What’s summer without a little color on your fingertips? This year, ombre summer nails are getting even bolder with bright colors, mixes of pastels, and some fun patterns that make you feel like you’re on a beach vacation. Whether you’re into gel, dipped, neon, or short and cute looks, this guide has everything you need to refresh your nail game for the sunny season ahead. Ready to glow?
Sunset Smoothies for Your Fingertips
The soft gradient between hot pink, blush, and lemony yellow is just the right mix to make me feel like summer is finally here. This ombre design mixes tropical fruit colors with a buttery smooth look, making it look like you could drink it right from a straw. It’s the kind of gel manicure that screams weekend brunches, piña coladas, and barefoot golden hour walks. There’s something about the color balance here that’s both playful and surprisingly wearable—even if you’re not someone who usually reaches for neon.
To get this kind of rich, glassy finish, I lean toward brands like OPI’s “Hotter Than You Pink” layered with “Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants” (yes, that’s the name) for the yellow. The gradient is usually done with a sponge, but if you want something that lasts longer, a nail pro or someone who knows how to use dipped powder can really help make it look great and stay on your nails for a while. Bonus points if you go with powder coating instead of paint to make your pool furniture last longer during the hot summer months.
A little tip from celeb nail artist Betina Goldstein? “Work with a nearly dry sponge and gently dab the colors on, building up the color in layers as you go.” Rushing = streaks.” She’s not wrong—less polish, more patience. Top it off by adding a high-gloss top coat, making sure to wipe off any excess, and then flash curing it quickly. Hello, mirror finish.
I tried this look before going to Miami, and so many people asked me where I got it done. Honestly, it’s a look that hits the sweet spot: bright, but not chaotic. Feminine, but not sugary. And it looks super adorable with things like crochet tops and linen sets.
Rosy Wash of Sunset
This pink-to-bare fade is such a minimalist dream. The ombre here is done in a way that looks natural and easy, but still makes your hair look put-together and soft. If you’re into simple elegance with a flirty edge, this one’s for you. It’s the perfect compromise between bare nails and full hot pink drama—like the makeup equivalent of dewy blush. I’d definitely wear this out for a summer date night with a slip dress and a simple bun in my hair.
To get this look, I start off with a milky pink base color, like Essie’s “Ballet Slippers,” and then use a sponge to blend in a gradient of pink polish, like “Mod About You.” Blend the makeup in using a makeup sponge and make sure to tap gently. pressure control is everything. If you want your ombré to last longer, you can try using gel or dipping methods, which both work really well.
When I’m doing this at home, I go slow and buff the surface afterward to keep that ultra-smooth transition. Dry brush some cuticle oil onto your nails and watch them instantly look and feel so much better.
This is one of those designs that doesn’t need to be loud to get your attention. It’s soft, it’s seasonal, and it lets your personal style shine through. Whether you’re at a summer wedding or just doing your day-to-day stuff, this look is both simple and really beautiful.
Lemon Milk Gradient
Okay, how fun are these? If neon yellow was able to be soft, it would probably look something like this. These ombre summer nails ideas for 2025 mix bold colors with pastels in a way that looks really fresh and up-to-date. The blend from nude pink to citrusy yellow looks like sunshine turning into a delicious scoop of ice cream. The long, square shape gives it a sharp and simple look that works well with simple rings or beachy bracelets.
This style usually calls for a pale nude base (think: Kiara Sky “Bare With Me”) and a vivid yellow like Bio Seaweed’s “Electric Daisy.” The trick is getting that buttery melt without patchiness. A lot of nail techs use powder dipped overlays to help make their nails look really smooth and last longer. It’s also a good pick for vacations because it doesn’t need as many chips and it looks better in the sun.
Want to DIY it? I’ve done it with the sponge trick before, but this time I tried a new method I saw on Instagram: I just put on the yellow polish directly on the sponge, lightly swipe it over my nails, and then top it off with a clear jelly coat. It takes a few tries, but it’s oddly relaxing.
