Coffin Summer Nails Ideas 2025 That Are Trendy, Bright, and Totally Wearable
Is it really summer if you don’t get to show off a new set of nails every now and then? Between pool days, rooftop spritzers, and sunset pics holding an iced latte, your nails should get their own moment in the spotlight. So, which coffin summer nails trends are going to get everyone talking and liking your manicure in 2025? Whether you’re feeling cute, simple, or full-on long acrylic drama, I’ve rounded up the freshest looks that are making waves this year.
Let’s talk shape: Coffin nails (aka ballerina nails) are still that girl — strong, stylish, and sharp in the most flattering way. You’ll find examples for short, medium, and long texts right here. And yes, we’ll have the gel, the acrylic, and all the fun and creative designs you love.
Ready to pick your summer mood? Scroll for the looks that are anything but basic.
Hot Pink Tips with a Retro Twist
There’s something about this style that feels both comforting and really up-to-date. The long acrylic nails are painted in a clean nude color on most of the nails, and then have bold neon pink tips on top that give off a mix of tough and girly vibes. The shape looks just like a coffin, making it both strong and stylish at the same time. This is one of those coffin summer nails ideas that shows you’re confident, but doesn’t have to shout it to the world. The color reminds me of a sweet strawberry sorbet on a sunny day, and I think that’s something everyone would want to have on their nails.
To recreate this, I’d start by putting on a clear gel polish like OPI’s “Put It In Neutral” as my base. Then, if you want really bright pink tips, try “Hotter Than You Pink” or Orly’s “Beach Cruiser” to get a really noticeable look. Don’t forget to file the edges of the wood into a coffin-like shape, making it flat at the top and narrower at the sides.
Start by prepping the nails: trim, shape, buff, and push back cuticles. Apply a good dehydrator and primer if you’re using acrylic or gel extensions. Once your base color is dry, use a fine liner brush or a tip guide to carefully add pink polish along the edge of your nails to get a neat, French look. Seal it in with a high-gloss top coat. Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik (aka JLo’s go-to manicurist) always reminds us: “Precision makes a classic feel cutting-edge.”
I gave this look a try before heading to the beach, and it really helped make my outfits look a bit more put-together, even with just some flip-flops. This design is just the right amount of cute, but still has a bold finish. Think Y2K energy with a 2025 filter.
Sunset Fade Meets Midnight Shine
This set feels like summer in motion. Think of a warm, sherbet-hued sunset dipping into twilight. The coffin shape makes it look sleek, and the medium length and shiny gradient designs give it a really modern, on-trend feel. That ombré look, going from peachy orange to soft pink and then to deep navy, is pretty special—it feels both down-to-earth and creative at the same time.
You’ll need a couple of key products: a creamy peach-pink gel for the gradient (try Gelish “Tiki Tiki Laranga”), and a bold, dark shimmer navy like Essie “After School Boy Blazer” or Madam Glam’s “Star Sky.” Use a sponge to mix the colors for the middle nails, and then keep the outer nails plain for a nice contrast. And of course, someone who can do a good job of smoothing out the writing to make it clear and easy to read.
The trickiest part of this look is the blend. For the ombré effect, I put a little bit of nail polish onto a makeup sponge and gently bounce it over my nail until the color fades evenly. Then I layer on thin coats, curing in between. The bold navy tips are really quick to do, just two coats and you’re good to go.
I wore something similar to this at a rooftop party, and people kept telling me how much they liked what I was wearing. People kept asking who did my nails, but the answer is that I did them myself. If you’re not afraid of color, this one’s a total trendy statement.
Dusty Mauve with Minimalist Lines
There’s something so peaceful and intentional about this look. The dusty mauve base feels cozy and warm, kind of like wearing your favorite big, comfy sweater. Then the fine white lines move across each nail, looking like little trails or the way fabric might move in the wind. These medium length, coffin nails whisper elegance. It’s simple, clean, and incredibly wearable. Great for brunches, going to art galleries, or even just catching up on a Monday video call.
