Beach Toe Nails That Shine in 2025: Stunning Summer Pedicure Trends You’ll Love
Isn’t it funny how summer always feels like the season where your toes suddenly get promoted to main character? The sandals come out, beach days multiply, and suddenly you’re staring down at your feet thinking, “Do I need a vibe shift here?” Well — spoiler alert — you do. But don’t stress, that’s why we’re here. The beach toe nails that glimmer in 2025 are not merely about the color this season, but they are complete mood boards. Whether you’re someone who religiously books your monthly pedi or a DIY queen armed with gel kits and Pinterest boards, I’ve got your back. Let’s dive into the designs that are ruling the sand this year.
Vibrant Starburst Energy
The first design is unapologetically cheerful. Most of the toes are covered with a bright hot pink, however, the illusion occurs on the big toe – a delicate starburst design appears on a light blush background. The contrast feels super fresh without being too loud, and honestly, it’s one of those designs that instantly makes your feet feel vacation-ready even if you’re just hitting your backyard.
To recreate this, you’ll want a strong pigmented fuchsia like OPI’s “Strawberry Margarita” for the main color. For the starburst, I would go with Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” as the background and use a thin dotting tool or fine brush with DND Gel Polish in “Red Hot Tamale” for the star points. Seal the deal with a high-gloss gel top coat and you are ready to keep the shine on your beach days.
The trickiest part here is the starburst detail, but it’s totally manageable at home with dotting tools (Amazon has kits for under $10). Begin with two coats of blush pink, and cure (if you are working with gel), followed by a stable hand when applying the red dots. Professional nail artist Tom Bachik usually suggests applying paint in the middle and then moving out to achieve that symmetrical look. Genius.
I tested this one before a visit to Key West last month, and, I swear by no means to be dramatic, I could not take my eyes off my feet. The pop of color against sun-kissed skin? Absolute chef’s kiss. And truth to tell it photographed so well off the turquoise water. When you are in the mood of something light and yet sophisticated -this one will do.
Soft Ombré Serenity
This design is as refreshing as the ocean air. It runs deeper in coral-pink to a light white gradient that cries out summer chic. It’s the kind of look that works whether you’re lounging poolside with a margarita or heading to a casual beach wedding.
For this ombré, I would choose Madam Glam’s “Coral Me Maybe” paired with Beetles Gel in “Milky White.” A high-density sponge or a small makeup wedge will also be required to achieve that gradient blend. And do not leave out a sticky base coat to make it last, with sand, salt water and sun screen in play.
To do this yourself, paint on your base color and then apply the sponge method, very gradually fading the white to the tips. Cure between layers to build depth. Nail artist Elle Gerstein always reminds her clients to “blend gently and build slowly for ombré that melts like a sunset.” Honestly, patience is the real secret here.
On a personal level, I love, love, love ombr e pedicures since they exude that put-together-but-not-trying-too-hard look. It’s also ridiculously forgiving if you’re not 100% precise. I had a very similar appearance last summer in Malibu and it lasted perfect nearly three weeks – despite every day walks on the beach. It’s like the low-maintenance beach babe dream.
Minimalist Ocean Blue Charm
Here’s where we lean fully into coastal energy. The toes are covered in a soft, sky blue and the dainty turtle shapes provide a whimsical salute to life on the island. It’s playful without being juvenile, and feels very “I just got back from Maui” even if you’re home on the patio.
To get this vibe, I recommend Olive & June’s “Blue Canoe” or OPI’s “Gelato On My Mind” for that creamy blue base. For the turtles, you can use black nail art pens (try Beetles Nail Art Pens) or find tiny turtle stickers that are surprisingly easy to apply and stay put under top coat.
The key here is keeping your lines delicate. You do not want thick or overpowering art work – the simplicity of the detail is beautiful. Nail pro Brittney Boyce often suggests using ultra-fine brushes or stickers if you’re not 100% confident with freehand designs. Then you can have that pro finish without the hassle.