Every time I wear this set, it makes me feel happy and cheerful, like I’m carrying around a little bit of sunshine with me. Especially on cloudier summer days, these nails can really help make you feel a bit happier.
Tropical Heatwave Blend
This set feels like summer in a bottle, all packed into some cute nail polish colors. A neon fusion of warm orange, bright neon pink, and a touch of sun-bleached base color—this nail polish really makes you feel good and a little bit extra, especially with all that color on your nails. And let’s not forget how great it looks when you take a selfie while sipping on a margarita. This is a great choice for anyone who loves the summer and wants to feel like a real hot girl.
There’s a reason top makeup artists like Brittney Boyce swear by gel—it gives you really strong color and blends really well. I like using Orly’s “Glowstick” and “Artificial Orange” with a high pigment payoff. You can layer with a light neutral base (like CND’s “Bare Chemise”) for that perfect sun-bleached gradient.
For application, it’s best to put on the lightest color at the tip and work your way up to the darker shades toward the bottom. This brings a nice touch of style and makes the color a lot more easy to wear. Cure between layers and keep each blend thin.
This one is my favorite to bring to music festivals or when I’m going on a road trip during the summer. It’s bright, fearless, and surprisingly flattering against sunkissed skin.
Pastel Dreamcloud Tips
Let’s end on a softer note, shall we? Pastel ombre is really popular right now, and you can easily join in on the trend with this soft and sweet look. A mix of mint, lilac, baby blue, and sherbet green, it’s soft and dreamy, but not babyish. Like, adult Lisa Frank—but French girl edition. The almond shape makes this bag look a bit more stylish, and it goes really well with sweaters and big jackets.
For pastel gradients, I really like using the Orosa Pure Cover line because it’s light, feels good on the skin, and has some really nice, clean colors. Shades like “Daydream,” “Lullaby,” and “Mint Crush” work well together and are easy to mix and put on top of each other. You can go gel, but you can also just use regular polish to get the same look really quickly before you head out for brunch.
This isn’t just cute, it’s practical too. Soft neon looks are going to be popular in 2025, so you can go for a long or short style and still be on-trend. The harmony of the pastel rainbow just makes me feel happy and relaxed, no need to edit the photo.
There’s something about these shades that makes me think of relaxing by the pool, wearing a breezy dress, and looking at pictures of cute houses in the South of France. Anyone else?
Butterfly Hologram Fade
This design looks like soft sunlight shining through stained glass, and it’s pretty, shimmery, and really relaxing to look at. The nails go from soft colors like baby blue, mint, purple, and yellow, and have a shiny finish that looks like a glow on the skin. It’s neat and mature, but it still has a bit of a magical, fairy-like style to it. If you like a calm and relaxed look but want something a bit different, this is the one for you.
You’ll want to start by putting on a sheer base like Madame Glam’s “Perfect White” and then add some chrome powders like Daily Charme’s “Iridescent Fairy Dust” on top of gel colors like “Mint Mojito” and “Lavender Sky.” Buffing each layer slightly before putting on the top coat helps make sure the mirror look stays nice and smooth. This set is great for people who want their manicure to last and not chip easily, even if you use it with powder dipped nails.
Honestly, I think this would be perfect for a beach wedding or even a nice dinner up on a rooftop. When paired with sheer pastels or satin slips, it instantly makes any outfit look a lot more put together and stylish. Plus, the shape is almond—always flattering, always in.
Sunkissed Berry Fusion
Bold and energetic, this bright mix of hot pink and yellow is really on-trend for 2025. There’s a rich contrast here, but it’s smoothed out by the velvety gradient fade. The finish is really shiny, like you could almost see your face in it, making it look like you’ve just come back from a nice vacation. This is not your shy girl manicure. It’s for people who want their nails to really stand out and show off their style.
For this level of pigment, I go full gel. I love using The GelBottle colors “Fuschia” and “Daisy” together, especially when I mix them with a liner brush and let them blend into each other. That way, you avoid over-layering and bubbling. This style also looks amazing when it’s done with dipped nails, because it adds a really deep and eye-catching look that you just don’t get with regular polish.
Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec suggests applying polish in thin coats and curing it twice at a lower temperature to help avoid any wrinkles when using really bright colors. And she’s right about that—especially with bold colors like neon, it’s better to go slowly and let the look build so it doesn’t look over-the-top.
I got this set done before my trip to Vegas last July, and I got so many compliments from the TSA agents to people by the pool. It’s the ultimate confidence boost. Think of it like a fruity, refreshing drink—sweet, a little tangy, and really easy to get hooked on.
Glam Glow Block Ombre
If you like designs that are a little glam but still fun and playful, this set is just right for you. Think neon pink, orange, sherbet yellow, seafoam green, and sky blue all mixed together in a vertical gradient. Add in some small sparkly gems at the base and it’ll look extra festive. This isn’t just a look—it’s a conversation starter.
Use bright nail polishes like ILNP’s “Tropics” or “Cosmic Rays” to make your nails really stand out. For a jewel accent, I always use Swarovski Flatback Crystals, and I put them on before I finish curing the piece. Nail glue works fine, but if you want your nails to look good all through your vacation, put a thick top coat on top of them to help them last longer.
I skip the sponge for this one and use a vertical brush to blend the colors, starting from the cuticle and moving all the way to the tip. It takes a bit of time, but the result is really nice and looks more up-to-date than the old horizontal fade.
I saw the same style on a stylist at a New York Fashion Week afterparty last season, and I really liked it right away. It’s bold, it’s stylish, and it looks like something you’d wear after coming back from a vacation in Mykonos.
Dreamy Sorbet Claws
There’s something really cool about mixing these two colors together, especially when you see how the purple fades into bright pink. It’s moody yet bright, soft but loud. The almond stiletto shape makes these shoes a bit more special, but the neutral color keeps them easy to wear and up-to-date. This look makes me think of cotton candy skies at dusk, just like how summer nights should feel.
Use a lavender base like Lights Lacquer’s “Amethyst” and then blend in a neon pink shade like Holo Taco’s “Pink Fluff” on top. A light dab with a foam wedge works wonders. Don’t over-blend—let the transition show off a little personality.
Nail artist Elle Gerstein says it’s a good idea to put on some cuticle oil before you take off gel nails or dipped nails, because it keeps your skin soft and helps stop it from peeling. I’ve kept doing it ever since she said that, and I haven’t changed my mind since.
This look became my summer anthem last year. I wore it to a weekend bachelorette party and got most of the girls interested in trying it out too. It’s just that good.
Coconut Milk Fade
Let’s just take a moment to relax and enjoy this easy, peaceful, and nice part of your day. These short square nails are coated in a creamy neutral color that’s faded to a frosted white and has just a touch of shimmer. There’s something about this look that feels like a wedding, but at the same time it looks really classic and beautiful. It’s an easy way to keep your nails looking nice without a lot of work, and you still feel put-together.
For this kind of smooth and even blend, I usually use a powder dipped brush. Revel Nail’s “Verona” paired with “Luna” for the shimmer tip gives you a really pretty and subtle difference between the colors. If you’re going polish-only, try Zoya’s “Erika” under OPI’s “Funny Bunny.”
This one’s beginner-friendly if you’re doing it yourself. The fade can be blended using a sponge or brush going in a diagonal direction, and then you can add a thin layer of glitter on top to make it sparkle. And because it’s not bold in tone, chips won’t stand out to the eye. Win-win.
When I’m looking for something cozy and calm, I usually choose this place. These are the nails that look great wrapped around your coffee cup on a foggy morning or holding onto your iced matcha on a hot day.
Cool Blue Surf Fade
This manicure makes me think I’ve just dipped my hands in the Aegean Sea. The blue ombré here is really deep and pretty, moving from a dark cobalt color to a light and calm white. The short and rounded shape makes it easy to wear both at work and on vacation by the beach. It’s a modern spin on nautical, minus the anchors and stripes.
