pretty and refreshing vibe for summer.

Consumables:

• • OPI Nail Lacquer in “Bare My Soul”
  • Fruit nail art stickers (strawberry, lemon, etc.)
  • Clear top coat for sealing

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Apply two coats of OPI Bare My Soul as your base color.
   2. Carefully place fruit stickers on the nails, pressing down firmly to eliminate air bubbles.
   3. Seal with a clear top coat to ensure longevity and a smooth finish.

Gradient French Tips in Neon

Taking a twist on the classic French tip, this design incorporates light nail colors in a gradient neon effect. Ideal for those with pale skin or brown skin, this pretty design is simple yet eye-catching, perfect for adding a pop of color to your summer look.

Consumables:

• • DND Gel Polish in “Neon Yellow” and “Neon Pink”
  • Makeup sponge for gradient effect
  • Super clear top coat for a glossy finish

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Use a makeup sponge to blend the DND Neon Yellow and Neon Pink polishes on the tip of the nails, creating a gradient effect.
   3. Apply a thin line of OPI white polish along the edge for a defined French tip look.
   4. Seal with a super clear top coat and cure under a UV lamp.

Soft Lavender and Silver Accent

This light nail color design combines soft lavender with a touch of glitter and minimalistic detailing. The lavender shade offers a serene and pretty appearance, making it perfect for any occasion. The glitter accent on the ring finger adds just the right amount of sparkle without overpowering the simplicity of the look.

Consumables:

• • OPI Nail Lacquer in “Do You Lilac It?”
  • DND Gel Polish in “Silver Glitter”
  • Fine silver striping tape for the delicate border
  • Heart-shaped nail stickers

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Apply two coats of OPI “Do You Lilac It?” on all nails except the ring finger.
   3. For the ring finger, use DND Silver Glitter polish.
   4. Apply a thin line of silver striping tape just below the free edge of the middle finger and add a heart sticker above it.
   5. Seal the design with a top coat for a smooth and long-lasting finish.

Iridescent Pink Chrome with Floral Accents

This design is a dreamy combination of light nail colors and chrome with a hint of floral accents. The iridescent pink chrome effect creates a mesmerizing look that’s both modern and cute. The addition of tiny 3D flowers adds texture and a playful element to the design, making it a perfect choice for those who love a bit of flair.

Consumables:

• • DND Gel Polish in “Pink Pearl”
  • OPI Nail Lacquer in “Pale Pink”
  • Chrome powder for the iridescent effect
  • 3D floral nail art decorations
  • UV lamp for curing

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and cure it under a UV lamp.
   2. Apply two coats of DND “Pink Pearl” for a solid base, curing between layers.
   3. Lightly apply chrome powder for the iridescent finish and cure it again.
   4. Carefully place the 3D flowers on the nails using a dotting tool or tweezers.
   5. Seal the design with a glossy top coat and cure one last time.

Tropical Sunset Inspired Cactus Design

This vibrant and super cute design features a light nail color base with a bold orange gradient and adorable cactus accents. Perfect for the summer season, this nail type design offers a playful and tropical vibe, ideal for anyone looking to add a bit of fun to their look.

Consumables:

• • DND Gel Polish in “Peach Blossom”
  • OPI Nail Lacquer in “Bright Orange”
  • Fine detail brush for the cactus design
  • UV lamp for curing

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and cure it under the UV lamp.
   2. Paint a gradient from OPI Bright Orange to DND Peach Blossom, blending the colors seamlessly.
   3. Use a fine detail brush to paint the cactus designs in green on selected nails.
   4. Cure each layer thoroughly and finish with a glossy top coat.

Blue and Daisy Delight

This light nail color look pairs a pale blue with delightful daisy accents, creating a fresh and pretty design. The short nails are accentuated with the daisy design on a clear base, giving it a soft and delicate appearance that’s perfect for the season.

Consumables:

• • DND Gel Polish in “Baby Blue”
  • OPI Nail Lacquer in “Clear As Day”
  • Daisy nail art stickers or hand-painted daisies
  • UV lamp for curing

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and cure.
   2. Apply DND Baby Blue on the index and pinky fingers, curing each coat.
   3. For the remaining nails, use OPI Clear As Day and apply daisy stickers or hand-paint them.
   4. Cure each layer and seal with a high-shine top coat.

Minimalistic Rainbow Lines

This simple and minimalist design features a nude base with fine, colorful lines that form a subtle rainbow effect. It’s a perfect example of how light nail colors can be combined with small accents to create a pretty and understated look, suitable for any occasion.

