Summer is in and you already know what that means – time to change your nails to match the energy of the season. If you’ve ever found yourself looking at your hands on a sunny beach day and dreaming of your manicure being a little more fabulous, this is your sign. I’ve collected some of the most eye-catching summer oval nails ideas 2025, and you definitely have to try them out. Regardless of whether you are looking for something bold, cute, or just a little bit sophisticated, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive right in.
Elegant Simplicity: Subtle Nude Sparkles
Nude sparkle manicure is so elegant, as it doesn’t require any effort. It’s that perfect balance between natural and chic, perfect for those warm summer days when you want your nails to seem fresh without being too flashy. The delicate shimmer brings the perfect amount of glam that catches the sun in the most flirty way.
What you’ll need to recreate this look is a high quality sheer nude polish (OPI’s “Bubble Bath” or Essie’s “Mademoiselle” to name a couple) with a fine iridescent shimmer top coat. I’d suggest a light layer of shimmer that does not overpower the base. In fact, you can even play with a little bit of holographic shimmer for something a bit more active.
It is surprisingly easy to recreate this look at home. Start with clean, oval shaped nails. Apply a base coat to act as a shield for your natural nails, followed by two coats of your nude polish of preference. Lastly, use the shimmer top coat for the radiance. If you want to feel fancy, top with a glossy top coat to enhance the shine and the longevity of your nails.
To be honest, I have always believed in the magic of subtle beauty. This manicure is testament that sometimes, less is more – especially in the summer when you are out and about and soaking up the sun and getting looks as you go without even trying.
French Fantasy with a Twist
French tips will never go out of style, but this look elevates it a notch with a chic twist. The white tips are crisp, clean and just a hint of sparkling pearls – delicate and refined, yet certainly, glamourous. This is the nail art that would say, “I’m here to shine, but I don’t need to scream it.”
It will require a milky pink or sheer nude base (try Sally Hansen’s “Bare Kiss”) and a sharp white polish for the tips. For the pearl accents, search for self-stick pearl stickers or choose small flat back pearls that you can stick on with a little nail glue.
Begin with the shaping of the nails into a classic oval form. Use a thin brush to paint the white tips after painting your base color. After they have dried, place the pearl accents on your ring finger to get a bit of glamour. Top with a shiny top coat to fix everything.
I love the classic modern touch in this design. It makes the design timeless. It’s the type of look you’d pick for a summer wedding or a beach vacation – polished, pretty and oh-so-sophisticated.
Vibrant Floral Vibes
Summer is all about color, and these colorful floral nails come to life. The delicate petals of orange, blue, green, and pink colors fall from the nails, painting the garden-inspired look that is great for sunny days.
To come up with this design, you’ll need a soft pink nude as the base (it could be OPI’s “Bare My Soul”), as well as a group of bright colors for the floral details. For this, I suggest using fine-tipped nail art brushes and gel paints to make more precise paint strokes.
Start with the nude base on your oval-shaped nails. After it’s dried, you can carefully paint the petals with your fine brush. Begin with the lightest shade and add the rest to make them look like 3D. Seal your design with a high shine top coat to keep it for a long term.
I can always think of sunny garden parties and picnic afternoons when I look at this design. It is the ultimate marriage of sophisticated and playful – just how summer should be.
Rainbow Ombre Magic
A rainbow ombre picture is nothing less than the epitome of summer. There are no other colors that can reflect happiness and the beauty of the summer sun as well as these colors do. Soft lavender to zesty lime green and sunshine yellow, it’s a gradient masterpiece of playfulness and a stun.
To get this look, you’ll have a choice of bright gel polishes (I love shades from Beetles Gel Polish) and makeup sponge for a perfect ombre mix. A strip of fine gold glitter is added to the product for that extra touch of luxury.
Firstly, apply a base coat, and paint your gradient using the makeup sponge, make sure that there are no color contrasts. After you are satisfied with the fade, apply the gold glitter detail to the nail’s edge with a fine brush. Seal everything with a gloss topcoat.
This is the design for the brave hearts, for those who are not afraid to make a statement. If you’re looking for a beach destination or simply need a little sunshine to brighten up your day, this is the best option.
