Long Summer Nails for 2025 Glow: Acrylic Designs & Fresh Inspo You’ll Love

The upcoming summer season will be known for bold, bright and playful nail designs. But here’s the real question: are you going for simple classics or leaning into extra creative territory this season? If you’ve been scrolling for Long Summer Nails for 2025 Glow, this guide will serve up a full buffet of color, style, and ideas that work whether you’re a Pinterest moodboard queen or just looking to switch up your usual sets.

We’re diving into everything—from French tip to textured designs, with tips on how to recreate each look at home (without needing a salon-level toolkit). Trust me, these aren’t just manicures—they’re a whole vibe. Let’s go one by one.

Sunshine Bloom with Daisy Accents

Yellow and pink always make me think of popsicles and sunset skies. This is my favorite summer look of 2025—it’s cheerful, light-hearted and a bit nostalgic. The nails on the hand are painted in hot pink, bold yellow and soft coral, with daisy florals in sunny yellow and pink added by hand. While the shape is almond, what I love most is how easily this style can be worn for the beach, brunch or even a wedding if you want a fun touch.

 

If you’re eyeing these designs, you’ll need a sheer coral base (try OPI’s “Got Myself into a Jam-balaya”), a bold sunflower yellow (like Orly’s “Glowstick”), and a crisp white nail art pen to layer the petals. Dot the middle of every flower with a dotting tool to maintain the same size. Always apply a top coat with UV protection if you’re going to be in the sun.

What I love best is that using this acrylic set always brightens my day. It’s not just pretty—it’s happy. And I’ve seen similar looks trending from LA salons to TikTok tutorials, often under the tag “#2025inspo.” Worth saving to your moodboard? Absolutely.

Candy Confetti Texture

Now this is where things get delicious—literally. I call this look “sprinkle overload,” and honestly, I’m obsessed. It looks as if each nail has been dipped in birthday cake frosting and sprinkled with colorful sugar. The base is a matte white and the sprinkles are in every neon color you can think of for summer. Think Lisa Frank meets modern maximalism. I like that the stiletto shape gives it a bit of a fierce look which makes it more interesting.

 

The first step is to use a sculpted acrylic base that has a sharp stiletto point. Apply a coat of “Blanc” by Essie and then sprinkle on multi-colored polymer beads before the top coat dries. A thick builder gel is often recommended by nail techs to keep the texture of the nails from flaking. You can use sprinkles from nail art kits instead of the ones sold at salons and they will work just as well.

Would I wear this daily? Maybe not. But for a party weekend, this is a showstopper. It’s also starting to appear on Pinterest boards for “festival nail ideas 2025.” If you add a glossy lip and a pastel mini dress, you’ll get bonus points—it’s perfect.

Striped Summer Pop Art

This design has a serious mod energy to it, like something you’d wear to a rooftop art gallery opening. The nails have bold stripes made from turquoise, blue, red, orange and chocolate colors. The finish is very shiny and the fact that the brushes come in oval and square-tipped shapes makes this set stand out from others this season. It reminds me of graphic nail art, but with a fun twist and it’s definitely a bit extra—in a good way.

 

A good striping brush is a must if you’re going to make this design. The clean lines make all the difference. Try using Lights Lacquer or Holo Taco polishes—their pigment is strong and shows up with just one coat. You can also experiment: pick colors that match the clothes you wear in summer.

Personally, this one makes me feel fearless. For example, “yes, I’m wearing five colors and they all look good together.” According to nail artist Betina Goldstein in a Byrdie interview, color-blocking is a major trend for 2025, especially for people who want something more exciting than neutral nails. So go bold or go home!

Soft Petals on Blue Sky

If I want a quiet outfit that still looks stylish, I turn to this one. For 2025, these summer nails are painted with baby blue polish on top of nude bases, with soft white petals added for detail. The flowers are beautifully detailed and not too noticeable, yet still noticeable. The almond shape is not too formal, so it’s a nice balance between casual and romantic.

