Summer Vacation & Beach Nail 25 Ideas

Set your sights on the horizon, because summer 2025 is about to get a splash of color and a whole lot of style. Wondering how to freshen up your look for those sun-drenched beach days and balmy evenings? Look no further as we delve into the world of summer holiday nail inspiration and bring you the hottest trends straight from the sunny coast.

Almond breeze by the sea

As a professional manicurist, I can’t help but admire the almond-shaped nails. The beach-inspired designs are a testament to creativity and showcase a serene combination of sky blue and sandy white, perfect for a beach vacation or a cruise to the Bahamas.

• Consumables:
  • Base Coat: Seacret Nail Care Collection
  • Sky Blue Polish: OPI ‘Can’t Find My Czech Book’
  • White lacquer: Essie ‘Blanc’
  • Palm Tree Accent: DecoArt Paint Marker
  • Top coat: CND Vinylux weekly top coat

In my professional opinion, these products provide durability and a high-gloss finish that can withstand the summer heat.

To recreate this tropical masterpiece:

1. Start with a clean, shaped nail.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your natural nails.
3. Apply the sky blue polish in layers, followed by the white polish to create the horizon effect.
4. Use the paint marker for detailed palm trees.
5. Finish with a top coat for a beachy look that lasts.

Tropical as if it were warm

If you look at the photo, you will see that the short gel manicure embodies simplicity with a tropical touch. The muted neutral base transitions into bright leafy details, reflecting the lush flora of a remote island.

• Consumables:
  • Gel base: Gelish Foundation Base Gel
  • Neutral paint: Sally Hansen ‘Birthday Suit’
  • Detail Brushes: Winstonia Fine Liners
  • Green and yellow polish: Kiara Sky ‘Matcha Madness’ & ‘Lemonade’
  • Gel top coat: OPI GelColor top coat

My advice? The key to achieving such intricate details is patience and a steady hand.

For the do-it-yourselfers:

1. Prepare the nails with a base gel and let it harden.
2. Apply two coats of neutral nail polish and cure after each coat.
3. Paint the leaf designs with fine brushes.
4. Allow to harden again and apply a top coat for a glossy finish.

Sun-drenched and beach-bound

When it comes to beachy, simple short nails, this design is a hit. The soft gradient from yellow to blue evokes images of sunsets and coastlines. A lone palm tree on each nail is the epitome of beachy simplicity.

• Consumables:
  • Base Coat: OPI natural nail base coat
  • Yellow Polish: China Glaze ‘Sunshine Pop’
  • Blue Polish: Essie ‘Butler Please’
  • Nail Art Stencil: Palm Trees from Whats Up Nails
  • Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Topcoat

A little advice: slopes are easier with a sponge applicator.

To do this at home:

1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Sponge on the gradient effect with your chosen colors.
3. Once dry, place the stencil and apply the blue polish for the palm design.
4. Finish with a quick-drying top coat to secure the design.

Floral finesse on the coast

We have a vivid display of short square nails. The bold pink tips adorned with playful daisy accents capture the essence of summer fun and are sure to be a hit at beach parties or cocktails on the Florida coast.

• Consumables:
  • Pink Polish: Deborah Lippmann ‘Hot Child in the City’
  • White polish for Daisy: Orly ‘White Tips’
  • Nail Art Tool: Dotting Tool Set
  • Top coat: Butter LONDON Hardwear UV Shine Topcoat

Remember, the daisies are simple yet important, so make them pop!

For a homemade version:

1. Paint your tips with vibrant pink.
2. Use the dotting tool to create daisy petals.
3. Add a yellow dot in the center of each flower.
4. Apply a top coat for a durable finish.

Wave hello to summer

These bold blue waves on a soft pink base are reminiscent of a calm ocean at sunset. The playful design is perfect for those who want to combine the trendy with the simple.

• Pink base: Zoya ‘Believe’
  • Blue for Waves: Sally Hansen ‘Blue Me Away!’
  • Wave Stencil: Nail Vinyl Wave Pattern
  • Top Coat: INM Out the Door Top Coat for a smooth, sealing finish

This design is all about the waves. To make them stand out, use a light hand with the stencil.

This is how you bring the ocean to your nails:

1. Apply a light pink base and let it dry completely.
2. Place the wave stencil on the nail and apply the blue polish.
3. Carefully remove the stencil while the nail polish is still wet.
4. Finish with a quick application of the top coat for a glossy, long-lasting manicure.

Green waves of elegance

Focus your gaze on the horizon, because the summer nail trend of 2025 is reminiscent of swaying palm trees in Florida or a beach holiday in Mexico.

