Summer Long Nails Ideas 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Almond, Square, and Extra-Cute Designs

When was the last time that your nails made you feel anything? Like, did that extra oomph to your look, your day, or your whole thing? As the summer 2025 is coming in hot, there is no better time to change things up and experiment with new shapes, colors, and textures. Whether you’re into square, almond, or stiletto, glossy gel or bold acrylic, this season’s nails are all about personal expression—with just the right dose of extra.

From soft pink gradients to futuristic blue chrome, minimalist details to full-on Y2K chaos, I’ve gathered my absolute favorite looks that scream summer—without saying a word. And yes, each and every one of them was designed to be screenshot, saved, and shown to your nail tech. So… which one are you trying first?

Bold Waves & Retro Heat

The swirl is back—but this time, it’s got attitude. I’m loving this red, pink and white stiletto design for it’s bold, graphic take on a classic retro wave. It’s flirty, a bit wild, and it gives that fierce energy we all want when the heat rises. This is not a shy manicure – it is the kind of vibe you put on with strappy heels and a confident strut. Imagine stilleto red, summer long nails ideas 2025 and pure sass.

To recreate this set, you’ll want a high-gloss gel polish in a vibrant cherry red (I swear by OPI’s Big Apple Red), a soft baby pink, and bright white. The secret is in the swooping lines – use a fine nail art brush or nail vinyls for sharp edges. Seal it all with a shiny gel top coat to seal in that reflective shine.

A nail artist can use a dotting tool to mark out your swirls before getting down to business with precision brushes. At home? I’d say: don’t overthink it. Follow the curve of your natural nail and do not be scared to overlap colors a little. I’ve spotted similar styles shown by the editorial manicurists at NYFW, particularly with monochrome outfits or bright accessories. It’s not just cute, it’s striking.

To be honest, this is one of those additional designs which always evokes compliments. I went to a rooftop party last July in a version of this and someone actually asked if I had them done by a celeb nail tech. Nope, just a little practice and the right red.

Mauve Magic & Almond Calm

There’s an undeniable elegance to this toned-down pink almond nail – clean, sleek and ultra-complimentary against every skin tone. It’s a soft matte finish, but with just enough shimmer to catch the sun, without screaming for attention. Ideal for brunches, first dates, or days when you want to be polished without putting in any effort. This one is a front runner for casual, simple, even basic girls who like a touch of softness in their style.

For this, I’d pick a gel polish such as Zoya’s Rue or Essie’s Lady Like. The end is important – glossy is timeless, but a satin or velvet matte top coat makes it modern sophistication. Nail file-wise, this is top almond, shaped so that it tapers just right without being too sharp.

This one’s ideal for DIY. Give your nails an almond shape with a soft buffer, apply two coats of mauve polish, and add on your favourite top coat. It’s forgiving, so if your polish game isn’t salon-level, the monochrome color will cover up little flaws. Quick tip: Pre-buffing the nail bed increases the longevity of matte finishes by a lot.

Some days I want fireworks, but other days? This soft mauve is my armor. I wore this kind of look to an interview and I felt completely put together in jeans. If you are looking for something pretty and not fussy then this is it.

Blue Chrome for Baddie Energy

This blue chrome set is doing sci-fi glam as good as it gets. Shiny, razor sharp, and bold, this stiletto look is a statement. It’s giving “galactic goddess meets club queen.” And let’s just say – if I am going to a festival or simply need to get out of my comfort zone, I’m going to grab this set. It checks so many boxes for summer long nails ideas 2025, especially with the return of all things Y2K.

The key here is the gel chrome powder. There are brands such as Daily Charme or Born Pretty that sell amazing duochrome pigments that shimmer in purple, blue, and teal based on the light. Dab over black or navy base for that insane reflective finish. And yes – this is one of those designs that have to be sealed with a no-wipe top coat for max shine.