Honestly, this design makes me smile every time. It has this just right mix of beachy and upscale – sort of like when you bring a straw hat and designer sunglasses on a resort weekend. Low effort, maximum aesthetic.
Pink Tropical Escape
The energy here is tropical without the trying too hard part. The deep pink ground-colour is already summer-perfect, yet the tiny white hibiscus floral notes take it to another level. It is understated enough to go everywhere, yet distinctive enough that folks will definitely be commenting on your feet at brunch.
For this look, I’d grab Essie’s “Mod Square” for that vibrant pink. For the flowers, you can either freehand with a tiny brush and white gel paint (try Modelones Art Gel) or apply pre-made hibiscus decals. Seal the deal by finishing it with a shiny top coat such as Seche Vite.
To do it yourself, begin with two coats of pink and then apply your floral detail very carefully. Negative space is your friend, Julie Kandalec, a celebrity nail artist, says always. Leave it clean, and allow the pink to breathe about the flowers.
I rocked a similar design during a girls’ trip to Palm Springs, and it honestly boosted my mood every time I slipped on sandals. Sometimes, it’s the tiniest details that make you feel like you’re on a permanent vacation.
Sunset Sorbet Glow
This one is pure dessert for your toes. There is a subtle gradient that goes through warm peach and bubblegum pink and takes all the golden hour vibes. The glossy finish makes it shine like it’s permanently basking in the last rays of sun before twilight.
To achieve this, I love Bio Seaweed Gel’s “Peach Please” paired with Le Mini Macaron’s “Rose Crème”. Fade effect is most effective when using sponge or airbrush tool in case you are fancy. And do not forget about a sticky base coat so that the blend would remain even and perfect.
Soft gradient blending is just about applying thin layers and curing between applications. As celebrity nail tech Naomi Yasuda often suggests: “Keep your sponge barely damp with color for smoother fades and avoid harsh streaks.”
Honestly, this is my personal favorite for 2025. It feels romantic, beachy, and endlessly wearable. Had to choose only one pedi to last me through the entire summer – this would be it. Believe me, it is the sort of design that will make people enquire where you had it done.
Cotton Candy Minimalism
This is what I would describe as the MVP (Most Valuable Pedi) of summer. The straight bubblegum pink color is very bright but incredibly wearable, giving that youthful kick without being too trendy. The shiny finishing provides the toes with that nearly candy-like sheen, which looks so good with sun-kissed skin and strappy sandals.
In order to achieve this very atmosphere, I personally grab OPI Suzi Nails New Orleans or Essie Cascade Cool every time. Both colors possess that creamy opaque pink that is not too neon or pastel. Be sure to apply a super high-shine top coat such as Seche Vite to really bring out the reflective finish -you can really tell the difference when your toes are in the sun on the beach.
The application technique is, frankly speaking, the secret weapon in this one. Two thin coats give that salon-perfect finish, while a good cuticle oil (like CND SolarOil) helps keep everything looking fresh for weeks. Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann often reminds her clients: “Thin coats prevent bubbles and ensure even drying — patience equals perfection.” I can hear that advice rent-free in my head whenever I paint my own toes.
I love this shade because it’s both classic and flirty. I have dressed it up and down, backyard BBQs to beach vacations and it does not look out of place at all. When you’re not sure what vibe you want? This one never fails.
Serene Blue Escape
This look is pure calming energy. A gentle powdery blue sweeps across the toes, giving off serious “clear sky, calm sea” vibes. It’s minimal, but not boring. There’s something almost meditative about how soft and clean it feels — like a breath of fresh ocean air.
If I were pulling my kit for this, I’d grab Olive & June’s “Angelfish” or OPI’s “It’s A Boy!” They both have that just right creamy pastel finish that is not too icy or pale. And frankly speaking it is that golden mean when the shade is noticeable even in the direct sunlight but never excessive.
And the best thing about working with pastel blues is that they are very forgiving -even when you are performing your own pedicure. As manicurist Betina Goldstein advises, “Light shades are easier to fix mid-application because imperfections don’t scream at you like they do with dark colors.” And I can personally testify to the fact that -you have a little more breathing time with pastels.