To get this look, I’d start with DND’s “Mauve Magic” or Essie’s “Angora Cardi” as the base, since they’re both pretty rich but not too dark. For the detail, you can use a white striping polish or a thin nail art brush with some gel paint to get the look. You don’t need shimmer or glitter here; the design speaks quietly and clearly on its own.
If you’ve never done nail art before, this is a great first step to try it out. Just a few freehand curves—no symmetry needed. A lot of pros like Betina Goldstein say that it helps to use your non-dominant hand to steady your dominant hand, especially when you need to draw really thin or careful lines.
I think of this as my “reset” manicure. Whenever I think I’ve gone a bit too far with the flashy looks, I just come back to this simple style. It’s timeless with a whisper of artistry.
Frosted Blue Florals for Breezy Days
Soft as a breeze and just as calming, this long, soft blue ombré set is perfect for days at the lake, hanging out in the garden, and wearing with airy linen dresses. The coffin shape gives the box a clear outline, while the tiny 3D flowers make it look like it was made by hand and adds a touch of sweetness. Among the many coffin summer nails ideas for 2025, this one gives off a sweet cottagecore vibe with its light and airy design.
To build this design, you’ll want a baby blue-to-clear gel base (something like The GelBottle Inc. in “Forget Me Not”), and 3D flower decals or builder gel to hand-sculpt blossoms. The top coat should be smooth and tough so that it keeps the charm looking nice while still letting the texture show through.
This one is easiest to do if you use gel or acrylic extensions, which will help you get a nice, long, and smooth look. After the ombré base is dry, use a dotting tool or a 3D art brush to put on each petal, making sure to layer them gently one on top of the other. Finish up by letting the UV cure slowly, and take your time to get a nice, even finish.
When I wore this outfit last spring while traveling in upstate New York, it just made the pictures look a bit more special and romantic. I love how this one uses soft colors and textures, and it’s really cute but not too cutesy, and it’s bright but not too bold.
Lavender Whimsy with Floral Accents
When purple and florals come together in just the right way, you get a long acrylic look that really stands out. The designs mix lavender colors and pretty flowers against a white background. The coffin shape gives it a modern look, while the flowers add a little bit of gentleness. It’s giving off the feeling of being the main character in a really smooth and effortless way.
Lavender gel polishes like “Lilacism” by Essie or “Light Elegance” in “Lavender Fields” will give you that pretty milky look. Pair it with a clean white base like “Alpine Snow” by OPI to really make the accent nails stand out. The floral details can be added by hand with a thin brush or by using nail art tools that stamp the design onto the nails.
I like to start by painting the background in full color, let it dry, and then slowly add the flowers using a steady hand and a bit of patience. For those who aren’t as comfortable with freehand, stamping plates with botanical designs makes a great option. Seal it all in by putting a UV top coat on top to give it that glossy look.
There’s something so wearable yet editorial about this set. I’d say it’s a super-subtle manicure that makes people notice, but doesn’t look over-the-top. This one is definitely going to be one of my favorites for the season.
Soft Contour Lines with a Hint of Play
This manicure is all about the little things you notice when you really look at it, and once you see them, you can’t help but notice them every time you look. The medium length coffin nails are painted with a light pink color that looks almost like milk, and then have thin, curved lines of pale blue and coral red on top. It’s minimal but with that extra something. Think modern sculpture meets zen garden.
For polish, I’d pick Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” or Bio Seaweed Gel’s “Marshmallow” since they’re both really light and go on almost clear. Then, for the line art, use gel liners in pastel blue and poppy red, like the ones you can get from Beetles Gel or Modelones. A striping brush really helps you make smooth, straight lines without any stops or breaks.
When doing this at home, first put two coats of sheer pink polish on your nails, let it dry, then carefully brush on the line work. Don’t press too hard, just hold the brush over your skin and let the gel glide on by itself. Top it with a thin layer of rubber to help it look shiny and stay flexible.
