Summer Nails

10 Summer manicures to boost your tan and make you glow


These fresh, fun, and flattering nail designs will highlight your hands and enhance your summer glow.


Hands with colorful nail art on a pink and yellow background. Nails have various designs.© Anna Efetova
JUNE 25, 2025 4:04 PM EDT

Summer is the season of sunshine, fresh vibes, and vibrant colors. With longer days and beach or pool outings on the agenda, it’s the perfect time to show off a golden tan. What better way to complement it than with a playful, colorful manicure?

A radiant summer glow doesn't require much makeup; just add a touch of color, some breezy dresses, and perfectly polished nails. These ten trendy manicures are designed to enhance your tan and elevate your look all season long.

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A person in a white outfit displays colorful nail art, wearing gold and turquoise bracelets.© @isabelvinagree

 Summer stripes

Nothing says summer like bright, bi-color vertical stripes. This bold, balanced design bursts with personality. The symmetrical lines draw attention and make your tan stand out. It's perfect for those who love wearing at least two vibrant shades at once.

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A woman with blonde hair shows her hand with purple nail polish and two rings.© @isabelvinagree

 Lavender aura

Give your nails a magical twist with a lavender aura manicure. This subtle lilac shade over a neutral base delivers a dreamy, boho-chic vibe. It's the perfect choice for sunset dinners or weekend brunches—elegant, light, and effortlessly stylish.

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A woman with colorful nail art and a gold chain necklace shows her hands.© @m.o.n.a.j

 Neon dots

 Turn your nails into a mini party! Over a nude base, neon or pastel dots add a playful, energetic touch. Each nail can be unique; mix and match colors to reflect your personal summer style. This look is fun, bold, and perfect for those who love to experiment.

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Two hands with yellow nail polish and various rings, bracelets, and a yellow top, standing on a beach.© @sarahtey_

 Pastel glaze in butter yellow

Think of this look as sunshine at your fingertips. Its buttery yellow base with a glazed finish gives a luxurious, luminous effect that beautifully highlights tan skin. Pair it with colorful rings and summer accessories for maximum impact.

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A close-up of a person's hand with colorful nail art and two gold rings.© @lightslacquer

 Neon french twist

This is a modern, playful take on the classic French manicure. Swap the white tips for neon hues and let each nail feature a different color or shape. The nude base keeps it chic while the bright accents add a fresh, bold touch.

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Close-up of hands with star-designed pink and gold nail art, wearing gold rings.© @peachinails

 Golden stars

A soft pink base adorned with delicate gold stars is perfect for summer nights. This chic, sparkly, subtle glam look is perfect for special occasions, celebrations, or simply feeling fabulous under the stars.

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A hand with intricately designed nail art is held above a pool. No celebrities detected.© @pop_polished

 Tropical sophistication

Inspired by paradise, this design uses warm gradients, delicate florals, and gold accents to evoke dreamy sunsets and tropical vacations. This elegant, detailed manicure says "luxury summer escape."

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A close-up of hands with green and yellow nail polish, adorned with gold rings and a lemon ring.© @peachinails

 Fresh green gradient

 With the refreshing vibe of lemonade on a hot day, this manicure blends greens and pastels in an energetic gradient. It’s refreshing and youthful and contrasts beautifully with tanned skin. It's a must for those who want a fun look.

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A close-up of a person's hands showcasing vibrant, multicolored nail art with geometric patterns. The person wears a gold ring on one finger.© @lightslacquer

 Colorful aura

 Ready to turn heads? This neon aura design features bold, blended colors with a glowing effect on the edges of each nail. It's daring, colorful, and full of personality, a perfect match for confident, vibrant summer days.

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A person's hands with orange and lemon-themed nail art, wearing an orange shirt.© @_h.collective

 Citrus orange

 Nothing says summer like juicy orange nails! This look plays with orange tones and subtle, leaf-inspired designs to evoke a refreshing, citrusy vibe. It's bright, happy, and seasonal.

Summer is all about embracing color, fun, and lighthearted beauty. No matter if you prefer soft pastels, bold neons, or tropical designs, these manicures are the perfect way to express your summer style. Forget boring, this season, your nails should shine as brightly as you do.