Is there a more classic look — that can still be changed — than a French manicure? Like linen sundresses and hair that has been in the sea, it receives a special summer update every year. But this year? French tips for summer 2025 are going beyond “classic.” They’re playful, painterly, pastel-dipped, and more expressive than ever. Try soft shapes, bold colors, floral hints of your favorite flowers and blended looks that are like melting sorbets. Curious what’s in and what’s irresistible? Let’s look at the nail trends that are making a big impression these days.
Daisy Petals and Butter Pastels
The look has a gentle and nostalgic feel, much like looking at a summer scrapbook from the past. The French tips are a soft, buttery yellow which makes them seem like you’ve been relaxing in the sun. Every nail features a tiny hand-drawn daisy which adds a touch of whimsy without going too far into kitsch. The base is a milky pink that gives everything a neat, glazed effect.
I’d begin with a base of Essie’s “Sheer Fantasy,” and then add OPI’s “Sunny Business” to the tips. For the flowers, a thin brush and some white gel paint are all you need — The Gel Bottle’s nail art brush is great for this level of detail. Put a small dot in the middle of each daisy to give it a bit of contrast; you could use gold, beige or lilac if you’d like.
Creating this at home? Tape is a great tool to use if you’re not comfortable doing French freehand. Prepare your nails, put on a base coat, use sticker guides to outline the tips and then paint the tips with yellow polish. Wait for it to dry, add the daisy accents and then seal it all with a high-gloss top coat.
The thing I enjoy most is that it’s playful without being too loud. It feels like something you’d wear to a brunch on a rooftop with a mimosa in hand. Soft, sunny, and charming — just like July mornings.
Neon Sunset Fade
When I saw the blend, I was instantly drawn in — it looks like someone captured golden hour and put it on each finger. The blend from bright orange to neon tangerine makes it seem like you are holding a summer sunset. The bold, juicy and electric french tips for summer 2025 are not too much, because the clear base keeps everything in balance.
To get this blend, I usually sponge on the gradient — start with a base coat like OPI’s “Bubble Bath,” then layer “Hotter Than You Pink” and “No Tan Lines” (also OPI) for that ombré punch. Using the sponge method helps blend the shades smoothly on the tip. A glossy top coat makes everything look smooth and glassy.
Pro tip from celeb manicurist Gina Edwards? Always brush your ombré colors on the eye in quick, thin layers and dab from side to side to keep the blend looking even. So, it won’t look like all the paint is on one finger.
This design screams poolside margaritas and sun-warmed skin. It’s lively, passionate and perfect for a girl who loves to be noticed.
Crisp White Tips with Blue Florals
This style is all about garden-party elegance in the most stylish way. Blue floral designs that appear to be painted on porcelain are used with traditional white French tips. The reason this is so new for summer 2025 is the contrast — white against blue which creates a look that is cool, clean and very feminine.
For the tips, I’d choose Bio Seaweed Gel in “White Magic” because it gives a bright look without being too chalky. Pick a fine-tip brush and apply “Butler Please” by Essie and “Blue Iris” by DND for the florals. A detail brush will be your savior here. Thin strokes and layered petals make all the difference.
New floral artists may start with small dots and blend the edges outward into petal shapes. Even a single flower per hand can make your nails look elegant, without making them too busy.
I was wearing a similar hairstyle for a baby shower last spring and many people asked me if I had my hair done in LA. This style manages to look fresh, fancy and flawless and it goes well with everything from jeans to tea dresses.
Playful Pinks and Cherry Blossoms
Okay, this one? Straight-up dopamine manicure. Bold red square tips are made softer by pink blending and cherry blossom-style flowers that are scattered throughout. The design makes it look like the nails are having fun and flirting with you. Even so, the square shape and neatly arranged flowers give it a sense of structure.
The best way to do the pink fade is to use “Cherry Jelly” at the tip and “Rosy Posy” nearer the nail bed. The white blossoms can be made by dabbing them on with the end of a bobby pin or a dotting tool — you don’t have to be steady for this step which I find very handy.