To get this gradient, I usually use gel polish because it’s really easy to blend and layer. Beetles “Royal Blue” at the tip, and then blending into “Blueberry Milk” by using a flat nail art brush. You could even swap in powder dipped if you’re into durability (who isn’t?). For a smooth finish, put on thin layers and lightly go over each one with a buffing pad before moving on to the next.
The secret sauce? Use a no-wipe top coat with high gloss. The shine gives that water-surface effect. This set is one of my favorites because it’s simple, looks good, and has a bit of edge to it.
Watermelon Sorbet Glow
Playful, soft, and slightly nostalgic, this manicure reminds me of that feeling you get when summer watermelon meets a warm sunny day. With a natural base that melts into a juicy pink color, it feels just as refreshing as biting into a cold piece of fruit on a hot summer day. The short almond shape is easy to take care of and looks great for just about any summer day.
This is such a great DIY look. I put on Sally Hansen’s “Peachy Breeze” and mix it with a light nude base color. Apply polish to a sponge and gently tap it on the nails to get a nice smooth and even finish. Top it with Seche Vite for a smooth and shiny finish if you don’t want a fully gel look.
It’s what I usually pick when I want something easy to use and looks nice. This is the kind of set that goes with just about anything you have in your wardrobe, from cute floral skirts to plain white bikinis. And yes, it gets compliments. Always.
Banana Milkshake Blush
I’m totally in love with this soft yellow and pink color mix. The blend is smooth and creamy, just like a banana milkshake that has been blended with strawberry on top. The colors are subtle enough to lean into everyday softness, but still carry that playful, modern punch that says you know your ideas and aren’t afraid to wear them.
Choose powder dipped or gel if you want your nails to look nice and stay put for a long time. I’ve done both. For color, try DND’s “Banana Cream” and “Peony Blush.” It’s really soft and you can easily blend it together using the feathering brush-blend technique by just lightly dragging the brush up and smoothing the colors together.
I wore this look last August with some flowy beige pants and a pink tank top, and it felt like I was living out a Pinterest board. If you’re someone who doesn’t really like bright neons but still wants to look summery, this is a great option that’s still stylish.
Neon Sunset Palms
When I tell you this design is straight out of a holiday postcard—I’m not exaggerating. These nails give off a real tropical vibe with their bright pink and orange fade, and little art palm trees on top. It’s the way summer designs look and feel that really helps tell a story. These nails look so nice that they make you want to pack your bags and go somewhere new.
To create this look, I use a lot of gel to get the hair extra shiny and smooth. Use high pigment polishes like Modelones’ “Neon Orange Pop” and “Barbie Pink” to create the blend. The palm design can be made using a stamping plate or just drawing it by hand, but either way it’s a fun and easy way to add a tropical feel to your nails.
This one is great for relaxing by the pool or having a good time dancing without shoes at the beach. It gives main character energy with a tropical twist. Even just looking at it makes me wish I could grab a sarong and head off to a warm place.
Raspberry Shimmer Flame
If ombre could flirt, this would be the result. A soft lavender base fades into a deep berry tip and is finished with a sparkly accent for a little extra flair. It’s not a really bright neon or pastel, but it’s still a bit extra and looks nice on. It’s that little black dress of summer nail designs.
Try OPI’s “Do You Lilac It?” with “Berry Buttoned Up” for a fun and easy way to get your nails looking good. Use a precision brush to blend the fade and put a few rhinestones near the edge of your nails to make them look extra nice. For powder dipped, go for a light pink base and add on a bright berry-colored dip on top.
I keep this look for going out at night or for any time I want to look really nice and put together. The almond shape makes the ring look classy, and the sparkle it gives off when the light hits it is just perfect. Add a glass of rosé, and you’ve got yourself a perfect meal.
