Cute Summer Nails You’ll Love in 2025 – Fresh Designs, Bold Colors & Floral Art

What style of manicure are you hoping for this summer? Whether you’re into bold brights, delicate florals, or playful graphics, 2025 is overflowing with fresh inspiration. This year, nails are all about showing your personality — mixing different styles, choosing bright colors and enjoying a little fun on your fingers. If you’re ready to upgrade your polish game with something eye-catching, creative, and totally Pinterest-worthy, you’re in the right place.

Ladybug Chic With A French Twist

Red tips are already joyful, but when you add ladybug art, it’s even more fun. That’s when summer truly begins. It transforms the French manicure by adding tiny ladybugs on top of the white parts of the nails. The combination of red, nude, black and white makes for a manicure that’s both polished and full of energy. The soft square shape in this design is perfect for those who like a natural look but want something special too.

 

I often use OPI GelColor in “Big Apple Red” for the tips and “Alpine Snow” for the ladybug part of the design. You can paint the bug by hand with a fine nail brush and a very precise black gel liner like Beetles Nail Art Gel. The glossy topcoat is necessary to make the nails look shiny and sweet. Taking your time and adding layers is key and the result is worth it. Absolutely worth it.

The first step is to prepare your nails and push back your cuticles. Gently smooth the surface, put on a base coat and let it cure. After that, use a smile-line stencil or draw freehand to paint your French tips in red. After applying white to your accent nails, cure them and then draw the ladybugs by making two semicircles for the wings, dots, a stripe and the little legs. Finish with a topcoat and cure again. Voilà—summer in a mani.

Every time I wear this, people I don’t know ask me if I had it done at a salon. It has a nostalgic feel that fits spring in 2025, but it’s also smart and youthful. It makes me think of the easy days in July, enjoying watermelon and the gentle buzz of the garden. Can nails make you smile? This set absolutely does.

Bright Floral Burst On Nude

This manicure shows the lively, sunny feeling of a garden in full bloom. Bright pink, yellow and orange petals appear on each nail against the glossy nude base. The style is easy and free which gives the design that dreamy, slightly-imperfect look we love in summer. Because of its short, slightly square tips, it’s both easy to wear and a little different at the same time.

 

You can achieve this style without going to a salon. I started with Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” because it’s a simple and soft color. The flowers? I used the Nail Addict Blooming Gel kit in neon colors to paint them. You only need a tiny dotting tool to create every petal. A little glossy black polish on the center of each flower finishes off the look.

I’ve found that using a flat detailing brush and drawing three petals is easier than trying to do five. You can always add more flowers after you’ve secured the first one. Once you apply a glossy topcoat, you’ll be ready to receive compliments while shopping. They are especially pretty when worn with gold jewelry, in my opinion.

Florals for summer? Sure, it’s a cliché. Yet, when you use bold colors, play with the layout and let your natural nail bed show, it feels like a whole new look. I chose this outfit for an art show and ended up getting more attention than the art itself. That’s the power of petals.

Bee-Inspired Bold Yellow And Black

If you want your nails to make a statement—this one will do the trick. Most of the set is bright yellow, with little black specks scattered throughout to give it more interest. And the black accent nail which appears unexpectedly, helps tie the whole look together with a striking contrast. This manicure is both bold and fun and it definitely represents 2025: confident, clean and without any hesitation.

 

You should use ORLY’s “Glowstick” for the yellow and Gelish “Black Shadow” for the black. To get the speckled look, brush a toothbrush with black polish and flick it gently over the yellow base. It’s messy, yes—but in the most artistic way. A small brush dipped in acetone helps you keep your nails looking neat.

Let’s talk technique. After you have shaped your nails into a square, put on your base coat and let it dry. Paint two layers of yellow, then add the speckles and let it cure once more. After that, apply a solid black accent and end with a matte or glossy topcoat. You decide the vibe. Regardless, you’ll end up with bold nail art that looks fashionable.

Putting these on makes me feel like I’m ready for anything, just like a power playlist on shuffle. They’re great for when you want your nails to stand out more than your clothes during a hot weekend. Who said cute can’t be cool?