 

No heavy gel layers here—you’ll want a buildable sheer blue like Olive & June’s “Angelfish” or Essie’s “Bikini So Teeny.” A micro detail brush is perfect for florals, but if you’re new, you could also use a silicone stamper. Seal everything with a jelly-gloss top coat.

This is one of those designs that makes me feel like I’m walking through a summer garden with iced coffee in hand. Calm, fresh, and still polished enough to feel “done.”

Bold Berry French Duo

Who says a French tip has to be white? They use a dark berry red and a soft pink, putting them on in a way that looks like a heart-shaped drip. The square shape is both eye-catching and neat and I can’t help but admire how well the glossy arches fit on my nails. It’s the ultimate flirt and it’s ideal for summer nights or dates that end with rooftop cocktails.

 

If you want to do this at home, try using Static Nails’ “Cherry Bomb” for the berry color and OPI’s “Bubblebath” for the soft pink base. A vinyl guide or nail tape will assist in forming the swooping curve in the middle of the nail.

This one feels grown-up and glam—but not too serious. Just like the ideal berry lipstick, but for your hands. Allure included bold berry French tip hybrids as a trend for 2025 in their roundup. So yes, it’s totally in.

Green Meets Gold Ombré Fade

This might be one of the best long summer nail looks I’ve tried this year. It’s ethereal but still powerful. The tips of these stilettos change from teal green to sunny yellow in a vertical ombre fade that is very smooth. These kinds of transitions always make the nails look longer and slimmer—bonus!

 

Getting this effect takes a little patience. A sponge applicator and pigmented gel polishes are what you need. I recommend The GelBottle’s “Teal Bay” for the blue-green and “Solar Flare” by Kiara Sky for that golden glow. Apply the paint with the sponge, then dry each layer under a UV lamp to keep the depth.

The reason I love this so much? It feels like a literal sunset on your hands. That energy is at its strongest during the heat of summer.

Midnight Melt with Silver Dust

This look is pure drama—with a chill edge. The nails are mostly midnight blue and the color fades into a frosted silver at the tips. It’s so gentle that it’s like watching moonlight fall into the water. It’s classy, mysterious and ideal for showing off your nails on late summer nights. This one’s for the cool-toned queens who like their sets to speak softly but powerfully.

 

It’s important to use a good acrylic base to achieve the length and keep the shine. I suggest applying Madam Glam’s “Deep Sea Dream” and then using a fine chrome pigment for the silver fade. You should press the pigment onto your nails with a sponge and then seal it with a non-wipe top coat.

I’ve noticed this style being featured in runway backstage beauty videos this summer. One person in the industry called it the “ice queen’s summer uniform.” And honestly? She’s right.

Primary Clash in Glossy Flame

Here’s a manicure that doesn’t shy away from intensity. The sharp angles of the design are made possible by using bold blocks of orange, crimson red, black and teal. The nails are all shaped like stilettos and each one uses color differently—one is just one color, another is split diagonally and another is bordered by black gloss. There’s a strong editorial feel to it and I like how color blocking is made to look so high-end.

What you need here are high-pigment gel polishes—think Valentino’s “Rouge Fire” and “Teal Tint” from Kiara Sky. You need a thin striping brush and a steady hand to get that clean line. Paint each color in sections, allowing the paint to dry between each layer to avoid any color mixing.

It makes me think of walking through Soho’s galleries with an iced coffee, feeling cool, modern and a bit intense.

Neon Party Pop with Gold Studs

Now this is a full-on dopamine boost. Imagine a carnival in 2025, with hot pink, electric blue, highlighter yellow and bold orange, all in matte and decorated with mini golden studs. Every nail is a different color, but the metallic detail holds them all together. The almond shape gives the candy-coated set a nice finish while still keeping it fun.

 

If you want a polished look, the Neon Dreams collection from Bio Seaweed Gel has shades that deliver plenty of color. The dots? They’re not just paint. I choose micro-studs from Amazon’s nail decor kits and use a wax picker to put them on, then seal them with builder gel.