Playful Pepper Prints
Doesn’t nail art seem to be fun? These fun pepper prints are the best example of how with a little bit of creativity, your manicure can be transformed. The light red and green peppers on a creamy background radiate a lively summer feeling – so suitable for picnics and home barbecues.
In order for this look, you will need a creamy nude base (Essie’s “Ballet Slippers”) as well as red and green gel paints for the pepper designs. A fine detail brush will be your best friend here.
Begin by painting with your base color. After drying, carefully paint the pepper designs with your fine brush, being careful to paint them small and delicate. Apply a glossy top coating to protect your work of art.
Every time I see this design, I get the feeling of fresh summer salads, garden parties, and lazy Sunday brunches. It’s a lively, refreshing design that never leaves a smile on my face.
Sweet Cherry Bliss
As for summer nails, nothing is more “fresh and fun” than a cherry red pop. This fun design blends together a brash pink tone with dainty cherry drawings on a white creamy background. It’s a cute, bubbly kind of expression that adds a little bit of nostalgia and goofiness – ideal for a hot day lounging at the pool or an afternoon in the park.
To achieve this look, you will need some bright pink polish (e.g. Essie’s “Mod Square”), and a crisp white for the base of the accent nails. For the cherry design you will require a fine detail brush and vivid red, and a little green for the stems. If you want to make this even easier, cherry nail stickers can serve as a quick alternative.
Apply a base coat, and then pink polish to the majority of the nails, leaving accent nails for the cherry design. After your white base is dry, using the detail brush, we start painting the cherries very carefully. Top it off with a glossy top coat to lock everything in and make the colors stand out.
What I love about this look is that it’s playful yet sophisticated at the same time. It’s one of those designs that can be dressed up or down, ideal for a beach trip or a relaxed summer date.
Bold Brush Strokes of Color
For the color lovers, this abstract masterpiece is a must-try. Bold, vivid passages of brush in a blend of shades, pink, yellow, blue, and purple combine to produce a one of kind look, excellent for those who love to stand out.
To replicate this look, you will need a clear or nude base coat to allow the colors to show. When it comes to the brush strokes, use gel polishes in the colors of your choice and a thin nail art brush. The genius of this design is its lack of need for perfection. The strokes themselves can vary, producing a dynamic, artistic touch.
Start with prepping the nails and applying the nude base. Then with the thin brush, put in the colors one at a time with slight overlap to give a blended painterly effect. Top coat with a high gloss finish.
This is one of my favorite designs because it can be customized entirely. There is no need for all nails to look the same and you can quickly change up the colors based on your mood.
Magical Mermaid Chrome
If you have ever dreamed of having nails that shimmer like the tail of a mermaid, this is your look. This chrome manicure in pastel shades just reflects light in a magical iridescent shimmer – pure magic for summer days and beach nights.
To get this look, you will require a chrome powder in a holographic or iridescent finish (Born Pretty has some great options). Begin with a neutral base: soft pink or white will do and then use the chrome powder with the help of a makeup sponge. Buff it in till you have that smooth metallic finish.
The best part? This look is surprisingly low-maintenance. The chrome finish is durable and if ever you need to touch it up, it is quite simple to do so. To give it a little extra sheen, apply a top coat gloss.
I always wish to be magical with this manicure or like ready to dive into the ocean or dance under the stars. It’s a great combination of elegance and fantasy.
Playful Color Block French Tips
French tips are a classic, but this look makes them come to life with a playful twist-bold, colorful tips in shades of blue, yellow, and green. It’s a refreshing spin on an age-old style, ideal for anyone who likes a hit of color but wants to stick to the chic.
To do this design, you will need a sheer nude or pink base (such as OPI’s “Bubble Bath”) and three bright shades for the tips. Apply the tips using a fine brush with precision to make a neat, crisp line in each color.
Begin with your base color followed by the other tips with the chosen shade. You can decide to change colors alternatively to have a more dynamic appearance. Seal with a glossy top to finish it properly.
This design always comes off so fresh and playful, like a nice summer breeze. It’s ideal for both beach getaway and rooftop parties.
Fiery Sunset French Tips
Turn up the heat with these fiery French tips, with a gradient of intense orange and red. It’s a bold appearance that is perfect to convey warmth and energy of a summer sunset – perfect for people who love to make a statement.