Honestly, this kind of design is perfect when you’re in the mood to say, “Yes, I have taste” without having to prove it. It’s a quiet luxury moment in the world of coffin summer nails ideas 2025.
Electric Purple Marble with Major Attitude
Now here’s a set that doesn’t whisper—it sings. This long, glossy coffin mani has a high-shine violet base with swirly lavender marble designs. It’s unapologetic and dramatic in the best way. A literal showstopper, great for summer parties or just making your morning coffee feel extra special.
You’ll need a gel nail polish in a really dark purple color, like Kiara Sky’s “Purple Majesty,” and a white and lavender swirl polish to get the marbled look. A tiny brush or a gel that makes the hair look shiny and smooth helps the design look really clean and put together.
For the marble, start off with a light base color, then add some random spots of deeper purple and white by dabbing or swirling them in with a small brush or even a toothpick. Don’t overwork it—marble is about chaos that looks intentional. Finish with a top coat that doesn’t make the color look washed out, like Seche Vive.
I’ve done something like this before going to a music event, and I thought my nails needed their own attention too. This one’s definitely for those who embrace color and want to go all in.
Rose Gold Shards and Dusty Greys
This set shows that even when things are kept really simple, they can still look really interesting and have a lot of depth. Soft nude mixes with dusty gray, and the designs look like they’ve been torn off shiny foil, giving it a kind of geode-like look. The coffin shape helps keep the design organized, but the metallic flakes add a little sparkle and catch the sunlight just like tiny pieces of jewelry.
Use OPI “Dulce de Leche” or DND’s “Bubble Bath” for a soft nude, and something like Zoya’s “Kelly” for a blue-gray that goes well with it. For the foil effect, you can use transfer foil sheets or rose gold leaf flakes, and they’re really simple to work with and make a big difference.
Once your base is dry, put a little bit of foil glue or clear gel on it, then stick your foil piece down, and finish it off by putting on a top coat. There’s a bit of trial and error, but the results are totally worth it when you see the finished look.
I like putting these on when I want to look put-together but still feel comfortable. They feel like jewelry on your hands—glamorous but grounded.
Mauve Marble Mood
If cozy met polished, this would be the nail style they would come up with. These medium length coffin nails are painted in a soft mauve-pink, with one nail done in a white marble look. It’s the kind of design that just feels right for lazy summer days, long brunches, and comfortable clothes made from soft material.
Try out “Clay Canyon” from CND or “Mauve Over” from Sally Hansen if you want a creamy base. For the marble, pick out a clear white color, add some thin lines of beige and pink, and then gently swirl it all together with a fine brush or a silicone tool. Add top coat while the paint is still a little damp to help it mix in smoothly with the rest of the paint.
The best part of this look is that you don’t have to be too careful with how you put it together. The more organic it looks, the better. I sometimes even use a dotting tool to make some cloud shapes and then smudge them a bit.
This one always gets people saying how nice and pretty it looks. It’s giving me vibes of someone who loves art, and I think it looks pretty cool.
Neon Daisy Pop
This is definitely one of the happiest and most fun nail designs in the coffin summer nails ideas 2025 collection. The long neon yellow French tips are so bright, so unapologetically summer, and then—bam!—tiny white daisies bloom along the cuticle line. It’s fun, girly, and just a bit playful, which I really like.
For this, I’d pick a clear, jelly-like nail polish as my base, like The GelBottle’s “Nude Lily.” Then use a gel neon yellow polish (Modelones makes a great one) for the tips. The daisies can be made by placing small dots with a white gel liner or dotting tool, and adding a little orange dot in the middle to make them look real.
Start with the tip color using a French nail guide or freehand if you’re confident. Cure, then put a dot in the middle of five white petals that are arranged in a circle, and add a small yellow-orange dot for the center. Top coat is important to help keep your floral design looking nice and fresh.
