Top 23 Best Summer Manicure Colors: Trends and Ideas for Fair Skin

Ekaterina Zavalko 2 weeks agoLast Updated: 20 June 2024

0 11 12 minutes read

Summer is the perfect season to experiment with bright and bold manicure colors. With the arrival of 2024, new trends are emerging that cater to various skin tones and preferences. Are you ready to explore the best summer manicure colors that will make your nails pop? Whether you have fair skin, love pink hues, prefer gel manicures, or seek street style inspiration, this article has got you covered. Let’s dive into the vibrant world of summer manicure colors.

Vivid Green Gradient

As a professional manicurist, I can confidently say that the vivid green gradient is one of the most striking summer manicure colors for 2024. This look features a seamless blend of light and dark green shades, creating a stunning ombre effect. The smooth transition between the hues makes it an eye-catching design perfect for any occasion. The glossy finish adds an extra touch of elegance, making your nails look fresh and vibrant.

Consumables:

- Light green nail polish (OPI – “That’s Hula-rious!”)
- Dark green nail polish (Essie – “Off Tropic”)
- Gel top coat (Sally Hansen – “Miracle Gel Top Coat”)
- Gradient sponge

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Use the gradient sponge to dab the light green polish onto the nail, starting from the cuticle.
3. Gradually add the dark green polish towards the tip, blending the colors smoothly.
4. Seal the design with a gel top coat for a long-lasting finish.

Neon Leopard Print

For those who love to make a bold statement, the neon leopard print is a must-try. This design incorporates vibrant neon colors with a playful animal print, making it one of the best summer manicure colors for a street style look. The combination of neon green, pink, and yellow with black spots creates a funky and trendy appearance that’s perfect for summer festivals or parties.

Photo credit by: @nails_by_lucy_rossington

Consumables:

- Neon green polish (China Glaze – “I’m With the Lifeguard”)
- Neon pink polish (Orly – “Beach Cruiser”)
- Neon yellow polish (Color Club – “Yell-Oh!”)
- Black nail art pen
- Gel top coat (Gelish – “Top It Off”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint each nail with a neon base color.
3. Use a black nail art pen to draw leopard spots over the neon colors.
4. Finish with a gel top coat to ensure durability.

Classic Neon Green

The classic neon green manicure is a timeless choice for the summer. This bright and cheerful color is perfect for adding a pop of color to any outfit. It’s an excellent option for those with fair skin as it contrasts beautifully, making the nails stand out. The glossy finish enhances the vibrancy of the neon shade, making it a standout summer manicure color.

Consumables:

- Neon green polish (Colores de Carol – “Electric Lime”)
- Base coat (Orly – “Bonder”)
- Gel top coat (Seche Vite – “Dry Fast Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint two layers of neon green polish, allowing each layer to dry completely.
3. Finish with a gel top coat for a glossy and long-lasting finish.

Floral Delight

Floral designs never go out of style, especially for summer. The green and pink floral manicure combines deep green and bright pink shades to create a stunning and playful design. This look is ideal for those who love summer manicure colors that are both bold and feminine. The floral patterns add a touch of nature to your nails, perfect for sunny days and outdoor events.

Consumables:

- Dark green polish (Essie – “Off Tropic”)
- Bright pink polish (OPI – “Pink Flamenco”)
- Nail art brushes
- Gel top coat (Sally Hansen – “Miracle Gel Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint the nails with a dark green base.
3. Use a nail art brush to create floral designs with the pink polish.
4. Seal the design with a gel top coat.

Rainbow Ombre

The rainbow ombre design is perfect for those who can’t decide on just one color. This look features a gradient of multiple shades, creating a beautiful and vibrant rainbow effect. It’s an excellent choice for summer manicure colors that are playful and fun. The pastel tones make it suitable for all skin tones and are perfect for any summer activity.

Consumables:

- Pastel polishes (Essie – “Mint Candy Apple”, “Fiji”, “Lilacism”)
- Sponge for gradient
- Gel top coat (Seche Vite – “Dry Fast Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Use a sponge to create a gradient effect with the pastel colors.
3. Seal with a gel top coat for a smooth finish.