You can wear this set to a music festival, a rooftop brunch or just running errands in a crop top and big sunglasses. Total It Girl moment.

Cherry Red Glass Shine

Sometimes, you don’t need all the bells and whistles. A simple square painted in cherry red jelly polish is all you need. This style is all about minimalism and high shine. The nails are long, shaped and very shiny and the color is a flirty mix between pink-red and deep cherry. It’s a classic—but the length gives it a modern and 2025-inspired look.

 

You can try Apres Gel-X in “Scarlet” or DND’s “Poppy Passion” to get the same glassy finish. Make the edges soft by using a rounded square file and finish with a high-gloss gel sealer.

Red nails are always popular, but this year, this shade and shape have been getting a lot of attention in LA. I spotted three different cars on Melrose in just a few hours. Coincidence? I think not.

Smiley Face & Pastel Flip

Here’s your serotonin in nail form. A set of pastel pink, lilac and lemon yellow includes a playful white smiley, stars and color blocks. The result is a feeling of nostalgia, a touch of retro and lots of cuteness. The matte finish makes it appear as if you’re wearing summer sidewalk art on your hands.

 

Use matte pastel gels for this look—you can try The GelBottle’s pastel series. You can make the smiley and star graphics by hand or use stamps, whichever you prefer. If you’re doing your own nails, a dotting tool is useful for adding eyes and curves.

This one just makes me smile, literally. It’s a manicure that people in the grocery store line will notice and compliment you on. It’s clear that Pinterest boards inspired this look.

Tangerine Sorbet with Swirl Details

The final design in this round is a juicy orange with swirling white and lots of space, so the natural nail can be seen. The almond shape gives this a touch of elegance, so it feels like you’re eating summer sorbet that melted perfectly on your skin.

 

 

You’ll need a semi-sheer jelly orange (I used “Tangerine Tint” by Beetles) and a thin liner brush for the white accent lines. Make sure to cure each detail so they remain sharp and distinct.

I think of this as an “everyday statement” because it’s bright but not hard to wear. If you like brighter colors but aren’t sure about neon, this is a great way to try them out.

Safari Meets Sage Elegance

There’s something lowkey powerful about this combo. Square nails are painted with a deep green, a rich black and a zebra stripe accent. The simple color scheme goes well with the bold pattern, so the acrylic set looks both modern and mature. The finish is glossy, the design is clear and it looks like it belongs on the runway without much effort. It’s strong, but not cluttered—that’s how I prefer my animal designs.

You can paint the green with Essie’s “Off Tropic” and the black with OPI’s “Black Onyx.” For the zebra nails, I’d recommend a full-cover press-on you can customize, or a peel-away stencil if you’re going full DIY.

I once wore this kind of set to a weekend trip in Palm Springs and got complimented more on my nails than my outfit (which, by the way, was not bad). It’s definitely giving “editor-in-the-wild” vibes.

Classic Crimson Crush

This is what simple is all about, done perfectly. Medium-length almond nails in a cherry red color with a shiny glass finish. No accents. No added texture. Just the pigment and the shine that make your nails look like they cost a lot. This look is timeless, flattering, and universally wearable. A piece you can wear to a wedding or exercise and still look stylish.

 

I always use Chanel’s “Rouge Essentiel” or Lights Lacquer’s “Cherry Jelly” for a perfect finish. A gel top coat gives your nails a shiny finish and keeps them looking good for at least two weeks which is great for summer trips.

Glamour included red almond nails in their 2025 trends, saying they’re an easy way to look stylish—and I completely agree. A set like this always makes me feel a bit more mature and strong.

Lavender Polka Dot Dream

Here we go with the playful stuff. The pastel purple design has pink and lavender stripes and polka dots placed just right. It’s like a modern version of Minnie Mouse, but with a matte finish. I like that it’s easy to wear every day, yet the dots make it stand out.