Classic Gradient Elegance in Cool Neutrals
There’s something really special about how the pearl white fades into soft dove gray—it’s like a little bit of luxury, all wrapped up in a nail design. This almond-shaped ombre manicure looks simple and chic, not too flashy but still nice and put together. It sits somewhere in between the soft, cool air in the morning and the smooth, silky feeling of a blazer. A great choice for anyone who wants a simple, easy-going style for summer but still wants to look put-together. You could wear this out to dinner on a rooftop or to a wedding by the beach and it would look perfect either way.
To get this kind of softness, I’d suggest using gel polish, and OPI’s “Icelanded a Bottle of OPI” blends really well with “Funny Bunny” to give you that smooth snow-to-stone look. You’ll also want a soft blending brush so you can blend the edges really well and make sure you don’t have any harsh lines. A matte top coat gives your nails a soft, velvety look, but if you want something shinier, go for a high-gloss finish that will make your nails look glossy and reflect light like a diamond.
When I tried this for a chilly weekend in Cape Cod, I wore it with a silver stacking ring and a faux-fur wrap. It felt a little glam, a little grown. If you want to feel relaxed but still have a bit of confidence, this is the one for you. And it makes your hands look instantly tanner (a summer perk!).
Neon Meets Sunset: Tropical Fade for Bold Days
This neon pink and yellow ombré burst is full of bright and lively colors. It’s giving beach bar, Miami rooftop, a bit of Y2K Barbie vibes, but in a really good way. There’s a warm and lively feel to these nails that makes them look like the sun is shining right through them. If you’re the type who likes to make a bold statement with your nails, this design is going to be perfect for you this summer. Bright, bold, and unapologetically extra.
Achieving this saturated ombré takes patience and pigment. Start with a solid hot pink base—try Orly’s “Oh Cabana Boy”—and blend it into a neon yellow like “Electric Daisy” by Lights Lacquer. Use a makeup sponge to gently pat the transition color on your nails, making sure it blends well, and then finish it off with a clear gel top coat. A UV lamp helps keep the color bright and makes it look extra nice when you see it in the sun or by the pool.
I wore this outfit to a pool party in late June and people kept stopping me to ask me where I got it. My advice? Keep your accessories minimal. These nails are the accessory. They’re loud in a good way, but never over the top, and they actually look great on different skin colors.
Chrome Heat: Sunset Metallics for Golden Hour
Here’s one that speaks without words. Orange, magenta, and golden-pink all blending together and giving off a shiny look that almost looks like firelight on the skin. The vibe? End-of-day glow, last margarita on the terrace, and taking golden hour selfies are all signs that summer is coming to an end. If you’re looking for a look that says “vacation,” this is the one for you. The metallic finish makes the piece look shiny and stands out with every little movement.
You’ll need reflective pigments or chrome powders for this—start with a gel base (try Beetles Gel Polish in “Peach Please” and “Magnetic Rose”), then layer a mirror powder in matching tones. Finish with a top coat that doesn’t wipe off to keep your nails looking shiny and let the colors show up well. I’d avoid matte here—it’s all about the shimmer.
When I tried this mani last August for a late-summer music fest, it really made me feel happy and in a good mood right away. It also looked great after I used gel powder and kept its shiny, foil-like look even after a weekend of partying and drinks.
Juicy Rainbow: Multi-Colored Fade for Maximum Fun
Okay, so this one’s not for the shy. But it’s also not just “for the young” either. This wild, juicy mix of green, yellow, orange, and pink fades across each nail, giving off a fun and colorful summer vibe. It’s like Skittles dumped out onto your beauty routine, but in a fancy and fun way. There’s something about a neon short manicure that makes you feel a bit more confident and ready to take on the world, just like a nice outfit does for the rest of your body.
You’ll want several high-impact neon polishes (I’m a fan of Holo Taco’s crème brights or Cirque Colors for punchy shades). Each nail gets its own color mix, like going from orange to yellow or pink to coral, or even bright green to lime. It’s a labor of love, but so worth it. Apply a thin layer of white polish before you start painting to help the other colors really stand out.
