What’s the color of summer 2025? Sunshine, darling. Or to put it exactly, lemon. If you’re on the beach in Amalfi or just working at your desk, lemon nails are giving us a fresh twist to our beauty looks this season. What is it that makes these citrus-based clothes feel so on trend? Is it because of the bright yellow, the soft pastels or how well it matches green, baby blue and butter tones?
Let’s break it all down—one manicure at a time. They help you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re just at home. Look through the site and I bet you’ll want to book a session—or better still, try one of these at home.
Sweet Lemons with Blueberry Twist
There’s something undeniably cheeky about pairing blue and yellow. A quick manicure using a clear blush base and abstract lemons, with green leaves and blue accents. Suddenly, a couple of solid nail designs in deep electric blue give the whole look a completely new feel. It’s chic. It’s playful. It gives Amalfi-meets-art-school.
Personally, I think using a semi-sheer pink gel base, like Essie Gel Couture in ‘Sheer Fantasy’, is a good way to start getting this look right. You can use OPI’s ‘Don’t Tell a Sol’ for your lemon nails and Zoya’s ‘Ryan’ for your blue nails. You’ll find your dotting tool is the best friend for drawing the fruit.
Your first layer should be the base coat which you then cure under the lamp. After that, paint oval lemons on your nails using your detailing brush, alternating between them. Include small green leaves and a light white mark on the fruit. Cure again. Finish off by applying the bold blue polish to the nails you haven’t done yet. Always top your manicure with a glossy top coat to get the shiny look.
I tried this out myself last July before a rooftop party and I couldn’t take my eyes off my hands. It’s like wearing your own little piece of art. Allure recently noted that using fruit accents is the best way to show off carefree beauty. I couldn’t agree more.
Citrus Splash All Over
Now this is a power move. The summer style is all about lemonade stands and each nail has a bright yellow slice outlined with green and ivory. It’s confident, unapologetically juicy, and kind of screams “I just came back from Italy and yes, I bought a linen dress in every color.”
You’ll need a vibrant yellow like Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in ‘Sunburst’, a leaf-toned green (try Olive & June’s ‘KMC’), and an ultra-fine brush or citrus-themed nail stickers for precision. Always include your base gel in natural beige or soft pink to enhance the color.
This one’s best done in a salon unless you’re super steady-handed. Start with your sheer base. When your painting is done, create half-moon shapes from the middle with your yellow. Add white segment lines and leaf flourishes in green. It helps to clean your brush after every stroke to prevent your colors from mixing too much.
My friend chose this design for her vineyard wedding and everyone wanted to know where she had it made. There’s something effortlessly celebratory about this design—it’s as if your nails showed up with the RSVP already in hand.
Juicy Minimalist Lemon Arcs
Despite being fruity, this design looks clean, shiny and surprisingly elegant. There are lemon slices in halves on the tips, all on a pale neutral background. You can still tell the style is bright, happy and colorful, but in a milder way. Think brunch with the girls instead of pool party.
The Dior Vernis in ‘Muguet’ will give you a beautiful, luxurious nude base. Following this, paint the lemon with China Glaze ‘Happy Go Lucky,’ and use a light mint green for the rest of the design. A dotting tool or a thin brush will make sure your slices are all the same size.
Skip the decals—this look thrives on hand-painted detail. Take the brush from one side of the nail and draw the yellow arc across like a smile. Draw the outline in white, add the seed slices and finish with a summer gel top coat that won’t fade for at least two weeks. Clean, refined, and still very 2025.
Personally, I love this one for everyday wear. It’s office-appropriate but still packs personality. I noticed a similar idea in a recent Glamour article, where they said it’s “quiet luxury with a touch of juicy detail.” Nailed it. Literally.
Lemonade Bloom with a French Accent
Now we’re talking full-on editorial glam. This set uses a square shape, a sharp French tip and painterly florals, plus a bold lemon slice on the nails in a rich butter yellow color. Elongated almond-shaped tips give it a look that’s halfway between a garden party and pop art. This year, you’ll see cherry and citrus designs everywhere because they remind us of summer.
A baby pink or nude base will help the background stay soft. I suggest using OPI GelColor in ‘Put It in Neutral’ and CND Shellac in ‘Bicycle Yellow’ for the lemon slice. The white French tip works beautifully with pale flowers. You can get this look at home by using nail stickers or a detailed stamping kit.
I’ve been saving this one on my Pinterest for a while. I haven’t put it on yet, but it’s ready to go for a friend’s bridal shower. You’ll want to take pictures with your mimosa glass, just so your nails look perfect.