 

To get this, you’ll want a matte top coat (try OPI’s Matte Top Coat), and dotting tools of varying sizes. You can arrange them however you like, but I find that even spacing gives the best effect.

It reminds me of my early morning smoothie runs, wearing a claw clip and a big hoodie. Totally Insta-ready, totally sweet.

Neon Camo Clash

This set is what I call a maximalist’s minimalist. The stiletto nails use matte neon pink and slime green in soft-edged shapes that look like camouflage. Some nails are plain, others combine colors—yet all of them give off a summer festival vibe. If you like wearing denim, mesh or anything inspired by the Y2K era, this set will stay in your mind all season.

 

Cirque Colors and ILNP are great brands to get for strong matte coverage. I use a toothpick to remove the color blobs, but experts say that sponge blending is essential for making camo designs look realistic.

Honestly, it’s giving alien Barbie meets rave-ready glam. And somehow, it still looks chic.

Monochrome French Revival

This design is like the black-and-white cookie of French tip nails and I think that’s a good thing. A square base in nude color, finished with two white and black blocky tips. It’s geometric, graphic, and so satisfying to look at. The best part? It works with everything. Linen dresses and black swimsuits give shape to the soft outfits in this collection.

 

Apply “Samoan Sand” from OPI as your base and then use striping guides or half-moon tape to paint the black/white tip. If you prefer, book a nail technician and let them know what you want—they’ll appreciate the retro-modern style.

I could put this on for a gallery event or a beach party and still be myself. Total win.

Electric Leopard Energy

Wrapping this up with a blue leopard fantasy. The cobalt blue base of these long square nails is decorated with black and red spots that appear to be hand-painted but are very neat. It’s giving editorial. It’s giving “don’t talk to me unless you’re matching this energy.” If you’re a fan of bold, this one will be tough to ignore.

 

To achieve this, you need a gel base that cures evenly (think “Royal Navy” from Gelish), and dot your spots with a fine brush and tiny liner brush for that signature leopard splatter. A high-gloss top coat is non-negotiable.

I’d go for silver hoops and a bomber jacket if I wore this out on a cool night. Wild, stylish and unapologetically extra—that’s exactly how we want it for 2025.

Bold Royal Blue for a Cool Girl Summer

There’s something powerful about unapologetically blue nails. The look uses rich indigo all over, taking a basic acrylic base and making it shine with a high-gloss finish. The stiletto shape gives it a sleek look and it’s sharp enough to be noticed, but not so sharp that it’s hard to wear every day. This is a “let’s book the flight and see what happens with the manicure” kind of manicure.

 

If you’d like to copy this style, tell your nail technician about “CND Shellac in Blue-Eyed Bandit” or use “Yoga-Ta Get This Blue” from OPI if you’re doing it yourself. Seche Vite will seal in the glassy look and keep your nails shiny for a long time.

Hot Pink Meets Pop Art Swirls

This one feels like the main character in a romantic comedy. The combination of pink polish and fun swirls gives it a confident and flirty appearance. The curved shape helps everything stay balanced, so you avoid looking too extreme. It’s like the manicure version of wearing a silky red dress to brunch—effortless, but unforgettable.

 

Nail artists usually use very fine detail brushes and apply Essie’s “Mod Square” or Holo Taco’s “Magenta Jelly” for the swirls. You’ll need a steady hand (or a really good friend) to swirl pink-on-pink, but it’s totally doable with a bit of practice. If you want your hair to stay looking great, use this style on acrylic or gel extensions.

I had on a similar outfit last summer and three people I didn’t know complimented me at Whole Foods. That says everything.

Color-Blocked Rainbow Fun

If you’re feeling like all your emotions at once this summer, this one is perfect for you. Every nail stands out with a simple color scheme: one side is pastel and the other is a bright primary color. The square edges give it that youthful, cheeky twist. It’s giving Skittles, it’s giving me Lisa Frank memories, it’s giving me the confidence to say, “I’m the fun one.”