Fresh Citrus Vibes With Lemon Accents

This style is the epitome of summer style—it’s light, fresh and full of sunshine. These nails give off the same feeling as a lemonade stand on a sunny day, with little hand-painted lemons and leaves on a natural background. The light pink background allows the colors to stand out and keeps the design feeling fresh. Every nail is a little ray of sunshine, just right for a time when brightness is the theme and nails are the main fashion statement.

 

I prefer to use “Put It In Neutral” by OPI for the base, because it’s not too bold but still makes the yellow stand out. The lemons are made with a yellow gel base that looks like Gelish’s “Lemon Refresh” and green leaves from their art kit. A liner brush or stamping set is useful for making the fruit look just right without smudging.

If you’re doing this at home, I found that after prepping the nails, painting two layers of base and curing them worked best. After that, use a small brush to paint oval lemons on the sides or tips of your nails. Draw white curved lines inside to show the slices and add some tiny leaves at the end. A high-gloss topcoat seals in the juicy effect. Be sure to clean the edges to make everything seem sharp and crisp.

Every time I’ve worn these, someone inevitably says, “Now I want lemonade!” And honestly, same. Fruit-themed nails always seem playful and this style is both familiar and up-to-date. It’s a design that can cheer you up, even when the weather is not sunny.

Giraffe Print Meets Neon Green

If you’re drawn to neutral safari colors but also love a pop of something bright—this is the one for you. The earthy look of the giraffe print is balanced by the bold and surprising matte green. The square shape for long fingers is ideal: it’s smooth and just the right length to highlight the print. It’s bold, yet still something you can wear—a mix of natural style and bold trends.

 

I chose the DND Gel Polish in “Matcha Madness” for the matte green and I like that it’s not too bright. A white base with taupe dots made using a dotting tool or nail art brush will give you the giraffe print without making it look like a cartoon.

To achieve this, prepare your nails and shape them into a neat square. Paint two coats of green on the fingers you want and then do the white base on the rest. After the base color dries, randomly paint the giraffe patches with taupe polish or acrylic paint. Let the spacing be natural, so it doesn’t look like you planned it too much. Finish the greens with a matte topcoat and choose glossy or matte for the prints, depending on what you like.

I put this on for a rooftop dinner last summer and got three compliments before the appetizers arrived. It’s confident, it’s well-balanced and it shows that 2025 is focused on blending natural with modern. Think neutral, but make it fashion.

Soft Daisy Fields On Blush

There’s just something quietly powerful about daisy nails. They whisper rather than shout. The base is a soft pink-nude and there are tiny white daisies placed evenly on each nail. It’s like a romantic picnic: you’ll see breezy linens, a gentle breeze and a bottle of rosé. It’s a natural beauty, but it’s still considered art—just in a very subtle way.

 

You can get this style with just a few tools. I started with Essie’s “Vanity Fairest” as my base and used the white and yellow dotting tools from Olive & June’s summer nail art kit to put the daisies on. A thin dotting tool allows you to make the petals look delicate without them becoming misshapen.

Cover the base with two layers of blush, cure and then dot a yellow center wherever you want a flower. Draw five or six little white dots near the center to make the petals. After everything is dry, apply a glossy topcoat that doesn’t need to be wiped off. The effect is clean, calm, and incredibly polished perfectly.

I wore these at a friend’s bridal shower and they got more attention than the delicious cupcakes. Something about daisies just melts hearts. If you want to try soft girl style or just want to look pretty on a weekday, these are the best cute summer nails you’ll find in 2025.

Juicy Watermelon Delight With Pearls

This look just screams summer fun. The bright and colorful watermelon slices on these nails give them a lot of life. The 3D pearls on the pink nails give it a fun and rich look, but they don’t make it look too much. This design is unique because of the combination of juicy fruit and classy pearls. If you prefer your nails to look like jewelry, this is the perfect style for you.