• Consumables:
  • Solid green paint: Essie ‘Off Tropic’
  • Marbling Duo: SinfulColors ‘Snow Me White’ & ‘Exotic Green’
  • Detailing tool: Fine-tipped brush for marbling
  • Top coat: ORLY Glosser Topcoat

Professionally, the marbling technique requires the paint to be wet for a seamless look.

To create this look at home:

1. Start with a solid color base on alternating nails.
2. For the marbled nails, drop white and green dots and use the brush to swirl the colors together.
3. Finish with a top coat for a glossy, protective shine.

Cool water and golden sand

We are greeted by the serene almond-shaped nails, half dipped in oceanic teal and half in subtle pink nude, intersected by a sparkling gold line. This design is a nod to simple yet trendy beachside elegance, ideal for relaxing cruises or lounging on the island’s sands.

• Consumables:
  • Nude Polish: Zoya ‘Avery’
  • Teal Polish: China Glaze ‘Too Hunting to Handle’
  • Gold striping tape: Art Deco nail detail
  • Top layer: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri anti-chip top layer

My advice for perfection is to apply the striping tape with tweezers for precision.

For the DIY artist:

1. Apply a nude base coat and let it dry.
2. Carefully tape off the bottom part and fill in the teal.
3. Add the gold striping tape between the two colors.
4. Complete with a top coat for a durable, holiday-ready look.

Summer spectrum

Set your sights on the horizon, because the summer of 2025.

• Consumables:
  • Matte blue paint: OPI ‘Matte Top Coat’ about ‘Suzi Says Feng Shui’
  • Spongy colors: a rainbow selection from the OPI Brights collection
  • Make-up sponge: for applying color gradients
  • Matte top coat: Essie Matte About You

In practice, sponging requires a light touch for that feathered gradient effect.

Make this at home:

1. Paint the base with matte blue.
2. Dab the sponge with your clear nail polish and press gently onto the nail.
3. Seal it with a matte top coat to maintain the velvety texture.

Citrus twist

Acrylic almond nails are reminiscent of a tropical fruit salad: spicy, fun and perfect for a simple day at the beach or a cheeky night out in Mexico. Glossy, translucent colors transition from one citrus shade to the next, embodying the vibe of a tropical vacation.

• Consumables:
  • Jelly Polishes: Orange – OPI ‘Orange Are you a rock star?’, Pink – Essie ‘Resort Fling’, Green – ILNP ‘Walking Home’
  • Glossy top coat: INM Out the Door

The gradient effect is best achieved with a sponge for a blended look.

Copy this at home by:

1. To protect your nail, apply a base coat.
2. Sponge on the different colors to create a gradient.
3. Finish with a glossy top coat for a juicy, high-shine look.

Island flora

Finally, it brings us short nails with a bright green base and cute floral accents that scream island adventure. The striking green combined with the soft pink details creates a tropical yet simple vibe, ideal for those looking to add a pop of color to their simple pink Beach aesthetic.

• Consumables:
  • Bright green paint: ORLY ‘Green Apple’
  • Pink detail paint: ORLY ‘Kiss Me, I’m Kind’
  • Detailing brush: for precise floral patterns
  • Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Topcoat

As a pro tip: use a detail brush for the floral patterns and don’t rush; the beauty is in the details.

To recreate this botanical beauty:

1. Start with two coats of your vibrant green nail polish.
2. Paint the pink flower patterns with a fine brush.
3. Add small green dots to represent leaves or the flower center
4. Finish with a top coat for a durable, chip-resistant finish.

Hearts flow

Shows a beautiful contrast of short nails painted in vibrant red with a unique accent nail, lovingly decorated with little hearts. This playful design is perfect for summer romances or just spreading love with your fingertips.

• Consumables:
  • Red Polish: OPI ‘Big Apple Red’
  • White Polish: Essie ‘Blanc’ for heart details
  • Detailing tool: Fine tip brush for heart shapes
  • Matte top coat: Essie Matte About You

From my professional standpoint, the matte finish, combined with the glossy red, makes for an intriguing textural contrast.

This is how you create this heart-warming design:

1. Paint all but one nail with the bright red polish.
2. Use the white polish with a fine brush to draw hearts on the accent nail.
3. Apply a matte top coat to the red nails for a contemporary finish.

Pink metallic waves

We are greeted with long nails in a vibrant shade of pink, with two nails featuring a metallic silver wave over a transparent base. This design captures the playful essence of bright summer days and exciting Florida nights.

• Consumables:
  • Pink polish: China Glaze ‘Bottoms Up’
  • Silver metallic paint: Essie ‘No Place Like Chrome’
  • Clear base: Sally Hansen ‘Big Peel Off’ base coat
  • Top layer: Seche Vite Dry Fast

The metallic polish must be applied with care to create that perfect wavy effect.