 

You’ll want a wide flat brush to create that crisp block division. Olive & June has a great summer rainbow set or you can try Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri for fast and easy layering. A base coat is necessary because you’re using a lot of pigment.

This outfit makes me think of pool parties and quick trips, doesn’t it? It’s not fancy, but you’ll look like you stepped out of a Pinterest post.

Grey Meets Neon Orange Drip

This combo hits different. The base color is soft matte grey and seems simple at first, but the neon orange drips are a real surprise. Completely unexpected and absolutely genius. It’s the cool girl version of a French tip. A little moody, a little playful. Just the right kind of chaotic.

 

The orange color in this manicure reminds me of Orly’s “Tangerine Dream,” and the grey is like Zoya’s “Dove.” You can use a dotting tool or a toothpick to make the drip effect; simply drag the polish downward and seal it with top coat.

I actually tried it at a rooftop party and felt like I was the coolest person there. A bonus: It matches nicely with metallic jewelry and linen outfits.

Pink Ombre Stiletto Fade

If you’re looking for something special but not too fancy, this is for you. The soft transition from nude to bubblegum pink is just a hint of Barbiecore. And the glossy stiletto shape? Chef’s kiss. It’s as if the nails are blushing and I think it’s great.

 

Your secret weapon here is a sponge—seriously. Dabbing two sheer pinks (like Butter London’s “Strawberry Fields” and Essie’s “Ballet Slippers”) with a blending sponge gives that soft transition. Just add a shiny top coat and your nails will look like highlighter reels.

Putting on pink ombre makes me feel like everything around me is a little more romantic, even when I’m just watching TikTok in bed.

Pastel Lilac & Hot Pink Checkerboard Mash-Up

Now this is a look. It’s giving maximalist energy in the best way. The lilac base is already popular, but add some checkerboards, squiggles, glitter and pow—and you’ve got a standout 2025 tren set. The shape is almond-like which helps soften the playful details in the design.

 

For the polish, use Lights Lacquer’s “I’ll Be Seeing You” for the lilac and add ILNP’s “Slide” for a bit of sparkle. You’ll need a bit of patience (and tape or decals if freehanding checkerboards isn’t your thing), but the results are worth it.

This set is pure serotonin. How could you not feel happy every time you look at your hands?

Minimalist Polka Dot French Revival

This collection gives the traditional French tip a fun and retro makeover. The tips of the nails are clean white squares, covering ultra-long acrylic nails and each one has just a single black dot or two—a simple mod look. The way 2025 tren mixes a strong structure with playful designs is both elegant and ironic which fits the brand perfectly.

 

You can do this by using OPI’s “Alpine Snow” on your tips and a matte black nail art pen for the dots. You can achieve the same elongated look at home by using pre-shaped coffin acrylic tips.

I’d choose this manicure for a summer gallery opening or a rooftop dinner, as it’s simple yet everyone will notice it.

Lavender Heartbeat Romance

If romance had a color, it would be lavender and this set brings all the summer cuteness you didn’t realize you wanted. The nails have alternating glossy square tips and sheer nude bases, with hearts painted by hand. The reason it feels new is the way deep purple and pastel purple are mixed together. You might want to remember this for your next time you want to make yourself feel better with a manicure.

You should have a detail brush, a dotting tool and gel shades, including Le Mini Macaron’s “Lavande,” along with a milky sheer base. Allow the paint to cure and finish the project with a glassy top coat. It lasts longer—and looks even more ethereal in sunlight.

My best friend wore this outfit to her birthday brunch and kept waving to show it off. No shame, and I totally got why.

Pop Art Color Clash

This is for the ladies who love to wear bold colors. The designs are influenced by comic books and stained glass, using lots of bright colors—red, yellow, electric blue, green and pink—all outlined in black. Because it is long and tapered, this piece makes a great statement for anyone who enjoys unique jewelry.