Consumables:

• • OPI Nail Lacquer in “Nude Beige”
  • Fine nail art brush for creating thin lines
  • DND Gel Polish in various bright colors (red, blue, green, yellow)
  • Top coat for a glossy finish

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and cure it under a UV lamp.
   2. Paint two coats of OPI Nude Beige as the base.
   3. Use a fine nail art brush to create thin, colorful lines on each nail, representing a rainbow.
   4. Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Ocean-Inspired Blue and Aqua Gradient

This light nail color design is reminiscent of a sparkling ocean, combining different shades of blue and aqua with a touch of glitter. The gradient effect transitions seamlessly from a pale blue to a deep aqua, making it a super choice for those who love a gel manicure that reflects the beauty of the sea. The glitter adds a pretty shimmer, perfect for catching the sunlight.

Consumables:

• • DND Gel Polish in “Aqua Mist” and “Ocean Blue”
  • OPI Nail Lacquer in “Glitter Off”
  • Fine glitter powder in coordinating blue and aqua shades
  • UV lamp for curing

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Start with a base coat and cure under a UV lamp.
   2. Apply the DND Aqua Mist at the base of the nails, blending into Ocean Blue at the tips.
   3. Dust fine glitter powder over the gradient to add sparkle.
   4. Seal the design with OPI Glitter Off top coat and cure for a glossy, durable finish.

Minimalistic Nude with Butterfly Accent

For a more subtle and simple light nail color look, this design features a nude base with a single blue butterfly accent. Ideal for brown skin or pale skin, this manicure is pretty yet understated, making it versatile for both casual and formal occasions.

Consumables:

• • OPI Nail Lacquer in “Bare My Soul”
  • Butterfly nail decal or sticker
  • Clear top coat for sealing

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your natural nails.
   2. Paint all nails with OPI Bare My Soul, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly.
   3. Apply the butterfly decal on the accent nail, pressing down firmly to avoid air bubbles.
   4. Seal with a clear top coat to ensure the decal stays in place and add shine.

Iridescent Pearl Chrome

This light nail color design is all about the luxurious chrome finish. The iridescent pearl color shifts beautifully with the light, making your nails look like they’ve been dipped in liquid glass. This super gel manicure is perfect for those who love a high-shine, futuristic look that’s both pretty and soft.

Consumables:

• • DND Gel Polish in “Pearl Chrome”
  • OPI Nail Lacquer in “White on White”
  • Chrome powder for the iridescent effect
  • UV lamp for curing

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Start with a base coat and cure it under a UV lamp.
   2. Apply two coats of DND Pearl Chrome, curing between each layer.
   3. Dust the nails with chrome powder to achieve the iridescent effect, then cure.
   4. Finish with a glossy top coat to seal the design and cure one last time for durability.

Neon French Tips with Rhinestone Accent

This light nail color design takes the classic French tip and adds a neon twist. The combination of bright pink and green tips against a nude base creates a fun and vibrant look. The rhinestone accent on the ring finger adds just a touch of sparkle, making this design perfect for a night out or a summer party.

Consumables:

• • OPI Nail Lacquer in “Bubble Bath”
  • DND Gel Polish in “Neon Pink” and “Neon Green”
  • Rhinestones for accent
  • UV lamp for curing

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and cure under a UV lamp.
   2. Use OPI Bubble Bath for the nude base, curing each coat.
   3. Paint the French tips with DND Neon Pink and Neon Green, curing each tip.
   4. Apply rhinestones to the ring finger using nail glue, then seal with a top coat and cure for a long-lasting finish.

Swirled White on Nude Base

This light nail color design features elegant white swirls on a nude base, creating a simple yet artistic look. The swirls add a dynamic element to the manicure, while the nude base keeps it soft and subtle. This design is perfect for anyone who loves a bit of abstract art on their nails.

Consumables:

• • OPI Nail Lacquer in “Samoan Sand”
  • DND Gel Polish in “Pure White”
  • Fine nail art brush for swirling
  • UV lamp for curing

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and cure under the UV lamp.
   2. Paint the nails with OPI Samoan Sand as the nude base and cure each layer.
   3. Use a fine nail art brush to create swirls with DND Pure White, curing each swirl to set the design.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat and cure for a high-gloss finish.

