Are you dreaming of the perfect simple summer nails that blend effortlessly with your seasonal wardrobe? With the sun shining and the beach calling, it’s time to dive into fresh manicures that shout summer from every fingertip. But what does this season’s trend hold for those who adore a short, playful length, or a long, elegant style?
The Sunny Side of Summer
Professional Opinion and Description: When I gaze at this delightful shade of yellow, it reminds me of sunny afternoons. This manicure isn’t just a burst of color; it’s a statement of joy. The short gel length is perfect for a carefree summer day, and the designs featuring a playful art piece on a single nail, adorned with golden accents, captures a whimsical yet elegant vibe.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Yellow Polish: Essie Gel Couture – Avant-Garment
- Black Polish: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel – Blacky O
- Gold Foil: Born Pretty Nail Art Foil
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
DIY Instructions: To recreate this look at home, start with a clean, buffed nail bed and a base coat to protect your natural nail. Apply two coats of the Essie Gel Couture in Avant-Garment. For the accent nail, use a detail brush to paint your designs with Sally Hansen’s Blacky O. Add the gold foil accents last, and seal everything with a fast-drying top coat like Seche Vite for that glossy finish.
Whispers of Pink and White
Professional Opinion and Description: Here, the pink base lays like a whisper beneath bold, black squiggles, a delightful juxtaposition of short casual charm and modern artistry. This natural look with an artistic twist makes it perfect for a subtle yet significant statement.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
- Pink Polish: OPI Gel Color – Bubble Bath
- Black Detailing Polish: China Glaze Nail Lacquer – Liquid Leather
- Top Coat: Gelish Top It Off Sealer Gel
DIY Instructions: Apply the CND Stickey Base Coat for a firm foundation. Follow with two coats of OPI Gel Color in Bubble Bath for that perfect pink hue. With a fine brush, freehand the black squiggles using China Glaze’s Liquid Leather. A steady hand and a touch of patience will go a long way here. Finish with Gelish Top It Off Sealer Gel for a lasting, shiny coat.
The Bold and the Beautiful
Professional Opinion and Description: The bold contrast of red and pink on a natural backdrop creates an immediate impression. This designs classy approach to short gel french tips with tiny hearts is both cute and cheeky—a true summer love story on your nails.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Butter London Nail Foundation Priming Basecoat
- Nude Polish: Zoya Nail Polish – Avery
- Red Polish: China Glaze Nail Lacquer – Red-y To Rave
- Pink Polish for Hearts: Orly Breathable – Kiss Me, I’m Kind
- Detailing Tool for Hearts
- Top Coat: INM Out The Door Fast Drying Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Prep with Butter London’s basecoat for an even canvas. Apply Zoya’s Avery for a subtle nude that complements any skin tone. Use China Glaze’s Red-y To Rave to edge the tips, then dot and drag to form tiny hearts with Orly’s Kiss Me, I’m Kind. Seal your art with INM’s fast-drying top coat for a design that’s both resilient and ravishing.
Electrifying Blue with Artistic Flair
Professional Opinion and Description: Electric blue on nails is like a jolt of lightning in a summer storm—daring and unexpected. Paired with the short gel construction, it makes for a manicure that’s not only trendy but also practical. The art on the accent nails is a bold statement, abstract and designs classy in its execution, providing a striking contrast against the bright blue.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: CND Sticky Anchoring Base Coat
- Blue Polish: OPI GelColor – No Room for the Blues
- Black and White Art Polish: Essie Gel Couture – Pre-show Jitters & Licorice
- Top Coat: Gelish Top It Off Gel Sealer
DIY Instructions: Start with the CND Sticky Base Coat for lasting adhesion. Apply two coats of OPI’s No Room for the Blues for that vivid blue. For the art, use a fine detail brush with Essie’s Pre-show Jitters and Licorice to create the abstract design. Finish with Gelish Top It Off to seal your masterpiece.
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Serene Landscapes and Green Meadows
Professional Opinion and Description: Here’s a manicure that takes you on a summer day’s journey—from serene blue skies to lush green meadows. The gradient effect on these gel short square nails brings to life the essence of a perfect summer day. This design is an impressive fusion of art and nature, ideal for those leisurely beach walks.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
- Green Polish: Zoya Gelie-Cure in Tilda
- Blue Polish: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Tidal Wave
- Sponges for Gradient: Makeup sponges
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat
DIY Instructions: After applying Orly Bonder as a base, use makeup sponges to dab on a gradient of Zoya’s Tilda and Sally Hansen’s Tidal Wave. Gently blend where the colors meet for that soft transition. Cap it off with Essie’s Gel Setter for a glossy, enduring finish.
