Colors

Blue nail ideas: which shades to wear this summer 2025?

5 min to read
Star color of 2025, blue proudly adorns fingertips this year. Spotted on the Fashion Week runways (at Acne Studios, Alaïa, Akris and Burberry), it comes in a whole spectrum of shades: from icy light blue to deep navy, with stops at turquoise, teal and marine blue... Fancy wearing blue nails any time you like? Here’s how to make this color shine, season after season.

 

The four seasons of blue

Spring: soft and fresh blues

As the days grow lighter, pastel tones step into the spotlight with grace and delicacy. The Spring-Summer 2025 collection from Acne Studio celebrates them in full… On the nail front, here are three shades to try:

This soft, luminous sky blue is Light Blue – a soothing shade, perfect for a springtime manicure with a romantic twist. An ideal choice to add a touch of color to lighter skin tones.

Looking for an airy, mineral blue? Bubble is just the ticket, a light blue with gray undertones. Like a breath of sea air, somewhere between morning mist and Nordic light!

Want the perfect blend of blue and lavender? That’s Lilas, a stand-out color that gives a “chic garden party” vibe we absolutely love!

These tones pair beautifully with floral designs, a touch of nail art or even a soft ombré effect.

Light Blue, Bubble and Lilas: three soft blues to make your nails bloom with the first rays of sunshine.
(@tagwalk)

 

Summer: marine-inspired blues

Summer calls for boldness and freedom. Time to embrace vibrant, aquatic blues, like those seen in the Spring-Summer 2025 show from Alaïa.

Let’s start with Riviera, a turquoise blue that conjures images of sea spray and smooth pebbles. This radiant shade looks gorgeous on sun-kissed or medium-toned skin.

Craving a mermaid manicure? Reach for Mermaid, a sparkly, holographic translucent shade. Like moonlight shimmering on still water…

Striking and vibrant, Ultramarine is a bold Klein blue that electrifies your nails! Whether teamed with a colorful summer outfit or something minimalist, it stuns every time.

Wear these blues solo or paired with a nude polish for a graphic blue nail art or a nod to nautical style.

Go for rich, radiant blues and sail through summer in style.
(@tagwalk)

Autumn: rich, warm blues

As the temperature drops, blue tones take on greater depth… Just look at Burberry for proof.

Elegant and regal, Saphir is a smoky azure blue, like a bright summer sky darkening before a storm…

Then there’s Poppy Seed, reminiscent of a brewing storm — an intense, muted blue-gray that feels calm, cool and utterly magnetic.

Need something in-between? Try Dark Clover, a captivating blend that balances blue and green perfectly. Unclassifiable and effortlessly modern.

These hues lend a refined feel and go hand-in-hand with warm autumnal wardrobes. Try them with abstract or tartan nail art for a seasonal twist.

In autumn, blues deepen: Saphir, Poppy Seed or Dark Clover, each with its own charm.
(@tagwalk)

 

Winter: bold and polar blues

Winter calls for deep, almost hypnotic hues, like those seen on the Akris Autumn-Winter 2025 catwalk.

We can’t resist Navy Blue, a mysterious deep blue that turns heads. A timeless shade that flatters all skin tones.

In a similar vein, there’s Midnight: a captivating, abyssal blue that’s like diving into the ocean… in nail polish form.

Or why not Dark Night, a near-black blue that reveals subtle shimmering reflections when touched by light? The ideal shade for an edgy look.

Mysterious, deep, almost icy: fall for Navy Blue, Midnight and Dark Night this winter.
(@tagwalk)

 

Bonus: our tips for choosing your perfect blue

  • Fair skin tones: opt for pastel blues (Light Blue, Lilas), turquoise or shimmering blues.
  • Medium or sun-kissed skin: go for electric blues (Ultramarine), midnight hues (Midnight) or blues with iridescent shifts.
  • Darker skin tones: vibrant, intense blues create a stunning contrast (Saphir, Mermaid, Dark Night)

These rich tones flatter all nail lengths, whether worn all over or with a hint of glitter for the festive season. Explore our range of classic Green™ blue polishes and Green Flash™ Gel Polishes in blue.

5 blue nail art ideas

Aura blue nails

Inspired by energy waves, aura nails feature circular gradients. Start with a base of Hortencia, then dab a little Light Blue onto a sponge and place a touch of Ultramarine at the center. Tap the sponge onto the nail, then add another layer of Hortencia… A dreamy effect, like the ocean at dawn—simply stunning!

Recreate the Aura blue nails look with a little help from
@look8thenails.

 

Blue French manicure

Give the classic French manicure a twist by swapping the white tip for a fine line of blue. On a layer of sheer Hortencia, highlight the free edge with Riviera. For something a bit bolder, go with a base of Active Bright and an Ultramarine tip. Thin and precise, it strikes the perfect balance between minimal and original.

The French manicure goes blue: sleek, graphic, and ultra on-trend.
(@matejanova, @_ateliermanupedi)

 

Blue tie & dye

A flowing blend of light and dark blue—this blue nail art echoes the watercolor-like gradients we can’t stop staring at. Use a sponge to dab a touch of Midnight mixed with the soft tone of Lilas over a base of white polish or Milky White. The result? A stunning oceanic finish!

Tie & dye, blue edition: a dreamy watercolor fade on your nails.
(@m.o.n.a.j, @look8thenails)

 

Blue patterns

Get playful with your nail designs however you like:

  • Paint wavy lines with a fine brush—like sea ripples—using Lilas over a deep base of Dark Night.
  • Create your own night sky using Navy Blue as a base and Metallic to dot on sparkling stars.
  • Sprinkle Ultramarine blue dots over a nude base of Active Smooth.
Waves, stars, dots… with blue nail art, your nails become a playful canvas.
(@nailpolishdirect, @look8thenails)

How to make your blue manicure last

Whether classic or Gel Polish, blue polish needs a little TLC to stay flawless for as long as possible. Here’s how to do it:

Prep your nails like a pro 🖌

  • File your nails to even out the length and achieve your desired shape.
  • Soften and gently push back cuticles using a wooden stick or a cuticle pusher.
  • Use a buffer sponge across the nail surface to gently open the nail plate and help your polish stick better.
  • Clean and degrease the nail with a nail prep solution or a gentle remover to leave the surface squeaky clean.
A flawless blue manicure starts with the basics: simple steps for lasting color.

 

Base & Top coat: your long-wear essentials 💅

Base, top coat... and voilà: a blue manicure that stays flawless day after day.

 

Hydrate, protect and extend wear 💧

  • Final step of your manicure: massage a few drops of Huile Verte into nails and cuticles. You can continue applying it daily to keep nails healthy and strong.
  • To keep your blue manicure looking its best, avoid long exposure to hot water and household products (hello, rubber gloves!) and steer clear of sudden temperature changes.
A daily drop of Huile Verte: the secret to keeping your blue nails looking fabulous for longer.

 

Blue changes its personality with the seasons. Pastel blue, royal blue, deep marine or almost black: this versatile shade can do it all! It makes a statement without shouting, suits every nail length, and gives your hands that effortless something special we all adore. Bonus: it flatters every skin tone… when your nails become your ultimate blue escape 💙