To achieve this look, you will require a nude or pink base and two shades of bright colors; one of them is orange and the other red. With a fine nail brush, make the gradient effect by mixing the two colors so that there is no visible break between them.
Start with prepping the nails and applying the base color. Once dry, be sure to draw gradient on the tips from the base of the red and blending into orange at the tip. Seal it with a high-shine top coat.
This is a look which always gets the attention. It’s daring, fun and just slightly adventurous enough; ideal for summer nights out.
Dreamy Blue Blossoms
If you are a fan of a look that is both elegant and eye-catching, then these dreamy blue blossom nails are a perfect match. A soft blue floral design with a touch of sparkling rhinestones makes a look that’s luxurious while whimsical at the same time. The white accent nail gives the design a certain chic that makes the design a perfect one for special summer events.
To get this look, you’ll want a soft pastel blue polish (such as Essie’s “Bikini So Teeny”), white polish for the accent nail, and small rhinestones to add the glimmer. You will also need a fine detailing brush for the petals of the flowers.
Begin by painting your base color and then paint the petals using the detail brush and blue polish. After it dries, carefully apply the rhinestones using a small glue drop on the nails. Seal everything in with a high-shine top coat to ensure those gems stay in place.
Such a design always gives me an impression of a breezy summer wedding or a romantic garden party. That’s that just right combination of elegance and charm, a little bit of sparkle.
Soft Marble Elegance
Marble nails are eternal, and this soft pink marble one is the ideal way to make your summer manicure luxurious. The pink and white swirls are so delicate and ethereal, and that one pearl idea gives the sole hint of elegance.
To replicate this, you will need a soft pink polish (let’s say OPI’s “Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs.”), and white polish for the marble effect. To design the swirls that resemble the marble, use a fine detailing brush, while a small pearl or crystal can be used if you want to add that chic effect.
Start off with the pink base, top this up with a detailing brush dipped in white which will give the marble effect-random swirls and wisps will prove to be the most natural look. End it with a glossy top coat to secure the design.
This is a type of manicure that provides such a little feeling of luxury when on your fingertips – ideal for summer brunches or chilling on a lazy afternoon with a good read.
Colorful Swirls of Joy
Summer is the season of color, and these swirly nails of color illustrate that energy. Every nail is a canvas of vivid colors: pink, yellow, green, and blue that move in twisting and wavy lines. It’s a glance that is both playful and bold – and equally summer-ready.
If you are going to recreate this look, you will require a palette of bright gel colors and a fine detailing brush. A sheer nude base will make the colors stand out, but they won’t overpower.
Begin with applying the nude base coat, followed by the use of the fine brush to carefully draw the swirling lines in each shade. The positive aspect of this design is its liberty – there is no need for two nails to be similar in this design. Then top it up with a glossy top coat for that perfect sheen.
This design is the kind that always reminds me of sunny beach days, and carnival rides – in bright, carefree, full of joy way.
Neon French Pop
Update your classic French tips to the extreme with a neon color explosion. This style unites the sophistication of almond-shaped nails with the feisty pop of neon pink, orange and blue tips. It is a perfect opportunity to get attention during summer without overdoing it.
For this look, you will need a sheer nude base (such as Sally Hansens, “Bare Kiss”), and three neon polishes, pink, orange, and blue. One of the key things to get those crisp and clean French tips is a fine nail brush.
First, start painting with your base coat, and then proceed to paint the tips with your desired neon colors while taking all the necessary precautions. Interchange the colors for a more dynamic impression, and top with a shiny top coat to make them gleam.
This type of design is ideal for activities ranging from a pool party up to a music festival. It’s bright, it’s bold, and it’s a little rebellious – just how summer should be.
Pastel Flames
Flames don’t always have to be fiery, honey. These pastel flame nails are a sugary twist on a traditional, combining soft lavender, mint, and cream colors that are bold and yet so sweet. It’s a great way to make a statement while still making the whole thing feel light and airy.
To create this look, you will have to use pastel gel polishes of your preferred colors and a petite detailing brush to draw the flame patterns. Begin with a nude sheer base to make the color pop.
Start painting the pastel flames with the help of the fine brush and make them dance across the nails in a smooth and flowing form. Topcoat with a shiny gloss to achieve the glass-like effect.