Celestial Dreams in Black and White
Professional Opinion and Description: A cosmic dance between night and day, this manicure is a small galaxy resting at your fingertips. The contrast of black with stark white and pops of yellow stars creates a gel short almond look that’s both whimsical and sophisticated, perfect for summer nights under the stars.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Essie Strong Start Base Coat
- Black Polish: China Glaze Liquid Leather
- White Detailing Polish: OPI Alpine Snow
- Yellow for Stars: Orly Hook Up
- Dotting Tools for Stars
- Top Coat: INM Northern Lights Holographic Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Apply Essie Strong Start to prime your nails. Paint the base with China Glaze Liquid Leather, and then use OPI Alpine Snow and a fine brush to sketch your celestial bodies. Add starry highlights with Orly Hook Up using a dotting tool. For that cosmic sparkle, finish with INM Northern Lights Holographic Top Coat.
A Playful Palette of Summer
Professional Opinion and Description: This design is like a short casual daydream, with whimsical dots and dashes of pastel and bright shades that make for a lively summer narrative. The natural nail base provides a perfect canvas for these playful gel short square strokes, allowing each color to pop with a cute and carefree spirit.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann All About That Base
- Pastel Polishes: Cirque Colors Pastel Set
- Dotting Tools for Accents
- Top Coat: ILNP Absolute Zero – High Gloss Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Lay down a smooth layer of Deborah Lippmann’s base coat for a solid start. Then take your pick from the Cirque Colors Pastel Set and, with a dotting tool, place playful dots and dashes across the nail bed. The key is randomness and joy! Seal with ILNP’s Absolute Zero for lasting wear.
Lavender Edges with a Citrus Twist
Professional Opinion and Description: Summertime is not just about the hot weather; it’s about the bright, zesty experiences it brings. This manicure, with its gel short almond base coated in lavender, edged with a yellow line, speaks of that vibrant summer energy. It’s an excellent look for both day and night summer events, as it’s simple summer nails yet utterly enchanting.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: ORLY Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
- Lavender Polish: Essie Gel Couture – Style in Excess
- Yellow Stripe Polish: China Glaze – Celtic Sun
- Striping Tape for Precision
- Top Coat: Gelish – Top It Off Sealer Gel
DIY Instructions: Start with ORLY Bonder for a non-slip surface. After applying two coats of Essie’s Style in Excess, use striping tape to help apply a neat line of China Glaze’s Celtic Sun at the tips. A good top coat, like Gelish’s Top It Off, will ensure the design stays chip-free.
Glitter Gradient for a Glistening Summer
Professional Opinion and Description: A gradient of glitter that transitions from silver to gold captures the transitional beauty of a summer sunset. These gel short square nails are the epitome of designs classy, bringing an air of sophistication to your look. Whether you’re at a beach party or a summer evening outing, these nails will glisten beautifully under the sunlight or the stars.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Essie First Base Adhesive Base Coat
- Silver Glitter Polish: OPI – This Silver’s Mine!
- Gold Glitter Polish: Zoya – Ziv
- Sponge for Gradient Effect
- Top Coat: CND Vinylux Long Wear Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Apply Essie First Base to protect your nails. Then sponge on a blend of OPI’s This Silver’s Mine! and Zoya’s Ziv, creating a gradient effect. The key to a smooth transition is to dab lightly and blend while both colors are still wet. Lock in the sparkle with CND’s Vinylux Top Coat.
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Holographic Sheen and Subtle Charm
Professional Opinion and Description: The magic of holographic polish is that it captures the essence of summer iridescence. These gel long nails with a natural hue shimmer subtly with every movement, offering a sophisticated yet playful trend. The minimalist silver line adds a modern, chic touch, perfect for those who appreciate a hint of designs classy.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Holographic Polish: ILNP – Mega (H)
- Silver Stripe Detail: Essie – No Place Like Chrome
- Top Coat: Glisten & Glow Top Coat
DIY Instructions: A coat of OPI’s Natural Nail Base Coat sets the stage for a smooth application of ILNP’s Mega (H), a stunning holographic polish. Apply two thin coats for full effect. Add a touch of Essie’s No Place Like Chrome for the silver detail using a striping brush. Seal the look with Glisten & Glow Top Coat for enduring shine.
