Simple Summer Toe Nails for the Beach 26 Ideas

As the sun’s rays gracefully kiss the ocean waves, isn’t it fitting that our toes show off a little of their own summer sparkle? Whether it’s a relaxing day of lazing on the sandy beaches or a festive beach bonfire under the stars: your toenails deserve to be part of the party. But what does it take to create the perfect simple summer toenails for the beach that resonate with the vibrancy of the season yet feel as effortless as the ocean breeze?

Uncomplicated elegance: white charm

Look at a design that captures the serenity of summer clouds drifting across a clear blue sky. This design embodies the pure essence of a beach holiday, a simple sophistication without the fuss. The use of a single sparkling gemstone accent on a base of pristine white lacquer encapsulates the understated luxury of summer.

Consumables for this look:

• Base coat to protect and prepare the nail: CND Stickey Base Coat
• A bright white lacquer for a sleek look: OPI ‘Alpine Snow’
• An accent jewel for a touch of glamour: Swarovski Crystal Pixie
• Top coat for long-lasting shine and protection: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Create the look: Start with a clean, polished nail surface. Apply a base coat to protect your nails from discoloration and to help the nail polish adhere better. Once dry, apply two coats of ‘Alpine Snow’, allowing each to dry thoroughly. Add a dab of nail glue to your accent nail and gently press a Swarovski crystal into place. Finish with a quick-drying top coat for a glossy finish that will withstand playful beach days.

Lavender whisper: pastel perfection

Evoke the soft tones of a seaside sunset with a pastel lavender that blends effortlessly into the natural beach palette. This design, with its soft lavender base decorated with delicate sparkling drops, suggests a dreamy summer evening as you watch the waves.

Consumables for this look:

• Base coat for a long life: ORLY Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
• Lavender polish that evokes dusky skies: Essie ‘Lilacism’
• Sparkling drops for a star effect: Sally Hansen Gem Crush
• Quick-drying top coat for a glossy finish: INM Out the Door Top Coat

Create the look: Start with a layer of your rubber base coat. Follow with two smooth applications of ‘Lilacism’, giving each coat sufficient time to harden. For shine, apply a small dot of Gem Crush to the center of each nail with a dotting tool or the tip of a toothpick. Complete the design with a top coat for a lasting, glossy shine.

Cool and beautiful: fuchsia nice

Summer calls for colors that pop, and what better way to answer that question than with a vibrant shade of fuchsia? This toenail design brings to life the exuberance of tropical flowers and the vibrant hues of a beach towel on white sand.

Consumables for this look:

• Base coat to start: Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat
• Fuchsia lacquer for a vibrant pop: China Glaze ‘Pool Party’
• Top coat to finish: Glisten & Glow Top Coat

Create the look: Protect your nails with a coat of Sally Hansen Double Duty. Once it has set, apply two coats of ‘Pool Party’ to each nail, allowing them to dry completely between applications. Top it off with a coat of Glisten & Glow Top Coat for a gorgeous finish that will last through sand and sea.

Sunny Delight: Daisies and sunshine

Enjoy the glory of the sun with a design as bright as the summer day. Yellow polish combined with a delicate daisy design takes you straight to the flower-strewn paths along the beach.

Consumables for this look:

• Base coat to keep the nails healthy: Butter LONDON Nail Foundation Priming Basecoat
• Sunny yellow polish for a cheerful base: OPI ‘I Just Can’t Cope-acabana’
• White and yellow polish for daisy details: OPI ‘Alpine Snow’ and ‘I Just Can’t Cope-acabana’
• Top coat for a lasting flower display: CND Vinylux Long Wear Top Coat

Create the look: Prime your nails with the Nail Foundation Priming Basecoat. Apply two coats of ‘I Just Can’t Cope-acabana’, allowing good drying time. Using a fine brush, create daisy petals with ‘Alpine Snow’ and dot the centers with the same sunny yellow. Once your miniature artwork is dry, apply a smooth coat of Vinylux Top Coat to seal your design and add a professional glossy finish.

Playful hearts: love for the sea

Imagine a playful dance of hearts in shades that whisper the stories of the depths of the ocean and the warmth of the sun’s kiss. This nail design adds a playful touch to your summer look with its series of heart doodles in a symphony of coastal hues.