Glitter French Tips with Nude Base

This design takes the classic French tip and elevates it with a super touch of glitter. The light nail colors used here are subtle yet striking, with the nude base perfectly complementing the pink and silver glitter tips. This look is ideal for those who want a bit of sparkle without going overboard, making it a pretty option for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Consumables:

• • OPI Nail Lacquer in “Bubble Bath”
  • DND Gel Polish in “Silver Glitter”
  • Chunky glitter in pink and silver
  • UV lamp for curing

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and cure under a UV lamp.
   2. Paint all nails with OPI Bubble Bath, curing each coat.
   3. Apply DND Silver Glitter to the tips, blending it into the base color.
   4. Add chunky pink and silver glitter to the tips for extra sparkle.
   5. Seal with a top coat and cure for a durable, glossy finish.

Yellow Daisy Delight

This light nail color design embraces the joy of spring with soft yellow and daisy accents. The combination of light yellow and white daisies on a clear base creates a fresh and pretty look that’s perfect for the season. The almond shape nails add elegance, making this design both playful and sophisticated.

Consumables:

• • OPI Nail Lacquer in “Lemonade Stand By Your Man”
  • DND Gel Polish in “Pure White”
  • Daisy nail art stickers
  • UV lamp for curing

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Start with a base coat and cure it under a UV lamp.
   2. Apply OPI Lemonade Stand By Your Man on selected nails, curing each coat.
   3. Use DND Pure White to create daisy designs or apply daisy stickers.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat and cure for a long-lasting finish.

Pastel Blue Perfection

This light nail color design showcases a solid pastel blue that’s both calming and chic. The simplicity of this gel manicure makes it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual day out or a more formal event. The almond shape adds to the elegance of this look, making it a super choice for anyone who loves minimalistic designs.

Consumables:

• • DND Gel Polish in “Baby Blue”
  • OPI Nail Lacquer in “Sky High”
  • UV lamp for curing

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and cure under the UV lamp.
   2. Paint all nails with DND Baby Blue, curing each coat for durability.
   3. Apply a layer of OPI Sky High to enhance the blue tone, then cure.
   4. Seal with a high-shine top coat and cure for a glossy finish.

Minty Green Freshness

This design brings a breath of fresh air with its soft mint green color. Ideal for pale skin or brown skin, this light nail color is cute and refreshing, making it a perfect choice for the summer. The simple gel manicure is easy to maintain and looks great on short nails.

Consumables:

• • Madam Glam Nail Polish in “Minty Green”
  • OPI Nail Lacquer in “That’s Hula-rious!”
  • UV lamp for curing

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Apply two coats of Madam Glam Minty Green, curing each layer under a UV lamp.
   3. Add a layer of OPI That’s Hula-rious! for extra depth and cure.
   4. Finish with a top coat to seal the color and add a glossy finish.

Peachy Perfection with a Pearl Finish

This light nail color design combines a soft peach base with a subtle pearl finish, creating a pretty and elegant look. The warm tones of the peach are perfect for pale skin or brown skin, adding a touch of warmth and glow to your nails. The almond shape enhances the overall elegance of the manicure.

Consumables:

• • OPI Nail Lacquer in “A Great Opera-tunity”
  • DND Gel Polish in “Pearl Peach”
  • UV lamp for curing

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and cure under the UV lamp.
   2. Paint all nails with OPI A Great Opera-tunity, curing each coat.
   3. Add a layer of DND Pearl Peach for a subtle pearl effect, then cure.
   4. Seal with a glossy top coat and cure for a polished finish.

Lavender Love with Heart Accent

This light nail color design features a soft lavender shade with a heart accent on the ring finger. The combination of the solid lavender and the heart detail makes this manicure both cute and elegant, perfect for a romantic occasion or a fun day out.

Consumables:

• • OPI Nail Lacquer in “Do You Lilac It?”
  • DND Gel Polish in “Lavender Love”
  • Heart-shaped nail sticker or hand-painted heart
  • UV lamp for curing

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Start with a base coat and cure under a UV lamp.
   2. Apply OPI Do You Lilac It? on all nails except the ring finger, curing each coat.
   3. For the ring finger, apply DND Lavender Love and add the heart accent using a sticker or hand-painting.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat and cure for a long-lasting finish.

Opal Dream Short Nails

This light nail color design is all about the soft opalescent effect, giving your nails a dreamy, ethereal look. Perfect for short nails, this gel manicure is simple yet stunning, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle, pretty design.

Consumables:

• • OPI Nail Lacquer in “Kyoto Pearl”
  • DND Gel Polish in “Opal Dream”
  • UV lamp for curing

How to Create This Look:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and cure under a UV lamp.
   2. Paint all nails with OPI Kyoto Pearl, curing each coat.
   3. Apply a layer of DND Opal Dream for the opalescent effect and cure.
   4. Seal with a high-shine top coat and cure for a polished finish.