Playful Patterns and Sunny Yellows
Professional Opinion and Description: Embracing the vibrant bright tones of summer, this manicure features gel long nails painted in a sunny yellow. The accent nail is a canvas for designs with a modern twist, combining abstract black and gold patterns. This look is for those bold enough to carry summer’s warmth on their fingertips.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Essie First Base Adhesive Base Coat
- Yellow Polish: OPI – Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet
- Black Art Paint: Acrylic Paint
- Gold Foil for Accents
- Top Coat: CND Super Shiney Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Lay down Essie First Base for grip. Paint your nails with two coats of OPI’s Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet, except for the accent nail, which you’ll leave natural. On the accent, freehand your design with black acrylic paint and apply gold foil for an opulent finish. Use CND Super Shiney Top Coat to protect your design and add a luxurious gloss.
Emerald Botanicals on a Glossy Base
Professional Opinion and Description: Evoking the lushness of a summer garden, these gel long nails are a blend of natural glossy base with intricate emerald botanical designs. The combination of a gel oval shape with the detailed leafy artwork calls to mind the tranquility of a green oasis, ideal for those summer days spent outdoors.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat
- Nude Polish: Zoya – Avery
- Green Art Paint: Acrylic Paint
- Detailing Brush for Leaf Designs
- Top Coat: Orly Glosser Super High Shine Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Start with a clean base using Sally Hansen’s Double Duty. Apply two coats of Zoya’s Avery for a creamy nude background. With a fine detailing brush and green acrylic paint, carefully create the leaf patterns. To make the design stand out, finish with Orly’s Glosser for an ultra-glossy look.
Sunset Florals on Tangerine Dreams
Professional Opinion and Description: This gel long nail art takes inspiration from a summer sunset with its warm tangerine hue, making it a perfect match for the bright and bold season. The delicate floral designs in white and silver give it a touch of natural beauty, reminiscent of wildflowers against a dusky sky.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Essie Grow Stronger Base Coat
- Tangerine Polish: OPI – My Chihuahua Doesn’t Bite Anymore
- White Art Paint: Acrylic Paint
- Silver Studs
- Top Coat: CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Begin with a solid foundation using Essie Grow Stronger Base Coat. Paint a vibrant tangerine base using OPI’s My Chihuahua Doesn’t Bite Anymore. Use a fine brush to hand-paint the white florals with acrylic paint, and add silver studs for a touch of glamour. Finish with CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat for durability and shine.
Monochrome Elegance with a Splash of Sunshine
Professional Opinion and Description: These gel long nails blend monochrome sophistication with a splash of sunny yellow. The design is a modern take on the classic French tip, infusing a sense of summer’s joy into an elegant gel short almond shape.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
- Gray Polish: Essie Gel Couture – Take Me To Thread
- Yellow Polish: China Glaze – Solar Power
- Top Coat: Orly Glosser Super High Shine Top Coat
- Gold Leaf for Detail
DIY Instructions: Apply Orly Bonder as your base. Then, for a modern twist on the French tip, use Essie Gel Couture in Take Me To Thread for the main color and China Glaze’s Solar Power for the tips. Add a detail of gold leaf for a luxurious accent. Seal your design with Orly Glosser for a sleek, high-shine finish.
Pastel Swirls and Crystal Accents
Professional Opinion and Description: Dreamy pastel swirls paired with strategic crystal placements make these gel long nails a summer daydream. The look combines the softness of pastels with the playfulness of summer candy, ideal for those who love a bit of whimsy in their designs.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Base Coat
- Pastel Polishes: Cirque Colors Pastel Set
- Swirling Tool or Toothpick
- Crystals and Rhinestones
- Top Coat: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Start with Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Base Coat for long-lasting wear. Use a selection of pastels from the Cirque Colors Pastel Set to create swirls on the nail. With a swirling tool or toothpick, gently drag through the colors to create a marbled effect. Embellish with crystals and rhinestones while the polish is tacky. Complete with Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Top Coat to encapsulate the design and add a gel-like shine.
Bouquet of Summer
Professional Opinion and Description: A festival of florals, this design blooms with life on each nail, telling tales of summer gardens in full swing. The use of bright, bold colors makes each flower pop, while the varying background hues add depth and intrigue to the long nail design, perfect for those who embrace colors with open arms.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Essie Grow Stronger Base Coat
- Various Polishes for Florals: OPI Color Paints Collection
- Dotting Tools for Petal Details
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Prepare your nails with Essie’s base coat for strength. Paint each nail a different solid color from the OPI Color Paints Collection. While still tacky, use dotting tools to press in the petal details with contrasting colors. Finish with Seche Vite for a long-lasting, glossy finish.