Consumables for this look:

• Base coat to start the fun: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
• A variety of Polish colors for the heart doodles: OPI ‘Can’t Find My Czechbook’ (blue), ‘Cajun Shrimp’ (coral) and ‘Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet’ (yellow)
• Fine-tipped brush for detailing: Winstonia Fine Line Nail Art Brush
• Top coat to seal the hearts: ORLY Glosser Super High-Shine Top Coat

Create the look: Lay down your Zoya Anchor Base Coat to create a smooth canvas. Once dry, apply a nude polish as a neutral base color. Take your fine tip brush and dip it into the first color, ‘Can’t Find My Czechbook’, to draw little hearts on each nail. Repeat the process with ‘Cajun Shrimp’ and ‘Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet’ and create a pattern that pleases your heart. Complete your design with a touch of ORLY Glosser for a high-shine finish that can withstand the salty sea air.

Serene floral touch

Imagine decorating your toes with the delicate touch of spring flowers. A design that reflects the softness of beach mornings, with soft blues and whites, accented with a whisper of gold. This work of art brings a quiet elegance to any beach ensemble and blends seamlessly into the serene blues of the ocean.

Consumables for this look:

• Base Coat: OPI natural nail base coat
• Soft blue polish: Essie ‘Bikini So Teeny’
• White lacquer for floral details: Sally Hansen ‘White On’
• Gold Leaf Accents: Minx Gold Leaf Stickers
• Top coat: Essie ‘Good To Go’ top coat

Create the look: Prepare with a base coat to ensure the longevity of your design. Apply two coats of ‘Bikini So Teeny’ and allow to dry completely. Use ‘White On’ to hand-paint delicate flowers and add a touch of gold leaf in the center for a sun-kissed glow. Seal your design with ‘Good To Go’ to preserve its beauty against the beach elements.

Nautical charm

Join the trend of nautical nails, perfect for a beach holiday. An ocean blue base envelops a starfish motif, reminiscent of treasures found along the coast, while a plaid accent on the big toe captures the essence of summer picnics by the sea.

Consumables for this look:

• Base layer: Zoya Anchor base layer
• Ocean blue polish: China Glaze ‘Dive In’
• Nude polish for checkered design: OPI ‘Samoan Sand’
• Starfish sticker: nautical nail stickers
• Top coat: INM Out the Door Topcoat

Create the look: Start with Zoya Anchor Base Coat for a perfect canvas. Paint everything except the big toe with ‘Dive In’. For the big toe, apply ‘Samoan Sand’ as a base and create a grid with a thin brush dipped in ‘Dive In’. Add a starfish decal for a playful twist and finish with INM Out the Door Top Coat for a lasting shine.

Wild and free

Unleash your inner wild child with this fierce yet sophisticated leopard print design, accented with bold red hues and a hint of gold. It’s a look that screams with confidence, ideal for making a statement on the sandy catwalks.

Consumables for this look:

• Base layer: CND Stickey base layer
• Red base polish: Essie ‘Really Red’
• Nude polish for leopard spots: OPI ‘Tiramisu for Two’
• Black polish for detailing: Essie ‘Licorice’
• Gold foil for embellishment: Gold nail foil
• Top coat: Essie Gel Setter Topcoat

Create the look: Prep your nails with CND Stickey Base Coat. Apply two coats of ‘Really Red’ to all toes except the accent toe, which will get ‘Tiramisu for Two’. Dab on ‘Licorice’ to create the leopard spots and add gold foil accents. Finish with Essie Gel Setter Top Coat for a glossy, long-lasting finish.

Citrus peel

Nothing says summer more than the zesty hue of a ripe lemon. This bright and powerful yellow is a cheerful nod to sunny days by the sea. It’s a simple, yet eye-catching way to add some color to your beach outfit.

Consumables for this look:

• Base Coat: OPI natural nail base coat
• Lemon yellow polish: China Glaze ‘Sun Upon My Skin’
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Topcoat

Create the look: Protect with OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, followed by two coats of ‘Sun Upon My Skin’. Allow each layer to dry completely. Finish with a coat of Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for a vibrant, long-lasting look that’s as durable as your beach memories.