I was wearing this shade when I was on vacation last year at Lake Tahoe and I received so many compliments just by walking along the beach in flip-flops. It’s subtle sophistication at its best — calm, cool, collected — like your feet are gently whispering, “I’m living my best life.”
Mermaid Chrome Fantasy
This design? It’s pure magic. The iridescent, chrome-like shimmer varies between aqua, lavender and pearl with the play of light. It is mermaid-core without being costume-y, which is ideal if you wish to have that mystical aesthetic without the glitter excess.
You will need to begin with a light base such as OPI Kyoto Pearl or Essie Pearly White. Top that with a chrome powder, I adore Born Pretty Aurora Unicorn Chrome, finished with a no-wipe gel top coat. That is the key to that nearly holographic depth that literally changes color in each photo.
The key step here is the chrome application. Apply with sponge applicator and buff on cured gel polish. Nail technician Queenie Nguyen bypasses the buffing altogether by simply warming up your finger pads and then applying the chrome finish which comes out smoother. I have tested it, and, frankly speaking, it is brilliant. Zero streaks.
This is my fall back when I am in the mood of something attention grabbing yet elegant. It can be dressed up enough to wear to a destination wedding but can also be worn on those lazy days at the beach drinking piña coladas. Mermaid vibes unlocked.
Whimsical Shell Swirls
This design feels like a direct nod to nature’s own elegance. Delicate curving lines in muted colours are encircled around a pearly ground, resembling seashells bleached on the beach. The small pieces of glitter that are sprinkled all over it make it even more special, almost as if one caught the sunbeams playing on the waves.
To create this look, you’ll want CND’s “Cream Puff” as your creamy base and LeChat’s Perfect Match “Twilight Sangria” for the fine swirl work. Ultra-thin nail art brushes are key here (try Makartt’s Nail Art Liner Brush Set) to get those delicate curves. The shimmer is provided by a bit of OPI Kyoto Pearl lightly brushed on with a detail brush.
Creating these fine swirls requires patience. As manicurist Park Eunkyung (a.k.a. Unistella) suggests, “Rest your hand solidly on the table, and breathe out as you pull the brush across — like drawing with your whole arm, not just your wrist.” It helps keep the lines fluid and balanced.
Whenever I adorn complicated patterns such as this one, I believe I am holding a small part of the ocean in my arms. It is beautiful and somewhat mesmeric -Seashells in amber. If you love delicate artistry, this design sings.
Deep Ocean Luxe
This design is absolutely captivating. The majority of the toes are covered in a rich, deep teal color with the big toe having a marbled ocean pattern with accents of white foam and gold leaf decorum. It’s basically like capturing a luxury resort view right on your feet — and yes, it’s as fabulous as it sounds.
The color palette here starts with Zoya’s “Remy” for that jewel-toned base. To marbling, I suggest Modelones Marble Ink Set with some white and teal. Carefully apply gold leaf flakes (Daily Charme’s Gold Foil) while the polish is still tacky before sealing everything in with a thick glossy top coat.
Marbling might seem scary, but celebrity nail artist Mei Kawajiri recommends beginning with only a drop or two of marble ink, then swirling it slightly with a toothpick or fine brush, and then sealing it in with top coat. It is strangely addictive when you figure it out.
I am in love with the way this design is bold and artistic. I had one very similar to it as a coastal wedding last summer, and I received endless compliments, even from people I did not know at the hotel pool. It’s definitely one of those designs that screams “expensive vacation.”
Tropical Sunset Ombre
This design is simply the summer sunset on your very toes. The coral is shifting to the lively yellow and pale white at the tips, making it have that recognizable golden hour look. And let’s not forget the glittering gold accent on the big toe — it’s like dipping your feet into sunshine itself.
To achieve this rich gradient, I’d reach for Madam Glam’s “Summer Time” for the coral, Gelish “Lemon Fizz” for that sunbeam yellow, and OPI “Alpine Snow” to softly fade toward the tips. For the golden glitter, nothing beats ILNP’s “Goldie” for that luxe sparkle.