Bold Orange and Glitter Manicure

For a truly vibrant summer look, this bold orange and glitter manicure is perfect. The design features a striking bright orange color on most nails, with an accent nail adorned with shimmering orange glitter. The mix of solid and glittery nails creates a dynamic and eye-catching effect, ideal for both beach outings and summer parties. The glossy finish enhances the brightness of the orange, making it pop even more.

Consumables:

- Bright orange nail polish (Essie – “Tangerine Tease”)
- Orange glitter polish (China Glaze – “Orange You Hot?”)
- Gel top coat (Seche Vite – “Dry Fast Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint all nails with the bright orange polish, applying two coats for full coverage.
3. On the accent nail, apply two coats of the orange glitter polish.
4. Seal with a gel top coat for a long-lasting, glossy finish.

Neon Pink French Tips

Neon pink French tips are a fun twist on the classic French manicure. This design features a nude base with bold neon pink tips, making it a chic and modern choice for summer. The neon pink adds a playful and energetic vibe to the nails, perfect for those looking to make a statement.

Photo credit by: @ralucaburlacu.nailinstructor

Consumables:

- Nude base polish (OPI – “Samoan Sand”)
- Neon pink polish (Color Club – “Jackie Oh!”)
- Gel top coat (CND – “Super Shiney Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint the nails with the nude base polish.
3. Use the neon pink polish to create French tips.
4. Finish with a gel top coat to ensure durability.

Pastel Rainbow Coffin Nails

For those who love variety, the pastel rainbow coffin nails offer a delightful mix of colors. Each nail features a different pastel shade, from mint green to lavender, creating a beautiful rainbow effect. The long coffin shape adds elegance to the playful color palette, making it a perfect choice for summer events.

Consumables:

- Mint green polish (Essie – “Mint Candy Apple”)
- Lavender polish (OPI – “Do You Lilac It?”)
- Peach polish (Zoya – “Clementine”)
- Pink polish (China Glaze – “Pink Voltage”)
- Gel top coat (Gelish – “Top It Off”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint each nail with a different pastel color, applying two coats for opacity.
3. Seal with a gel top coat for a glossy and protective finish.

Abstract Watercolor Nails

The abstract watercolor nails are a stunning art-inspired design that combines various vibrant colors in a fluid, marbled pattern. This look is perfect for those who enjoy unique and creative nail art. The bright hues and abstract swirls make this manicure stand out, reflecting a playful and artistic summer vibe.

Consumables:

- Various bright polishes (OPI – “No Room for the Blues”, Essie – “Play Date”, China Glaze – “Sun’s Up Top Down”)
- Nail art brush
- Gel top coat (Sally Hansen – “Miracle Gel Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Drop small amounts of different colored polishes onto the nail.
3. Use a nail art brush to swirl the colors together, creating a marbled effect.
4. Finish with a gel top coat for a smooth and glossy finish.

Mint Green and Gold Accent Nails

This mint green and gold accent manicure is a sophisticated and elegant choice for summer. The design features a soft mint green base with delicate gold accents, creating a chic and understated look. This combination is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle and refined summer manicure.

Consumables:

- Mint green polish (Essie – “Mint Candy Apple”)
- Gold polish (OPI – “Glitzerland”)
- Nail art brush for gold details
- Gel top coat (CND – “Super Shiney Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint the nails with the mint green polish.
3. Use a nail art brush to add gold accents, such as lines or dots.
4. Seal with a gel top coat for a glossy and protective finish.

Neon Splash French Tips

Neon splash French tips are a vibrant and modern twist on the classic French manicure. This design features a nude base with neon yellow, orange, and pink tips, creating a bold and energetic look. The neon colors are blended in a splash pattern, adding a unique and eye-catching element to the nails. This style is perfect for summer, making your nails stand out with a pop of color.

Consumables:

- Nude base polish (Essie – “Topless & Barefoot”)
- Neon yellow polish (China Glaze – “Yellow Polka Dot Bikini”)
- Neon orange polish (Orly – “Orange Punch”)
- Neon pink polish (Color Club – “Jackie Oh!”)
- Gel top coat (Sally Hansen – “Miracle Gel Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint the nails with the nude base polish.
3. Use a fine nail art brush to create the neon splash tips with the yellow, orange, and pink polishes.
4. Seal with a gel top coat for a glossy and durable finish.

