The Prettiest Summer Nail Colors to Screenshot Before Your Next Mani

Summer Nail Colors Manicure

In This Article

The second that first warm breeze hits, I start daydreaming about iced lattes, breezy dresses, and—of course—what color I want on my nails next. If you're anything like me, switching up your mani is one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to slide into summer mode. And let’s be honest, we’re all a little guilty of frantically scrolling for summer nail colors 2025 the night before a salon appointment.

Whether you’re going bold for beach season or keeping things soft and sheer, this year’s lineup is packed with shades worth screenshotting. From celebrity-favorite pastels to TikTok-approved neons, these are the trending nail polish shades everyone’s reaching for right now.

1. Soft Pistachio

This muted green is having a moment—and not just in your matcha. Soft pistachio has popped up in runway looks and minimalist nail art all over Instagram. It’s subtle, stylish, and somehow feels both refreshing and relaxed.

Vibe: Earthy, modern, low-key

Pairs well with: Almond or squoval nails, medium to tan skin tones

2. Electric Coral

Every summer needs a power color, and this is it. Electric coral walks the line between red, pink, and orange, giving it major versatility. It's been spotted on beachy vacation pics, Gen Z creators, and celebrity manicurists alike.

Vibe: Bold, energetic, beach-party ready

Pairs well with: Short square nails, all skin tones (especially glowing summer tans)

3. Milky Lilac

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by NailsxMina (@nailsxmina)

This semi-sheer lavender has that “clean girl aesthetic” energy but with a little twist. It’s a popular pick in summer manicure ideas for those who want something subtle but still fresh. You’ll see it layered, glazed, and paired with chrome accents on TikTok.

Vibe: Delicate, dreamy, quiet luxury

Pairs well with: Longer oval nails, fair to medium skin tones

4. Tomato Red

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by franci ♥ (@pop_polished)

Not quite fire-engine, not quite cherry—tomato red is juicy, bright, and unexpectedly flattering. It’s part of the whole “fruit-inspired beauty trend” that’s taken over everything from blush to lip gloss this year.

Vibe: Confident, playful, Italian-summer-core

Pairs well with: Classic round nails, all skin tones

5. Cloud Blue

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lauren ✨ (@lolo.nailedit)

This airy pastel blue is basically the nail version of a sky on a perfect day. It’s showing up in tons of minimalist nail looks and is especially popular in sets with negative space or micro-French tips.

Vibe: Cool, calm, effortless

Pairs well with: Natural short nails, fair to deep skin tones

6. Glossy Beige

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by NailsxMina (@nailsxmina)

One of the best nail trends right now is ultra-glossy, bare-looking nails—and glossy beige nails are the neutral upgrade we didn’t know we needed. Think of it as the grown-up cousin of your favorite nude polish.

Vibe: Clean, chic, timeless

Pairs well with: All nail shapes, especially ballerina and almond

7. Lemon Glaze

Fresh and zesty, lemon glaze gives sunshine in a bottle. This sheer yellow is showing up in minimalist jelly manis and as a base for playful floral art. It’s a cheerful pick if you’re leaning toward something unique but still wearable.

Vibe: Sunny, artsy, unexpected

Pairs well with: Short natural nails, medium to deep skin tones

8. Barbie Fuchsia

Bright pink is going nowhere. Thanks to the continuing Barbiecore wave, hot fuchsia remains one of the best nail colors for summer. Whether worn glossy or matte, it instantly turns heads.

Vibe: Fun, fearless, extra

Pairs well with: Coffin or almond nails, fair to tan skin tones

9. Matcha Pearl

If glazed donut nails had a green cousin, it’d be matcha pearl. This pearlescent green is gaining love for its soft shimmer and subtle twist on neutrals. It’s all over reels from Korean nail artists and beauty influencers.

Vibe: Natural, serene, trendy

Pairs well with: Round or oval nails, neutral to olive skin tones

10. Peach Pop

Somewhere between apricot and melon, this soft peach shade adds just enough color without going neon. It’s a TikTok favorite and one of the most wearable trending nail polish shades for 2025.

Vibe: Youthful, fresh, approachable

Pairs well with: All nail shapes, especially short squoval

Tips for Choosing Your Summer Shade

Still torn between a few? Here are some easy ways to narrow it down:

  • Think about your usual vibe—do you go bold or keep things soft?
  • Look at your go-to wardrobe tones. Warm nails pop with gold jewelry and sunset tones; cooler shades pair well with denim and silvers.
  • Consider your nail shape and length—some shades (like fuchsia or tomato red) really shine on longer nails, while pastels are perfect for minimalist short styles.
  • Ask your manicurist to show you colors on a nail swatch against your skin tone—it makes a big difference!

How to Make These Colors Last

To keep your summer mani looking fresh even after beach days and sunscreen reapplications:

  • Apply a hydrating base, especially under soft or sheer shades.
  • Ask for a gel top coat (or apply one at home) to protect from chips and fading
  • Apply cuticle oil daily—it keeps nails strong and polish from lifting
  • Wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes (trust me, it helps)

Whether you're booking your next appointment or DIYing from your couch, these summer nail colors 2025 are ready to set the tone for the season. Screenshot your faves, send them to your nail tech, or just save them for when you need that extra hit of color inspo.

Nothing kicks off summer quite like a fresh mani that makes you smile every time you catch a glimpse.

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