This one is great to take on trips or just to have with you when you want a little sunshine. I wore a version of this on a beach trip, and it made me feel like I was living in the middle of summer.
Watermelon Pop and Wavy Grooves
You know that feeling when you’re eating watermelon on a rooftop in July, and life just feels right? That’s the vibe of this manicure. A mix of bold green, juicy pink, and white wavy stripes that give off a fun and fresh summer vibe. The coffin shape here brings the polish (pun intended) to an otherwise carefree design.
To pull this off, go with a glossy gel base like The GelBottle’s “Doll Face” (for the pink) and “Jungle” for the green. Use a fine liner brush to add some white and blush pink wavy lines for the design. If you want to make the curves in your drawing easier to see, you can outline them with a different color of pastel so they really pop out.
You don’t have to know a lot to give this a go yourself. I recommend starting with some solid colors, letting them dry, and then using a nail art brush to make the wavy stripes. A clean-up brush dipped in acetone can help you make your lines look sharper if they feel a bit blurry.
This is one of those cool coffin nails ideas that not only looks nice, but can actually make you feel better too. The color combo is refreshing and instantly statement-making. I’ve never worn these without someone stopping me in the middle of talking just to ask where I got them done.
Chrome and Glitter Clash—But Make It Chic
Here’s a mix of shiny, sparkly, and softer colors that look really nice together. The dusty grey base gives this look a simple, everyday feel, but the silver glitter and copper chrome make it stand out and feel a bit more eye-catching. It’s futuristic, edgy, but still totally wearable thanks to the soft medium length and sculpted coffin shape.
Use OPI’s “I Can Never Hut Up” for the grey, and then add some sparkle with Essie’s “Set in Stones.” For the copper, try putting on chrome powder over black paint. A no-wipe top coat helps the chrome stick to the surface and look nice and shiny.
This look takes a bit more finesse. Apply your grey base and fully cure. For the glitter nails, use a sponge to press the glitter on the nails so it looks thick and full of sparkle. For the chrome, cure the top coat first and then use a brush or applicator to rub in the powder. Finish with another top coat to seal it in.
I wore this outfit one night at a party and it felt like my nails were shining like the lights of the city. It’s bold without being too loud—like jewelry, but better.
Champagne Glitter Fade
Subtle, sparkly, and undeniably elegant, this gradient glitter design gives your nails the same warm and glowy look you get when the sun is setting. A sheer blush base turns into a soft champagne glitter tip, making it great for any occasion from going to a wedding to taking pictures at sunset. The coffin shape in a medium length helps keep it simple and nice to look at.
Try using a jelly base like “Nude Pink Builder Gel” from Aprés and top it off with a little bit of micro-glitter like “Stardust” from DND. A sponge is a great tool to help you get a nice, even fade on your hair at the tips, without making it look too glittery.
Start with two coats of the nude pink. Cure and buff slightly. Then use a makeup sponge to gently dab on the glitter polish from the tip of your nail to the cuticle, making sure to blend it out. Add two more thin layers if you need to and then put on a final top coat to make it shiny.
I go back to this look when I want to feel a bit more feminine, but I don’t want to put in too much effort. It’s the basic nail look that always looks good and goes with anything.
Neon Swirls and Modern Nudes
This combo gives serious Barbiecore meets cool girl energy. A mix of bright pink gloss and a nude base with random black and fuchsia swirls, this nail look mixes movement and color while still feeling modern. The coffin shape gives it a cool look, and the long length makes it look extra dramatic.
Use a soft nude gel base like “Bubble Bath” by OPI, and for the bright colors, I really like using the Born Pretty gel liners because they’re easy to apply and show up really well. The black swirls make the design look a little more like something you’d find in a magazine.
This set works best freehand. After curing your base, use a liner brush to trace out your swirls. Don’t worry about symmetry—imperfection adds movement. Seal it all in with a no-wipe gloss.
