Now that summer is here, our seasonal beauty switch-ups are officially in motion, starting with the arrival of joyful, butter yellow manicures. Whether it’s a layer of glossy soft yellow polish or a minimalist spring-inspired design, the options are endless when it comes to sunny nail ideas—it’s simply a matter of choosing your style.
Consider what type of manicure you’d like to sport this summer. Classic polish allows you to switch up your design (not to mention try new nail art techniques at home), while a gel formula offers longevity for those looking for a longer-lasting mani. For ultimate durability, opt for acrylics, which are perfect for a long-haul trip, or try BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) to encourage strength and new length for weakened tips.
Here, we’ve rounded up the best buttery nail designs and manicure ideas for summer, including fancy French tips and playful aura nails.
Chrome French Tip Nails
You can add an elegant sheen to any classic manicure using chrome, but this summer it’s best placed over a sunshine yellow French tip.
“Begin by painting one coat of your desired base shade (I’m a huge fan of Essie Gel Couture in Sheer Fantasy),” explains nail artist and Essie ambassador Michelle Humphrey. “Paint your French tip—this can be white, or any color! For warmer days, you might want to opt for a brighter shade like lilac, matcha green, or yellow.”
To finish, apply either a chrome top coat (or chrome powder with a clear top coat) to add a finishing metallic glaze to your mani. So chic and so modern.
Daisy Chain Nail Art
Florals for spring-summer may seem cliché, but we assure you, these delicate designs couldn’t be more trendy.
“Start by applying your desired base shade; sheer nudes always look beautiful, but you can choose any color you like. Soft sorbet shades would also be dreamy for this look,” says Humphrey. “Use a dotting tool or a bobby pin to create a small circle of five white dots, then create the center of the flower by adding one more yellow dot. Tip: Be sure to clean the tool regularly to prevent the polish from drying and the dots becoming uneven. You can have several flowers or just one on the nail—the options are limitless!”
Sunset Aura Nails
Trendy but never childish, these airbrushed tips have been making the rounds since 2023, retaining their popularity thanks to an easy-to-replicate design and versatile set of colors. This summer, they’re worn best in bright yellows and vibrant oranges. Think sunset shades.
“Paint your nails in your desired shades—I love choosing bright pastels on each nail,” says Humphrey. “Apply a matte top coat and allow it to thoroughly dry. Grab any eyeshadow palette. Using an eyeshadow applicator sponge, gently buff the eyeshadow into the nail where you’d like your aura.”
Complete on all nails, then apply a glossy top coat for that high-shine professional finish.
Gingham Nails
Gingham has long been hailed as the official fabric of summer, but did you know it also looks incredibly chic when adorned over bare nails? Better yet, match your manicure to your lightweight summer wardrobe.
While we’re huge fans of an at-home nail design, we’re the first to admit that this idea is far from beginner-friendly. Save this detailed inspiration for your in-salon appointment, whether that’s an acrylic set to last well beyond the heat wave, or a classic gel manicure that won’t smear and smudge throughout the week.