It is possible to come up with this at home if you have the right tools. Base color cure, rub in the chrome powder with a sponge applicator and seal with top coat. I found this precise combo on a YouTube tutorial by Nail Career Education and was shocked by how wearable it appeared to be even though it was so extra.

I once did this look for a girls’ trip to Vegas—photos were insane. It’s super dramatic, but that’s the point. You won’t go unnoticed.

Pop Art Meets Pastel Chaos

This one’s a whole vibe. Colorful, quirky, and unapologetically loud. Each nail brings its own party: squiggles, dots, rainbow gradients… it’s having some serious DIY collage vibes, like Lisa Frank for adults. Honestly? It makes me smile just looking at it. This is for the brave hearts – and if you are into green, yellow, purple and the whole blue-to-pink range, you are home.

For this, you’re going to need a full palette, think Lights Lacquer’s Sweet as Summer or Olive & June’s Playground kit. Use dotting tools, striping brushes, and a steady hand (or nail stickers if you’re new to freehand art). Base coat is not negotiable since you are going to be layering a lot.

Begin with planning the look of each nail individually – this is not a uniform mani. Combine pastels with brights, use graphic dots and switch between gloss and matte if you are feeling extra. It is the perfect time to take out those half-used bottles of random colors.

My take? This is the mani that screams fun girl summer. I have seen similar looks everywhere on Pinterest with the tag “square summer” and “easy nail art” – and that is everything. it’s hip, it’s do-able, and it makes you feel like you are your own mood board.

3D Dots & Bow Drama

Okay, now we’re talking even more, but in the most cute way. This style is an explosion of pastel, soft, curved almond shapes and blown up 3D bow details. It’s whimsical, almost like candy-coated sculpture for your fingertips. Absolutely not your everyday Tuesday nails – but for birthdays, bridal showers or Instagram-worthy brunches? Obsessed.

You’re going to need acrylic bows or gel 3D molds for the raised details – Kawaii-style nail shops on Etsy are ideal for this. The base is a milk pink or nude gel, and the colored squiggles and dots are made using thicker gel paints, so they keep their shape.

This look requires a little more work – apply builder gel to stick the 3D pieces and cure them under a UV lamp. If you are not in the mood for DIY-ing the bows, a set of press-ons, like this one, is a great workaround.

Personally, I think this one’s a wild card. I have worn 3D nail art once, and it seemed as if I had miniature pieces of art on my hands. It’s not for everybody, but if you’re in need of super playful, Y2K, and pink-forward—you may just fall in love.

Lemon Waves & Almond Glow

This soft almond appearance with its translucent foundation and softly swirled yellow tips is like a lemon sorbet on a hot day – refreshing, light, and all summer. The layered lines in creamy white and pastel citrus create a wavy illusion that is playing with movement and space without being heavy. It’s that quiet kind of wow that you don’t always see at first, but then can’t take your eyes off of.

I recommend using a sheer milky gel base like Butter London’s Sheer Wisdom Nail Tint, layered under a bright yellow like Bio Seaweed’s Sunburst. Apply white striping gel for the wave effect and top it up with a glossy top coat. This look benefits from a natural build-up, so a base builder gel might help with the structure if you’re not using acrylic.

To DIY it, begin by forming into a medium almond, buff the nail for a smooth canvas, and lay down the base. Then go in with the yellow diagonals and then finish with white lines using a striping brush. According to nail artist Hang Nguyen, layering curvy lines in contrasting tones adds “visual texture without crowding the nail”—and I totally agree.

This one is a must-have in my “daytime summer” mood board. It’s so casual, so pretty, but still unexpected. I wore it to a beach picnic last August and it went well with white linen dress and messy bun vibes.

Classic White Square Summer

Clean white, crisp square French tip has a certain sanctity in the warmer months. It’s timeless, yes—but also deeply intentional. The squoval edges provide it with a soft finish without complicating things and making them elevated. And let’s face it – when you don’t know what to wear, this will go with everything.