 

I chose Gelish “Flirty and Fabulous” as my hot pink base because it’s bold and stays on for a long time. I painted the watermelon slices using green striping gel, bright red acrylic and black dotting gel. A tiny detail brush helps with seed placement. I press the flat-back pearls into a layer of no-wipe topcoat that I’ve applied to the bracelet and then I cure it.

It’s actually quite simple: paint your pink gel base, cure it and then use a striping brush to paint half-circle fruit slices on the accent nails. Add black seeds in the center, draw the outline with green and finish with small white arcs for depth. After applying the topcoat, put your pearls in the center of the melon or around it to give your cake a “dripping sweetness” effect. Finish with a full cure and a glossy finish.

I wore this dress to a barbecue and people kept grabbing my hand all night. If you want something that always makes you happy to see, this is the one. You’ll find these summer nails to be playful, surprising and totally adorable in 2025.

Minimalist Petal Garland On Almond Shape

Sometimes, a little goes a long way, especially if you’re using gentle, almost-invisible colors and light strokes. The garland of colorful petals on these almond nails is placed diagonally, adding a little movement and style without covering the natural look. The simple nude bed allows the art to stand out and the whole room feels light, stylish and right for 2025.

 

You don’t need much to pull this off. I choose OPI “Bare My Soul” as my base color because it gives the perfect sheer look. I used detail brushes and gel liners in coral, lilac, leaf green and sunshine yellow to create the petal art. I finished the piece with a semi-gloss topcoat to avoid it looking too plastic.

If you’re trying this at home, be patient. First, apply a thin layer of nude, let it dry and then use ultra-fine brushes to outline your petal lines. A small yellow dot in the middle of every floral section gives the flower a warm look. The line’s angle ought to look natural, as if it were a branch falling or a curve in nature.

I find these incredibly calming to wear. There’s just something about the way they echo natural motion. You can wear them for a work trip in late July or to a friend’s wedding and still look great without putting in much effort.

Cotton Candy Hearts On Pastel Blue

These nails are just like something you’d see in an anime scene—pink and sky blue, with hearts included. They’re both sweet and fun, with pale pink nails and two heart-printed accents. The gel shine is thick and coated like candy which makes it seem almost edible. The soft almond shape of long fingers gives the dessert a longer and more elegant look. This design brings a smile to people’s faces before they even greet you.

 

I used OPI’s “Mod About You” for the main pink and the hearts were stamped from MoYou London using Essie’s “Saltwater Happy.” It’s a combination that always reminds me of spring—not too bright, but still soft.

For a perfect look, paint pink on all but two accent nails, cure it and then paint blue. If you can draw steady lines, you can stamp or draw hearts by hand. Finish the look by applying a thick topcoat. It’s quick, even if it looks detailed.

I brought this design along on a weekend trip to the coast and they were my favorite accessory. A summer look is perfect when it’s pastel and brings back memories.

Sunflower Garden With Flying Bees

If sunshine had a nail look, this would be the one. Bright yellow polish is combined with sunflower petals and playful bees on a natural pink background. Then, just like a wink, a touch of polka dot on the ends of the nails adds a bit of surprise and fun. This art doesn’t just sit pretty—it tells a story. Even the smallest details such as the shape of the wings and the brown centers of the sunflowers, are painted to look lively and full of life.

 

You might like to use “Sunshine Yellow” by Modelones and a rich brown for the centers of your flowers. I used a combination of white, black and golden yellow gel polish to paint the bees and a fine-tip brush made it easy. The dotted nails are a light white color with black speckles which are added using a dotting tool.

Begin by painting your base—yellow on some nails, blush nude on the rest. Paint the petals using long strokes and then draw the bee’s outline and fill in the details. Paint the wings using a liner brush and you can add a little silver shadow to make them look transparent. Finish off with dots and gloss.

It felt as if I had a little garden on my feet. It’s great for brunch, visiting markets or just enjoying the sun from your window. This collection represents all the things I adore about summer nails in 2025—fun, detailed and perfect for the season.