This design, I love its fierceness and delicacy at once – ideal for summery days when one wants to express all their tenderness but not lose the flash.
Ethereal Pastel Splash
There is something so dreamy and serene about a pastel blend of soft shades that just shout summer. This design is a complete hit at that, a delicate swirl of pink, yellow, and blue all washed together like a watercolor painting. With specks of black, it adds an artistry of edginess, not just a pretty, soft design, but a statement.
To get this look, you will need a translucent white or milky base and pastel gel colors (try colors from the OPI GelColor collection) as well as a fine detailing brush for those splattered effects. A transparent top coat seals everything, making it as shiny as glass.
Begin with the base coat and brush on the pastel colors very carefully with a fine brush, blending them very lightly to achieve the airy look. Hardware different colored speckles using a fine brush or a dotting tool that has been dipped into black gel. Seal it off with a smooth, glossy top coat for that flashy look.
The way these nails make me feel like a part of a pastel sunset is why I love it so much. This look is ideal for anyone who would like the dreamy, beachy vibe and not too loud.
Cute Candy Hearts Delight
If there is something that never goes out of style then it’s hearts. And these candy-pink hearts on a baby-blue base are adorable to not be ignored. This is the type of design that always brings a smile to your face whenever you look down at your hands – cute, fun and full of charm.
To achieve such a look, you’ll need a soft pink and sky-blue gel polish. Essie’s Gel Couture in “Prettiest Pink” and “Perfect Blue” are also my recommendations. With the help of a dotting tool or a fine nail art brush, make the heart shapes or use nail stickers if you need a quicker option.
Begin with your pink base, and then move on to the blue for your accent nails. Gently paint the small hearts with a dotting tool, or simply stick heart stickers. Seal everything with a high-gloss topcoat to give it that glossy finish.
Truthfully, I love this design for any summer hangout, it’s like having a little bit of summer romance right in your hands.
Dreamy Daisy Gradient
People have been doing this for ages, so why not give it a try? This stunning gradient design smoothly moves over gentle shades of purple, green, orange and even pink, each with fine white daisies on top. It’s the perfect balance of playful and chic a little bit of floral magic for your nails.
For this style, use pastel tones such as OPI’s GelColor in “Lilac You Mean It,” “Gelato on My Mind,” and “Tangerine Dream.” Apply the gradient colors on your nails using a makeup sponge to give it that smooth, faded effect. A fine detailing brush will come in handy for adding those cute daisies.
Having your gradient base ready, you can now use on white gel polish and a thin brush to draw the daisy petals. Begin with small dots for the center and then gradually pull out into petals. And end it with a clear top coat to maintain everything shiny and long-lasting.
It’s the kind of thing you could see in a dreamy summer garden party, I feel like. And it’s perfect for every day as well as a bit more special.
Spicy Chili French Twist
If you assumed that French tips were all about classic whites, I have news for you. This design adds a spice to life with bold red French tips and little chili pepper accents. It’s fun, fresh and daring in just the right amount of ways perfect ways to add some heat to your summer manicure.
Try using the sheer nude base, then paint the red tips with a lot of care. For the chili peppers, with your detailing brush, draw the shape of the pepper and then draw the green stems for a more realistic effect. A top coat will maintain the sharpness of your masterpiece.
There’s just something so playful about these nails, I loved how they can add a little spice to even the most laid back outfits. The perfect summer fiesta or any day where you feel a little bit bold.
Rainbow Jelly Ombre
No, there is nothing more captivating than a rainbow. This jelly ombre design is full of the magic of a summer rainbow with a light, translucent gradient that runs from pink to yellow, green, and purple. It is a bit magical, chic, and 100% summer-ready.
To get this look, you will require sheer jelly polishes in pink, yellow, green and purple. Companies like Makartt provide great jelly polish sets that can be used for this. A fine make-up sponge will also help you blend the colors perfectly.
First, apply a sheer base, then use the sponge to simply dab each jelly color, allowing them to blend as they please. Build up the opacity with some layers and top it off with a glossy top coat that will give you that glassy, translucent finish.
During my every encounter with these objects, I am given the impression that there is a little bit of magic in my fingers. Ideal for beach holidays or just making a grey day a little bit brighter.
