Beach Nails That Shine in Summer 2025: Ocean-Inspired Manicure Ideas You’ll Love

When summer arrives, the hot sand, salty breeze and your favorite bikini make you feel like glowing all the way through. And that includes our nails. If we’re basking under the sun all summer, being fashionable is easy when we can have little ocean works of art on our nails. Beach nails in summer 2025 are not only attractive but also fun, textured and expressive.

This post looks at the most fashionable seaside-themed nail designs for the season. They are not just polished; they often include 3D shells and shiny waves. Whether you’re lounging poolside or jetting off to Tulum, you’ll find a style here that feels like a mini vacation. Ready to meet the mermaid version of yourself? Let’s go nail by nail.

Matte Mauve with Textured Starfish & Gold Foil

What stood out to me first was that the set is soft but still makes a strong impression. The base color is matte mauve, so it looks natural on the skin and lets the starfish and ocean swirls take center stage. The combination of elegance and whimsy is noticeable, especially because the gold flecks make the coloring look like a beach sunset. It’s like coastal grandma meets Barbiecore—and I’m obsessed.

I would first apply a matte gel polish in mauve such as OPI Infinite Shine in “You Sustain Me,” and then apply a matte top coat. You can make the 3D starfish with white builder gel or buy nail decals to place on your nails. You should also get a small brush for the scrolls and some gold foil flakes which you can find at Born Pretty or Daily Charme.

You only need a steady hand to do this design. Base your piece, cure it and then add 3D elements. A dotting tool or silicone sculpting pen helps maintain the sharp edges of the sea stars. The final matte seal makes the paint smooth and touchable, but doesn’t make the toy less fun.

Honestly? This matte design is one of my favorites I’ve put on in some time. It reminds me of those fun days in tide pools as a child, but now it’s all grown up. If you’re looking for summer 2025 beach nails that are just a bit textured and still shine, this is the one.

Glossy Nude Shells and Swirls

It gives off a bright, beachy feel that says, “I’m spending my summers in Capri.” The nude base makes you look great and the swirls of cream in the glitter remind me of the ripples in sea foam. The real standout feature is the big seashell and starfish charms placed on the accent nails. It’s glossy, it’s sculptural, it’s got that “found on the beach and made into jewelry” energy.

I would begin with “Bare With Me” from Essie and then swirl in a milky white gel to get the wavy effect. You can buy these 3D charms in resin or molded forms on Etsy or Amazon. Choose a super glossy top coat like Beetles’ Glass Shine Gel to really make your car shine under the sun.

What’s key here is movement. I think using a liner brush and making the strokes light and random will give the swirls a natural look. Don’t overcrowd the charms—let them breathe between swirls. This is beachy elegance, not a treasure chest overload.

I was wearing something similar last summer and people I did not know stopped me at brunch. The way a high-gloss finish and sea shapes are combined really intrigues people. I get it—it’s hard not to stare.

Ocean Candy Fantasy in 3D

Okay, this one’s for my maximalist girls. They are mermaid-core nails taken to the maximum—featuring pastel ombré, jelly nails, pearls, rhinestones and the most adorable starfish. It combines the look of an underwater treasure chest, a mermaid picture and the sparkle from the early 2000s. When you want your hands to be the focus, this is the right tool.

This look is a buffet of materials: pastel ombré base colors (I love Madam Glam’s pastel gels), clear sculpting gel for the jelly effects, self-adhesive pearls, AB rhinestones, and 3D molded sea shapes. Builder gel will hold the larger pieces in place and a no-wipe top coat will help keep everything secure.

You should first do the base ombré blend, let it cure and then add the 3D pieces on top. Secure your rhinestones and pearls with gel glue which cures under UV light. The main thing is to keep the design balanced, even if it seems full.

I wouldn’t choose these for doing dishes, but they would be perfect for a beach bachelorette party. Perfection. Beach nails that are popular in summer 2025 are the ones that appear in your beach photos and receive compliments while you travel.

Minimalist Stars with a Pop of Pink

From a distance, this look appears simple, but when you get close it sparkles. The base is a clean, sheer nude and the scattered metallic stars give it a “clean girl at the beach” look. The use of hot pink stars keeps the look lively but not too much. It’s similar to if Barbie was invited to a party on a Malibu rooftop.