Ombre blends require a light hand. Put on the base color and then apply two colors on your sponge and blend softly as you apply. Pro nail artist Tom Bachik suggests coating ombre gradients with a thin coat of sheer nude polish before topcoat to make it all melt together nicely. Trust me — that tiny step is a game-changer.
I instantly feel cheerful whenever I sport sunset-themed pedis. It’s like your feet are having their own little vacation, even if you’re just sipping iced coffee on your patio. That is the essence of beach toe nails that glow in 2025.
Electric Rainbow Chrome
This design practically hums with energy. Blue, teal, violet, and magenta stripes are mixed together and topped with a reflective chrome finish that appears alive when the sun strikes. Holographic has a sister who goes to parties in Miami – this would be it.
The foundation starts with a solid silver chrome base like Born Pretty’s “Mirror Chrome Powder”. Then add some color stripes with Beetles Gel Liner Set, their electric colors are just right. Seal it all up with a no-wipe top coat to give it that nice smooth reflective finish.
The secret with this is balance -keep your stripes narrow and irregular to blend naturally. Professional nail artist and celeb fingernail designer Brittney Boyce suggests applying layers of color when the base is still slightly tacky to allow better adhesion and a smoother flow of color.
I had a style like this last summer at a festival and I can tell you -my feet received nearly as many compliments as my outfit. It is loud, unusual, and definitely made to enjoy the sun and have fun.
Denim Sky Simplicity
Here we dive into the power of quiet luxury. The toes are fully painted in a cool-toned muted blue that adds an almost effortless chic to this polish that would look just as good with casual sandals and beach clothes as it would with your favorite pair of distressed jeans.
With this shade, I am obsessed with Essie, “Bikini So Teeny” or Zoya, “Blu.” Both are just in that sweet place between subdued and goofy. They can be worn on all summer occasions and they do not require too much attention.
Frankly, this is such a simple look to do at home, you just need two smooth coats and a high-shine top coat. Nail pro Julie Kandalec suggests following up your top coat once dry with a cuticle oil to keep that just-out-of-the-salon look lasting weeks.
This shade gives me major Hamptons-weekend vibes. Clean, cool, polished — but never trying too hard. An absolute classic in the making of the definitive beach toe nails that glisten in 2025 compilation.
Minty Marble Waves
We have soft mint here, with delicate marbling, and only a hint of silver glitter to give dimension without dominating. It’s beachy, it’s playful, and it feels like the nail art version of a spa day by the ocean.
To pull this off, start with OPI’s “That’s Hula-rious!” as your creamy mint base. To accomplish the marble look, apply Modelones Marble Ink in both black and white and swirl softly all over the big toe. Add some Silver Dust Glitter by Kiara Sky to keep it sporting a bit of bling.
The trick to marbling is motion -do not overwork your pattern. As Park Eunkyung of Unistella always states, “When you feel like you want to do one more swirl, that is the sweet spot, stop there.” Couldn’t agree more.
On a personal level, I find this design providing me with that silent glamour that is as much appropriate at the beach brunch as it is at the evening dinner by the sea. It’s got personality, but it whispers rather than shouts.
Classic French Revival
Some things never go out of style. This French tip pedicure is simply chic using light blush pink and white tips. It never goes out of style, and it looks amazing on literally everyone, so it is a staple that one needs to have when going to the beach.
For the perfect shades, I swear by CND “Beau” for the pink base and Essie “Blanc” for those immaculate white tips. Use striping tape if you’re not confident with your freehand — it gives you that perfect edge every time.
extension And honestly? She’s totally right. Makes your feet look instantly more polished.
When I want something that will work with everything, I always resort to the French tip. Beach ceremonies, rooftop drinks, poolside napping – you pick it. It’s classic for a reason.