Whimsical Critters
Professional Opinion and Description: This minimalist short casual design features a cheeky little critter that adds a playful touch to a natural pink base. It’s a simple yet delightful nod to the tiny wonders of summer, perfect for those who prefer a cute and short style with just a hint of whimsy.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Pink Polish: Essie – Muchi, Muchi
- Black and Red Art Paint for Details
- Top Coat: OPI Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Apply OPI Natural Nail Base Coat. Then, paint your nails with a soft pink, like Essie’s Muchi, Muchi. For the critter, dip a fine brush into black and red art paints to carefully create its shape. A sturdy top coat, such as OPI Top Coat, will protect your playful friend.
Blue Blossoms
Professional Opinion and Description: The cool blue of these gel long nails is reminiscent of clear summer skies, providing a fresh backdrop for delicate white blossoms. The subtle floral accents near the cuticle give a refined and graceful look, making this design an embodiment of the pastel trends of the season.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Butter London Nail Foundation Priming Basecoat
- Blue Polish: China Glaze – I Sea The Point
- White Polish for Blossoms: OPI – Alpine Snow
- Detailing Brush for Blossoms
- Top Coat: INM Out The Door Fast Drying Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Begin with Butter London’s base coat for a smooth base. Apply China Glaze’s I Sea The Point for a vivid blue. With a fine brush, add white blossom details using OPI’s Alpine Snow. Perfect the design with INM’s fast-drying top coat for a sleek, lasting finish.
Hearts in Harmony
Professional Opinion and Description: This manicure is a testament to the delicate balance of love and simplicity. The transparent hearts are a tender expression on a natural base, giving these gel long nails a timeless elegance. It’s a minimalist’s romantic gesture, perfect for any summer rendezvous.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Base Coat
- Nude Polish: Essie – Ballet Slippers
- Black Polish for Heart Outline: OPI – Black Onyx
- Top Coat: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Begin with Deborah Lippmann’s base coat for a strong foundation. Apply a soft coat of Essie’s Ballet Slippers for a classic nude look. With a fine brush and OPI’s Black Onyx, gently draw the heart outlines. Complete the look with Deborah Lippmann’s top coat for a glossy, long-lasting finish.
Lavender Whisper
Professional Opinion and Description: In this design, a soft lavender base whispers of early summer blooms, while delicate white and purple flower details add a layer of sophistication to these gel long nails. It’s a poetic nod to the subtle beauties that summer brings, ideal for someone who delights in nature’s quiet moments.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat
- Lavender Polish: Zoya – Abby
- White and Purple Polish for Flowers: Essie – Blanc and Play Date
- Detailing Brush for Floral Art
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Protect your nails with Sally Hansen’s Double Duty Base & Top Coat. Lay down a base of Zoya’s Abby for that serene lavender. Use a detailing brush and Essie’s Blanc and Play Date to create delicate flowers. Seal your miniature canvas with Seche Vite Top Coat for enduring beauty.
Abstract Expression
Professional Opinion and Description: Bold, abstract shapes in black, pink, and yellow make a statement on these gel long nails. The design is reminiscent of modern art and exudes confidence and creativity—a summer style for those who command attention and dare to be different.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Black, Pink, and Yellow Polishes: OPI – Black Onyx, Shorts Story, and I Just Can’t Cope-acabana
- Top Coat: Glossy Top Coat by OPI
DIY Instructions: Start with OPI Natural Nail Base Coat to ensure a smooth canvas. Apply a base color if desired, or leave the base natural for the colors to stand out more. Strategically paint abstract shapes with OPI’s Black Onyx, Shorts Story, and I Just Can’t Cope-acabana. Each stroke should be deliberate and bold. Finish with a glossy top coat for a seamless surface.
Gilded Rose Quartz
Professional Opinion and Description: Inspired by the gentle allure of rose quartz, this gel long design is framed with a luxurious gold outline. It’s a blend of natural elegance and opulence, reminiscent of precious gemstones, perfect for someone with a taste for the finer things.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Smith & Cult Basis of Everything Base Coat
- Rose Quartz Polish: Essie – Lady Like
- Gold Paint for Edging: Sally Hansen – Go for Gold
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Start with Smith & Cult’s base coat for a perfect prep. Apply two coats of Essie’s Lady Like for a rose quartz effect. With a fine brush, outline each nail with Sally Hansen’s Go for Gold. Finish with Essie Gel Setter Top Coat for a magnificent shine.