 

For recreating, use Beetles Gel Polish’s rainbow collection and a super fine detail liner. The trick here is precision—clean lines and high contrast. Finish the nails with a high-gloss top coat to make the colors shine brightly under natural light.

You know those sets that turn into conversation starters? This is that. It’s a walking statement.

Sun-Drenched Yellow Outline Fade

This is a quiet stunner that somehow brings together old and new styles. A golden base with a shiny border gives a soft, flattering look to all skin types. The almond shape gives the look that professional touch and I like how the color reminds me of a golden hour filter in real life. It’s not loud—but it absolutely glows.

 

This is a Long Summer Nails for 2025 Glow style that looks great with both casual beach outfits and formal neutrals. The best yellow for this vibe? Essie’s “Toned Down” or Lights Lacquer’s “Amarillo.” You may draw the outline by hand or use nail tape for precise lines.

I wore the same outfit last August and people kept telling me my nails looked like the sun. I didn’t realize how much I needed that serotonin boost.

Jelly Neon Glass Tips

For a while, transparent nails have been gaining popularity, but it’s in 2025 that they truly stand out. With neon green, citrus orange, watermelon pink and amber, these jelly-toned acrylic sets are perfect for any pool area. They seem like something from the future, yet they have a fun, summery feel.

 

For this look, you should use builder gel or poly gel that comes in a tint. Kiara Sky and Makartt are brands that offer amazing neon jelly sandals. Make the nails into long squares and seal them with a clear top gel to keep the shine.

Whenever I put on jelly tips, I feel like I’m in a music video. They make even plain outfits feel next-level.

Polka Pop Art Meets Pastel Tips

Dot lovers, this one’s all yours. The combination of these two styles brings together soft pastel matte colors and bold dots in bubblegum pink, soft lemon and robin’s egg blue. The sharp and edgy square is balanced by the playful combination of matte and dots. This is definitely one of the more exciting and lively ideas for the future.

 

Apply a matte polish from Color Club or Cirque Colors and then finish with a matte top coat before dotting. It becomes simpler to arrange the pattern with a dotting tool. If you’re not using a stencil, take your time and keep your hand steady.

What I love most? This set screams joy. It doesn’t take itself too seriously—and neither should summer.

Summer Stripe Energy

The bold stripes and structured shape make this square tip dress look both fun and trendy. I like that the negative space base allows the neon pink, sage green, espresso and white layers to stand out. It’s almost as if you’re wearing a fruit punch, made just for those who follow the latest trends. It brings together nostalgia and something new which is exactly what 2025 needs.

 

You should use striping polishes or nail art liners for neat and precise banding. I often choose The Gel Bottle Inc. because their colors are bright and go on smoothly. If you want the spacing to be precise, use nail tape or just draw the lines by hand for a more creative look.

You could wear this set with a linen jumpsuit or a strong swimsuit. Summer nail ideas like this one just hit different.

Golden Velvet Tips on Ruby Red

This almond-shaped design is ideal for those special late-summer parties or dinners on the roof. The deep red color is what you’d expect from a classic glam polish, but the real highlight is the gold glitter along the tips which makes it look more like a couture manicure than a costume one. It’s giving rich auntie energy, and I am obsessed.

 

I thought this combination was only for winter, but with a gold shimmer like “Empire” by ILNP and a base like “Malaga Wine” by OPI, it looks great for warm evenings and glowing skin. It demonstrates that you don’t have to go for bright colors to have a summer manicure.

This style is always elegant and never goes out of style, so it’s ideal for when you want to feel special but still wear what’s current.

Conclusion

And just like that, we’ve painted our way through the ultimate inspo guide for Long Summer Nails for 2025 Glow. You’ll find everything from basic jelly tips to bold designs, from striking acrylic nails to cute details and trendy styles in this collection. And you? You can choose which one you want to wear this season.

If you have more photos to add or want a Pinterest-style outro with call-to-action prompts, just say the word—I’ve got you covered!