If you’re a tech girl, you might want to try the airbrush method for the blend. But honestly? You can use the sponge method and it will give your cake a soft and cloud-like finish. Doesn’t hurt to have each layer ready before adding more designs.
This song gives off a summer festival and strawberry popsicle vibe. It’s a strong color, but not overly bold and it looks great on every skin tone, especially with a light tan. Wearing this would make doing everyday activities or going away for the weekend much more cheerful.
Ocean Breeze Tips
This light blue tip over a nude base makes me think of the early morning at the beach, when the water is still a soft blue-grey color. It’s understated but so crisp. The blue arc at the top is very refreshing, especially alongside the natural-looking base. A subtle beauty is found here which is exactly what’s popular for french tips this summer.
A sheer neutral like “CV” from Olive & June or “Bela” from Zoya would be a good choice as a base and you could finish with “Saltwater Happy” from Essie on the tips. A curved brush will let you draw an arc smoothly without using tape. End by adding a jelly top coat to keep the overall look soft and translucent.
It looks wonderful on short nails as well, especially if you like a simple, personal touch. It’s about looking like a fashionable traveler with one bag and a great skincare routine.
Lemon Squeeze Almond
This style is about simple, elegant fashion with an interesting touch. The base is a soft, almost invisible neutral beige, but the lemon-shaped tips are what make it current. It reflects the simple, clean style of the minimalist trend, yet it uses summer colors. It has a simple, effortless look, like how sun-kissed skin looks or a white linen set on someone’s shoulders.
If I want to get it right at home, I start off with a neutral base like either Zoya’s “Dot” or Essie’s “Ballet Slippers.” If you want mellow lemon, the tips are “Sunshine Be Mine” from Lights Lacquer. A round-tip brush makes shaping the curve less intimidating.
Whenever I want to look polished but not overdone, I choose this kind of design. It’s ideal for work, weddings and even when you need to look nice on a short notice. The colors are soft and the almond shape makes the fingers look longer and more elegant.
Electric Tropic Waves
I love this style because it gives me a real rush of energy. The french tips for summer 2025 are designed for those who love to go to festivals or take a last-minute trip to the beach. The swirls of neon orange and hot pink are layered and curve over the nail tips on a crystal-clear nude base. It’s fun, eye-catching and a little daring which makes others wonder where you got the tattoo.
Having this look at home may seem tough, but the best way is to use nail art striping brushes. Base your nails with a clear coat and then add neon colors such as Orly’s “Connect the Dots” and “Beach Cruiser.” Instead of making the tips straight, make them soft and flowing.
According to celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec, turning your finger instead of the brush helps you make a better curve. After trying this, my lines have become much smoother.
I wore something similar on a bachelorette trip in Miami and it was complimented more than my sunglasses. This is a “main character” manicure.
Sunshine Bloomed Tips
There’s something instantly joyful about this one. A soft pink ombré forms the base which fades into yellow French tips and is finished with cute daisy-like flowers that seem to pop out. This manicure is like a sunlit meadow in the way it feels. It’s a mix of soft and bold which makes it ideal for french tips in the summer of 2025.
Begin with a sheer base coat such as OPI’s “Suzi Nails New Orleans,” and finish by sponging on “Sunshine State of Mind” near the tip. While the polish is still sticky, you can place tiny resin flowers or a yellow dotting polish with a darker center.
Although the 3D effect looks hard, you can get it with press-ons or flower decals in just five minutes. And with the extra topcoat? They last through all the margaritas and mini-getaways.
They have this set on and it’s clear they love farmer’s market flowers and are able to combine a vintage dress with sneakers with ease. It has a playful touch, a romantic feeling and is perfectly July.
Creamy Shorties in Vanilla Bean
This set is soft-spoken — and surprisingly satisfying. The nails are kept short and shaped like almonds and are painted a pale banana-cream color that looks especially bright during the golden hour. They’re sleek, minimal, and oh-so wearable. You can still create a strong summer look without using glitter or flowery styles, these french tips show. Sometimes, simplicity just hits harder.
