20 Bright Summer Nails 2024: Stunning Yellow & Pink Manicure Ideas
Stand out this summer with our selection of the hottest yellow and pink nails for 2024. From bright lemon to deep fuchsia, find your summer vibe.
Bright Summer Splashes on Coffin Long Nails
Professional Insights: When the warmth of the sun kisses our skin, what better way to complement that summer glow than with a vibrant splash of yellow on our nails? The nails in question, shaped in the ever-so-popular coffin long style, present a canvas of sheer pink with bold accents of lemon yellow and hot pink, sprinkled with polka dots that pop like summer’s first lemonade stand.
Materials List:
- Sheer pink base coat (Brand Recommendation: Solar Nail Spa Sheer Pink)
- Lemon yellow polish (Brand Recommendation: OPI Sunshine State of Mind)
- Hot pink polish (Brand Recommendation: Essie Bachelorette Bash)
- White nail art pen for polka dots (Brand Recommendation: Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen)
- Glossy top coat (Brand Recommendation: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Steps:
- Apply two coats of the sheer pink base coat and let it dry.
- Strategically place a piece of nail tape to guide the yellow and pink strokes.
- Apply lemon yellow and hot pink polish in a sweeping diagonal motion.
- Use a nail art pen to dot the design.
- Finish with a glossy top coat for a summer shine that lasts.
Mellow Yellow Almond Dreams
Professional Insights: The almond nail shape takes on a mellow character with a palette of subdued yellows and accents of gold flecks, echoing the softness of a summer sunset. This design is like wearing a slice of summer on each finger, tailored for those who love a hint of luxury without the loudness.
Materials List:
- Translucent yellow base polish (Brand Recommendation: Jinsoon Mellow)
- Gold foil flakes (Brand Recommendation: Born Pretty Gold Leaf Flakes)
- Yellow rhinestones (Brand Recommendation: Swarovski Sunflower)
- Gold striping tape (Brand Recommendation: Nail Tape Gold Lines)
DIY Steps:
- Start with a layer of translucent yellow polish.
- Apply a clear polish to adhere gold flakes and rhinestones.
- Use tweezers to gently place gold foil and rhinestones in a dispersed pattern.
- Outline the almond tip with gold striping tape for a defined edge.
- Seal with a top coat for a lasting impression of summer’s dusk.
Sunny Citrus Squares
Professional Insights: Square nails serve as the perfect geometric backdrop for this zesty summer creation. These nails scream fun with a sunny yellow base, accented by black and white linear artistry, adding a modern twist to the classic summer vibe.
Materials List:
- Sunny yellow nail polish (Brand Recommendation: Zoya Pippa)
- Black nail polish (Brand Recommendation: China Glaze Liquid Leather)
- White nail polish (Brand Recommendation: Alpine Snow by OPI)
- Matte top coat (Brand Recommendation: Matte About You by Essie)
DIY Steps:
- Paint nails with two coats of sunny yellow for a vibrant base.
- Use a thin brush to create precise black and white lines.
- Add a single dot to the intersection for a playful detail.
- Apply a matte top coat to give a contemporary flat finish.
French Flair with a Citrus Twist
Professional Insights: A quintessential French tip gets a zesty makeover with a delightful lemony curve. This design embraces the classic with a modern twist — almond-shaped for a touch of sophistication, and featuring a sunny yellow hue that beckons the carefree spirit of summer.
Materials List:
- Nude base polish (Brand Recommendation: Zoya Bela)
- Yellow nail paint for tips (Brand Recommendation: Orly Lemonade)
- Thin brush for precision (Brand Recommendation: Winstonia Fine Line)
- Quick-dry top coat (Brand Recommendation: CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat)
DIY Steps:
- Apply a coat of nude polish as the perfect understated backdrop.
- Once dry, gently sweep the yellow polish across the tips with a guiding brush.
- Clean any excess with a thin brush dipped in remover.
- Seal the deal with a quick-dry top coat for a sunny disposition that lasts.
Soft Pastel Meets Vivid Yellow
Professional Insights: Soft pastel pink serves as a delicate foundation for the vivid strokes of sunny yellow, creating an ambiance of a serene summer morning. The square tips present a sturdy canvas for the intricate art, where the yellow not only stands out but sings a duet with the subtle pink.
Materials List:
- Pastel pink base coat (Brand Recommendation: Essie Muchi, Muchi)
- Vibrant yellow polish for the design (Brand Recommendation: Sally Hansen Mellow Yellow)
- Dotting tools for heart accents (Brand Recommendation: Born Pretty Dotting Tool Set)
- High-gloss finish top coat (Brand Recommendation: Revlon Extra Life No Chip Top Coat)
DIY Steps:
- Start with the pastel pink polish for a smooth, even base.