Essie “Mademoiselle” or OPI “Bubble Bath” are easy choices for a base. The metallic stars are usually found in nail art sticker packs (Amazon has great options), and the neon pink ones are often plastic confetti or charms sealed under a builder top coat.

If you’re doing this yourself, lay down the sheer polish first and cure it. Apply the wax pencil to place the stars and then top everything with a thick gel top coat. Don’t overload—keep each nail unique.

I’d wear this set when I want to be comfortable but also want to add a touch of fun. They are not demanding, but they really stand out when they are noticed. This is a great way to start if you want to try beach nails that are popular in summer 2025.

Sunset Dip with Crystal Starfish

Let’s talk ombré. The pink-to-clear gradient looks like the sun sinking into the ocean which is very soothing. Then, suddenly, you’ve got those cute starfish decals with crystals that make the car look like it belongs at the beach. It appears plain at first, but the sparkles are there waiting to surprise you like the sun on water.

To get this gradient, I’d use a pink jelly polish (like Apres Gel-X in “Ballet Slippers”) and sponge it upward from the tips for that soft blend. After that, seal in your tiny rhinestone starfish—they are usually nail stickers or decals that you can buy at Daily Charme or Le Mini Macaron.

This is a super doable design at home. Use latex to prevent polish from getting on your sponge and apply the polish from the tip to the middle of the sponge. Repeat in thin layers for the best fade. Put the starfish on last and make sure to top coat it well.

At a beach wedding I wore this style and everyone wanted to know where I got it. This manicure is nice to look at in pictures and also perfect for everyday, as it sparkles a bit in the sunlight.

Ocean Pearl Cascade with Gold Accents

Seeing pearls float underwater is so peaceful and this nail design captures that peaceful feeling. I love that the clear base makes everything look light and neat, so the pearls and golden accents can add their own touch of drama. The metallic starfish on the ring finger ties everything together and gives a hint of coastal style. If beach nails are the trend for summer 2025, they would likely be described as airy, oceanic and enchanting.

A good way to recreate this look is to use a sculpted gel extension like Apres Gel-X in a stiletto shape. The pearls should be flatback nail art pearls in several sizes and I prefer Born Pretty or Daily Charme. You can find gold embellishments in 3D ocean-themed charm kits and they stick best to the charms with a thick rhinestone or builder gel for a floating effect.

The hardest thing is making the pearls look natural and not too even. I try to make the placement of the dots look random, like sea foam and I use tweezers and a dotting tool to help me place them. To give the nails a bit more depth, I sometimes put on sheer white gel under the pearl chains and top coat them. It softens the whole vibe beautifully.

When I see these nails, I think of the evenings by the coast which are peaceful and full of golden light. They look stylish and are still playful — as if you’ve been on a boat but still grabbed snacks for the beach. I would put it on for a meal by the sea in Malibu or for a casual brunch with sandals and some bronzer. I love how there is a mix of effort and ease in it.

Turquoise Shoreline Whimsy

It feels as if you are in a clear, shallow tide pool surrounded by starfish and tiny seashells. The combination of pastel turquoise and pink is playful but not childish and the 3D starfish are just too cute. Around the base of every nail are tiny crowns and microbubbles, giving the effect of sea treasures shining brightly. This is the best of beachcore, showing off its flirty, fun and unique character.

Because there are many elements involved, layering your makeup is very important. My base is matte turquoise and baby pink gel polish, for example from the Gelish “I Wanna Dance” collection. The raised elements (like the starfish and beads) are often pre-molded charms, but you can DIY with builder gel and a dotting tool for the bubbles. Paint the white coral-style swirls with a liner brush and seal everything with a top coat that doesn’t need to be wiped off.

The simplest way to make the design look balanced is to give every nail a different “scene.” Some tattoos are detailed, but others are simple with a swirl or a charm. Try not to put too many colors on top, so your base can breathe.

It reminds me of those days when I’d wander in souvenir stores by the pier, drinking a cold iced latte and my hair still salty from the sea breeze. There’s a sweetness to it, but it’s also elevated. If you like a beachy Barbie look or a breezy boho style, these nails could become your favorite choice.