Glossy Lime Pop Meets Casual Cool
Here’s one for the modern minimalist with a twist. The background of this set is a soft milky beige, with bold lemon and lime slices outlined in green. It’s got a lot of Italian style, but it’s modern and easy for a busy woman to wear. Super wearable, super chic.
If you want a neutral base, try Essie’s ‘Ballet Slippers,’ and Color Club’s ‘Yellin’ Yellow’ gives a nice yellow color for the fruit. Use a dusty sage green as your outline and then seal it with a summer gel to keep it in place for your next trip or picnic.
If you’re trying this at home, use a short bristle brush to shape the citrus into perfect curves, then tap in the segments with white. You can make your design look effortlessly uneven by placing it either in the center or off to a side.
In some cases, a design like this is more powerful by being simple. It’s fresh, low-maintenance, and still totally Insta-worthy.
French Twist with a Lemon Zing
The French tip is given a citrus twist in this new design. Placed on a soft nude background, the tips become lemon slice arcs colored butter yellow and shine with a sunny, coastal look. Since it’s both subtle and fun, it’s a great way to transition from a daytime meal to a weekend wedding.
My choice for this look is OPI ‘Bare My Soul’ as the sheer base and Color Club’s ‘Almost Famous’ for the half-moon accent. You will need a very fine detailing brush to get those sharp white lines and wedge areas.
I’ve made a similar design by using a peel-off guide to outline the tip curve and then adding the fruit freehand. A summer gel top coat such as Beetles No Wipe Gel Top Coat, will help your manicure last longer. Just like that, you’re brunch-ready with citrus flair.
There’s a kind of flirty sophistication here that feels so right for 2025. If you’re ever torn between keeping it classic or going bold, this design dances beautifully in the middle.
Zest on Repeat
Talk about a mood. You’ll find tiny lemon slices placed on all your nails, giving the look of a citrusy explosion. While a couple of designs have yellow tips, the real highlight is the way the pattern repeats itself. Think wallpaper but make it designs summer.
This calls for precise tools. To do the fruit, use Butter London’s ‘Yellow Submarine,’ and add some green by using Essie’s ‘Can Dew Attitude’ for the leaves. A simple matte base coat makes the slices stand out and keeps the design looking clean and simple.
Start by applying your base and curing. Draw lemon circles with a small dotting tool and add the segment and leaf details afterward. Top it off with a summer gel gloss—because you want your lips to look plump.
I actually wore this for a weekend in Palm Springs and it looked great. Compliments came from every direction. It’s a nail look that makes you feel like you’re running a fancy lemonade stand.
Botanical Realism in Bold Yellow
This design gives us fine art energy. The background is white which makes the lemons and leaves the main focus of the plate. With bright yellow nails, this is as much like a citrus still life as you can have on your hands. Very 3D, very botanical.
I think the best way to get this is with DND’s ‘Alpine Snow’ underpainting and Kiara Sky ‘Lemon Dream’ for the outlining. The lemon art looks best when done with gel polish and a small brush. On TikTok, nail artists frequently use Bloom Gel to make watercolor nails, yet here, the lines are drawn with purpose.
This design is best created in salons, as an experienced artist can draw every detail. But if you’re steady with your strokes, it’s a fun tutorial project to try on a weekend.
You’ll probably find yourself stopping to admire your nails during a text or while you wait for your coffee. It makes the “luxury produce aisle” look better than ever.
Lime Garden Chic
We’re taking a turn into green territory—and it’s stunning. It features leafy shades and matches mint nails with very detailed citrus slices. It’s cool, earthy, and ripe with Italy vacation fantasy. The kind of lemon nails that says: “I’ve visited the Amalfi Coast and you’re welcome to ask.”
A good base for this look is Zoya’s ‘Neely’ and you’ll also want Bio Seaweed’s ‘Sunny Daze’ for the bright yellow. The lemons have a complete design, with texture, shadowing and dark green leaves all around the nail bed.
I’ve noticed that some experts use layered gel painting to create a sense of depth. A matte top coat also helps amplify the detail. Pro tip from celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein? Mixing gloss and matte together on a design makes the art stand out.
There’s a romance to this style that feels almost cinematic—like something you’d wear on a summer film set in southern Italy.
Vibrant Yellow with 3D Citrus Drama
Now this is inspo. All nails painted yellow, plus one large 3D lemon slice and a layered green leaf on top. It’s smooth, slightly raised and looks like real lemon skin. It’s bold, bright, and unapologetically 2025.