Go for a builder gel or acrylic overlay for strength, especially if you’re looking for that longer, structured tip. OPI’s Funny Bunny or Essie’s Blanc makes that perfect French tip white. Use a fine liner brush or French tip guides to nail the crescent shape (pun not intended… but kinda cute, right?).

If you’re not up for the whole routine, press-ons in this shape are shockingly good these days – Static Nails has one that looks pretty much salon-level. And for durability? A great dehydrator and PH bonder underneath will make them last so much longer even in humid weather.

Sometimes I return to this look after I’ve done too much, and it’s just like a palette cleanser. Soft medium length, balanced tone, glossy finish. It’s peak basic, but in a good way.

Hot Pink Glitz with Butterfly Bling

If summer was put in a nail set, this would be it. Hot pink, metallic diamonds, and butterfly appliqués? Yes please. It’s half glam and half playful – and definitely for girls who want their nails to be part of the outfit. The combination of textures between full shimmer, chrome shine and those fluttery wings is what makes this go from “fun” to super extra.

You will need a neon pink gel, Luxa Polish in Pink Pop will work, along with glitter base gel and small butterfly charms or decals. Use nail glue or builder gel to attach 3D elements, encapsulate if necessary for the durability. Apply rhinestones or diamonds with tweezers and wax pencil tool, seal with a jewelry gel top coat.

This look requires a little bit of patience, but believe me, it is worth it. I follow some techs on Instagram who recommend doing embellishments at the end so that you can actually tweak the layout before curing. Especially for symmetrical styles like this.

I wore something similar for a summer bachelorette weekend and let’s just say – my nails were the main character. The compliments did not stop.

Glossy Pink Stiletto Glaze

Glossy. Ethereal. And just a little bit holographic. This pink glazed stiletto adds a high fashion touch to Barbiecore with its chrome finish and reflective, mirror shine. It is a gentler version of the stiletto red moment and is a perfect addition to the 2025 iridescent nail trend we’ve been seeing on runways and IG.

The best results can be achieved with chrome pigment powder on top of a light gel pink. On top of Beetles Gel in Fairy Pink as a base, I use Daily Charme’s Pearl Chrome Powder. Ensure that your nail beds are as smooth as possible – any bump will show through high-shine finishes. The secret of achieving that glass-like effect is a no-wipe top coat under the pigment.

In order to get the shape, file outward on a sharp diagonal and taper to true stiletto. Buff smooth, base coat, two layers of pink and chrome. I spotted a very similar one on celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik’s page – he styled it with some minimal gold jewellery and it was honestly a look.

For me, this is my go-to glam look. Date night? Check. Girls trip? Done. It’s polished without being overdone – and the pink has enough edge to keep it interesting.

Retro Arcade Pop Art

The Y2K nostalgia is strong with this one. Each nail has its own vibe – rainbow ripple, bubbly retro patterns, even lipstick doodle. I’m obsessed. It’s playful, cheeky, and embraces that cartoon-core feel that’s all over the place at the moment. Completely custom-feeling, and most definitely one of my favorite summer long nails ideas 2025 when I want my nails to feel like accessories.

You’ll need a wide color range: blue, pink, white, brown, and even a little green. Use nail art brushes, dotting tools, and thin liner brush for detail work. Lights Lacquer has a “Retro Revival” collection which is rather perfect for this. It also helps to have a steady hand or use nail stickers to add polish (literally).

This look does take time—but it’s modular, so you can create a couple feature nails and fill the rest with simple color swirls. For maximum effect, top with a gel top coat for the plump, vinyl-like shine.

I used this look to attend a throwback-themed birthday party and someone literally described it as “mini pop art for your hands”. If you are looking for cute, a little bit chaotic, and completely 90s-inspired – it’s a hit.

Soft Pink Square Ombré

This subtle ombré design takes everything that we love about pink and takes it up a notch with that sleek square shape. It blends perfectly from a creamy blush base to a delicate mauve tip, exuding a lot of “your natural nails, but airbrushed” vibes. It’s so polished, so chill, and just what I would wear if I want to feel feminine, but not too much.

