Summer 2024’s Nail Color Trends: Chic Pastels, Neon Fun, and Beachy Designs

As the summer of 2024 approaches, we find ourselves dreaming of sun-drenched shores and vibrant beach markets. But what about our nails? How do we translate the effervescent joy of summer onto our fingertips? Are you ready to dive into the trends that will define this sunny season?

A Splash of Abstract Art

Professional Insight: Our first look captures the essence of summer with its playful abstract design. These nails boast a semi-transparent pink base reminiscent of a soft sunset glow on tan skin. The nail tips are adorned with geometric shapes in bold hues—mustard yellow, blush pink, and a touch of sky blue, outlined in a refined black that brings a modern edge to the traditional French tip.

Consumables List:

• Semi-transparent pink base polish
• Mustard yellow, blush pink, and sky blue polish for accents
• Black nail art pen for outlines
• A high-shine topcoat for a glossy finish

Creation Instructions: Start with a clean, buffed nail. Apply the pink base, and let it dry. Use a fine-tip brush to paint the geometric shapes, filling them in with care. Outline each shape with the nail art pen. Seal with a topcoat for longevity and gloss.

The Classic Redefined

Professional Insight: A timeless trend that resurfaces with a twist this summer is the deep cherry polish. It’s a classic color that complements the beachy vibes and is perfect for any beach vacation. These nails are short, practical, and polished to perfection, showcasing an elegance that works both day and night.

Consumables List:

• Deep cherry nail polish
• A base coat for protection
• A glossy or matte topcoat for varied finish

Creation Instructions: Prep your nails with a base coat to prevent staining. Apply two coats of the cherry polish, allowing each to dry. Finish with your choice of a glossy or matte topcoat to customize the look.

Subtly Sophisticated

Professional Insight: Here we see a muted mauve that speaks to the palette of summer dusks. This sophisticated shade stands out on any skin tone, giving a polished look without the need for neon fun. The nails are shaped into a neat, round silhouette, and the color is rich yet understated—perfect for those who revel in the elegance of simplicity.

Consumables List:

• Muted mauve nail lacquer (as shown by the accompanying O.P.I bottle)
• A strengthening base coat
• A fast-drying topcoat to lock in color

Creation Instructions: Begin with a base coat to fortify the nails. Apply two coats of the mauve polish, waiting for the first to dry before adding the second. Finish with a fast-drying topcoat to protect your polish from the summer fun.

Waves of Blue

Professional Insight: Capturing the essence of the ocean’s waves, these nails flaunt a bold and dynamic blue pattern over a neutral base, bringing to mind the playful dance of sunlight on the sea’s surface. The contrasting shades of blue, from a deep navy to a bright cobalt, create a mesmerizing effect perfect for any summer escapade.

Consumables List:

• Neutral base coat polish
• Navy and cobalt blue polish for the wave designs
• Thin nail art brush or striper for precision
• High-gloss topcoat for a durable, shiny finish

Creation Instructions: Begin with a neutral base coat. Once dry, use a thin brush to create wavy lines with the navy polish. Fill in alternate waves with cobalt blue for a vibrant contrast. Seal with a topcoat for a glossy, ocean-like sheen.

Sunset Stripes

Professional Insight: This design is a homage to the stunning sunsets witnessed during beach vacations. Each nail is a stripe of different sunset hues, from golden yellow to purple, with a striated pattern that adds texture and depth. The look is trending, a blend of warm colors that will complement tan skin beautifully.

Consumables List:

• A palette of sunset-inspired polish: golden yellow, orange, lavender, and magenta
• Striping tape for clean lines
• A matte topcoat for a contemporary finish

Creation Instructions: Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Then, using striping tape, section off areas for each color. Paint each section with the corresponding shade. Remove the tape while the polish is still slightly wet. Finish with a matte topcoat to enhance the colors without the shine.

Pastel Perfection

Professional Insight: For those who prefer a more subdued approach, this pastel-tipped manicure is a testament to the versatility of the polish palette for summer. The nails feature a soft, semi-transparent pink base with tips dipped in varying pastel shades, creating a design that’s both fun and chic.

Consumables List:

• Semi-transparent pink base polish
• Pastel polishes in lemon yellow, lavender, mint green, and baby blue for the tips
• A quick-dry topcoat to seal the design

Creation Instructions: Apply the semi-transparent pink polish as the base. Once dry, tape off the tips and apply a different pastel shade to each nail tip. Carefully remove the tape and finish with a quick-dry topcoat to preserve the design.

Deep Plum Elegance

Professional Insight: Rich, deep plum nails offer a touch of unexpected sophistication amidst the more typical neon fun of summer. The luscious berry hue is ideal for both day events and sultry summer nights, providing a luxurious complement to the summer tan skin.