The polish that pulls this off? You should always have Madam Glam’s ‘Perfect Yellow’ on hand and some builder gel or 3D acrylic sculpting gel to give your nails that juicy effect. For more realism, nail artists choose between molding on details or sculpting them by hand.
This one might be too much DIY unless you’re into serious nail art. Book a salon session for your next event or trip—especially if you’re heading to a destination like Miami, Tulum, or you guessed it… Italy.
I first gave this design the name “sunshine statement” when I saved it. It’s not subtle, and that’s exactly the point. With so many nudes and neutrals around, this is the style that stands out.
Fruity Pop Meets Garden Whimsy
There’s a lot of character in this one—it’s bright yellow, has soft sky-blue bases and the cherry and lemon illustrations almost look like stickers drawn by hand. It’s cartoony in style, but still looks polished and can be worn. If you made a summer playlist, these nails would be the first thing you’d see.
The blue base? Pick Orly’s ‘Morning Mantra’—it’s the best soft shade for this style of blue design. You can use ‘Banana Cream’ from ILNP for the yellow parts and you’ll need a fine brush for the fruits and leaves. You could also use citrus and cherry decals to cut your time in half.
If you’re in the mood for sunny, vibrant and playful, this mani is perfect for you. Your nails will make you smile when they look like something you’d find on a Pinterest picnic board.
I wore something similar when I went to Santa Cruz last year and people I didn’t know asked to take my picture. Let yourself be as silly and fun as you like this summer.
Minimal Lemon Accent on Nude Shorties
Simple is often best and this design does it perfectly. All the nails are painted a soft neutral color and one accurate lemon illustration is placed near the cuticle of the ring finger. It’s not flashy, but it’s still a great way to give a nod to the season for those who like simple nails.
A great way to start is with a beige shade from Zoya called ‘Dot’ or Essie’s ‘Topless & Barefoot’. After that, use a detail brush to paint the lemon and green leaves softly. Top everything off with a summer gel top coat to keep your nails looking great.
You can easily make this one at home, even if you’re new to cooking. If your lemon isn’t perfectly straight, you can still call it rustic.
It seems like the design I did on my friend’s nails for our winery weekend—simple, neat and perfect for pictures. Sometimes, less is really more.
Illustrated Citrus Storyline
This is basically your favorite children’s book turned manicure. All of the colors and details are placed on oval nails in a way that feels just right. Every nail adds something unique to the design and all together they look complete.
CND’s ‘Cream Puff’ will give you a white base, Beetles ‘Lemon Squeeze’ for the citrus and Olive & June ‘WKF’ for the leaf parts. Using thin brushes and dotting tools will make your art look perfect.
It takes a bit more effort to get this look right, but it’s totally worth the effort. It’s the sort of tutorial that does well on Reels, showing a close-up of the details to lo-fi music.
I felt like planning a picnic so my nails would coordinate with the look. I enjoy that you can easily change the color palette to oranges and peaches if you’d like something different.
Lemon Vines & Sparkle Tips
Okay—elevated glam incoming. This set includes realistic lemons on long almond nails, surrounded by fine green leaves and finished with silver glitter. It’s giving garden goddess meets disco ball.
The glitter gradient can be made using Modelones ‘Champagne Sparkle’ and the bright citrus by using Kokoist ‘Lemon Drop’. This design works best when you have good brushes and a soft builder gel for making the lemon smooth.
A salon moment, for sure, but it’s absolutely worth spending all that time under the lamp. The glitter somehow doesn’t change the scent, making the citrus even more noticeable. It seems like a sparkle you’d choose for a summer wedding or party on a rooftop.
It’s drama, but you know it’s coming and you look forward to it. Seeing this style always reminds me of: Lemon trees, a linen dress and a glass of prosecco.
Pink Lemonade Magic
We had to end with this one. The whole vibe: pink and yellow nails that add half-lemon slices with floating dots and some cute green accents. It’s juicy, soft, flirty—and gives major 2025 energy. I am writing this for the girl who lights up every situation.
‘Mod About You’ by OPI will give you the pink base and ‘Tangerine Twist’ by Beetles Gel is the color for the fruit. You can add a few dot stickers in coral, baby blue or white to add some extra fun to your space.
What I find special about this design is that it is both fun and refined. It’s not “too much,” but it makes people smile. I spotted a similar nail style on an LA nail artist and she told me it’s the look everyone is asking for this summer.
Whenever you’re not sure if you want bright or romantic—this is the look for you.