Sunset Reef Sparkle

This design mixes the sparkle of the ocean with the soft colors of a sunset and it looks like a dreamy mermaid scene. I like that the ombré goes from soft coral pink to sea-glass blue, decorated with leaf-like white details and sparkling rhinestones that look like dew or sea spray. The gold starfish charm feels intentional, not kitschy. It’s similar to jewelry for your nails — it’s both delicate and coastal, but still feels luxe.

The base is airbrushed or sponged on in an ombré style and the OPI x Barbie Summer 2025 gel duo has the right colors for this look. I use a white stamping polish and very fine brushes to make the leaf accents look smooth and neat. The crystals should be a mix of iridescent AB and clear stones — I like the ones from Swarovski’s Nail Art line, but Jelly Fantasy sets work too if you’re on a budget.

The layering process is slow but worth it. I tend to use a rhinestone gel like Zillabeau’s to prevent any charms from popping off during the week. Apply a top coat to the gems to keep their shape and how they reflect light.

This style just reminds me of a day by the pool with a glass of rosé. Either because of the sparkle or the glitter, this set always gets noticed and praised by others. I wore something like this to a friend’s beach wedding last year and two people asked for my nail tech’s contact details before the ceremony began.

Playful Pastel Seaside Fantasy

Do these nails remind you of something sweet and colorful or am I the only one? With baby blues, lilacs, petal pinks and gold trims, along with 3D starfish, the look is a fun twist on seaside glamour. It’s giving nostalgia and fantasy in equal measure. I think this style will become popular for beach nails in 2025, especially for bachelorette outings or beach birthday parties.

I really enjoy using the “Sweet Treats” collection from Madam Glam for such soft and milky colors, as they mix beautifully with layering. The 3D charms are already molded, but you could make them yourself with builder gel, pastel pigment and good hand control. The finishing touch is gold beads and pearls which add a beautiful touch to the necklace.

This set takes patience if you’re doing it solo. Each nail is its own mini storybook. I usually plan my nail art on a palette before putting it on my nails. It helps balance the busier fingers with simpler ones. Also, put on a matte top coat on some nails to create a different look without using any color.

Whenever I come across these, I remember those relaxing times on the beach when the sun hits at the perfect angle, the sky turns purple and your swimsuit matches your nail polish. They’re playful, but you can also wear them and they’re never too sweet.

Neutral Shell Elegance

This set hits differently. It’s a little more serious, but it still has that beachy feel. What attracts me are the soft nude tones and the natural feel of the shells. The 3D starfish and sea life are made to look like real fossils, not like cartoon versions. The charm is in the simple elegance and coastal vibe which is why it stands out.

I like to begin with a warm neutral base and I usually use the Essie “Bare With Me” gel polish for this. The middle finger’s shell pattern is probably achieved by layering stamping plates and dark brown pigment. The pearl clusters can be created with different-sized half-pearls (I swear by Amazon’s multipacks for these). Curing charms under LED lights helps them hold stronger.

What catches my eye the most is the difference between the glossy pearls and the matte seashells. It looks like someone put thought into it, not just followed the latest trends. I would wear it with linen pants, a messy bun and oversized sunglasses.

This shows that you can have shiny beach nails in summer 2025 without using bright neon or glitter. At times, their whispers are enough to create a big change.

Shimmering Shell Waterscape

The instant I see this set, it reminds me of how gentle ocean waves stroke white sand, leaving it soft, clear and textured. The gold starfish, pearly trails and ocean swirl designs show how luxury and a coastal feeling can be combined on the same hand. Every nail is different, sharing bits of a story just like the pictures in a vacation album — a tide pool, a pearl line and so on.

Because there are so many effects, I suggest using several layers of sheer jelly gels and a thin brush to make the marble wave. Mix shades like Madame Glam’s “Sea Swing and Sun” with “Milky White” to get that watery blend. Pearl chains and metallic sea charms are easiest to apply using a thicker rhinestone gel — you’ll need that strong grip so the charm doesn’t slide while curing.

Celeb nail artist Tom Bachik recommends curing charms under a flash lamp before moving to the next nail to keep them in place. Always add a top coat, as it will emphasize the wet-looking beach effect.

To be truthful, this design really catches people’s attention. They are both lovely and fun to wear — the nails you might choose for a romantic trip or a party on a yacht. They just feel like a coastal breeze in motion.