- Use tape or freehand the yellow tips with a steady hand.
- Add heart shapes or your preferred design using a dotting tool.
- Finish with a layer of high-gloss top coat to make those colors pop.
Neon Energy on Short Square Nails
Professional Insights: Embrace the electric side of summer with these short square nails. Neon yellow leaps off the nail, making a bold statement that’s both playful and fierce. The partial nude base is a nod to subtlety, allowing the neon to take center stage.
Materials List:
- Neon yellow nail lacquer (Brand Recommendation: China Glaze Celtic Sun)
- Nude nail polish (Brand Recommendation: OPI Samoan Sand)
- Fine nail art brush for details (Brand Recommendation: Mont Marte Fine Tip)
- Protective matte top coat (Brand Recommendation: Matte Look Top Coat by NYC)
DIY Steps:
- Coat the nails in the nude shade for a clean, neutral starting point.
- When dry, apply the neon yellow with precision using a fine brush or stencil.
- Add white highlights or accents as desired to enhance the neon effect.
- Opt for a matte top coat to modernize the look and soften the neon’s intensity.
Sunset Ombre on Stiletto Nails
Professional Insights: As if painted with the tender hues of a summer sunset, these stiletto nails boast a gentle ombre transition from a creamy orange to a pastel yellow. The design embodies the tranquility of dusk with whispers of white lines that bring a serene balance to the sharp nail shape.
Materials List:
- Orange cream polish (Brand Recommendation: ORLY’s Summer Sunset)
- Pastel yellow polish (Brand Recommendation: Essie’s Pale to the Chief)
- White striping polish (Brand Recommendation: Sally Hansen’s White On)
- Ombre sponge tool (Brand Recommendation: Makeup Sponge)
- Long-lasting top coat (Brand Recommendation: INM Out The Door)
DIY Steps:
- Lay down a base of orange cream polish.
- Sponge on the pastel yellow from the nail’s midpoint upwards to create the ombre effect.
- Draw delicate white lines with a striping brush to accentuate the design.
- Apply a top coat to protect the ombre artwork and add a beautiful shine.
Sleek French with a Pop of Neon
Professional Insights: These nails reinvent the classic French manicure with a vibrant, neon yellow tip that demands attention. Perfectly aligned on almond-shaped nails, the design offers a playful yet chic take on summer, inviting glances and compliments alike.
Materials List:
- Sheer base polish (Brand Recommendation: OPI Nail Envy)
- Neon yellow nail striping tape (Brand Recommendation: Twinkled T)
- Nail adhesive for precision (Brand Recommendation: Mia Secret Brush-On Glue)
- UV protective top coat (Brand Recommendation: CND Super Shiney)
DIY Steps:
- Apply a coat of sheer base polish for a natural look.
- Once dried, carefully place the neon striping tape at the tips.
- Press down firmly to ensure the tape sticks without peeling.
- Add a UV protective top coat to seal the design and prevent fading from the summer sun.
Pastel Play with Yellow Highlights
Professional Insights: Here we see the harmonious marriage of pastel lavender and soft yellow, brought to life on a square nail base. Sprinkled with light-catching crystals, this design is a true representation of summer’s whimsical side, encapsulating both the gentle caress of the breeze and the sparkle of the evening stars.
Materials List:
- Pastel lavender polish (Brand Recommendation: Zoya’s Heather)
- Soft yellow polish for accents (Brand Recommendation: Essie’s Check Your Baggage)
- Crystal embellishments (Brand Recommendation: Swarovski Clear Crystals)
- Nail glue for crystals (Brand Recommendation: Nailene Ultra Quick Nail Glue)
- High-gloss gel top coat (Brand Recommendation: Gelish Top It Off)
DIY Steps:
- Paint the base with pastel lavender and let it dry.
- Use soft yellow to add accent stripes and fill-ins.
- Apply a small dot of glue where you’d like to place the crystals.
- Set the crystals onto the glue dots with precision using a tweezer.
- Finish off with a high-gloss gel top coat for extra sparkle and longevity.
Hot Pink and Mellow Yellow Fusion
Professional Insights: This design is a playful dance of color, where hot pink meets the calmness of mellow yellow in an almond nail symphony. The vibrant pink screams of beach parties, while the yellow swirls are like the gentle lapping of the ocean at sunset.
Materials List:
- Vibrant hot pink polish (Brand Recommendation: China Glaze Pool Party)
- Mellow yellow polish for details (Brand Recommendation: Essie Aim to Misbehave)
- Nail art brush for intricate designs (Brand Recommendation: AIFAIFA 5pcs Nail Art Brushes)
- Glossy top coat for a protective finish (Brand Recommendation: INM Northern Lights)
DIY Steps:
- Alternate between hot pink and a soft nude base on each nail.