Psychedelic Swirl Art
Summer is the best season to go bold, and this swirling, colorful nail design is the epitome of that. It’s a wild, free-for-all melange of bright colors – hot pink, electric blue, sunshine yellow, and sleek black all mixing together like a retro tie-dye masterpiece. This is the type of design that catches eyes and is great for anyone who loves to stand out.
For this look, you will need a milky nude base, as well as a combination of neon gel colors, and Madam Glam’s Neon Collection is an excellent option. A fine detailing brush is important to create those wavy, swirling patterns, and a dotting tool will be useful to correct the details. A glassy top coat completes everything in a glassy finish.
Begin with applying the milky nude base and then apply the fine brush to paint your swirls, allowing the colors to meld into each other naturally. You can also layer the colors for increase depth. After you are satisfied with the design, top it up with a top coat to make it stand out.
It is amazing how this design is so playful and unapologetically vibrant. It’s a conversation starter, it’s a confidence booster, and it’s the best way of expressing your bold side this summer.
Elegance in Blue Blossoms
Not all the nail designs during the summer have to be loud, sometimes, in elegance, one can communicate more than a thousand words. This dreamy, matte blue manicure with hand-painted floral accents and rhinestone accents are the ideal illustration of quiet sophistication. It’s like a piece of wearable art, elegant and eye-catching.
To recreate this look, you’ll want to use a matte light blue gel polish – Essie’s “Blue-tiful Horizon” will get the job done. Then a fine detailing brush will help you work in those stunning blue petals, and a couple small rhinestones will give that just the right touch of sparkle.
First, use your matte blue base, followed by the fine brush to paint the floral designs. Begin lightly, developing the petals realistically. Attach the rhinestones using a little dot of clear gel and cure them under a lamp to set.
These nails have a fresh, airy feel that I love so much. They’re great for a summer wedding, a garden party, or simply giving your daily attire a touch of class.
Whimsical Lavender Petals
There are times when simplicity is the greatest sophistication. This understated elegance manicure is a combination of soft lavender, pale pink, and fine white leaf designs. It’s light, airy, and absolutely perfect for those who like a subtle, feminine look.
You’ll need two soft gel shades, a pastel lavender and a blush pink, such as OPI’s GelColor in “Don’t Toot My Flute” and “Bare My Soul”. A fine detailing brush is a necessity when it comes to the white leaf designs, and a glossy top coat will bring it to the perfect shine.
This is the type of design that makes me feel effortless chic. It’s ideal for a summer brunch, a beach holiday, or just whenever you don’t want to put in much effort and yet your nails look amazing.
Sunny Cherry French Tips
And who says French tips can’t be fun? These playful sunny yellow French tips with cute cherry accents are the epitome of playful. It’s a sweet, flirty design that adds a retro fun to your summer look.
For this design you will need a sheer pink base, a bright yellow gel for the tips (Essie’s gel Couture in “Sunshine State of Mind”) as well as a thin detailing brush to draw out the cherry stems. The cherries are made up of tiny red dots with the right shine given by a clear top coat.
First, paint your pink base and then carefully draw the yellow French tips. Put the cherry stems in using the detailing brush and red cherry shapes using dotting tool. Seal everything with a glossy top coat to give a bright colour.
I adore the playfulness of this design, without making it too childish. It’s ideal for a summer picnic, swimming pool or just taking a little bit of sunshine into your everyday life.
Pearlescent Pastel Ombre
With a pastel ombre that is sure to make your nails look like they disappeared in a summer rainbow, this pearlescent pastel ombre is one dream-come-true. Soft, dreamy shades of pink, blue, green, and purple melted together in a subtle gradient that was finished with a glossy, glass-like noticing.
To get this effect, you’ll need pastel gel shades— Makartt’s Jelly Pastel Set will do the job just fine. A fine makeup sponge is necessary to blend the colors together perfectly and a gloss top coat will give it that beautiful, luminous finish.
Begin with a clear base and then use the sponge to delicately dab each pastel shade and blend them together fluidly from one to the other. Do this until you’re satisfied with the color payoff, and then finish it all off with a clear, glossy top coat.
These nails are pure magic, they appear to glow every time the light hits them. Ideal for beach holidays, pool parties, or when you need to evoke that lovely summer mood.