Modern Wave Lines

The design is quite new, as it is abstract, graphic and has a more editorial feel than a literal one. The design uses flowing lines like the tides and the colors are mostly blue and white, with small touches of gold that shine. I like that this set is so bold but is still something I can wear every day. It’s like a contemporary twist on classic nautical.

Gel paint is the best choice for drawing such detailed and layered lines. I recommend using a striping brush and highly pigmented blues — try Leafgel Color Gel or The Gel Bottle’s Art Gel in shades like “Pacific” and “White Out.” The base is a neutral sheer pink — try “Pink Rubber Base” from Luminary to get that soft natural tone.

If you break it up into steps, it’s not hard to make at home. I like to begin with the biggest white wave, let it dry, add the medium blue, let that dry and finish with the small gold stars or foil accents.

The thing I like best is how modern it looks — like something you’d see on Instagram or in a fashion magazine, but not too much. They will make any rooftop brunch look great and match well with a white linen dress and beachy curls. They’re ideal for those who wish their beach nails in 2025 to be bold, clean and confidently cool.

Textured Seashell Chic

This is for those who are neutral and wish to keep the summer feeling alive. The shell-texture designs here are really special — the details are so fine, they seem to have been carved. The brown color gives the dress a chic coastal look that is a bit old-fashioned, a bit current and very easy to wear.

You should use a tiny art brush and some sculpting gel to get the shell lines right. The base coat is “Put It In Neutral” from OPI and then a deep bronze or sienna gel adds the details. That 3D white starfish? It’s best sculpted with solid builder gel or created with pre-made nail art pieces for consistency.

A great tip I learned on nail forums is to apply matte top coat to some nails and gloss to others which gives the design a nice contrast without making it too busy. Be sure to use a detail brush for the finer lines of the shell pattern — doing this carefully is very important.

These nails just speak to me. I imagine having an espresso martini at a seaside bistro in Santorini or walking around Ibiza on warm stones. They are not loud, but they can stay with you all day, just like a quiet compliment.

Pastel Ocean Pop

It is both playful and modern in the most appealing manner. The bold turquoise, lively wave pattern and shells make it look cute, but it’s still stylish. I really like that every nail is different but they all fit together well because of the ocean theme. It’s giving nail art with a wink.

For this, you should use opaque creams and pastels and Cirque Colors “Skylight” or Essie’s “Mint Candy Apple” will look great. Make the wave nail by using a fine brush and a steady hand or you can use nail stickers or stamping plates that look like water. The dots around the shell and wave can be added with a dotting tool.

If your lines are not perfect, that’s fine, because this style should be a bit fun. It’s part of the charm. A bit of shimmer top coat on some nails makes the light reflect in a fun way.

You could say these are summer vacation in nail form, since they’re fun, playful and a little mischievous. These are great for beach parties, amusement parks or any place you want to have fun this spring.

Polka Dot Surf Tips

And then… there’s this. A minimal take with maximum impact. Navy and white dots are scattered on the tips of the nails, giving the look of sea spray or the bubbles left by a wave crashing. The nude base is so clean which means the makeup stays fresh and easy to care for, even with a fun pattern.

The beauty of this design? It’s incredibly beginner-friendly. All you need is a sheer pink base (OPI’s “Bubble Bath” is still queen), and a dotting tool to apply the navy and white gel polish. The shape of your tip can be done freehand or with the help of tip guides, based on how much precision you want.

If you’re in a hurry, these would be great to use as gel-x or press-on nails. Apply a glossy no-wipe top coat to seal the dots and keep them from getting dull.

I’d choose these for a beach date, a weekend away or even just because they go with half my swimsuits. It shows that simple summer nail looks can still stand out in 2025. A little playful idea can make you feel more put together and lively.

Soft Blue French with Dotted Blooms

The manicure is both fun and elegant at the same time. This twist on the French tip uses powder blue which is drawn diagonally across the nails. The dotted white florals which seem to float in like the tide, are what really make this dress special. They are placed in a way that makes them look like tiny flowers floating above the smile line. It makes me imagine waking up by the ocean in early summer, with a breeze, a clear blue sky and no need for makeup.

For a look this clean, I usually reach for OPI’s GelColor in “It’s a Boy!” for the tips. You can see the white dots best when you use a thick polish like Blanc and using a dotting tool with different ends allows you to place them naturally. You want the decoration to be diverse, since that’s what makes it fun.