- Use a fine nail art brush to add yellow swirls and accents.
- Apply a glossy top coat to ensure the colors blend seamlessly and last through any summer adventure.
Sunshine and Stardust
Professional Insights: Yellow takes the center stage in this square nail design, evoking the full brightness of a midday summer sun. The star-shaped decals and glittery dust add a playful twinkle, reminiscent of a clear summer night sky.
Materials List:
- Rich yellow nail polish (Brand Recommendation: OPI Never a Dulles Moment)
- Glitter overlay polish (Brand Recommendation: Zoya’s PixieDust)
- Star-shaped nail decals (Brand Recommendation: Daily Charme Star Nail Art Decals)
- Strong-hold nail adhesive (Brand Recommendation: GEMGEL Adhesive)
DIY Steps:
- Paint nails with the vibrant yellow polish.
- On select fingers, add a layer of glitter overlay for a textured look.
- Adhere star decals on the accent nails using a dab of nail adhesive.
- Seal everything with a top coat for a glossy finish that brings out the shimmer in the glitter and decals.
Classic French with a Yellow Bloom
Professional Insights: The timeless French manicure gets a refreshing twist with a burst of yellow at the tips. The floral decals offer a whisper of spring’s continuation into the lazy days of summer, while the square tip provides a canvas for the sunny disposition of each bloom.
Materials List:
- Sheer pink base coat (Brand Recommendation: Essie Ballet Slippers)
- Bright yellow polish for French tips (Brand Recommendation: Cirque Colors Urbanized)
- Floral nail decals (Brand Recommendation: Maniology Botanicals Nail Art Decals)
- No-smudge top coat (Brand Recommendation: Maniology’s Smudge-Free Nail Art Top Coat)
DIY Steps:
- Begin with a sheer pink base, applying two coats for an even look.
- Once dry, carefully apply yellow polish to create the French tips.
- Position the floral decals on the nails, using a pair of tweezers for precise placement.
- Finish with a no-smudge top coat to protect your design from the elements.
Sunshine Gradient with Crystal Elegance
Professional Insights: These nails are a spectacular showcase of the summer sun’s gradient, flowing from a vivid yellow to a soft nude. Adorned with a cascade of sparkling crystals, they capture the essence of a sunlit waterfall — brilliant, fluid, and mesmerizing.
Materials List:
- Bright yellow nail polish (Brand Recommendation: ORLY’S Glowstick)
- Nude polish for gradient effect (Brand Recommendation: Essie’s Topless and Barefoot)
- Crystals of various sizes (Brand Recommendation: Swarovski Mixed Crystals)
- Gel top coat for crystal application (Brand Recommendation: Gelish Top It Off)
DIY Steps:
- Start with a base of bright yellow polish at the nail’s base.
- Gradually blend into nude polish using a makeup sponge for the gradient effect.
- While the polish is tacky, place crystals along the dividing line.
- Secure the design with a gel top coat for a dazzling, long-lasting finish.
Pastel Perfection with Sunny Accents
Professional Insights: Embodying the softness of pastel colors with a bold yellow statement, these nails are a perfect blend of subtlety and vibrance. The floral and plaid patterns celebrate the diversity of summer’s blooms and picnics in the park.
Materials List:
- Pastel yellow polish (Brand Recommendation: Zoya’s Bee)
- White polish for plaid and floral designs (Brand Recommendation: OPI Alpine Snow)
- Thin brush for detailed art (Brand Recommendation: Nail Art Liner Brushes)
- Fast-drying top coat (Brand Recommendation: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Steps:
- Paint some nails with pastel yellow and others with a sheer pink base.
- Use a thin brush to draw delicate plaid and floral designs.
- Apply a fast-drying top coat to seal the artwork for everyday wear.
Whimsical Drips on a Pink Base
Professional Insights: Playful and artistic, these nails feature a whimsical drip design over a soft pink base, with a delightful yellow accent nail sporting an adorable character. This look is for those who carry a piece of childhood wonder into the summer days.
Materials List:
- Soft pink nail polish (Brand Recommendation: OPI’s Bubble Bath)
- Bright yellow polish for drip effect (Brand Recommendation: Sally Hansen’s Mellow Yellow)
- Black and white polish for details (Brand Recommendations: Sinful Colors Black on Black and Snow Me White)
- Detailing nail art brush (Brand Recommendation: Beaute Galleria Nail Art Brushes)
DIY Steps:
- Apply the soft pink polish as a base on all but one accent nail.
- For the drip effect, use a detail brush to paint yellow at the tip and drag upwards.
- Paint the accent nail with bright yellow and add the character design with black and white polish.
- Finish with a clear top coat for protection and shine.