Soft Blush Elegance
Sometimes, less is everything. This light blush pink color is the personification of quiet luxury. It is soft, hyper-feminine and functions like a neutral yet remains summer appropriate. It is ideal with absolutely every beach outfit – linen flowy dresses, and those tiny white bikinis.
My go-to shades for this are Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” or Zoya’s “Dot.” Both of them give that creamy blush color that is not washing out or too sheer. To finish, I always rely on Seche Vite to add that salon-gloss top coat that almost shines back the sun rays.
The application is incredibly forgiving here, two even coats, a good top coat and you are golden. Nail pro Tom Bachik recommends applying a ridge-filling base coat first in shades this light to make the finish as smooth as possible. I promise by that trick – no streaks, only silky polish.
This color is so easy to wear, I lost track of how many times I wore it, and each time, it feels so chic. It’s like slipping into your favorite neutral heels. Subtle, yes — but absolutely stunning.
Delicate Porcelain Pink
This one is like your go-to “I’m-put-together-with-zero-effort” polish. A little less warm pale pink that is very flattering on every skin tone. It has that spa-day energy, yet is just as lovely as a beachside brunch or seaside wedding weekend.
I love using OPI’s “Let’s Be Friends!” or DND Gel “Baby Pink” for this look. They provide that perfect coverage without the feared patchiness that light pinks are capable of delivering.
To maintain the appearance of this shade clean, apply a couple of thin layers and seal with high-gloss gel top coat. Celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein always says: “Thin layers give that porcelain finish — heavy coats only lead to pooling.” Never truer words were spoken -at least my toes can testify each time.
It is my final choice when I am in the mood to be safe yet undeniably chic. This look is a chameleon, whether it is your first day at the beach or a romantic dinner by the sea.
Sunbeam Yellow Pop
And now about sheer happiness – since that is what this sunny yellow will make your toes feel. It is daring, cheerful, and absolutely carefree in the spirit of summer. You just can stop smiling each time you notice it in your flip-flops.
The ideal matches here are Essie, Aim to Misbehave or OPI Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet. They both have that egg-yolk color that is so warm and that takes the sun without being neon.
Application tip? Start with a white base coat first (try OPI Alpine Snow) to make the yellow pop even more vibrantly. Pro artist Julie Kandalec swears by this hack when dealing with brights – and once you do it, you can never go back.
I had a shade similar to this on a visit to Tulum, and people I had never met were halting me simply to comment on how much fun my toes were. It is an energy-radiating color – totally suitable as beach toe nails that glow in 2025.
Blush Marble Veins
Here we shift into something a little more artistic. The toes are a soft dusty pink, however, thinner lines of marbled red span across them delicately, almost as if it is abstract art created by nature itself. It is stylish, surprising, and provides the necessary touch of roughness to an otherwise gentle design.
As a base I suggest Zoya, “Dot”, or OPI, “Mod About You.” The marble veins can be created with ultra-fine nail art pens (Beetles Nail Art Pen in Red), or hand-painted with a liner brush for more control.
It is the randomness that matters most – allow the lines to be unsystematic. Brittney Boyce often says: “Don’t overthink the marble — organic lines are what give it sophistication.” And she is so right – and it is such fun to play with.
When I attempted this look I could not take my eyes off my toes. It has the understated drama of a modern art object – yet is completely wearable in sand, surf and seaside suppers.
Neutral Café Cream
We arrive here with a scream of minimalist luxury. A creamy beige-cream polish provides a fresh and polished appearance that seems to suit equally well a rooftop brunch in the city and a barefoot stroll in the sand.
To get that warm, neutral feel, go for Essie, topless & barefoot or CND, field fox. The formula is completely smooth and provides that natural-looking shine that lengthens and flatterers all toe shapes.
It is so easy to apply: two coats and top coat and you are finished. But — don’t skip cuticle oil (I swear by CND SolarOil) because it takes neutrals from nice to flawless. Nail artist Deborah Lippmann refers to neutral toes as the secret accessory that will silently upgrade your whole mood.
