Fun Summer Nails to Brighten Up Your Look (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular nail color for summer? ›

We're talking bright and vibrant shades like bubble gum pink, bright reds, neon orange, or baby blues. For minimalists and creatures of habit, you'll find rich creamy neutrals and classic colors that will still make your nails pop.

Fair skin: Both experts say sheer pink is best, while Lippmann says a clean beige can also slim the hands. Medium skin: Choi opts for a sheer nude polish, but Lippmann likes more opaque, full-coverage, yellow-based shades like her taupe shade, Fashion ($18).

Because dark colors like rouge, indigo and even black focus attention to your nail shape, they make your nails look longer.

Summer 2024 Nail Trend: Pastel Nail Colors

“This summer, soft and delicate pastels will gain popularity with baby pink, mint green, and soft lemon leading the palette,” says Walton. It's fresh and fun for summertime without the intensity of the brights and neons we're used to seeing in the warm months.

In a representative survey, the German Paint Institute found that men generally likeblue , but also likegray , black and brown . Both sexes like green about equally, while women are more likely to like red ,yellow ,beige and orange .

Lighter Tones: Choose lighter shades of any color, such as pastels or light grays. Lighter tones help to brighten the hands and create a more youthful appearance. Sheer and Natural Finishes: Consider using sheer or natural finishes, like a sheer pink or a clear coat.

"Orange is a youthful, bright and uplifting colour, and it helps draw attention away from signs of ageing hands with age spots, visible veins and wrinkling skin," says celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann from her eponymously named polish brand.

To keep your hands looking youthful we recommend keeping your nails short and well moisturized. Bright orange, pink, green nails will have people looking at your color rather than at your hands. Flexible colors for both day and night are rose gold, grey and blue.

Dark polishes, particularly stark black, run the risk of making mature hands appear less youthful, especially when it comes to cool-toned shades like deep navy, bluish reds, and wine purples. These exacerbate any skin dullness or dark spots caused by sun damage that you might be worried about.

What is the prettiest nail shape? ›

If you have short palms and short fingers, it's best to opt for rounded oval and almond shapes. For longer palms and fingers, consider dramatic stiletto or coffin (or ballerina) shaped styles. Almond shaped nails tend to suit everyone.

Nude. Nude is among the best nail polish colors for short nails because it's the ultimate classic color! Nude nails work for a variety of occasions, including professional and leisure events. Go from a long day at the office to an enjoyable evening with friends.

Remove the top of your clear polish and set aside, then position the brush of your pigmented polish over the top of your clear polish bottle; add a sizable drop of color into the clear bottle. Shake it up, and voila, you've got your own jelly polish.

Unlike regular brown, chocolate milk nails get their name because they look like syrup stirred into your milk of choice. Just like actual chocolate milk, the final color can range from a milky brown to a darker cocoa, but it'll always be creamy looking.

“Apricot and peach hues evoke a sense of freshness and vibrancy, making this the perfect pedicure shade for the upcoming summer months,” she says. We like the subtle blush of Sienna Byron Bay in Carnation or Habit Nail Polish in 12 Bardot. For a riper fruit, opt for the juicy coral of Chanel Nail Color in Sun Drop.

Glossy sheers

After creating glossy nude manicures for the Michael Kors and Proenza Schouler spring 2024 shows, Choi predicts sheer milky nails will be one of the spring's biggest nail color trends. “The delicate and sophisticated look is akin to a natural manicure with a glossy, gel-like finish,” says Choi.