Here’s how I’d approach it at home: start with a sheer nude or pale pink base (think “Ballet Slippers” by Essie), let that dry completely, and use striping tape diagonally before brushing on the blue. After that, use a dotting tool or a toothpick to add the florals to the cake. Once your nails are dry, finish with a top coat designed for the beach such as Seche Vite, to keep the saltwater away.

These nails are so simple but unexpectedly joyful. I wore something like this last year on a quick trip to San Diego and three people I didn’t know complimented me at a smoothie place, on the boardwalk and in CVS. This made me feel that they were doing a good job.

Glossy Ocean Flowers with Gold Gems

Florals for summer? Always. But this version has a 2025 twist. The blue flowers appear to be taken from a coral reef—they have 3D petals in navy and aqua and are held in place by glittering gold gems. This look feels very luxurious, but it’s never too over the top. The high-gloss finish makes the item shine like wet sea glass—a gentle sparkle with a big effect.

The best way to get raised flower petals is with a builder gel or acrylic paint. I prefer using Born Pretty 3D Gel to get that cushioned finish. The Ocean Blue color in Beetles Gel Polish Set lets you create many different looks. You should use gold embellishments and strong glue and Makartt Rhinestone Gel is the perfect choice for hot and humid weather.

If you’re going DIY, start with a neutral base to let the art shine. I draw the petals a little bit at a time, overlapping each layer a bit to make them look realistic. While the gel is still sticky, put gems in the center and let it cure. These aren’t “paint and go” nails—they’re slow art. But the end result? Worth every second.

Would I wear these to the beach? Absolutely. I would also wear gold jewelry with them for dinner on the roof. They’re that versatile. If a mani works seamlessly from sun protection to a spritz, you continue to use it regularly.

Sea-Inspired Matte with Mermaid Scales

If being a mermaid ever feels like fun to you—this tutorial is for you. The base is a soft, creamy matte pastel blue, but the scale prints and few aquatic designs turn this into an ocean-themed piece. There’s a starfish, there’s gradient scallops, there’s texture. The style says, “I’m happiest when I’m at the beach, sand in my toes.”

Apply a matte top coat such as OPI Matte Top Coat, to get the velvety finish instantly. For the lines, get a fine-tipped liner brush and polishes like Zoya’s “Blu” and Color Club “White On”. If you’re brave, freehand the shapes. If not, you can use nail art stickers or stamping plates which are really helpful.

This isn’t your average summer nail. It’s intricate, but not overwhelming. Just seeing it makes me feel better instantly. I brought the same outfit to a beach bachelorette weekend and it got noticed more than what I was wearing. Nails like these make me realize how much fun there is in the little things.

Deep Teal Waves with Gold Sparkle

There’s a special appeal to dark ocean colors and this design shows that very well. The teal polish is like the waves and the white layer adds a misty look, all finished with a shimmering gold foil. The atmosphere is both moody and luxurious, like a sunset at the beach when the sky becomes dramatic. For me, this is the “vacation-at-night” nail.

I’d use a blooming gel to achieve that smooth movement and Modelones Blooming Gel is an easy one for beginners. Put in a few drops of teal and white polish while the mixture is still wet and let the colors blend. Then, delicately press in flecks of gold foil (I use Beetles Nail Foil Set) for that subtle shimmer.

This style is simpler than it appears and a lot of the effect comes from letting the colors blend naturally. It doesn’t need perfection, just rhythm. So, it’s perfect for girls who love a relaxed, creative look and want their nails to look like art. I easily picture this being worn with a maxi dress and bare feet on the boardwalk.

Sunset Palms Over Blue Waters

Now this is summer bottled up in a manicure. Because the base is nude and the waves are in blue and glitter, the nails seem to move, just like sunlight on the ocean. And the palm trees? Iconic. The black outlines give the look a solid base and turn the whole look into a mini version of a beach postcard.

To nail this (literally), you’ll want ultra-fine nail art brushes and a good black stamping polish. For the black stamping, I recommend using Maniology’s black and to get the waves, mix a turquoise like Essie’s “Turquoise & Caicos” with a bit of glitter gel. If you decide to freehand everything, it can be very soothing.

This might be my favorite of the bunch. Every summer vacation I’ve ever had is wrapped up in these five paintings. Putting on something like this makes me think I am already at the beach, even if I’m still in my car.