Blue And Yellow Abstract Wave

It’s like a Mediterranean breeze in July, with bold cobalt blue and sunflower yellow mixed together in an abstract pattern that’s both creative and lively. The nails are shaped like almonds and are long which makes them perfect for long fingers and adds a touch of class to any bright color. You can also see something modern in this trend: the wavy graphics remind me of a glitchy GIF turned into shiny nail art. Summer heatwave? You’re already cooler just wearing these.

 

I applied DND “Blueberry Kiss” and “Lemon Juice” as the base colors to get this look. I used a liner brush and white and purple gel polish to paint the accent graphics by hand. I used the method from the 2025 Nailpro artist reel which means I started in the middle and swirled outward gently to avoid making the color too dark.

First, apply two coats of yellow or blue nail polish to each finger. Cure between layers. On accent nails, freestyle your swirl or dot pattern using thin brushes—don’t overthink it. It’s meant to feel energetic, not exact. End by applying a high-gloss topcoat to preserve the glassy look of your paint job.

I put these on for a rooftop DJ gig and they reflected light better than my necklace. These bold colors look especially good when the UV index is high. One word? Vibes.

French Florals With Blue Cornflowers

This is the floral French of your dreams—white tips with tiny blue cornflowers that look just like wildflowers. What sets this design apart is how well the white tip, natural negative space and bright blue petals blend together. It’s a new take on an old favorite and it’s much more fun. Think natural aesthetic meets museum-level detail.

 

I chose DND “White Linen” for the French tip and mixed cobalt and royal blue for the petals using Bloom Gel’s detail paint. I drew each flower by hand with a small brush and added a bit of yellow in the center to make it stand out. The base is a sheer milky pink which helps your skin look fresh and light in the heat.

Step one: apply your milky pink base and cure. Then, do the French tips with a precision brush or use guides if you’re not confident with freehand lines. Begin by outlining your flowers with light blue and then go back to darken the centers. Don’t overcrowd the nail. This tutorial tip from a nail artist I follow? “Leave space—it lets the design breathe.” Couldn’t agree more.

Wearing these feels elegant but not fussy. You feel as if you’ve gone from a countryside trip to a summer gallery event. You’ll find that this is a great summer nail style for any occasion in 2025. It’s soft, it’s subtle, but it still turns heads.

Retro Citrus & Checkerboard Mix

This manicure is all about creative chaos and it’s a great thing. Oranges, lavender, checkers, wavy lines and graphic half-moons are all included in this short square design. And it still works. The combination of pastel purple and vibrant orange looks lovely and gives the palette a sense of nostalgia as well as modernity. Every nail brings its own tale, but all of them together create a colorful and attractive summer look.

 

I painted the orange with OPI’s “No Tan Lines” and the purple with Essie’s “Lilacism.” I used a thin nail art brush and a long-lasting striping polish to do the white detailing. Yellow gel was used to dot the citrus slices and a thin line of green was added around them to capture the energy of fresh fruit.

There is no one correct way to use this style. Start with your base tones, alternating each nail. Then decide which patterns go where—checkerboard, swirls, or fruit. Don’t overthink symmetry; it’s supposed to feel carefree. Finish with a gel topcoat to keep the shine and polish looking great for a long time.

I wore this design over the weekend and a barista asked me if I was a nail artist. It just feels playful and confident. If you’re looking for a joyful and bold read, this book could be just what you’ve been looking for.

Sweet Lemon Blossoms On Milky Pink

Soft pink and fresh yellow lemons remind me of a picnic blanket, iced tea and lemon bars. It’s a simple design that still tastes great—short nails in a milky pink base with little lemons placed all over like summer confetti. Because it’s natural, you can wear it daily and it’s still attractive enough to catch someone’s eye on social media.

 

I recommend “Baby Take a Vow” by OPI for the base because it’s sheer enough to show a little of your nail bed. The lemons are just little yellow gel dots and I use a liner brush to paint green leaves on them. I chose to keep the lemons plain and bold so they stand out against the pink without looking too real.

You don’t need a long tutorial: just basecoat twice, cure and then add your fruit. Apply a medium-gloss topcoat at the end to maintain the cake’s light and sweet appearance. Should you mess up the lemons, just add a dot of white polish and pretend it’s a flower—summer will forgive you.

