Colors

Which nail polish shades should you wear for Summer 2025?

6 min to read
Yay, summer’s on the way! And your nails are ready to go on vacation too… but there’s no way they’re heading off without the right look. From bold neons and soft pastels to all-out glitter, summer is the perfect time to embrace vibrant colors and let your nails shine bright. Come aboard for a colorful summer getaway and get swept up in the top nail trends of Summer 2025. Swimsuit on… brushes out ;)

 

Our summer color crushes

Summer is THE perfect time to experiment with bold, punchy shades you might shy away from the rest of the year. Here’s a roundup of our seasonal favorites for a flawless manicure all summer long.

Summer love in pink and red

Channeling the retro dress spotted on the Carolina Herrera Spring-Summer 2025 runway, Pink Paradise is a candy pink polish that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for a vacation-ready diva manicure, especially when paired with sun-kissed skin!

If warm tones are more your thing, like those seen at Vivienne Westwood, go for Lava, a vivid red polish with orange undertones, inspired by fiery summer skies.

This season also marks the return of neon pink. Spotted on the Alejandra Alonso Rojas Spring-Summer 2025 runway, it’s mirrored in the nail world with Neon Pink—a vibrant pink with cool blue undertones that amps up any summer look. A dream match for a golden glow.

Lifestyle Pink Paradise et Lava, Aplat Neon Pink et mannequins défilés SS25
Turn up the colour with Pink Paradise, Neon Pink, or Lava—made to enhance your summer glow. (@tagwalk)

 

Golden hour shades in yellow, orange & coral

Yellow and orange tones are undoubtedly the stars of the season, evoking dreamy sunsets at golden hour. You’ll find that same vibe in this glowing trio:
Among our pastel picks, there’s Mimosa—a cheerful pastel yellow that calls to mind sunny, joy-filled summer moments. This shade was also a standout on the Alaïa Spring-Summer 2025 runway.

Now picture the last golden rays of the sun brushing your skin… That’s the effect you get with this soft orange seen in Ferragamo’s Spring-Summer 2025 collection. Pamplemousse is a citrusy orange with subtle iridescence—refreshing and on-trend, it adds sparkle to any look.

And still at Ferragamo, we spotted a bold, juicy coral—just like Pulp. This coral pink polish is as refreshing as a tropical fruit cocktail. A perfect blend of softness and zest, it definitely makes a statement.

Lifestyle vernis Mimosa et Pulp, aplat Pamplemousse et mannequins défilés SS25
Mimosa, Pamplemousse and Pulp: a sunset-inspired trio for a radiant, juicy summer mani. (@tagwalk)

 

Cottage Core

Craving softness, charm, and natural beauty? The Cottage Core trend is for you. Think countryside getaways, English gardens and wild meadows…

Start with Solar, a white polish with golden shimmer that captures early summer light. A dazzling glitter polish that looks stunning with a breezy outfit—just like the styles seen at Zimmermann Spring-Summer 2025.

Next up is Mint—a seasonal favorite at Valentino. At Manucurist, our Mint is a must-have green polish summer after summer. A soft pastel green that recalls sunlit fields swaying in the breeze—Cottage Core at its finest.

Looking for the perfect opaque sandy beige? Meet Dune. With its subtle pink and orange undertones, this nude polish pairs beautifully with a casual-chic outfit, much like the looks at the Stella McCartney Spring-Summer 2025 show. It’s a go-to for those who prefer a more understated, polished vibe.

Aplats vernis Mint, Solar et Dune et mannequins défilés SS25
Mint, Solar and Dune: three shades that capture the essence of Cottage Core. (@tagwalk)

 

Our current colour obsessions

Playful, pastel or electric, these shades are stealing the spotlight for standout summer nails. Let’s start with delicate pastel blue with a hint of mauve—Lilas is as fresh and breezy as a spring wind. It gives your nails a soft, romantic feel. A dreamy summer favorite you’ll want to wear on repeat—just like the tones seen at Acne Studios.