I wore this last season on a long beach holiday in Sardinia, and it matched with all the outfits, all the swimsuits, and all the sunset pictures. A true staple for summer 2025.
Retro Bubble Pop
This one is an absolute playful gem. The soft pink underlying tones are overlaid with large white and blush circles to give it a groovy retro feel that seems to have been plucked right out of a retro beach postcard. It’s fun, youthful, and gives total summer festival energy.
To achieve this kind of vibe again, I would suggest you use OPI as a base “Cotton Candy Cutie”. On the circles, take Essie in “Blanc” and Orly in “Kiss Me I am Kind” to layer. Here your best friend will be dotting tools of different sizes to get perfect round shapes.
Here the trick is distance, make your circles uneven and overlapping so they do not look too perfect. Nail artist Queenie Nguyen recommends: “Allow the brush to dance and avoid symmetry: “Controlled imperfection is beautiful.” Totally true — and totally cute.
I had something similar on during a weekend getaway to Miami last year – I could not feel more on vacation. It’s happy, eye-catching, and pure beach energy.
Whipped Marshmallow Cream
Now we plunge back into silent luxury with this milky pink sheer that is like a spa pedicure on steroids. The polish nearly radiates on the skin like the silkiest silk – delicate, sophisticated, and infinitely wearable.
My recommendations? Bubble Bath by OPI or Pink Whisper by DND will provide that glassy, translucent pink with very little effort. It can be paired with CND Super Shiney top coat to make it extra shiny even under the sun.
The secret is in the thin layers -at least three coats, but each one is hardly there to create that creamy depth. Sheer polish, as nail pro Betina Goldstein puts it, is not about rushing through a manicure, but rather, is all about patience. And your patience will totally pay off.
I love this color when I am in the mood to make my toes look fancy yet soft as a whisper. Whether you’re barefoot in soft sand or pairing it with minimalist gold jewelry, it feels very rich girl summer.
Turquoise Sea Foam
It is the final color of the beach escape -bright turquoise, which is as refreshing as taking a dip in the crystal clear Caribbean waters. It is bright, exotic and virtually designed with sand between the toes and salt in the waves.
The clear winners here are Essie, “Turquoise & Caicos” or OPI, “Can t Find My Czechbook”. Their creamy consistency spreads evenly and provides you with a complete coverage with just two coats.
A ridge-filling base coat can be the difference between a glass-smooth finish when dealing with bold colors such as this. Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann always says: “Your base coat is your foundation — smooth base equals flawless finish.” Could not agree more.
This shade screams summer vacation. I wear it when I reserve a room at an island resort – it is fun, it is picture perfect and it is an instant mood enhancer.
Muted Sage Chic
Beach vibes can also be a little more earthy sometimes – and this dusty sage green provides just that. It is relaxed, elegant, and surprisingly fresh summer 2025, it is trendy but feels timeless at the same time.
Try Olive & June’s “WKF” or Zoya’s “Beech.” Both of them give you that dusty, creamy sage that is modern, but not yelling at you.
Apply two thin coats and a thick coat of Seche Vite top coat and you will have that high-end, salon-quality shine. As nail artist Mei Kawajiri tends to say: “Muted colors require a perfect application to feel deliberate — get those cuticles ready.”
I had a long weekend getaway at a vineyard resort, and I tried this color, and it made me feel immediately put together. It is stylish, it is cool and it looks fantastic with linen, raffia and all that natural stuff we all live in during the summer.
Powder Blue Perfection
This powder blue is so light and airy and cries minimalist beach vibes. It is contemporary, hassle free and looks gorgeous on both fair and tan skin.
To achieve this tone, go to Essie in their “Find Me An Oasis” or DND in their cloud blue. They both go on like a dream and provide flawless coverage with minimal effort.
Application tip: This colour looks good with thin, even coats and a super glossy top coat. Pro manicurist Elle Gerstein suggests floating your top coat to prevent streaking lighter shades of polish, and it is definitely a pro tip that does the trick.