Turquoise Fade with Starfish Charm

As soon as I saw this set, I was smitten — the green fading into the pink is just like the water of a Caribbean beach. But the star of the show (literally) is that delicate 3D starfish perched on the accent nail. The shape is just right to reflect light, so it doesn’t feel heavy and still gives a chic vibe.

My favorite way to get this fade is with The GelBottle’s “Daisy” as the base and “Tiffany” at the tip, using an ombré sponge for the smooth blending. Nail artists prefer using 3D textured gels like Wildflowers Art Paint on starfish designs to avoid lifting the paint.

At home, paint a light pink gel polish as your base, cure it and then add seafoam green gel to the tips using a makeup sponge or an ombré brush. Blend it before curing. Place a tiny drop of builder gel at the place you want the starfish and use a fine dotting tool or an embellishment to shape it, then seal the whole design with a top coat.

I wore this style last summer when I was in San Diego and people kept stopping me at cafés to find out where I got my nails done. It has an understated elegance, but you can still feel like you’re on a holiday.

Sky Blue Starfish Pop

This design is for people who like minimalism but also want something playful. A matte baby blue is the base for each nail and soft white starfish accents are placed on them, giving the look of little treasures found in tidepools. The atmosphere is playful, a bit naughty and totally inspiring for your Pinterest boards.

I think OPI’s “To Infinity and Blue-yond” or Lights Lacquer’s “Blue Moon” are the best for a perfect blue. You can paint the starfish by hand with a dotting tool and a fine brush or you can use nail decals from Etsy or Daily Charme which is useful if you don’t want to draw the starfish freehand.

After your base is dry, draw the starfish outline with white liner gel, dot the ends and add texture with blooming gel or sprinkle white powder on top before curing. Conclude by applying a matte topcoat, since it is the difference between flat and raised areas that makes it special.

This is the kind of set I’d choose for a day out with a big white linen shirt and a simple makeup look.

Mermaid-Inspired Pastel Reef

Now we move into true fantasy — pastel pink and turquoise gradients with little reef-like white details and soft starfish shapes scattered around. It’s a storybook experience of snorkeling, with its dreamy, gentle and magical feel. It looks like the colors were airbrushed together so perfectly.

You might like “Bubblegum Bliss” and “Mint Macaron” polishes from Le Mini Macaron and a jelly top coat would give your nails that shiny, underwater effect. For the reef pattern, you can use a white liner gel or you can use stamping plates if you prefer not to draw it by hand.

I haven’t worn this exact combo (yet), but a friend of mine rocked something similar for her engagement beach shoot in Tulum and it photographed so beautifully. It’s playful but not too bold, perfect for romantic summer plans or just pretending you’re a mermaid at heart.

Swirling Ocean Marble with Gold Shimmer

Now we’re getting luxe. The nail set is focused on waves of marble in teal, baby blue and white and it adds a touch of golden shimmer to the look without becoming too flashy. It’s as if someone took the Aegean Sea, added a touch of fairy dust and poured it into a bottle.

You should have three or four polishes close in color, for example, Essie’s “Find Me an Oasis,” “Go Overboard,” and a touch of gold foil gel or glitter flakes. The marble look is made by swirling the polishes on the nail with a brush before curing.

Creating this style is not fast, but the end result is always rewarding. Even if you feel adventurous, you might like water marbling, while gel swirls are more resistant to chipping and suit everyday wear better.

Every time I travel, hotel staff and beach baristas often compliment this style of clothing. It gives that ‘I’m on a yacht today’ energy, even if you’re just on your porch with a lemonade.

Cotton Candy Shell Fade

Lastly, the most gentle, gentle fade there is. It has a soft gradient of pink, lavender, seafoam and baby blue and a gentle pearly shimmer that makes it look like a seashell in the light. Everything is pastel-colored, without any sharp lines and everything looks soft and shiny. It looks great with a real tan or a fake tan.

To get the dreamy pastel base, use Beetles “Cotton Candy Gel Set” and finish with a chrome powder topcoat for the shell-like effect.

A trick I discovered: putting a little blooming gel under the pastel and applying it with a sponge makes the fade look softer. After that, adding a shimmer topcoat like “Fairy Dust” from China Glaze creates a mermaid-like finish.