Bold Blue Meets Bright Lemon Energy
There’s something irresistibly crisp about this look. Deep blue leaves and glossy lemon yellow fruits make the almond-shaped nails stand out, without letting the leaves overshadow the rest of the plant. Because the background is a sheer pale nude, the artwork can stand out on its own. These nails are perfect for anyone spending time in Positano, with their sparkle resembling tiny citrus gems. It’s summer, bottled and brushed onto your fingertips.
I suggest making this beautiful look by applying Bio Seaweed Gel Unity in “Cupcake” on the base and adding Le Mini Macaron Gel Polish in “Fresh Lemon” for the fruits. To do leaves, use a striping brush and a pigmented royal blue such as Essie’s Butler Please. A dotting tool is great for the small white highlights which give the design a 3D effect but don’t make it too big.
My nail tech taught me to begin with a nude base that has already cured. Use a detailing brush to paint the lemons first, as their odd shape gives a better effect. Blue leaves next, then pop in the white dots. Finish everything off by applying a top coat that doesn’t need wiping to keep everything looking great.
This design gives me energy. I had this on for a rooftop brunch and got four compliments before I got my mimosa. It’s new, it’s refined and best of all—it makes you think you’re on a secret holiday.
Juicy Citrus Mix With Summer Fruit Punch
Talk about designs summer goals! These nails are like a fruit salad, but they’re stylish. You’ll find lime, orange, pink and yellow grapefruit, all so realistically painted that they could be in a Pinterest tutorial. It’s fun, bold and a little bit nostalgic—sort of like Capri Sun pouches in a stylish adult setting.
Color is everything here. Try OPI Infinite Shine in the colors “Lime Light,” “Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants,” and “Got Myself Into a Jam-balaya.” Applying nail decals or using a fine-liner brush will make the translucent citrus segments look great.
No need to get complicated here. This short nail look works best when you paint the slices like you’re drawing little rainbows—half-circles with veiny segments. Clean edges with a silicone tool or micro brush. Pro tip from celeb nail artist Elle Gerstein? “Don’t try for perfection, go for vibe. Imperfection makes fruit look fresher.”
I remember a garden party I attended last July and everyone had fruity nail art. This makeup style really stood out. If you want color that’s still soft and easy to wear, this is a great design idea for 2025.
Sunny Side Up: Cheerful Yellow with Floral Whimsy
This manicure in a square shape is a quieter way to wear citrus style, with a hint of flowers. Two of the nails are decorated with butter yellow lemons, surrounded by little blue and white daisies. It’s like something you’d wear while lounging on a picnic blanket with sunglasses on and no real agenda.
I’d go with Zoya’s Pippa for the base yellow, and for the flowers, use Beetles Gel Polish in a multi-color art kit (trust me—it pays off for the tiny detail work). You’ll find it easiest to use a dotting pen to mark the centers of your flowers.
You don’t need pro-level skills to pull this off. Start by painting your base. As soon as the painting is dried, brush on some lemons and use a toothpick for the daisy dots. You can use a brush that’s shaped like a pen to outline the flowers and leaves. Finish with a gel topcoat for that salon look.
This is the sort of understated design I’d choose when I’m not trying to overdo it, but still want to look nice. I always smile when I see it. Doesn’t that show how a great manicure should work?
Ceramic Citrus Meets Amalfi Geometry
If you’re up for it, this is for the folks who enjoy mixing patterns. Imagine the look of Mediterranean tiles, but with a twist of lemon nails designs for 2025. The almond nails are a mix of juicy yellow and navy-and-white latte patterns. It’s giving Italy, it’s giving summer postcards, it’s giving total main character.
My favorites for this are Madam Glam’s Perfect White, Sally Hansen’s Mellow Yellow and OPI’s My Pal Joey. For the geometric tile designs, get a stencil or sticker template if freehand isn’t your thing.
Start with alternating your base colors. Paint your nails yellow and add full lemon wheels using bright white to separate the slices. If hand-painting seems too difficult, you can use sponging or stamping for the rest of your nails. Use a matte top coat on the nails when you want a look inspired by the French Riviera and fine art.
I’d pick this manicure for vacation, so it goes perfectly with my Aperol spritz. It’s fashionable, bold and still great to wear with jeans or a light linen dress. If you’re looking for a bold idea, but not a noisy one, this is your inspiration.
Summer Vibes, Bottled on Nails
When you want your hands to literally say “hello, summer,” this designs short manicure goes straight for the theme—lemons, polka dots, and the phrase “Summer Vibes” drawn in elegant script. It’s cheeky, clean, and very Reels-worthy. Picture: a white, flowy dress, sandals and nails that sing the tune “Walking on Sunshine.”