I go for this style when I want a new manicure that doesn’t take much time. It’s happy, but not in a way that demands attention—and I think that’s great.

Velvety Black & Red Floral Elegance

If you love red but are looking for a moody and elegant style, this nail art is perfect for you. A matte black dress with bright red flowers looks like something you’d put on for a candlelit gallery opening. The shape is almond and sculpted for drama. And those flowers? They’re soft poppies, hand-painted to look like fabric embroidery. Every detail here was meant to be noticed.

 

I applied a matte topcoat over “Black Onyx” from OPI and the red flowers were made using a mix of Gelish reds. I used a thin liner brush and a dotting tool to give each petal a 3D and romantic effect.

Start by painting your black base and curing. Put on the matte topcoat first so the floral paint doesn’t move around as you work. Draw the poppy using a fine brush and add the color softly. Add some darker red dots inside the petals and either leave the rest matte or only top the flowers for a different look.

I felt like a strong and silent main character in a French noir movie when I wore these nails. It’s not the usual summer outfit and that’s exactly what makes it special. 2025 is all about embracing your differences.

Strawberry Picnic Vibes

These nails perfectly capture the sweet energy of spring and summer. A combination of bright red nail color, mini strawberries, white daisies and tiny polka dots—all painted by hand on a soft natural base. The square shape makes the logo look young and clean and the artwork reminds me of an old storybook. You can almost hear the bees buzzing.

 

You should have a gel red called “Big Apple Red” by OPI, white and green liner gels and a dotting tool. I used a brush to draw the strawberries and then added the leaves and white seeds. I used the five-dot flower trick to make the daisy petals and it always works.

First, use your nude base, let it dry and then draw strawberries and dots. Vary your placements so it doesn’t feel too uniform. Apply two layers of topcoat to secure the art and all the other details.

This set gives me instant joy. I put it on for a picnic and didn’t mind the ants at all. Just seeing these will make you smile and might encourage you to buy some berries at the store.

Blue Floral Pop On Glossy Bed

Need something that’s cool but still cute? This one’s got you covered. A bold, glossy blue nail with darker blue flowers and a black center, placed on a round short nail with a neat shape. The style is bold and up-to-date, but it’s also a great summer nail idea for 2025 since it’s so versatile and easy to wear. The main color is so bright that it’s ideal for enjoying the sun at the pool or on a rooftop.

 

I started with Gelish “You Glare, I Glow” as my base and then painted flowers with a lighter blue polish and a dotting tool. The black centers were put in at the end to ensure everything stayed clean. The topcoat is the most important—it must be high-gloss to maintain that exciting look.

Apply your two layers of blue and then draw the petals with a rounded dot tool. Add the center dot last. Apply a gel topcoat and make sure it’s cured properly—shine is the main feature here.

If I’m looking for something bold but not too themed, this is my first choice. It’s a mix of abstract, floral and graphic styles which is just the right amount of art for a fun look.

Minimal Watermelon Bite With Green Tips

Here’s a fun twist on watermelon nails—they’re clean, clever and a little bit cheeky. A basic pink and green manicure, with a watermelon slice on the thumb that catches your eye. The remaining nails are colored in soft green and bright pink and the polish is applied smoothly to a rounded short nail. It’s a natural, fun approach to design and yes, it does feel very 2025.

 

I used Essie’s “Cute as a Button” for the pink and DND’s “Green Tea” for the tips. I used pink gel to draw the watermelon slice, outlined it with white and green and added tiny black dots for the seeds.

Pick your base colors—use pink and green to create the color-blocked look. Since the watermelon accent is the most complex, do it at the end. Draw the slice with a fine brush and then dot the seeds with black. Seal with a glossy topcoat and you’re set.

Wearing these nails makes you feel playful but grown. They manage to say “I get it” without being obvious. That’s peak aesthetic summer energy right there.