This colour reminds me of silent mornings at the sea, huge sunglasses and airy white dresses. When you are in the mood to have a simple yet refreshing color on your beach toe nails that glisten in 2025, this one hits the nail on the head.
Sky Blue Serenity
Here we have that ultimate “calm ocean morning” vibe. This dusty sky blue is sort of between baby blue and sea breeze – quiet enough to wear every day, but cool enough to make you still feel like summer fairy dust under your sandals.
In this shade, Olive & June in Blue Jeans or Essie in Borrowed & Blue achieve that perfect pastel-meets-grown-up appearance. Both apply beautifully even in just two coats.
Make sure your layers are light so that you do not get streaks, particularly with pastels. Nail pro Brittney Boyce suggests slightly floating the brush with very little pressure to place pigment down in an even layer without causing bald spots. Simple, but so effective.
This is one of my go-to shades for early beach season — it works whether you’re lounging poolside or barefoot in the sand. It gives “effortlessly chic” energy every single time.
Peach Blossom Bloom
This design is basically summer flowers in full bloom. A creamy peach base contains hand-painted 3D pink petals that are romantic, tropical, and oh-so-beachy. The raised petal design is a beautiful touch that immediately dresses up the entire appearance.
To achieve this design, begin with a base of DND Peach Dahlia. Modelones 3D Gel is a good model to use in making the petal structure, as you can layer and sculpt without difficulty. The flower is completed by a small rhinestone or gold bead in the center.
This would be most effective in 3D designs using a dotting tool and builder gel to give that raised effect. Mei Kawajiri, celebrity nail artist, recommends “small and repeated gel dots that are cured in layers to keep the petal in check.” A little patience — totally worth it.
I wore something similar to a friend’s destination wedding, and I swear the toes stole the show (at least for me). When you desire to be ultra-feminine without being too done up, then this is the one to go to.
Coconut Milk White
When in doubt? Go white. This white cream pedicure is infinitely fresh, clean, and just beach-ready. It is the most summery neutral there is, like the soft sea foam touching smooth stones, it just feels luxurious.
These would be my absolute choices, Essie in Blanc or OPI in Alpine Snow. Both are iconic for that full, creamy, streak-free white.
White polishes often scare people — but here’s the pro tip: use a sticky base coat (like Orly Bonder) and ultra-thin layers to avoid any chalky build-up. Pro manicurist Elle Gerstein has a motto: “Less pressure, more layers.”
White toes at the beach are right. It suits all skin tones, looks fantastic in photos, and can be worn with absolutely everything in your summer closet.
Tropical Swirl Fusion
This design is pure playful vacation energy. The pedicure is completed in a bright yellow to ground the appearance, yet the detail that cannot be ignored is the colorful swirl of greens, oranges, and blues on the big toe -resembling the texture of the tropical fruit smoothies or the cocktails on the beach.
To this, you will want to begin with OPI Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet as your yellow. Marble swirl may be accomplished with Modelones Marble Ink Kit – place dots of each color and swirl softly with liner brush prior to curing.
This kind of marbling is incredibly beginner-friendly – nail artist Tom Bachik suggests making your swirls organic and not over-worked, as it can become muddy. Quick swirls give that perfectly imperfect vibe.
I adore it at beach parties or at a tropical resort vacation. It is sunny, cheerful, and slightly over-the-top, in the most wonderful way.
Baby Blue Ice
It is the more cool, nearly icy interpretation of soft pastels in summer. The baby blue color is slightly chilly enough to be current but with the calm, fresh coastal energy.
I’m obsessed with OPI’s “It’s A Boy!” or CND’s “Blue Eyeshadow.” Both apply smoothly and glossy without streaks, which is hard to find in light blues.
Thin coats are everything with pale shades like this. As nail guru to the stars Deborah Lippmann is constantly remindful: “To build up color without streaking, go slow; don’t hurry pale shades.” This one’s definitely worth taking your time.
I adore this color combined with silver accessories and huge sunglasses Saint-Tropez chic is my look throughout the summer. So perfect on your beach toe nails that gleam in 2025 mood board.