Feeling bold? Anise green is one of this summer’s most fun nail trends—and Gucci seems to agree! We’re on board too, with our new shade Lime: a zingy anise green with yellow undertones, made for anyone seeking a splash of energy and a twist of fun.

Also topping our list: Orme. This warm, milky coffee-toned polish is a soft nod to Mocha Mousse, named Pantone’s Color of the Year. With its chic yet laid-back vibe, it’s the ideal choice for a naturally elegant summer mani. The Dries Van Noten Spring-Summer 2025 collection also highlighted this cozy wood-toned shade.

Lifestyle vernis Lilas et Orme, Aplat Lime
Three must-haves to spice up your summer: the romance of Lilas, the natural elegance of Orme and the boldness of Lime. (@tagwalk)

 

Nail art ideas to make your mani pop

Whether you're a nail art pro or a total beginner, here are a few playful summer ideas to help you show off your creativity with unique and eye-catching manicures.

Pastel French

We love a good French mani—especially when it’s had a pastel makeover! Add a hint of soft colour to the smile line for a fresh update. Or flip the look with a reverse French using shades like Mint, Lilas or Neon Pink. It’s colorful, it’s refreshing, and it’s totally irresistible.

French inversé pastel, French jaune pastel fleuri
Looking to stand out? Go for the pastel French. (@look8thenails, @matejanova)

 

Pink heart

Love minimalist nail art with simple, cute and easy-to-do designs? The Pink Heart trend is calling your name. With a fine brush, paint little hearts using Pink Paradise or Neon Pink on a sheer or nude base for a soft, sweet look—no gendered clichés needed.

Nail art pink heart Pink Paradise
Draw tiny pink hearts for a minimalist mani with a tender, playful twist!

 

Butter glazed

One of this summer’s most-loved looks? The Butter Glazed effect. This “icy” shine is like a glossy glaze on your nails—sweet and luminous. Here’s how to get the look: apply a coat of Mimosa, then add a veil of White Glazed Effect powder, and finish with a layer of Top Coat Sunshine. And voilà!

Butter Glazed: a luminous, deliciously glossy effect that gives your nails a radiant, sunlit finish. (@look8thenails)

 

Sunset gradient

Another must-try trend for 2025: the sunset gradient. It takes a bit more technique, but the wow effect is guaranteed. Choose two to three warm-toned shades like Lava, Pamplemousse, or Mimosa. Dab them onto a small sponge and gently apply to the nail to create a smooth ombré effect. The colors blend beautifully for a gradient worthy of a summer sunset. Best suited to longer nails, it’s the ultimate evening nail art look.

A warm, glowing gradient to channel the magic of a sunset—perfect for summer nights. (@m.o.n.a.j)

 

Summer nail care tips for a flawless finish

To keep your nails looking their best all season long, a little extra care goes a long way. Here’s how to make sure your manicure stays fresh, shiny and intact.

Hydrated hands all summer

Sun and heat aren’t exactly your hands’ best friends—they can dry out your skin and nails. So be sure to pack your Huile Verte, Perfecting Concentrate and Hand Cream

Crème mains Fleur d’oranger, Lifestyle Concentré perfecteur
Summer means hydration! Keep hands soft and nails strong with our nourishing treatments—travel-size ready.

 

Tips for a long-lasting manicure

To keep your manicure looking perfect from the first day of your holiday to the last, it's all about the prep. Here’s how to get your nails ready before polish application:

Then apply polish using the 4-step method in this order:

This is the only way to maximize wear time and get a flawless finish!

Kit complet préparation de l’ongle, lifestyle Base Coat vitaminée
Find all the must-haves for a flawless mani in our Prep Set and the Green Flash™ Starter Kit.

 

Summer is all about celebrating the good things in life—sunshine, fun, and of course, colour! Picture it: feet in warm sand, hands glowing with vivid hues that catch the sunlight… This is the season when your nails reflect your vibe, your style, and your mood. It’s also the best time to try playful, feel-good nail art thanks to our seasonal colour palette. And to make it last all the way to September, don’t forget: switch to a summer-proof nail care routine. Just like that, you’re ready to show off your nails all season long. Hello, Solar Therapy! 😎🏖️👙