Consumables List:

• Deep plum nail polish
• A protective base coat
• A high-gloss topcoat for a reflective finish

Creation Instructions: Apply a base coat to prevent staining. Paint two coats of the deep plum polish for full coverage. Finish with a high-gloss topcoat for a durable, shiny look that catches the light with every gesture.

Playful Pop Art

Professional Insight: This manicure is a celebration of color and pattern, taking inspiration from the pop art movement. Each nail is a canvas displaying a different playful design with bright, contrasting colors and bold stripes or shapes that evoke a beach vacation vibe.

Consumables List:

• White nail polish as a base for the designs
• A selection of polish in vibrant colors: hot pink, neon orange, sky blue, and lime green
• Nail art brushes and dotting tools
• A sealing topcoat to protect the artwork

Creation Instructions: Begin with a base of white polish. When dry, use nail art brushes and dotting tools to create each unique design. Be bold with your color choices and shapes—there’s no limit to your creativity. Seal with a topcoat to keep the designs vibrant throughout your vacation.

Lavender French Twist

Professional Insight: Reinventing the classic French manicure, this design introduces a hint of lavender to the tips, paired with a natural base. The result is a trending, subtle twist on a traditional style, perfect for adding an air of sophistication to your summer palette.

Consumables List:

• Natural base nail polish
• Lavender polish for the tips
• A striping brush for precision
• A topcoat for a flawless finish

Creation Instructions: After applying a natural base coat, use the striping brush to paint the lavender tips carefully. This modern take on the French manicure requires a steady hand or a guiding piece of tape to achieve clean lines. Finish with a topcoat to enhance the longevity of your manicure.

Refined Ombré

Professional Insight: Elegance meets creativity in this ombré design, which subtly transitions from deep burgundy to pale pink to crisp white. The colors mimic a fading summer sunset, offering a polished look that’s trending in summer palettes.

Consumables List:

• Burgundy, pink, and white nail polishes
• A sponge for the ombré effect
• Clear topcoat for blending and sealing the gradient

Creation Instructions: Paint your nails with the lightest color as a base. Then, on a sponge, apply the three polishes side by side and dab onto the nail to create the gradient effect. Blend well and seal with a topcoat for a smooth transition.

Serene Skies

Professional Insight: There’s a tranquil beauty in the soft grey of these nails, evoking the serenity of a cloudy summer morning. The polish is a perfect balance between understated and statement-making, suitable for those who appreciate a palette that’s both neutral and nuanced.

Consumables List:

• Soft grey nail polish
• Base coat for longevity
• High-gloss topcoat for a sleek finish

Creation Instructions: Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Follow with two coats of the soft grey polish, allowing each to dry completely. Finish with a topcoat for a smooth, glossy surface that will carry you through the day with grace.

Vivid Variety

Professional Insight: This design is a playful mix, with each nail donning a different color and finish—from matte to metallic—creating a tapestry of texture and hue. It’s a fun, bold choice that screams beach designs and is trending for those unafraid to stand out.

Consumables List:

• A variety of polishes in teal, metallic purple, lime green, and coral pink
• Matte topcoat for select nails
• Glossy topcoat for others, to vary the finishes

Creation Instructions: Start with a base coat on each nail. Then paint each nail with a different color, alternating between metallic and matte finishes. Use a matte topcoat on some nails and a glossy topcoat on others for a diverse, tactile experience.

Whisper of Pink

Professional Insight: This design is a testament to the enduring charm of pink. The nails are painted in a gentle blush shade, with a couple of accent nails featuring delicate flecks of glitter and pink sequins. It’s a subtle yet captivating look, perfect for adding just a hint of sparkle to a beachy, laid-back vibe.

Consumables List:

• Blush pink nail polish
• Clear polish mixed with pink glitter and sequins
• A protective base coat
• A glossy topcoat for shine and durability

Creation Instructions: After a base coat, apply the blush polish on all but the accent nails. Mix pink glitter and sequins in clear polish and apply to the accents for a touch of whimsy. Seal all the nails with a topcoat for lasting shine.

Deep Sea Dive

Professional Insight: This bold navy polish is like a deep dive into the ocean’s depths. It’s a versatile color that works beautifully for both casual beach days and elegant summer evenings. The glossy finish reflects the light and adds depth to the nails, making it a standout choice for any summer wardrobe.

Consumables List:

• Deep navy nail polish
• A strengthening base coat
• A topcoat for a glossy, protective finish

Creation Instructions: Begin with a base coat to strengthen the nails. Apply two coats of the navy polish, allowing ample drying time in between. Complete the look with a topcoat for a gleaming, protective seal.