Cute Duckling Design

The cute duckling design is perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your summer manicure. This look features a bright yellow base with an adorable duckling face on the accent nail. The playful design is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face and is a great choice for a fun and lighthearted summer look.

Consumables:

- Yellow nail polish (OPI – “Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants”)
- Black nail art pen
- Orange nail art pen
- Gel top coat (CND – “Super Shiney Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint all nails with the yellow polish.
3. On the accent nail, use the black nail art pen to draw the duckling’s eyes and the orange nail art pen to draw the beak.
4. Finish with a gel top coat for protection and shine.

Pastel Swirls

The pastel swirls manicure is a beautiful and delicate design perfect for the summer. This look features a nude base with pastel swirls in pink, blue, and green on each nail. The soft colors and swirling patterns create a calming and elegant effect, making it a great choice for those who prefer subtle yet stylish nail art.

Consumables:

- Nude base polish (OPI – “Bubble Bath”)
- Pastel pink polish (Essie – “Fiji”)
- Pastel blue polish (Zoya – “Blu”)
- Pastel green polish (China Glaze – “Re-Fresh Mint”)
- Fine nail art brush
- Gel top coat (Seche Vite – “Dry Fast Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint the nails with the nude base polish.
3. Use a fine nail art brush to create swirls with the pastel pink, blue, and green polishes.
4. Seal with a gel top coat for a smooth and glossy finish.

Vibrant Multicolor Manicure

For a bold and playful summer look, the vibrant multicolor manicure is perfect. This design features each nail painted in a different bright color, including pink, green, blue, and yellow. The glossy finish enhances the vibrancy of the colors, making this manicure a standout choice for summer.

Consumables:

- Pink polish (OPI – “La Paz-itively Hot”)
- Green polish (Essie – “Mojito Madness”)
- Blue polish (China Glaze – “Blue Iguana”)
- Yellow polish (Zoya – “Pippa”)
- Gel top coat (Sally Hansen – “Miracle Gel Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint each nail with a different bright color.
3. Apply two coats of each color for full opacity.
4. Finish with a gel top coat for a long-lasting, glossy finish.

Elegant Green and Gold Accents

The elegant green and gold accent manicure combines sophistication and sparkle. This design features a soft green base with a glittery gold accent nail and delicate gold embellishments on another nail. The combination of green and gold creates a luxurious and refined look, perfect for special summer occasions.

Consumables:

- Soft green polish (OPI – “This Isn’t Greenland”)
- Gold glitter polish (China Glaze – “Golden Enchantment”)
- Gold embellishments
- Nail glue
- Gel top coat (CND – “Super Shiney Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint the nails with the soft green polish.
3. On the accent nail, apply two coats of the gold glitter polish.
4. Use nail glue to add gold embellishments to another nail.
5. Seal with a gel top coat for a glossy and protective finish.

Holographic Rainbow Nails

The holographic rainbow nails offer a mesmerizing blend of pastel shades with a stunning iridescent finish. This design features a mix of soft pinks, blues, and yellows, creating a dreamy, multi-dimensional effect. The iridescent quality adds a magical touch, making your nails shimmer beautifully in the sunlight.

Consumables:

- Pastel pink polish (OPI – “Mod About You”)
- Pastel blue polish (Essie – “Mint Candy Apple”)
- Pastel yellow polish (China Glaze – “Lemon Fizz”)
- Holographic top coat (ILNP – “Mega”)
- Gel top coat (Sally Hansen – “Miracle Gel Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint each nail with a different pastel color.
3. Apply a holographic top coat over each nail.
4. Seal with a gel top coat for a long-lasting, glossy finish.

Gold-Tipped Green French Manicure

This elegant green French manicure features a nude base with olive green tips and delicate gold accents. The combination of earthy green and shiny gold creates a sophisticated and stylish look, perfect for any occasion. The gold accents add a touch of luxury, making this manicure stand out.

Consumables:

- Nude base polish (OPI – “Samoan Sand”)
- Olive green polish (Essie – “Sew Psyched”)
- Gold polish (OPI – “Glitzerland”)
- Fine nail art brush
- Gel top coat (CND – “Super Shiney Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint the nails with the nude base polish.
3. Use the olive green polish to create French tips.
4. Add gold accents using a fine nail art brush.
5. Seal with a gel top coat for a glossy and protective finish.