My cousin wore this dress when she went to Mexico for her birthday, and the rest of us followed suit and wore it too the next week. These nails don’t just look good—they feel good. They always make you smile when you see them in your hand. They’re cute, they’re bold, and they really give off a festive feeling.
Cotton Candy Cloudburst: Dreamy Pastel Ombré
This one is like a serotonin hit. Pastel shades go together really well—purple, baby blue, pink, and buttery yellow—like the colors in a watercolor sky just before it starts to rain. It’s calm but colorful, sweet but not cloying. You’ll want to stare at them for hours. It’s the kind of art that doesn’t shout. It just softly says, “I’m doing summer my way.”
The secret here is to use a light hand and gently move the sponge around. Start with a milky white base (like Zoya’s “Genesis”) and fade into powder dipped pastel pigments or sheer tints. You can also try using semi-transparent gel polishes and blending them in a gradient look by brushing on a layer at a time and curing each one with a fan brush.
One of my readers sent me a message after trying this set out for their engagement picnic. She said the nails were included in the photos for the proposal, and it just made it even cuter. Sometimes it’s not about making a loud statement. It’s about making your actions look a little more graceful and elegant, even when you’re just going about your day.
Ocean Bloom: Aqua-Green Ombre With Gilded Line Art
This set is for people who love to dream, who notice little things like waves in silence and the light shining through curtains. The ombre fade from seafoam green to Caribbean blue is already eye-catching, but the gold leaf-like designs really make it stand out even more. It feels like underwater botanicals or hand-drawn constellations. And the short, squoval nail shape makes it easy to wear every day, but still looks fancy and put together.
To get this look, I like to use gel polishes because they last longer and look really shiny, so try out Modelones in “Matcha Bloom” and “Tiffany Blue.” You’ll need a liner brush and gold foil or a metallic striping polish (Orly’s Instant Artist in “Gold Glitter” works beautifully) to trace those dreamy curves and flourishes. Finish with a velvet matte top coat to get that soft and cloud-like look.
I always say: when you’re short on length, play up the art. This is proof. Minimal shape, maximum vibe. It’s like a set of small nail art designs that you can put on your nails, just for fun.
Sunset Sorbet: Hot Pink Meets Tropical Sunrise
If golden hour had a smell, it would be like eating mango ice cream on a warm day with sunscreen on. That’s the feeling this ombre brings to life. The bold mix of hot pink and bright yellow looks juicy and full of flavor, just like a tasty drink you sip on while relaxing in a hammock on your vacation. These colors are saturated, sweet, and yet totally wearable. The square tip gives it a new feel, making it look modern and simple, but still really relaxed and summery.
This one works best with colors that you can dip your brush in or use with a gel polish that has pigment in it. I used Kiara Sky’s “Pink Passport” and “Solar Yellow” for a perfect fade, using a soft sponge to blend them in the middle. The key is not to rush the transition, but to let it happen smoothly and give it some space. A glassy top coat helps your hair look shiny and new, just like after you’ve had it done at the salon.
My friend wore this set to a beachside brunch and couldn’t stop waving her hands around (even her mimosa got jealous). I’ve never seen nails look so much like the pieces of fruit in a salad before. This combo not only makes you look better, but it also puts you in a better mood.
Peach Glow: Subtle Ombre With Gold Dust
Not every ombre summer nail idea for 2025 needs to be bright or full of flashy colors. Sometimes, the little things and quiet moments are the ones we remember the most. This peachy blend starts off as a sheer blush and then turns into a tangerine shade with a light gold shimmer. The added pop of pink on the outer nail is a fun little surprise that adds just the right amount of cheer to the rest of the look. It’s fresh, feminine, and gives off a vibe like sunsets and a glass of sparkling rosé.
For this set, I mixed Beetles Gel in “Apricot Cream” with “Rosy Nude” to get a pretty and natural look. To get the gold shimmer, you can use some foil flakes or a little bit of glitter gel, like the “Gilded Goddess” one from Nail Reserve LA. The application is low-maintenance but looks high-end.