To get this kind of gradient at home, I usually reach for two-tone gel polish (try Beetles Gel in Tea Rose and Ballet Slippers), a soft sponge, and a good base coat. Blend gently from tip to cuticle, curing between layers. You will also require a glossy top coat to finish it off and prevent texture.

This mani is so friendly to any outfit or mood. I wore it during a whole beach vacation and it went with everything – from swimsuits to sundresses. It is one of those basic looks that never feels stale.

Green Gem Oval Fade

There is something luxurious about this soft green and nude oval fade – matcha cream with a splash of glitz. That rhinestone-studded accent nail? Chef’s kiss. It gives a subtle, almost bridal twist without stealing from the contemporary minimalism of the rest of the set. It hits all the right notes: calming, elegant, and just bold enough to notice.

To do this, try Olive & June’s Into the Trees or OPI’s This Isn’t Greenland. You will need a nude base, a light gel green and a blending sponge. For the gems, I use Swarovski crystals (size SS5 or SS7) and a gel rhinestone adhesive. Cure everything well and top coat those stones on the edges only.

Oval nails will always feel more natural on the hand and the fade here provides a little pop of color without going full neon. To be honest, this one got me back in love with greens, especially in warm weather. It’s chic, but never overwhelming.

Chrome Berry Electric

This mani is doing it the most in the best way. The electric mix of blue and fuchsia chrome on a sharp almond silhouette has the feel of summer heat lightning on your fingertips. It’s shiny, reflective, dramatic—and just plain cool. These are the kind of shoes that you can’t wear and not feel like a walking party.

The key here is a good chrome pigment. I would prefer Born Pretty’s Aurora Chrome Powder to a deep gel base such as Kiara Sky’s Royal Navy. Apply with a no-wipe top coat before applying the pigment and then seal with a thick gloss. Shape it to a medium almond and you’ve got that clean, clawed perfection.

I spotted a variation of this on a Miami stylist and could not take my eyes off. It’s everything I want in a high-impact look — and a fail-safe when I want nails that feel powerful. Imagine beach party at sunset, or drinks under city lights.

Speckled Pastel Swirls

This fun combination of pastel blues, purples, and green hues swirled over a white background is summer sorbet for your hands. What makes it fresh is that speckled detail – it interrupts the candy colors with a modern, artsy touch. It’s graphic, it’s fun and completely wearable with light denim or flowy skirts.

This one takes a bit more creativity. Use pastel gel shades like Essie’s Play Date (purple), OPI’s Gelato On My Mind (blue), and Zoya’s Neely (green). Use a fine striping brush to paint the swirl shapes, then flick black specks using a toothbrush dipped in polish (gently!). Finish with a glossy coat.

Whenever I put on designs such as this, people tell me that it looks as if it is an art print. And they’re not wrong about it – it has that curated Pinterest feel that just works. Cute but not childish, bold but not chaotic.

Vintage Blossoms & Dainty Details

This one’s a little romantic, a little delicate, and totally charming. With blue flower designs, micro pearls and hand painted vines, it makes the bridal garden but casual. The almond shape gives it an elegance and the details give it personality. Ideal for a tea date or, to be honest, just a Wednesday when you need to feel special.

This design takes patience. Use thin brush and pigmented gel paints to make the petals and leaves. A dotting tool works for pearls and centers. For the French tips, use a milky white such as Beetles Milky White and top off with a builder gel top for dimension.

I haven’t done hand-painted flowers in ages, but after seeing this, I am re-inspired. It is the kind of look that makes it feel like it’s personal – like every nail has a story. And in 2025, that level of detail is very having a moment.

Power Blue Claws with Wild Energy

Deep, ultra-glossy blue with an elongated stiletto silhouette? Say no more. These nails are the epitome of bold elegance. The color is oceanic, between sapphire and midnight navy, but the show-stealer here is that glassy finish. Paired with sharp, elongated tips, it brings instant drama—like, “I’m not here to play it safe” kind of drama. I’ve always been of the opinion that summer is the best excuse to go extra, and this set? Super extra, in the best way. Perfect for nights out, rooftop hangs, and those who are willing to live the basic baddie energy of 2025.