The yellow polish? Go for Lights Lacquer in Slice of Life. A lot of nail artists say that Nail Labo’s Art Gel and a micro-liner brush are perfect for precise lettering.
Put on your base coat and follow it by adding yellow to the accent nails. Use a dotting pen for those adorable black dots. It’s sometimes difficult to write the letters neatly—you can use a small brush or letter stickers for better results. Finish your manicure by applying a topcoat of gel which will keep it looking good for weeks.
I wore something similar during last summer’s gel season and was asked so many questions, I decided to film a quick tutorial on my phone. (Still buried in drafts… maybe this year I’ll post it?) In any case, this style combines design and joy perfectly. It’s not just nails—it’s a whole summer mood.
Minimalist French with a Citrusy Wink
Soft nude nails mix with a French twist in yellow, ending with small lemons that look like they’ve been drawn in a sunny notebook. There’s something really special about this look—it’s simple and still fun. The spacing, the micro-fruit, the simplicity? It’s modern femininity in manicure form. Even though it’s not as bold as some other designs, this one stands out even more.
I started with Olive & June’s EC and added Lights Lacquer’s Slice of Life at the tips to copy this look. The lemons were stamped using Maniology’s Lemon Bliss Plate, but if you’re handy with a brush, you can go freehand. For a serious shine, add Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat to your nails.
My process is to apply two sheer nude layers and finish with a French tip using a guide. Use a dotting tool or pen to apply the lemon at the cuticle with a small dot. Let each layer cure fully if you’re using summer gel—that’s what keeps the finish ultra-smooth.
It’s a design that can be used for brunch and for meetings. I used this outfit for a client meeting and a beach BBQ and it didn’t seem out of place either time. Elegant but never boring? Sign me up.
High-Gloss Citrus Squares
This one’s a total dopamine manicure. A yellow base covers all nails except one, where a square design is the perfect place for pink, yellow, orange and tangerine slices of color. It’s fun, but the glossy finish and simple shape keep it looking elegant. For those who like to make a statement, this design is our boldest idea for 2025.
Yellow My Name Is from Gelish is my favorite for the base. Use decals from Daily Charme’s fruit slice collection for the accent nail if you’re not up for hand-painting. To get that mirror shine, go for Glossify’s Top Coat Gel—it’s next-level.
I start with the accent nail first, as there’s more time to fix any mistakes before I apply the solid yellow. Place some fruit slices with a silicone tool, add builder gel if you want a smoother surface and then let it cure. You want the finish glassy, not bumpy.
I’ve noticed a lot of TikTok creators doing “mani cam” videos which is why this style is so popular on the app. Just wearing such bright colors can make you feel like you have your act together, even if you’re in jeans and a tee.
Lavender Fields & Lemon Trees
I really love this one—lemons are placed over a soft baby blue-lavender background. It’s hard not to feel calm when looking at this colorway, like you’re in the country at dawn or in the spring breeze. The painterly detail and shade of green in the background make the lemons look and feel quite juicy. It’s a slightly artsy, slightly retro moment and it fits the designs short trend beautifully.
Apply Essie Lilacism as your base and then add OPI Infinite Shine Don’t Tell a Sol on top. Use a small art brush to make dots, depth and 3D effects.
The trick here is making the lemons imperfect. Begin by making blobs that aren’t the same size and then shade one edge with orange-yellow. Apply a small brush to the leaves and end with a coat of varnish. Add two black dots for seeds; it’s very satisfying.
This one’s a compliment magnet. I wore it to my local farmers’ market and had someone ask if I did them myself (spoiler: I didn’t, but it gave me ideas). If you’re trying lemon nails designs ideas 2025 for the first time, this combo is an easy win.
Citrus Smile Lines
Here’s a new version of the French tip: bright yellow tips on nails shaped like almonds, with slices and leaves from lemons showing in the natural base. It’s happy, well-balanced and gives your nails some extra style without losing the clean look of a classic manicure. It makes your nails look happy and that’s a vibe I love for the summer.
For a light pink base, use OPI’s Bubble Bath. I get the juicy tone in my French tips by using Essie’s Sunshine State of Mind. You can paint lemons using a small brush or stick lemon slices near the top third of your nails to get a layered effect.
It’s necessary to cure each layer with gel if you’re using this technique. Paint the leaves with a thin brush and use a white polish for the lines that give your lemons shine. Brush the remover around the nail bed with a small detail brush.
A trip to Italy would look perfect with a yellow sundress and a spritz in my hand. If you’re all about a summer glow that’s also stylish, you’ll love this one.