If you’re going into summer feeling like you want to do something big, this one is for you. I put on something like what I wore on vacation, and it felt like I was walking through Miami just like Beyoncé.
Matte Mauve with Inky Edges
This one feels like velvet—soft, matte, and absolutely sophisticated. The simple mauve base is finished off with thin black lines that look like they were drawn on with a pen, almost like a sketch. The coffin shape here is a bit narrower on the bottom, which makes it look more elegant and fits well with people who like a calm and quiet style.
For this, I’d use Luxio’s “Mauve Me” for the base color and finish it off with OPI’s “Matte Top Coat” on top. The black detail? Jet black gel liner put on by using a thin brush and moving it in a straight line.
The trick is working fast. Matte polish dries quickly, so make sure to get your swirls in and let them dry before you put on the matte top coat. You can keep the swirls glossy for a more contrasted look or make the whole design matte if you want it to look more airbrushed.
I wear this kind of style when I want to look nice but not really stand out too much. It’s giving vibes of a minimalist art gallery curator on her day off, and that’s a pretty cool mood to have.
Burning Neon Flames
There’s just something about fire nails that feels extra nice to have in the summer. This look has long orange and black acrylic nails with a clear base and some cool fire-like designs. The color contrast makes the look stand out, but it doesn’t feel too busy, and the bright colors just give off a really fun and bold vibe.
To get this look, you’ll want a neutral-toned gel base — like OPI’s “Bare My Soul” — paired with vibrant gel liners in neon orange and black (Beetles or Modelones do great ones). You’ll also need a small, pointed brush to help you make the curvy flames look neat and sharp. I always put on a thick top coat to get that really shiny look just like you get at the salon.
Nail tech Brittney Boyce — who’s worked with Megan Fox and Khloé Kardashian — always says it’s best to let each flame color dry under a mini UV lamp before moving on to the next one, so you don’t get any smudges. It’s a small step, but it helps make the lines look neater.
I tried out this design for a music festival last July, and people I didn’t even know actually stopped me to ask where I got them done. If you want your nails to look cool and rock-n-roll, now is the perfect time to get them done.
Pastel Sorbet Fantasy
If summer were a manicure, it would look just like this pretty and simple design. Think soft, pastel colors like mint green, lilac, pink, and sky blue, all on long, skinny tips that make them look really sweet and laid-back. These are trendy without screaming, “I tried too hard,” and they work surprisingly well with both neutral and color-forward outfits.
You’ll want some good solid gel polish colors, like the “Macaron” set from AIMEILI or the “Pastel Dreams” set from Gellen, and don’t forget to use a high-shine top coat to finish off your nails. File your nails into a neat shape and use a different color for each one. Trust me, the mismatch makes it more playful.
Here’s the trick: use two coats for full pigment, and make sure you cap the edges (especially on pastel shades) so they last longer. Celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik always says, “Pastels are only perfect when they’re punchy, not patchy.” Amen.
When I wore this mani on vacation, it looked great in all the pictures I took by the beach. It’s the kind of medium-length manicure that makes you feel put-together, even if you’re just walking around barefoot on the beach.
Glossy Hot Pink French Tips
Summer 2025 called, and it wants its pink back. This electric pink version of the French tip looks modern and adds a little bit of spice to your look. With high-gloss gel over a translucent pink color, the long coffin shape keeps things from feeling too sweet and girly. There’s confidence baked into this color combo.
You’ll need a clear base coat and a hot pink gel polish — I used “Pink Gellac #142” for mine — and a French tip guide sticker if you’re not steady with a brush. The top coat? Glossy AF. I love Seche Vite for that mirror-glass shine.
If you’re doing this at home, make sure to trim your cuticles, put on your nail polish base, and then use a small brush to paint the French arc. Nail artist Sarah Nguyen suggests letting your nail polish dry completely between each layer so that your French manicure comes out smoother and the edge stays nice and sharp.