For this mani I usually suggest gel polishes with mirror finish such as OPI’s “Yoga-ta Get This Blue” or Gelish’s “A Touch of Sass”. For that intense shine? Top it off with a high-gloss gel topcoat – do not forget the cure time under the UV lamp. These nails should reflect sunlight as if it were water on a hot day.

To get this exact result at home, shape your nails into a sharp almond or stiletto form (press-ons work too). Base coat first, always. Then do two coats of your choice of blue, curing between. Top with a high-gloss gel topcoat. I’ve discovered that buffing before the gel really makes that ultra-smooth reflective finish pop.

Would I wear this to brunch? Not every time. But when I want to feel iconic? These are it. A friend of mine also wore the same color in a Miami trip and she said they received more compliments than her designer bag. Not kidding.

Botanical French Twist

This is what I call a floral French remix. The white almond tips establish the base, but the actual soul of this design lies in the little red flowers – just right between delicate and bold. It is like a garden party on your hands and the placement is what makes it look so high. Throw in those little gold diamonds and you’ve got something that is handcrafted, luxe, and soft all at once. This look to me is a whisper of “fresh manicure in a Tuscan villa” – even if I am just doing errands.

To DIY this, go for a gel base in a neutral or sheer pink (Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” never fails). Use a nail art brush or stickers to put the floral accents, top them with tiny metallic stones – Swarovski or Amazon dupes are fine. French tip can be achieved using French guide stickers if you would like symmetry but without stress.

This one is, honestly, my go-to when I want something that is pretty but easy to wear. I wore it to a friend’s garden wedding last year and I did not stop receiving questions about it.

Leopard Chic for the Bold Ones

Who said brown can’t be hot in summer? This leopard-tipped square summer nail design is a rule breaker and I am obsessed. It brings together playful animal print with a neutral base and a sharp white border that makes the entire thing feel polished but still playful. What I love the most is how it pays a tribute to the Y2K vibe without going all costume. There’s a restraint here that’s super modern.

Here’s the trick: apply dotting tools or detail brush to create the leopard spots – brown polish with darker brown or black outline. This nail art lives on the contrast, and I always use a bright white polish for the French tips. And if you’re not confident with freehanding? No shame in using decals or stamps.

I tested this look on a spontaneous weekend trip and combined it with gold jewelry and black halter dress. It was providing effortless safari goddess. 10/10 recommend for your casual and cool-girl summer plans.

Pink Porcelain Garden

There is something so romantic about this pink and white design with intricate 3D florals and soft gold accents. It’s soft but powerful. The ballerina shape adds a long-limbed elegance to your fingertips that makes them little art canvases. The petals almost bloom off the nail – like a tiny sculpture you would find in some secret atelier in Paris. This one? It’s for the girls who brunch at 11 and own at least one satin slip dress.

I would use builder gel or acrylic in this case to support the structure for those floral elements. Brands such as Valentino Beauty Pure or Young Nails are classics for a reason – good hold, easy application, and long lasting. Apply rhinestones and gold foil using tweezers and finish it with a no-wipe gloss top coat.

This set requires some time, so I reserve it for events – baby showers, weddings or anything where I want to feel like I just got out of a dreamy perfume commercial. I had once worn a variation of this and had two people stop me on the street to ask where I had gotten them done. It’s that kind of design.

Playful Lavender Fields

Soft purple, cartoon-like daisies, and a square shape that screams ‘I’m fun, but I know what I’m doing’ – this look hits that early 2000s revival we’ve all been secretly loving. It has a kind of nostalgic feel to it, Lisa Frank meets modern nail art. The vibe is youthful but not immature. Cute but never trying too hard. You can absolutely rock this on a girls’ trip or just to take your everyday look up a notch. Summer is about feeling good, and this set is almost oozing with good energy.