The shine of the ocean

Imagine the enchanting sparkle of sunlight on the water’s surface. This toenail design recreates that shimmering dance with a bright blue polish and a striking silver glitter line, bringing the rhythm of the ocean straight to your toes.

Consumables for this look:

• Base coat: Butter LONDON Nail Foundation Priming Basecoat
• Bright blue polish: Essie ‘Butler Please’
• Silver glitter striping tape
• Top coat: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Topcoat

Create the look: Start with Butter LONDON’s primer base coat for a flawless base. Apply a vibrant coat of ‘Butler Please’, wait for it to dry and then carefully place the silver glitter tape horizontally across the center section of the nail. Secure the design with Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Top Coat for a durable, chip-resistant finish that will keep your toes sparkling like the sea during your beach outings.

Denim and nude: chic casual

The comfort of your favorite denim jeans now extends all the way to your toes. A sophisticated, casual look that combines the timeless appeal of nude tones with the coolness of blue denim. It is a manicure that exudes a casual style, perfect for a walk on the beach or a casual summer evening.

Consumables for this look:

• Base layer: Essie ‘Grow Stronger’ base layer
• Nude: OPI ‘Be There in a Prosecco’
• Denim blue polish: Essie ‘In The Cab-ana’
• Top coat: Sally Hansen ‘Mega Shine’ top coat

Create the look: Start with a coat of Essie ‘Grow Stronger’ to protect your nails. Apply two coats of ‘Be There in a Prosecco’ for a full-coverage nude look. For the denim effect, use ‘In The Cab-ana’ with a sponge technique to give a textured look. Finish with Sally Hansen ‘Mega Shine’ for a long-lasting shiny effect.

Pink framed perfection

As vibrant as a summer sunset, these pink frame nails are a playful twist on the classic French tip. This look adds a pop of color to your beachwear, making it a perfect choice for anyone who likes to show their fun side.

Consumables for this look:

• Base layer: Orly Bonder rubber base layer
• Translucent pink polish: Essie ‘Mademoiselle’
• Neon pink for framing: China Glaze ‘Pool Party’
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Topcoat

Create the look: Apply Orly Bonder as a base to prevent chipping. Apply a layer of ‘Mademoiselle’ for a subtle pink shine. Use ‘Pool Party’ to carefully paint the point edges for a neon frame. Seal with Seche Vite for a quick-drying, glossy finish.

Refined taupe

Embrace understated elegance with a taupe to match any beachwear. This design offers a versatile look that transitions seamlessly from day to night and embodies the earth tones of the beach.

Consumables for this look:

• Base Coat: OPI natural nail base coat
• Taupe polish: Essie ‘Mink Muffs’
• Top coat: Butter London Hardwear Shine UV Topcoat

Create the look: Apply OPI base coat for protection and adhesion. Paint two coats of ‘Mink Muffs’ for a rich taupe color. Finish with Butter London’s top coat for extra shine and a UV protective layer to maintain color fastness under the sun.

Minimalist white

For those who prefer simplicity with an edge, a minimalist white manicure is the way to go. Accented with a single dot, it is a statement in subtlety, reflecting the pure, fresh white of summer.

Consumables for this look:

• Base layer: Zoya Anchor base layer
• White paint: OPI ‘Alpine Snow’
• Point tool for the accent dot
• Top coat: CND Vinylux Long Wear Topcoat

Create the look: Lay down the Zoya Anchor Base Coat. Follow with two even coats of ‘Alpine Snow’. Use a dotting tool to add a single dot to each nail as an accent. Protect the design with CND Vinylux for durability.

Gingham style

Conjure up the charm of a summer picnic with blue gingham pattern nails. This design is fun, playful and perfect for a playful day at the seaside.

Consumables for this look:

• Base layer: Deborah Lippmann Everything about that base
• Light blue polish: Essie ‘Bikini So Teeny’
• White lacquer for gingham details: OPI ‘Alpine Snow’
• Nail art stickers or striping tape for precision
• Top coat: Chanel Le Gelcoat

Create the look: Prepare the nails with Deborah Lippmann’s base coat. Apply ‘Bikini So Teeny’ as a blue base color. Use ‘Alpine Snow’ with striping tape or stickers to create the gingham pattern. Finish with Chanel’s Le Gel Coat for a professional, glossy look.