When I wore this to brunch with the girls, everyone kept giving me a little hand gesture to show how much they liked my outfit. It’s got that classic-meets-modern feel that’s just… addictive.
Mint Fade Daydream
Ombre nails are still really popular, but this light blue to white gradient is a really easy and pretty way to wear them. The medium coffin shape keeps it wearable, while the smooth blend gives off those “I just got back from a yacht” vibes. Dreamy and understated — a total Pinterest win.
To pull this off, I recommend using a soft white base and then putting on a mint gel like “Green Tea” from Nail Reserve. You’ll need a sponge or an ombré brush to blend the two colors together and take your time doing it. This one’s not about speed, but softness.
I watched a tutorial by Nail Career Education that said it’s better to put on the polish in layers instead of going over it all at once. Blend, cure, repeat — it’s soothing, honestly.
This design made my hands feel like they just got a nice, relaxing spa treatment. I wore it during a really busy week at work, and it somehow helped me feel more relaxed every time I saw it. That’s the real power of a good mani.
French With a Floral Twist
You can never go wrong with a white French tip, but this style adds a little extra touch that makes it look extra special. delicate lavender flowers on one accent nail. It’s like a classic look wandered through a summer garden. Feminine, clean, and fresh — these are great for weddings, work, or just any day when you want to feel a little more special.
Use a sheer pink polish for the base (think Essie’s “Ballet Slippers”), bright white gel for the French tip, and small nail art stickers or decals for the flowers. I love the floral decals from Olive & June because they look like someone painted them by hand and they stick to my nails for such a long time.
I asked my nail tech to do this design for a friend’s bridal shower, and everyone kept saying how much they loved them. One guest even said it looked like I had my nails done in Paris (she wasn’t wrong). This is elegance without effort.
Pearl Accent Elegance
This is the kind of manicure that whispers luxury. Soft blush-pink gel covers long coffin nails, and tiny sparkling crystals line the edge of the nails near the skin. It doesn’t scream to get noticed, but somehow still manages to stand out. It’s giving “clean girl” with a crystal twist. Refined, soft, and cute, this one is perfect for weddings, brunches, or just to give someone a little pick-me-up.
You’ll want a sheer blush base like OPI’s “Put It In Neutral” and some Swarovski micro gems or silver dot studs to finish off the look. Apply the rhinestones with tweezers and make sure to hold them in place with some builder gel so they stick on for a longer time. I use the Apres Crystal Adhesive and then top it off with a clear top coat that doesn’t need to be wiped off.
I saw this design on Pinterest a while ago and decided to give it a try before going on a weekend trip. They looked like little pieces of jewelry you’d wear on your fingers, but they weren’t too flashy. One of my friends actually made her own version of the photo for her engagement pictures.
Neon Curve Pop
Now this is how you make a long neon sign in the future. Bold turquoise shapes meet sharp magenta curves, all sitting on a smooth acrylic background. It’s edgy without being loud, flirty without being forced. And that color combo? Basically Barbiecore meets Y2K revival — but grown up.
Use a turquoise base like Orly’s “Vintage” and then add some magenta nail art gel on top. A striping brush makes it much easier to get clean, smooth curves when painting. And matte top coat? Non-negotiable. The contrast between shine and matte really helps make the look stand out.
Nail artist Chaun Legend, who has done Kylie Jenner’s most popular nail looks, often pairs bright colors with simple lines so that his nails look cool but still easy to wear. That’s exactly what this design nails (pun intended).
Every time I’ve worn bold colors like this, I notice that I start moving my hands around more, almost like I’m trying to get people to notice me. Confidence, bottled.
Toasted Mocha French
Here’s a cozy classic with a sunlit twist. Think creamy nude gel base with medium-length square-coffin nails, finished off with a smoky mocha color on top. It’s a calm and relaxed summer feel, perfect for those days when you just want to hang out and enjoy an iced coffee.