What I love about this outfit is how simple it is, but it still looks really put together with just jeans and a regular shirt. When in doubt, add gold. It takes a simple design and adds a touch of glitter to make it look a little more special.
Lemon-Lavender Fade: Cool Contrast That Pops
Color theory at its best—neon yellow slowly turning into rich purple makes a really bright and bold look that’s both eye-catching and classy. I’m obsessed with this unexpected pairing. It’s bold, yes, but totally balanced. The lemon color makes things look brighter, while the lilac helps balance it out and makes the look softer. If you’ve ever wondered if warm and cool tones go together, now’s your chance to try it out and see how great they look together.
To get this cool look, start with a gel base on your nails and then use Essie’s “Play Date” for the purple on most of your nail and add a touch of Cirque Colors “Kushy” or Lights Lacquer “Limelight” on the tips. A sponge technique is a good way to do this, but I’ve also seen some artists use a small fan brush to blend the colors together really nicely.
This one reminds me of the popsicles we used to eat when we were kids, half grape and half lemon-lime. It’s nostalgic, but not childish. Grown-up whimsy, if that’s a thing. It’ll look great when you’re tanning or when you want to add a bit of fun with a white summer dress.
Sunset Fade: Peach-Pink Perfection
Let’s close out this batch with something romantic. A soft pink to golden orange gradation that looks like the sun setting into the sea. This ombre is pretty but not too girly, and it looks nice and clean without being too bold. I’d wear this to a garden party, a dinner with friends, or even just to brighten up my day at home.
For this kind of blend, I really like using Revel Nail’s “Stella” and “Tiki” dipped powders. They go on smoothly and give you really strong color without showing any streaks. A clear top dip helps all of the layers stick together and gives you a shiny finish that lasts.
I wore this dress to a wedding in July and kept noticing how my nails kept getting stuck on the material whenever I looked in a mirror. It’s delicate, it’s cute, and it goes with everything from jeans to a dress. You can’t go wrong with a warm fade—this summer, soft colors are in style.
Electric Garden: Neon Green & Lavender with Gold Leaf
This one? Pure magic. Neon green and soft purple aren’t the colors you’d expect to see together in summer, but when they’re put together, they really look great. The shape is bold, the colors are strong, and the tiny bits of gold leaf on each nail look like little bits of sparkly fairy dust. There’s a royal feel to this color combo, making it look both daring and fancy at the same time. It’s like putting on some lavender perfume and zipping around on a Vespa.
To get this look, I started with a layer of Essie’s “Lilacism” gel and then blended in Lights Lacquer’s “Limelight” over it. The key here is to make sure the colors are vibrant, so add layers of color that are sheer instead of putting on too much pigment at once. For the gold? Try using foil flakes or Born Pretty’s Gold Leaf Topper to add some shimmer to your nails. Just use a little bit of paint and brush it over the area to finish it off.
The first time I wore this combo, people I didn’t know kept coming up to me at the farmer’s market and asking to hold my hand. “What’s on your nails?” they’d ask. I’d smile and say, “A little magic, and a lot of attitude.” Honestly? I never felt more like I was living in a book about summer.
Velvet Watermelon: Matte Hot Pink Fades for the Win
Let’s finish with something that feels delicious. These short, square, velvety nails start off in a blushy cream color and then slowly turn into a juicy hot pink that looks just like cotton candy, but with a stronger punch of color. The matte finish gives this product a smooth, powdery look that feels both old-school and modern. These nails are flirty, fun, and totally TikTok-ready.
This is a good choice if you want to use dipped powders or regular gel polish and then finish it off with a matte topcoat. I used Nailboo’s “Soft White” and “Tropical Punch” nail polishes, mixing them together with a sponge brush to get a nice, faded look. The matte sealer really sets it apart—don’t skip it.
There’s something nostalgic about this look. Maybe it’s because of the watermelon color, or maybe it’s because she looks like a Barbie doll. But one thing’s for sure: it’s not just cute—it’s confidence in pink form. Wear it with a white summer dress or a bright colored hoodie. It works both ways.