Ocean Waves in Yellow
Professional Insights: These square nails evoke the gentle motion of ocean waves using a vivid yellow base accented with swirls of tranquil blue. It’s a color combination that captures the essence of sunny days by the seaside with a touch of cool ocean breeze.
Materials List:
- Sunny yellow polish (Brand Recommendation: China Glaze Sun-Kissed)
- Sky blue polish for swirls (Brand Recommendation: Essie Bikini So Teeny)
- Thin detailing brush (Brand Recommendation: Winstonia Fine Detailing Brush)
- High gloss top coat (Brand Recommendation: OPI Top Coat)
DIY Steps:
- Paint all nails with the bright yellow as a joyful base.
- Dip the detail brush in blue polish and create freehand swirls to mimic the waves.
- Finish with a glossy top coat for a splash-proof shine.
Modern Art on Nails
Professional Insights: Presenting a modern art aesthetic, these nails combine stark black lines with neon yellow and a touch of pink on a nude base, striking a balance between minimalism and boldness. The almond shape adds an air of sophistication to the design.
Materials List:
- Nude polish as a base (Brand Recommendation: OPI’s Samoan Sand)
- Neon yellow polish for highlights (Brand Recommendation: ORLY’s Neon Heat)
- Black striping polish (Brand Recommendation: Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Striper)
- Baby pink polish for contrast (Brand Recommendation: Zoya’s Jordan)
- Matte top coat (Brand Recommendation: Essie Matte About You)
DIY Steps:
- Start with a clean nude polish as the base.
- Use neon yellow and baby pink to add bold but minimalistic shapes.
- Define the shapes with crisp black lines using a striping brush.
- Apply a matte top coat to modernize the look and soften the brightness of the neon.
Bold Yellow French Tips
Professional Insights: This look takes the classic French manicure to new heights by swapping traditional white tips for a bold and bright yellow. The almond shape keeps the style feminine and delicate, perfect for any summer occasion.
Materials List:
- Sheer pink base polish (Brand Recommendation: Essie’s Sugar Daddy)
- Bright yellow polish for the tips (Brand Recommendation: OPI’s Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet)
- Nail tip guides (Brand Recommendation: French Manicure Nail Tip Guides)
- Clear top coat (Brand Recommendation: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Steps:
- Begin with a sheer pink base for a natural yet polished look.
- Once dry, place nail tip guides across each nail to achieve a precise line.
- Paint the tips with the yellow polish for a sunny update to the French tip.
- Complete the design with a clear top coat for a glossy, long-lasting finish.
Floral Fun with a Pop of Pink
Professional Insights: In this design, the playful essence of summer is captured in a garden of bright yellow and pink flowers on a sheer base. A bold magenta nail adds a pop of unexpected color, perfect for the summer trendsetter who loves to mix and match.
Materials List:
- Sheer nude polish (Brand Recommendation: Essie’s Wild Nude)
- Bright yellow polish for flowers (Brand Recommendation: China Glaze’s Sunshine Pop)
- Magenta polish for the statement nail (Brand Recommendation: Essie’s Bachelorette Bash)
- Dotting tool for flower petals (Brand Recommendation: Born Pretty Dotting Tool)
- Glossy top coat (Brand Recommendation: Glisten & Glow Top Coat)
DIY Steps:
- Coat all nails with the sheer nude polish except for one statement nail.
- On the statement nail, apply a vibrant magenta polish.
- Create yellow flowers with a dotting tool on the sheer nails.
- Accent the center of the flowers with a touch of pink polish.
- Apply a glossy top coat to give the flowers a dewy morning look.
Citrus Slices on Almond Nails
Professional Insights: These almond nails are a fresh squeeze of creativity, featuring intricate designs of citrus slices that bring the zest of lemonade to your fingertips. The juicy yellow and tangy orange hues are refreshing, fun, and perfectly ripe for summer.
Materials List:
- Yellow polish for the base (Brand Recommendation: OPI’s Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet)
- White polish for citrus details (Brand Recommendation: Sally Hansen’s White On)
- Orange polish for accents (Brand Recommendation: ORLY’s Melt Your Popsicle)
- Fine detailing brush (Brand Recommendation: NailStar Professional Nail Art Brushes)
- Clear glossy top coat (Brand Recommendation: Seche Vite)
DIY Steps:
- Begin with a vibrant yellow base on all nails.
- Paint citrus slice details with white polish and a fine brush.
- Add orange accents to replicate the look of fruit.
- Finish with a glossy top coat to make the citrus designs shine.
FAQs
Q: Can I achieve these nail designs with short nails? A: Absolutely! While the designs showcased have been on longer nails, the color schemes and patterns can be adapted to chic short nails with the same summer flair.
Q: How do I prevent my neon yellow polish from chipping? A: For neon and brighter shades like yellow, a reliable base coat is essential. Also, applying a top coat every few days can extend the life of your manicure.