Blue Bloom with a Pop of Sunshine

Bold blue nails in summer are always so cheerful and refreshing, especially when they’re paired with hand-drawn flowers. The main color is a strong and beautiful cobalt blue that doesn’t overwhelm the room. The real highlight is the alternating accent nails—baby blue backgrounds with daisies in midnight blue and a splash of sunshine yellow in the middle. The style is a mix of natural beauty and fun playfulness. It’s ideal for those who like a bold style that’s still easy to wear every day. It’s the kind of thing you’d put on with your favorite jeans and a white shirt, enjoying the season.

 

If you want to copy this look, use OPI’s “My Pal Joey” for the cobalt color and Essie’s “Bikini So Teeny” as your base. You’ll need a good nail brush for daisies and the Beetles Nail Art Liner Brushes Set is perfect for avoiding smudges when painting petals. It’s important to use a top coat like Seche Vite to keep your nails shiny. This combination stands out, but it’s still gentle enough for daily use.

If you’re doing your nails at home, begin with a base coat to shield your nail bed and then apply two layers of each base color. After your painting is dry, use your liner brush to paint the petals and a dotting tool for the yellow centers. Celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein says that tiny flowers are very popular in 2025 because they add a personal touch and look fresh without being too much. She usually advises using gel polish to make floral designs last longer and look more precise.

Personally, I’m obsessed with this one. It makes me think of those fun road trips in late spring, when wildflowers appear by the road and everything seems to be waking up. The bright blue and the sweet daisies make it feel like you’re holding a small bouquet on your fingers. Wouldn’t you agree?

Lavender Lemonade Charm

This color combination reminds me of enjoying a sweet drink on a breezy patio — it’s calm, pretty and a little bit flirty. The design uses contrast, but in a gentle manner: creamy lavender on the nails and accent nails with tiny lemon-like buds and fresh green leaves. It’s a style that just looks right, as if it were on a Pinterest board for the transition from spring to summer. It’s a fun and natural nail set that looks great on most hands, especially those with medium or long fingers.

 

I always go for ILNP’s “Lilac Bridges” to get that soft lavender look, as the shimmer is not too noticeable for everyday wear. The lemons and leaves require a light yellow and a soft green which you can find in Olive & June’s “KMC.” A thin striping brush makes it easy to paint the curved leaves and tiny blossoms, as it doesn’t add too much bulk to your nails. If you enjoy using gel, this design really highlights its benefits for shine and durability.

Honestly? I wore a similar set to a backyard wedding in May and everyone kept telling me how great it looked. She called it “lemon sorbet for the hands,” and I think that description is perfect. It’s stylish in a natural way — ideal for a summer brunch or just relaxing in a lavender sweater as the sun goes down. Don’t you think it’s the kind of mani that just feels like a mood?

Hot Pink Daisies on Baby Blush

If I had July’s energy in a bottle, it would look just like this on my nails. The colors used here are soft and bright at the same time: a light blush base with fuchsia, coral and neon orange flowers growing from the tips. This trend blends French style with floral prints to give off a Y2K vibe that’s still modern for 2025. The combination of hot pink and nude is so fun — it’s playful, confident and a great summer nail idea for 2025.

To get this look, start with a sheer milky pink nail polish like “Mademoiselle” by Essie. For the blooms, try a set of ultra-pigmented shades like Lights Lacquer’s “Cherry Jelly” and “Atomic Peach” paired with a nail art brush. I learned from @nailsbymei on Instagram that using two similar colors for the center of each petal makes the design more interesting.

At my friend’s rooftop party, people kept asking me about my nails. I actually did them myself one Saturday afternoon, listening to 90s music and not worrying about being perfect. It’s fine if the petals are not all the same — in fact, a bit of difference makes the flowers more attractive. If you’re feeling creative, this manicure is perfect for a tutorial.

Strawberry Garden on Matte Neutrals

For me, soft florals are a welcome change when the summer heat starts to rise. I love this style because it’s so garden-inspired: a neutral base, tiny blush flowers, green vines and a touch of yellow pollen that reminds me of a fairytale picnic. The rounded square shape gives the dessert a modern and balanced flavor. It’s like cottagecore, but with a polished touch and I’m all for it.