For a DIY creation:

1. Apply a transparent base to the nails intended for a metallic design.
2. Swipe on the bold pink for a pop of color.
3. With a steady hand, draw the silver waves and let them dry.
4. Finish with a quick-drying top coat for a dazzling effect.

Sunrise gradient

Bringing us a subtle acrylic almond gradient, from a warm, peach sunrise to a neutral beige, accented with delicate white dots. This understated yet elegant look is perfect for any summer occasion, from a casual beach visit to a more formal event on a cruise.

• Consumables:
  • Peach Lacquer: ORLY ‘Peach Pastel’
  • Neutral Polish: Zoya ‘Spencer’
  • Dotting Tool: for precise dotting
  • Topcoat: OPI Topcoat for shine

When creating a gradient, mix quickly while both shades are still wet, to achieve a seamless transition.

To do this at home:

1. Start with a base of the neutral varnish.
2. While it is still wet, apply the peach polish to the tip of the nail and blend it towards the center.
3. Use the dotting tool to add white accents.
4. Finish with a top coat for a smooth, durable finish.

Skyline shine

The sky’s the limit with these square acrylic nails, featuring a pastel blue sky with glitter silver inlays. This is a versatile design that goes well with both a simple beach manicure and the elegance of a tropical evening.

• Consumables:
  • Pastel blue polish: Essie ‘Bikini So Teeny’
  • Silver glitter stripe: Sally Hansen ‘Silver Sweep’
  • Top Coat: OPI Top Coat for a high-gloss finish

Tip: Apply the glitter stripe with a detail brush or use striping tape for precision.

To create this look yourself:

1. Paint your nails with the pastel blue shade.
2. Once dry, apply the silver glitter as a diagonal stripe.
3. Finish the design with a layer of top coat for shine and protection.

Tropical sunset foil

The nails are reminiscent of a tropical sunset with vibrant pink and soft orange hues accented with silver foil, reflecting the fading sunlight. This design is perfect for endless days at the beach in Mexico and adds glamor to any outfit.

• Consumables:
  • Pink polish: OPI ‘Strawberry Margarita’
  • Orange Polish: China Glaze ‘Papaya Punch’
  • Silver foil: Nail Art Transfer Foil
  • Top layer: INM Out the Door super fast drying top layer for durability

Applying foil may be tricky, but it’s all worth it for the beautiful, reflective finish.

For the DIY manicure:

1. 1. Alternate the pink and orange polish on each nail.
   2. Apply the foil to the nails while the polish is still sticky so that it sticks.
   3. Gently press the foil onto the nail and then remove the backing.
   4. Seal your design with a quick-drying top coat to maintain the metallic shine and prevent chipping.

Autumn Harmony

The nails are a harmonious mix of autumn tones with a modern twist, making them perfect for the transition from bright summer to the more muted autumn tones. The intricate leaf patterns are a trendy yet simple approach to nail art, perfect for a short, simple beach look.

• Consumables:
  • Basic Nude Polish: Essie ‘Ballet Slippers’
  • Orange Polish: OPI ‘A good man-darin is hard to find’
  • Black detail paint: Sally Hansen ‘Black Out’
  • Dotting Tool: for precise placement of dots
  • Top Coat: Glisten & Glow Top Coat for a quick-drying finish

To recreate this look:

1. Apply a nude polish as a base.
2. Paint selected nails with a vibrant orange polish.
3. Use black detailing to hand draw the leaf patterns.
4. Add colorful dots for a playful touch.
5. Seal the design with a quick-drying top coat for long-lasting wear.

Spicy zebra

Set your sights on the horizon, because summer 2025 is perfect for an adventurous day at Beach Mexico or a retreat in Florida.

• Consumables:
  • Lime Green Polish: China Glaze ‘Lime After Lime’
  • White polish for zebra stripes: Essie ‘Blanc’
  • Striping Tool: Fine brush for detailed lines
  • Top coat: INM Out the Door Top Coat for shine and protection

To make the zebra stripes:

1. Start with a bright green base coat.
2. Use the striping tool to carefully paint on the white zebra patterns.
3. Apply a top coat to prevent the design from bleeding and to add a glossy finish.

Sparkling pink gradient

We find a cute and delicate pink gradient, topped with sparkling glitters that capture the joy and whimsy of summer. It is an excellent choice for people who want to add a touch of bright glamor to their neutral beachwear or evening wear.