Here, it is all about the pastel base – Lavender Ice from DND is a favorite. For the daisies, you can freehand or use stamps/stickers. I personally love wearing it with a medium length so that it is still easy to function while appearing as if you just came out of a Coachella flashback.

I saw this on a TikTok trend roundup on Allure and immediately bookmarked it. Tried it two weeks later. Didn’t regret it. It’s just the right amount of nostalgic and trendy – a complete dopamine hit in your hands.

Kiss Me Summer

Okay, let’s talk flirty. This look is as if Valentine’s Day went on a beach holiday, and I am all for it. Almond-shaped nails in a creamy pink base with red and fuchsia lip prints add fun, retro Barbiecore vibe. It’s sassy and totally wearable, but not too much so, and the glossy finish pulls it all together into a single smooth, girly dream. This is definitely the case for one of those designs for a person who loves a little drama but wants to keep it cute and casual.

For the kiss prints, you can either use ultra-thin vinyl stickers (eBay and Etsy are treasure troves) or stamp with nail art templates. Apply base gel polish in colours such as “Pink Bikini” by OPI and finish with clear gel for the perfect gloss. I’ve seen some folks use mini makeup sponges to stamp custom kisses using red and hot pink polish—pretty genius.

I had a similar mani on a weekend trip to Palm Springs, and a barista actually gave me my drink and said, “Your nails made my morning.” It is small but it made me smile the whole day. That’s the magic of a playful set such as this: it is not just color.

Lavender Luxe with Diamonds

This is elegance with a capital E. The dreamy purple lavender lengthy squared-off acrylic shape screams expensive, while the cascading rhinestones scream that sparkle factor we all secretly crave. It’s glam, but not over the top, perfect for when you want your hands to do the talking. And yes, I am completely convinced that this set would be in place on the red carpet at a summer rooftop soirée.

To do it at home, pick a pale gel polish such as “Lilacism” by Essie or “Do You Lilac It?” from OPI. You will need a rhinestone picker tool, a nice topcoat, and perhaps some patience. I use Nailene or Swarovski for the best shine (and they stay on longer than the drugstore ones). Press it down when the top coat is wet and cure.

I killed this look at a friend’s engagement party last summer, and let me tell you – it was difficult to keep my hands out of photos. They reflect light in the most beautiful way, particularly in golden hour.

Opalescent Aura Vibes

There’s a futuristic softness to this chrome-inspired gel look. The base shimmers from silver through to white and lilac in the light, with gentle curves that suggest smoke or wind. The almond shape manages to keep it ethereal and graceful – like angel wings but on your nails. If you have been searching for something sleek, editorial, but wearable at 100%, then this is it. So perfect for 2025.

Start with a chrome base powder (Daily Charme has a great one called “Aurora”). Layer over a white or pale lilac base and then use a thin brush dipped in acetone to do that smoke swirl effect. Put a no-wipe glossy top coat and cure to seal it.

Not gonna lie, I saved this design on Instagram five times before I tried it. As soon as I did, it lasted for three weeks and I swear every Uber driver complimented them. Definitely one of my favorites.

Neon Polka Dot Pop

We’re taking this one way up the dial – retro, rave and summer sorbet all in one. These super fun almond-shaped nails create an effect of confetti by layering juicy neon green, blue, and yellow dots on top of a neutral base. It’s giving playful, it’s giving Y2K, it’s giving fun without trying. Ideal for festivals or any day that your nails should scream “joy”.

Dotting tools are your best friend here – do not even try with a brush unless you have super steady hands. Use pastel or neon gel colors from such brands as Beetles or Madam Glam. Cure between layers to avoid smudging. You can make it uniform or mix the size of your dots for a bit more depth.

I wore something similar for an impromptu beach day, and let me tell you, they looked so good peeking out from under a margarita glass. If happiness was a manicure, it’d look like this.