Modern Art on Nails

Professional Insight: This look is inspired by modern art, with nails that feature an abstract design of lines and curves in burgundy and pink over a sheer base. The clean, geometric lines offer a fresh take on the classic French tip and showcase a playful yet sophisticated summer trend.

Consumables List:

• Sheer pink base polish
• Burgundy and pink polish for the art
• Thin nail art brush for detail work
• A quick-dry topcoat for a smooth finish

Creation Instructions: Paint a sheer pink base and let it dry. Using the nail art brush, create abstract designs with burgundy and pink polishes. Let your creativity lead the way. Finish with a quick-dry topcoat to protect your masterpiece.

Lavender Whimsy

Professional Insight: This set is a playful nod to lavender fields under the summer sky, accented with adorable hand-painted eyes that add a touch of whimsy. The pastel purple base is soothing, yet the unique detailing makes it perfectly on-trend and ready for any summer adventure.

Consumables List:

• Pastel lavender nail polish
• Black and white polish for the eye details
• A fine-tip brush for intricate designs
• A glossy topcoat to seal in the art

Creation Instructions: After applying a pastel lavender base, use a fine-tip brush to paint small eyes on one or two accent nails. The look is quirky yet refined. Finish with a glossy topcoat for a durable and shiny manicure.

Sorbet Long Stiletto

Professional Insight: Summer is all about bold, fun colors, and this long stiletto manicure delivers just that. It’s a sorbet-inspired array of neon shades, from vibrant yellow to electric pink, making each finger stand out like a different flavor of summer.

Consumables List:

• Neon nail polishes in yellow, orange, pink, and purple
• A strong base coat to support the long nails
• A high-gloss topcoat for a juicy finish

Creation Instructions: Strengthen your nails with a base coat, then dive into the neon polish, applying two coats for full opacity. Ensure each nail is a different shade for that sorbet effect. A glossy topcoat gives that final touch of shine.

Neon Swirls

Professional Insight: Imagine the vivacity of summer encapsulated on your nails; that’s what this design does. Neon swirls over a nude base are all the rage, reminiscent of beach balls and sunny days. It’s a playful and creative look that adds a splash of neon fun to any outfit.

Consumables List:

• Nude nail polish for the base
• Neon nail polishes in orange and pink for the swirls
• A detail brush for the swirl design
• A quick-dry topcoat to keep everything in place

Creation Instructions: Paint a nude base and let it dry. Then, using a detail brush, create freehand swirls with your neon polishes. There’s no right or wrong here; let your artistic flag fly. Finish with a quick-dry topcoat to protect your design.

Celestial Chic

Professional Insight: This design transports you to a tranquil place between sky and sea. The matte baby blue polish speaks of clear summer skies, while the accent nails dazzle with gold foil, reminiscent of sunlight reflecting on gentle waves. This set is both calming and luxurious, perfect for those long, lazy days of summer.

Consumables List:

• Matte baby blue nail polish
• Gold foil for accent nails
• Adhesive for foil application
• A matte topcoat to unify the textures

Creation Instructions: After applying the matte baby blue as the base, carefully place gold foil on the accent nails using a bit of adhesive. Complete the look with a matte topcoat to maintain the serene, celestial vibe.

Marble Majesty

Professional Insight: Marble nails are a masterpiece of nail art. This look features a soft marble design in hues of lilac and white, with delicate gold leaf accents. Each nail is a unique expression of the marble trend, perfect for those with an appreciation for subtle, artistic details.

Consumables List:

• White and lilac nail polishes for the marble effect
• Gold leaf for the luxe detail
• A swirling tool or a fine brush to create the marble pattern
• A clear topcoat for shine and protection

Creation Instructions: Start with a white base. While it’s still wet, add drops of lilac and use a swirling tool to create the marble effect. Apply gold leaf accents, then finish with a clear topcoat for durability and shine.

Emerald Depths

Professional Insight: Dive into the depth of summer with this rich emerald green polish. The color is deep and mesmerizing, with a high-gloss finish that makes the nails look like precious stones. It’s a bold choice that’s surprisingly versatile, complementing both casual daytime looks and evening elegance.

Consumables List:

• Emerald green nail polish
• Base coat to prevent staining
• High-gloss topcoat for a glass-like finish

Creation Instructions: Prepare your nails with a base coat to prevent discoloration. Apply the emerald polish in two thin layers for an even, saturated color. Seal it with a high-gloss topcoat for a protective, lustrous finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I achieve professional-looking nails at home? A: Absolutely! With the right tools and a bit of practice, you can create salon-worthy nails in the comfort of your home. Follow the instructions provided, and don’t rush the process.

Q: How do I choose the right color for my skin tone? A: For tan skin, warm colors like oranges, pinks, and corals enhance the natural glow. For fairer tones, try cool pastels or vibrant blues and purples.