• Consumables:
  • Light pink base: OPI ‘Let’s Be Friends!’
  • Glitter polish: OPI ‘Princesses rule!’
  • Sponge: for a smooth gradient effect
  • Top Coat: OPI Top Coat for a radiant finish

To achieve this sparkling gradient:

1. Apply the light pink polish as a base.
2. Sponge on the glitter polish and concentrate on the tip to create the gradient.
3. Finish with a layer of top coat for extra shine and hold.

Subtle sugar

Gives us a soft, simple elegance with a sugared texture on the nail bed, which fades into a pure pink transparency. This Short gel design is perfect for those who prefer a touch of sweetness with their Neutral palette, making it a versatile choice for both casual and formal summer occasions.

• Consumables:
  • Pure pink: Essie ‘Sugar Daddy’
  • White glitter: Sally Hansen ‘Strobe Light’
  • Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter for a gel-like shine

For a sugary effect:

1. Apply two coats of sheer pink polish for a translucent base.
2. While the second coat is still tacky, sprinkle the white glitter on the nail base for a gradient sugared look.
3. Complete with a top coat for a smooth finish and long lasting wear.

Cosmic contrast

Take a heavenly journey on your long acrylic nails and show off a striking contrast between ethereal white and enchanting space foil. This design makes a powerful statement, suitable for starry nights on the beach or clear days celebrating island life.

• Consumables:
  • White polish: Essie ‘Marshmallow’
  • Nail foil: cosmic pattern
  • Foil adhesive: for secure installation
  • Top coat: ORLY Glosser for a high-gloss finish

Creating the Cosmic Design:

1. Start with a white base to make the colors pop.
2. Apply foil glue according to the instructions to the accent nails.
3. Once it is sticky, press the cosmic foil onto the nails with the shiny side up and then peel it off.
4. Finish everything off with a glossy top coat for a smooth and long-lasting manicure.

Serene pastel play

The manicure radiates a calm combination of pastel shades, reminiscent of the softness of a summer sky. The minimalist approach with soft lime and peach tones is for those who appreciate simple, understated elegance with a touch of modernity.

• Consumables:
  • Soft Lime Lacquer: Essie ‘Chillato’
  • Peach Lacquer: OPI ‘Freedom of Peach’
  • Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Topcoat

To recreate this serene look:

1. Apply two coats of soft lime to some nails and peach to others for a soft, pastel canvas.
2. Finish with a quick-drying top coat for a sleek, long-lasting manicure.

Crimson sparkle

The nails have a deep, rich crimson base sprinkled with glitter, resembling a starry summer night. This design is perfect for a powerful statement and brings the sparkle of beach evenings right to your fingertips.

• Consumables:
  • Crimson Polish: Deborah Lippmann ‘Single Ladies’
  • Glitter topper: China Glaze ‘Ruby Pumps’
  • Top coat: INM Out the Door Top Coat for extra shine

To create this star design:

1. Start with a base of deep crimson nail polish.
2. Apply a layer of glitter topper to achieve the sparkling effect.
3. Finish with a top coat to ensure your nails shine all night long.

Matte ocean blue

Presents a beautiful matte blue, reminiscent of the tranquil depths of the ocean. The matte finish gives these long acrylic nails a contemporary touch, suitable for beach days or an evening out in tropical regions.

• Consumables:
  • Ocean Blue paint: Sally Hansen ‘Pacific Blue’
  • Matte top coat: Essie ‘Matte About You’

For the DIY approach:

1. Apply two coats of the ocean blue nail polish for full coverage.
2. Finish with a matte top coat to transform the glossy blue into a smooth, matte texture.

Classic French twist

The nails shown take the classic French manicure and give it a twist, perfect for summer weddings or luxury cruises. The clean lines and neutral base are timeless, with an added modernity that makes it a must-have for any summer event.

• Consumables:
  • Nude paint: OPI ‘Bubble Bath’
  • White lacquer for tips: OPI ‘Alpine Snow’
  • Top coat: ORLY Glosser for a high-gloss finish

To achieve this updated classic:

1. Apply the nude polish as a base layer.
2. Carefully paint the ends white to create the French manicure look.
3. Add a top coat for a glossy, professional finish.

Speckled refinement

Finally, it showcases a sophisticated gray-blue base with delicate speckles, creating a cute, yet professional look that’s great for both daytime activities and evening relaxation. It is a versatile design that will suit a wide range of summer outfits.

• Consumables:
  • Gray-blue lacquer: Essie ‘Petit Trianon’
  • Black speckle topper: Nails Inc. ‘Baker Street’
  • Top Coat: OPI Top Coat for long lasting wear

To create the speckled effect:

1. Start with a base of gray-blue polish.
2. Apply the speckled topper for a unique, textured effect.
3. Finish with a top coat to protect and secure your design.