Dreamy Sunset Ombré

This one is in the form of a soft serve swirl of summer’s best shades – pink, blue, lilac, and blush melting into each other with the lightest gradient. The stiletto shape maintains it bold and editorial, the colours create a dreamy, romantic vibe that is soft and powerful. This is one of those ‘basic but not basic’ moments that make you fall in love with nail art all over again.

Use a sponge technique to blend your colors – use a pale pink base and then dab on layers of pastel purple, blue, and lavender. Cure each layer separately and lightly buff if needed. This one is tricky, so I normally use gel polishes for blending purposes.

What I love about this look is its versatility. It’s soft enough for a daytime wedding, it’s bold enough for a night out. I wore a version of it on my birthday last year and every single friend asked for close up. Bookmark this—she’s a keeper.

Blue Petal Bloom

This is for the sensitive souls who would like to wear florals without screaming it. These beautiful almond shaped nails have a soft sheer base, clean white tips, and hand painted blue flowers- each petal kissed with a touch of fade. Add a couple of diamonds or metallic studs in the center of the blooms and you have created wearable art out of a French mani. It feels like the botanical version of a whisper. Not loud, but unforgettable.

I’d use a builder gel in a neutral pink such as CND “Be Demure” to re-create this. The florals can be hand painted with fine detail brush and gel paints in navy, royal and baby blue. For those gold studs, Swarovski flatbacks or Born Pretty’s metallic nail decorations would look amazing.

This set would be perfect for brunch, baby shower, or even a casual summer wedding. I did one last spring and my hairdresser took more time to compliment my hands than do my hair. Not mad about it.

Matcha Mist Fade

A dreamy green ombré melt that melts from milky pink to zesty lime tips. This is the manicure that says “cool girl elegance” and manages to look good with everything in your closet. It’s soft and edgy and the simplicity is what makes it outstanding. The almond shape maintains its grace, and the color transition gives that dreamy 2025 touch – a scoop of matcha gelato in a summer afternoon.

You will need an airbrush tool or a soft makeup sponge to get the fade perfect. I love to use The GelBottle’s “Dolly” for the base and “Apple Mint” for the tips. Use your fade in layers and blend while still tacky. Seal it with a no-wipe gloss coat and boom-you’ve got your own soft-serve fantasy.

This is one of those basic summer looks that is actually luxe. You will find yourself looking at your own hands while drinking iced coffee. Trust me.

Garden Goddess Green

This one is lush. Think forest fairy meets fine jewelry. The green gradient backdrop creates the mood with small 3D leaf details and grown-up glam gem-like accents screaming. The almond shape maintains it classic but the leafy touches are fresh and sculptural. It’s one of those designs for people who want super stand out nails but not full maximalist.

To DIY: Start with a gel ombré base (use something like “Mint Convertible” from Lights Lacquer) and hand-paint the leaf shapes with a detail brush. For the sparkle, the best option is to use tiny crystal charms or rhinestone appliqués, and fix them with builder gel and cure.

I wore something like this to a garden wedding last August and someone actually said that I had jewelry on my fingertips. That is the kind of attention that this mani has – it is subtle but deep.

Stiletto Red Magic

This is drama in a bottle. The stilleto red nails are long, fierce, and sharply tapered – with crisp red tips and sheer nude base. Throw in some mini crystals and silver starbursts and you’ve got something that is both celestial and sexy. It’s festive, but not holiday-specific. And it comes hard in the best way possible when you are wearing minimal makeup and let your nails do the talking.

This is a look that requires acrylic or builder gel extensions for that sharp tip. For polish, “Big Apple Red” by OPI or “Rouge Essentiel” by Chanel would be a good option. The star details can be done in stickers, foils or micro decals. I do like to end with a matte top coat under the crystals to create contrast.

I had the same set on for New Year’s Eve and had to rebook the same design a month later. It’s addictive. Even if you’re more medium length by default, sometimes it’s worth going a little extra—just once.