Metallic Fish Scale Nails

The metallic fish scale nails are a unique and eye-catching design perfect for summer. This look features a gradient of metallic blue, purple, and pink shades with a fish scale pattern, creating a mermaid-like effect. The shimmering metallic finish makes this manicure truly stand out.

Consumables:

- Metallic blue polish (China Glaze – “Blue Iguana”)
- Metallic purple polish (Zoya – “Haven”)
- Metallic pink polish (Essie – “Pink Diamond”)
- Fish scale stencil
- Gel top coat (Seche Vite – “Dry Fast Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint the nails with the metallic blue, purple, and pink polishes in a gradient pattern.
3. Use a fish scale stencil to add the pattern.
4. Seal with a gel top coat for a smooth and glossy finish.

Soft Pink Ombre Nails

The soft pink ombre nails offer a delicate and feminine look perfect for summer. This design features a gradient from light pink to white, creating a subtle and elegant effect. The smooth transition between the colors adds a touch of sophistication to the nails.

Photo credit by: @karolinawiatr_instruktor

Consumables:

- Light pink polish (OPI – “Bubble Bath”)
- White polish (Essie – “Blanc”)
- Ombre sponge
- Gel top coat (Sally Hansen – “Miracle Gel Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Use an ombre sponge to blend the light pink and white polishes on the nails.
3. Apply two coats for a smooth gradient effect.
4. Seal with a gel top coat for a glossy and protective finish.

Purple Perfection

For a bold and stylish summer look, the purple perfection manicure is ideal. This design features a combination of glossy and metallic purple shades, creating a dynamic and modern effect. The mix of finishes adds depth and interest to the nails, making them perfect for any summer event.

Consumables:

- Glossy purple polish (OPI – “Do You Lilac It?”)
- Metallic purple polish (China Glaze – “No Plain Jane”)
- Gel top coat (CND – “Super Shiney Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint each nail with the glossy and metallic purple polishes, alternating between the two finishes.
3. Apply two coats for full opacity.
4. Finish with a gel top coat for a long-lasting, glossy finish.

Hot Pink and Zebra Stripes

This hot pink and zebra stripes manicure is perfect for those who love bold and fun designs. The manicure features a mix of solid hot pink nails and nails with zebra stripes created using a light pink base and darker pink stripes. The combination of patterns and vibrant colors makes this design stand out, perfect for summer outings and parties.

Consumables:

- Hot pink polish (OPI – “Pink Flamenco”)
- Light pink polish (Essie – “Ballet Slippers”)
- Dark pink nail art pen
- Gel top coat (CND – “Super Shiney Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint the nails with the hot pink polish, leaving one or two nails with a light pink base.
3. Use a dark pink nail art pen to draw zebra stripes on the light pink base.
4. Finish with a gel top coat for a glossy and protective finish.

Neon Pink and Speckled Orange

The neon pink and speckled orange manicure is a playful and energetic design perfect for summer. This look features neon pink nails paired with a soft orange shade that is speckled with black dots, creating a unique and eye-catching contrast. The combination of neon and speckles adds a fun and trendy element to your summer look.

Consumables:

- Neon pink polish (China Glaze – “Pool Party”)
- Soft orange polish (OPI – “It’s a Piazza Cake”)
- Black nail art pen for speckles
- Gel top coat (Sally Hansen – “Miracle Gel Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint some nails with the neon pink polish and others with the soft orange polish.
3. Use a black nail art pen to add speckles on the orange nails.
4. Seal with a gel top coat for a long-lasting, glossy finish.

Electric Blue Nails

The electric blue manicure is a bold and vibrant choice for summer. This look features a solid electric blue shade that is both striking and sophisticated. The glossy finish enhances the brightness of the blue, making it a standout choice for any summer event.

Consumables:

- Electric blue polish (OPI – “Blue My Mind”)
- Gel top coat (Seche Vite – “Dry Fast Top Coat”)

How to Create:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint the nails with the electric blue polish, applying two coats for full opacity.
3. Finish with a gel top coat for a glossy and long-lasting finish.