To get this soft ombré French look, you’ll need a soft beige base (try “Tan My Hide” by Gelish) and a rich chocolate brown like “Espresso Yourself” from Kiara Sky. Use a detail brush or French guide tip. Blend with a sponge if you want the edges to look a bit softer.
One of my go-to nail techs once told me that brown French tips are now the trendy way to do nude nails. And honestly? She’s right. They go with just about anything and still look really stylish. This is the kind of manicure you can wear if you go from a day at the beach to a nice evening out.
Soft Lilac Blossom Tips
Fresh, feminine, and just a little playful — this cute design gives off a dreamy pink and white feel with lilac tips and a floral detail. The soft pastel blend with blooming flowers is perfect for people who like a medium-to-long coffin length and want something sweet and happy.
Get the look using a pale pink gel base (like “Sugar Rush” from The GelBottle) and a lilac like “Lavender Bliss.” For the flowers, you can use flower stickers, or just dip a small brush in some paint and make little dots to look like petals. Finish with small rhinestones for the flower centers.
I once wore this same outfit to a friend’s baby shower and people from all ages, from teenagers to grandmas, told me they liked it. That’s the power of soft floral energy.
Monochrome Wave Motion
Let’s talk about art designs for a minute, and this one is meant for more serious and news-related topics. A nude gel base paired with black-and-white wavy lines going down the length of long acrylic coffin nails. The illusion of motion and the way the colors pop together really make your nails look alive and interesting. Definitely one of the boldest coffin summer nails ideas for the year 2025.
To recreate this, start by putting on a sheer nude base like “Cover Beige” from Young Nails. Then use gel polishes in jet black and milky white to create the stripes. A super-fine liner brush is really important for making sure the waves look just the way you want. Cure each color before layering to avoid smudging.
This is one of those manicures that just says, “I’m here, I’m fearless, and I love fashion.” I did a similar set last fall for a photo shoot, and I really felt like I should have been sipping a martini up on a rooftop in New York City. If you want something that looks great and goes well with your clothes, this is the one to get.
Rose Quartz Marble Mood
Here’s a look that’s easy on the eyes and still has a touch of style. Soft pink and crisp white marble swirls flow down short to medium coffin nails, giving off a simple and stylish look that goes well with everything from a day at the beach to a night in watching Netflix. The flow of color looks like rose quartz, calm, healing, and a bit magical.
To get this marbled texture, start with a plain white gel and then add in a few different colors. Then use a detail brush to add thin lines of baby pink, something like the color “Cotton Candy” from DND. Swirl while wet for that airy stone effect. A dotting tool can help diffuse any harsh lines. Don’t forget to finish off your nails with a clear top coat to help them last longer and keep them looking shiny.
Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec says adding a few layers of sheer pink on top of your marble nail look can make it look more soft and put together. I tried the tip and it really did make things feel calmer and more relaxing.
This was my go-to when I didn’t feel like doing a full face of makeup but still wanted to look put-together. And let me tell you, marble always gets attention.
Ocean Breeze Botanicals
If tropical minimalism had a nail moment, this would definitely be it. A vivid turquoise color shows up on alternating coffin nails, and the nails are finished off with sheer nude tips that have silver leaf patterns of plants on them. It’s summer vacation in a bottle, all wrapped up in a fun manicure that’s light, bright, and just feels good. This color is great for days when you want to feel relaxed by the beach or enjoy a drink while taking in the view.
Start by putting on a turquoise gel called “Tiffany” for the solid nails, and then use a nude base called “Pink Whisper” for the sheer nails. You can use a brush and some foil gel to paint the silver leaves by hand, or you can stick on some metallic decals if you want a quick and easy way to do it. Seal it all in with a really shiny top coat to give it a wet-look finish.
I saw this style trending on TikTok back in early spring — everyone tagging it as “beach goddess nails.” When I tried them before a weekend trip, I was actually surprised at how many different things I could use them for. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to feel like a magical sea creature while they’re getting work done?