 

It’s the matte top coat that really makes this kind of art shine. Start with a milky pink base—try “Baby Love” by ORLY—and then go for a super fine nail art brush to sketch in the greens (I like Olive & June’s “WKF”) and pinks (go for “Sweet Talker” by Lights Lacquer). Use a dotting tool or a toothpick to make the small yellow dots that look like pollen. It’s surprisingly relaxing to do, much like embroidery but for your nails.

Last year, I became really into matte finishes and this style made me fall in love with them all over again. They’re actually very easy to care for—no glare, less chipping and a natural feel that makes them look great. They also stay put perfectly when you’re out in the sun.

Playful Bunny Vibes with a Dash of Anime

Okay, this one? Total dopamine nails. It’s unique, eye-catching and just a bit unusual, thanks to the anime-style bunny face. The main focus in this design is the character’s big eyes, tiny whiskers and pink nose, all set against a clean white background with gray tips on the fingers. It reminds me of summer camp mixed with Tokyo street fashion and I think that’s pretty cool.

 

You’ll need to use OPI’s “Alpine Snow” for the white and a sky blue and deep black for the cartoon eyes. You can use a small dotting tool or toothpick to add the fine details such as the eye highlights. Apply a pale pink polish such as Essie’s “Romper Room,” to the nose and finish it with a glossy gel to keep the character’s art from smudging.

My niece introduced me to this on TikTok and I couldn’t get enough of it. It’s happy, unpredictable in a good way and really puts a smile on people’s faces. If you’re looking for a mani that will start a discussion, this is the one.

Daisy Confetti and Cotton Candy Blue

I want to discuss a nail look that’s like a party on your nails. I’m referring to a cotton blue nail polish covered in multicolored glitter, along with big daisy flowers that make everything look sweet. The soft blue is calm and cloudlike, and then—bam!—you’ve got this burst of aesthetic summer sparkle. The combination of texture and polish color makes this nail design one of the cutest summer nails you’ll want in 2025.

 

The first color you should use is “Saltwater Breeze” from Lights Lacquer. For the confetti accents, use chunky glitter polish like KBShimmer’s “Party Like a Guac Star” (I swear by it). You can draw the daisies by hand with a dotting tool and petal brush or you can use nail stickers if you’re not sure about your drawing skills. Be sure to finish with a thick gel top coat to keep the details looking good through all your pool and sand activities.

The last time I wore this style, I matched it with a blue gingham sundress and white sandals and I really felt like I was on Pinterest. There’s something almost retro but futuristic about it. It’s a style that makes you want to clip your hair, sip a fruity drink and enjoy your summer like a main character. Isn’t that kind of the whole point?

Bubblegum Florals & Tropic Pop

This mani is the result of mixing bubblegum gloss with tropical dreams. Although the pink and turquoise solids are lively, the main attraction is the floral design on the accent nails. Against a lilac background, orange, teal and fuchsia petals are scattered in a way that looks just right for this style. The almond shape adds a touch of elegance to the playful design. It’s fresh, juicy, and totally aesthetic summer.

 

I use DND’s “Bubblegum Pop” and “Tiffany Blue” for the bright solids and a sheer lilac base from Bio Seaweed Gel when I try this design. You should use a dotting tool or the corner of a brush to make the flowers. If you want to paint petals by hand, I suggest using the Beatles Nail Art Liner Brushes—they help me get even lines even when I’m not steady.

Grapefruit Glazed & Glossed

It’s almost a summer tradition to have bold pink nails, but add a grapefruit detail and you’ve made a real statement. Here, hot pink gel is paired with a few simple citrus slices that look like they’ve come from a poolside drink. Its combination of polish and see-through fruit flavors adds character and depth, but it remains realistic. The almond shape makes the fingers look longer and seems to suit long fingers well.

 

I’ve started with a light pink base, “Put it in Neutral” by OPI and then hand-painted grapefruit slices using “Watermelon Fizz” by Lights Lacquer. A good tip is to make the white rind thicker, as it will puff up more when you apply the top coat. A detail I always love? Using coral instead of red to give the fruit a softer feel.