My nails had a moonlight-like shine when I wore something like this last summer. I’d love to try this again and especially for a beach wedding or for chilling with friends and enjoying a rosé on the sand.

Shell Sculpted Elegance

You can almost feel the sea right away with this design. The texture on every nail is inspired by ocean waves and the top layer is metallic seashells that sparkle like real treasures from the beach. The light blue background gives it a gentle, airy look and the shell art gives it a unique and fashionable style.

For such a detailed design, start with Kiara Sky’s “Blue-tiful” matte gel polish. The texture requires 3D builder gel to achieve the vertical ocean ripple effect. You can buy shell charms in nail art kits from Daily Charme or KADS and they will stick best when glued with a strong rhinestone glue.

I found out that making texture like this requires patience and a steady touch. Use thin layers of gel and let each one dry slowly to get the wavy effect. Use tweezers to place the metallic shells into a soft gel layer and then cover them with a top coat around the base.

This is the kind of manicure I’d book for a special weekend getaway — something you want to stare at when you’re sipping cocktails on the boardwalk.

Retro Palm Sunset

These are your bold and retro nails for the summertime. The pastel aqua and pink background makes me think of a ‘90s beach towel and the tiny gold palm trees are the sweetest way to bring the tropics to mind. This one is both playful and stylish, letting you know it’s here to let you relax in style.

You can recreate this look with polishes like Olive & June’s “Grateful & Kind” (pink) and “Yes Please” (mint). You can use metallic foil palm decals or you could also pick transfer stickers and finish them with a gel top coat to keep them in good shape.

To do the split base correctly, apply nail vinyls or painter’s tape after your base coat dries and then carefully add the second color. If you are doing it yourself, place your decals on the nails when the polish is almost dry.

It reminds me of the Santa Monica beach boardwalk, with a good mix of kitsch and coolness. I’d serve this with a towel that matches and a watermelon mojito.

Seafoam Ombré with Pearl Accents

Have you ever felt the water moving over your toes as you stand in the soft sand? That’s exactly what this mani captures. A gradient from blush to blue that fades just like a watercolor sky, with tiny pearl accents at the tips as if they were morning dew. It’s soft, romantic, and subtly regal.

A sheer jelly polish such as Lights Lacquer’s “Mrs. Darling” or “Bluebell,” looks lovely next to a gradient like this. The pearls are flat-back mini beads (often labeled as caviar pearls or micro half-pearls) and can be applied with a drop of top coat or nail glue.

The best way I found to use pearls on nails was to apply them when the top coat is still a bit sticky. If you want to be very careful, add a tiny drop of builder gel under each sticker.

This style is great for a summer wedding or for a Sunday brunch by the water. It flows smoothly, but it shines in all the best places.

Pearls and Midnight Starfish

Now this one? It’s drama. It’s glamour. It’s sunset cocktails and ocean-side dinners. All the little touches such as the ombré hair and the gold starfish and pearls, were meant to draw attention. Rich colors and added 3D designs make it stand out instantly without saying much more.

My suggestion for the base is a deep blue like “Russian Navy” by OPI and then blend it with a soft nude or rose-pink. To keep the stars and pearls in place, you’ll use builder gel or nail glue and a strong top coat will seal everything in.

It takes patience to make this at home, but it is possible. Apply the gradient, let it dry and then arrange the embellishments before securing them with tweezers and gel. The builder layer is essential for making the design last.

It looks like something a mermaid would wear at a gala — it’s dreamy, bold and impossible to forget.

Wave-Tipped Minimalist

This one’s for my clean-girl aesthetic lovers. The look is simple — a light pink base, a clear blue tip and just a small amount of darker shimmer along the edges, as if sunlight was reflecting off ocean foam. It looks great but still feels fun, much like applying lip gloss.

The best way to do this set is with sheer base coats such as Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” or Chanel’s “Ballerina.” The blue tip is perfectly matched by Orly’s “Cornflower Blue.” You can make a shimmer line using a striping brush and a glitter gel liner and I really like the ones from The GelBottle or Born Pretty.

The secret here is in the swoop. Draw a wave using a fine liner brush, moving the brush from one side to the other. Afterward, put on a shimmer or chrome outline to give the eyes more shine. You can wear art in a simple way that doesn’t look too much.

I think this set would be perfect for a minimalist visiting the Hamptons for a spa day — it shows elegance in a quiet way.