Subtle shine

Imagine the understated elegance of a beach party with nails with a translucent pink sheen. It is a manicure that harmonizes with the natural beauty of the seascape and offers a touch of sophisticated glamor without overwhelming simplicity.

Consumables for this look:

• Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Base Coat
• Translucent pink polish: Essie ‘Mademoiselle’
• High-shine top coat: Chanel Le Gel Coat

Create the look: Start with the Gel Lab Pro Base Coat to protect and prime your nails. Apply two coats of ‘Mademoiselle’ for a barely-there pink that shimmers in the sunlight. Finish with Chanel Le Gel Coat for a long-lasting shine reminiscent of soft waves under the moonlight.

Playful marbling

Dive into the whimsy of summer with a toenail design inspired by marbled paper patterns, packed with vibrant colors that reflect the vibrant life of coral reefs. It’s a look that’s as playful as a day at the beach and as colorful as a beach ball bobbing on the waves.

Consumables for this look:

• Base layer: ORLY Bonder rubber base layer
• A range of Polish colors for marbling: OPI ‘No Room for the Blues’, ‘That’s Hot! Pink’, ‘Need sunglasses?’
• Small sponge for the marble effect
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Topcoat

Create the look: After applying ORLY Bonder, dab your chosen polishes onto a sponge and press onto the nail, creating a marbled design. Finish with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for a glossy, durable finish that will withstand the summer heat.

Pastel leopard spots

Join the trend of animal prints with a soft twist of pastel shades. This design is characterized by the timeless leopard print with a modern, subdued color palette that combines perfectly with light summer fabrics and accessories.

Consumables for this look:

• Base Coat: Smith & Cult Nail Lacquer Base Coat
• Pastel polishes: Essie ‘Go Ginza’, ‘Bikini So Teeny’, ‘Mint Candy Apple’
• Dotting tool for the leopard spots
• Top coat: CND Vinylux Long Wear Topcoat

Create the look: Apply Smith & Cult Base Coat for a strong foundation. Use the pastel colors to create abstract leopard spots on a neutral base. Use a dotting tool to achieve precise shapes. CND Vinylux Top Coat ensures that the pattern stays in place, from the boardwalk to the beach bar.

Sprinkled with glitter

Embrace the fun of a beach party with toes that sparkle like the sandy beaches under the summer sun. A base of dark polish sets the stage for glitter that captures the essence of the ocean’s sparkle.

Consumables for this look:

• Base coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Cure
• Dark base polish: Essie ‘After School Boy Blazer’
• Loose glitter in different sizes
• Top coat: OPI Topcoat

Create the look: Start with Sally Hansen Miracle Cure to strengthen your nails. Apply two coats of ‘After School Boy Blazer’ for a deep, oceanic base. Sprinkle loose glitter over the wet polish for a diffused effect. Lock in the glitter with OPI Top Coat for a finish that sparkles like the sea under a fireworks-lit sky.

Tropical green

Step into the lush greenery of a tropical paradise with a toenail color that reflects the vibrant foliage of a hidden oasis. Adorned with delicate floral art, it’s a design ripe for the adventurous spirit of summer.

Consumables for this look:

• Base layer: Ella+Mila Nail Care, Nail Strengthener First Aid Kiss
• Vibrant green paint: Zoya ‘Ireland’
• Nail art stickers or hand-painted flowers
• Top layer: KBShimmer Clear On Top quick-drying top layer

Create the look: After a layer of First Aid Kiss, apply Zoya ‘Ireland’ for a touch of tropical green. Add floral stickers or hand-paint your blossoms for a personal touch. Finish with KBShimmer’s top coat for a glossy finish that stays fresh, from wild jungle treks to relaxing in a hammock by the sea.

Icy blue glitter

Imagine stepping onto the beach with toenails that reflect the sky above: a soft, icy blue that shimmers with a hint of glitter, like sunlight dancing on the morning frost. This look combines the coolness of the sea breeze with a touch of playful sparkle, making it a perfect choice for any summer day.