Porcelain Petals & Electric Pops

This design surprised me in the best way. Your creamy white nails have crisp blue flowers painted on them which looks like a hand-painted vase—elegant and a bit surprising. Then, a bright orange nail polish comes in and instantly brings summer vibes. The combination of natural colors with bright neon is a perfect example of what 2025 looks like. I would put this on for a weekend art walk, holding a cup of coffee and wearing sunglasses.

If you want to achieve this look, use Essie’s “Blanc” as your base and draw ultramarine details with a gel pen or a fine nail art brush. Essie’s “Sunshine State of Mind” is a great choice for the neon accent. Now is a great time to try some YouTube tutorials, since porcelain nails are popular and getting the details right makes them look amazing.

Cherry Eyes & Graphic Reds

This design is for those who are bold enough to wear red polish and geometric evil-eye art. I find the abstract triangles and dots on a red background, especially on a short square, to be both mysterious and cool. It’s edgy, a little playful, and seriously stylish. If you’re looking for something tougher than soft florals, this is one of the best cute summer nails you’ll find in 2025.

 

I would paint the base red with OPI’s “Big Apple Red” and use a black striping brush and white dotting tool to make the eye motifs. If you prefer not to draw, stamping kits or decals can give you that perfect symmetrical appearance. It’s also a fun style to try for someone exploring anime or abstract Eastern symbols.

This set reminds me of being in an art gallery or enjoying espresso in a graphic tee. Just like every great summer outfit, it’s a little bold and a little unique.

Mixed Mood & Mini Masterpieces

This manicure is similar to flipping through your favorite stickers as a child — there’s a bit of randomness and lots of character. The design is made up of shiny textures: avocado green, deep raspberry, classic pink dots on a milky pink background and a bold cow print.

 

They look experimental but not messy, as the color blocking is even and every nail has its own story. That’s what makes it a surprising summer nail trend you’ll enjoy in 2025.

Neon Speckles & Fresh Botanical Lines

This is for the girls who enjoy green juice and sunshine. The base is a bright green with micro glitter which reminds me of a summer smoothie. However, there’s a new take on it—a black line-drawn botanical stem that adds a graphic touch to the bold color. It’s not what you’d expect and that’s what makes it pleasing to look at.

 

The square-rounded shape gives the edge a cleaner finish and makes the look seem more refined.

Mini Petal Rainbows on Short Pastels

I find it very satisfying that the colors are muted, yet the flowers are bold and slightly off-center. Every nail is painted a different color, from sky blue to soft lilac to sun-washed coral and the petals seem to point toward the center. The square shape is small and fun and the bright petals add a pop of color that feels right for summer.

 

I use Olive & June’s Check In polish for the pastels and dotting tools to make sure the flowers are placed correctly. You can add the golden centers with foil stickers or small decorations from Amazon nail art kits. You don’t have to be an expert to paint well here — just use a good top coat and take your time.

Matte Minimalism with a Sleepy Cat

This one — with matte red nails and a small white cartoon cat in the corner — is all about quiet elegance and a bit of introvert charm. The smooth velvet makes the red look elegant and the sleepy cat face gives it a bit of charm. It’s a soft and unique style, perfect if you prefer something a little more subtle. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to be noticed but doesn’t like a lot of shine.

 

I applied “Matte About You” by Essie to achieve a matte finish. I stamped the cat using a plate I found on Etsy and it was definitely worth the purchase. If you want to hand paint, a micro-liner brush and a white polish will be your best tools.

I wore these at a coffee shop writing day and the barista stopped in the middle of taking my order to ask about them. It’s the kind of art that can make people talk without having to speak.

Conclusion

This year, you’ll see cute summer nails with juicy fruit slices, minimal matte looks and neon florals — and they’re so good you’ll want to try them out. You can try these looks at home or show your stylist screenshots, as there’s a style for every taste, shape and sunny day. Which color are you putting on your nails first?