Winged Elegance
Professional Opinion and Description: This manicure takes flight with wings of translucent glitter, soaring on a natural nail base. The added pearl accent is a nod to the clouds of summer skies. It’s ideal for a dreamer who wants their gel long nails to reflect their ethereal, airy spirit.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: CND Stickey Anchoring Base Coat
- Nude Polish: Zoya – Avril
- Glitter Polish: OPI – Desperately Seeking Sequins
- Pearl Embellishments
- Top Coat: Gelish Top It Off Sealer Gel
DIY Instructions: After anchoring with CND’s base coat, paint a base of Zoya’s Avril. Then, carefully brush on OPI’s Desperately Seeking Sequins in a winged pattern. While the top coat is still wet, place the pearl embellishments. Seal everything with Gelish Top It Off Sealer Gel for a lasting ethereal look.
Zesty Waves
Professional Opinion and Description: Evoke the vibrancy of a beach party with these long nails, featuring bold blue and yellow waves. It’s a dynamic and playful look that’s bound to turn heads and start conversations, perfect for the bold adventurer ready to dive into summer’s waves.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
- Yellow Polish: China Glaze – Solar Power
- Blue Polish: Essie – Butler Please
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Apply Orly Bonder for a solid base. Alternate waves of China Glaze’s Solar Power and Essie’s Butler Please for a striking contrast. Use a thin brush to create the wavy lines. Finish with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for a durable, glossy finish.
Playful Petals
Professional Opinion and Description: These long nails are a canvas for a kaleidoscope of colorful flower patterns, offering a playful and artsy vibe. It’s a summer festival on your fingertips, perfect for those who embrace the season with open arms and a joyful heart.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- White Polish: Essie – Blanc
- Colored Polishes for Petals: Various OPI and Essie shades
- Detailing Brush for Petal Art
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Apply OPI Natural Nail Base Coat for an even base. Paint the nails with Essie’s Blanc for a crisp white background. Use a detailing brush to hand-paint each colorful petal, allowing each color to stand out. Finish with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat to protect your floral masterpiece.
Sunset Graffiti
Professional Opinion and Description: This nail art design is inspired by a vibrant sunset and the creativity of street art. The mix of warm colors and graffiti-style drawings makes a statement of freedom and expression, ideal for those who view their nails as a form of personal storytelling.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Butter London Nail Foundation Priming Basecoat
- Pastel Polishes: Cirque Colors Pastel Set
- Yellow Polish for Accents: China Glaze – Solar Power
- Black Art Paint for Details
- Top Coat: INM Out The Door Fast Drying Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Start with Butter London’s base coat for a solid canvas. Apply a soft gradient using Cirque Colors Pastels. Add bold yellow accents with China Glaze’s Solar Power and detail the graffiti with black art paint. Secure your art with INM’s fast-drying top coat for lasting wear.
Geometric Chic
Professional Opinion and Description: Minimalist yet bold, this design showcases the sleek lines and angles of geometry. The monochrome palette makes a sophisticated and modern statement, suitable for the stylish individual who appreciates the beauty in simplicity.
Consumables List:
- Base Coat: Smith & Cult Basis of Everything Base Coat
- Nude Polish: Essie – Topless & Barefoot
- Black Striping Tape or Black Polish for Lines: OPI – Black Onyx
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat
DIY Instructions: Begin with Smith & Cult’s base coat for long-lasting adhesion. Coat the nails with Essie’s Topless & Barefoot for a chic nude look. Apply black striping tape or use a fine brush and OPI’s Black Onyx to create the geometric patterns. Seal with Essie Gel Setter Top Coat for a smooth, glossy finish.
FAQs for Fabulous Fingertips
Q: How do I ensure my summer nails last through beach days and pool parties? A: Seal your art with a high-quality top coat, and reapply every few days. Wear gloves when doing tasks that are tough on your hands.
Q: Can I achieve salon-quality nails at home? A: Absolutely! With the right tools, quality polishes, and a bit of practice, you can create stunning nail designs on your own.
Remember to add your own spin with the formatting and final touches to make it ready for your WordPress site. Enjoy bringing these simple summer nails to life!
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