Consumables for this look:

• Base Coat: OPI natural nail base coat
• Ice blue polish: Essie ‘Find Me an Oasis’
• Silver glitter polish: OPI ‘This Crown Needs a Gown’
• Top coat: INM Out the Door Topcoat

Create the look: Start with the OPI base coat to protect your nails. Apply two coats of ‘Find Me an Oasis’ for a serene blue base. Add a touch of ‘This Crown Needs a Gown’ for that sparkling effect. Seal with INM Out the Door Top Coat for a glossy finish that lasts from a morning swim to an evening beach party.

Cool fuchsia

Bold and beautiful, these fuchsia toes are a statement of confidence. Striking and vibrant, they attract attention and match the vibrant energy of summer. It’s a color that is both playful and sophisticated, perfect for making a statement as you walk along the coast or sip a cocktail in the setting sun.

Consumables for this look:

• Base Coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat
• Fuchsia polish: Essie ‘Bachelorette Bash’
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Topcoat

Create the look: Apply Sally Hansen Double Duty as a protective base. Paint two coats of ‘Bachelorette Bash’ for a full, vibrant shade. Finish with a coat of Seche Vite for a quick-drying, long-lasting shine.

Neon geometry

Summer is the season to play with color and shape, and this geometric design with neon accents is a masterpiece of fun. It’s like carrying the essence of summer on your toes, perfect for days full of music, laughter and sunshine.

Consumables for this look:

• Base layer: CND Stickey base layer
• Neon paints: China Glaze ‘Flip Flop Fantasy’, ‘Pool Party’, ‘Sun Worshiper’
• Striping tape for clean lines
• Top coat: Glisten & Glow Topcoat

Create the look: Start with CND Stickey Base Coat for a sturdy base. Use striping tape to mark off areas and fill them in with your chosen neon paints for a striking, color-block effect. Finish with Glisten & Glow Top Coat for a radiant shine that turns heads.

Vibrant orange

Capture the essence of a fiery sunset with a vibrant orange that stands out against the neutral tones of the sand. This shade is all about joy and warmth and embraces the carefree atmosphere of long summer days.

Consumables for this look:

• Base layer: Essie ‘Grow Stronger’ base layer
• Orange polish: OPI ‘Cajun Shrimp’
• Matte top coat: OPI Matte Topcoat

Create the look: Apply ‘Grow Stronger’ to prepare the nails. Apply ‘Cajun Shrimp’ for that zesty orange and opt for a trendy matte finish with OPI’s Matte Top Coat, which gives a contemporary twist to this summer classic.

Sensitive love

Sometimes a simple word can have the most meaning. Adorned with the word ‘love’ and a graceful dandelion, this design is a touch of romance and whimsy, a gentle reminder of summer flings and the tenderness of chats by the beach fire.

Consumables for this look:

• Base layer: ORLY Bonder rubber base layer
• Nude lacquer: Zoya ‘Avery’
• White lacquer for art: OPI ‘Alpine Snow’
• Nail art pen for lettering
• Top coat: Essie Gel Setter Topcoat

Create the look: prepare your nails with ORLY Bonder. Apply Zoya ‘Avery’ for a clean, nude look. Use ‘Alpine Snow’ and a nail art pen to subtly draw the dandelion and write the script ‘love’. Complete the design with Essie Gel Setter for a smooth, gel-like finish.

Modern Safari

Take a wild stroll without leaving the comfort of your lounger. This toenail design, with its classic nude base and striking black leopard spots, offers a safari adventure right down to your toes. It is perfect for those who like to add a touch of the exotic to their beachwear and combine elegance with a touch of daring.

Consumables for this look:

• Base layer: Essie ‘Here to Stay’ base layer
• Nude polish: Zoya ‘Rue’
• Black polish against spots: Essie ‘Licorice’
• Small dotting tool or fine brush for detailing
• Top coat: OPI Topcoat

Create the look: Start with Essie’s ‘Here to Stay’ base coat to ensure your art lasts. Apply two even coats of Zoya ‘Rue’ for a chic, neutral canvas. Dip your tool in ‘Licorice’ and gently stipple on your leopard spots. Keep in mind that the more irregular the stains are, the more authentic they will look. Once dry, apply OPI Top Coat for a glossy finish that will turn heads, whether you’re on a jungle trek or just dreaming about it by the pool.