You can begin with a sheer pink base such as Essie’s “Hard to Resist.” I really like Olive & June’s “Sweet & Gracious” because it gives a soft, buttery look without being too bold. You can draw the shape freehand or use French guide stickers for the perfect symmetry.
I keep coming back to this design whenever I want something that looks both clean and costly. Whether you’re at a meeting on Monday or having coffee on Saturday, it always works well.
And the best part? They grow out gracefully. It’s possible to skip touch-ups for a few weeks and your nails will remain looking good. Low maintenance girls, this one’s for you.
Lavender Haze Glow
This lovely style looks perfect because the lilac French tips go so naturally with the blush-pink base. The color isn’t shouty; instead, it looks like twilight fog. The shine from these manicure tips is soft under natural light, so your nails have a nice amount of sparkle. It’s up-to-date, neat and something anyone could wear, even if they aren’t a purple fan.
I like to layer Essie’s “Minimalistic” with a top coat of sheer violet (try DND’s “Violet Bloom”) just on the tips. If you want a clean curve, use a fine brush or if you’re not sure how to do it, use a silicone nail stamper.
If you’re aiming for a more stealth craft look, put on a thin holographic topcoat for a donut appearance with glitter. Trust me, this is a mood. It’s soft girl energy in the best way possible.
This is the kind of outfit I’d wear for a weekend in a winery or for a picnic among lavender fields or at least as I picture it. Either choice, it helps keep the scene peaceful and adorable.
Electric Green Energy Tips
There’s something magnetic about a fresh almond-shaped set dipped in neon green—especially when the tips look like they’re glowing under the sun. The design is all about the bright green French manicure, since the barely-there nude base blends in with the skin. Picking this color was bold, but it looks truly wearable, like citrus sorbet swimming in the sky. The drink is both refreshing, summery and surprisingly elegant for a drink with such a kick. I’d say this is a subtle way to make a statement, not a typical statement set.
I’d first use a base gel polish like ‘Dolly’ by The GelBottle or ‘Bubble Bath’ by OPI to get the subtle blush effect. The electric green? The bright green shades in Bio Seaweed’s ‘Lime Light’ and Beetles Gel would look amazing. Use a liner brush for precision if you’re not working with stickers or guides.
The trickiest part? Making the gradient look right so the green appears soft but still deliberate. I prefer to touch the color to the tip with a sponge or ombré brush, so it softens a bit into the base. I finish it off with a top coat that gives it a lot of shine—because shiny nails look amazing in the summer sun.
If you’re already dreaming about poolside mojitos or that bright green bikini waiting in your suitcase, this is your sign. French manicures in 2025 will be electric and this one is no different. It’s practically buzzing.
Pastel Sky French Curves
The combination of pastel blue tips and the diagonal swirl across natural pink is so charming. It brings to mind gelato, beach towels and soft-shelled skies. The thing that stands out to me is the looping line just below the French tip which makes the design look playful and soft. It’s not overly romantic, but rather feels like you’re having coffee in the beautiful morning sun on the Amalfi Coast.
You might like to use Essie’s ‘Ballet Slippers’ as a base and DND’s ‘Baby Blue’ gel polish for the blue part. To do the curved swirl, you need to control your brush, so if you’re not sure, try using a striping tape or a dotting tool to sketch the line.
I’m glad that this isn’t the usual straight-across French, because it has a nice flow to it. It seems like a gentle wave on your fingertips which is just right for the season. If you’re the kind of person who likes a little softness in her glam, this one’s for you.
Fresh Blossoms on Classic White Tips
This one’s for my floral girlies. A pale pink base teamed with white French tips is always a classic combination. However, the surprise is two daisy-like flowers on the nails that stand out. It brings the spirit of spring picnics and smoothly continues into the early summer season. What I love most? The floral art doesn’t feel forced. The polish is very light, translucent and seems to be an essential part of the nail’s look.
Making the flowers usually requires either a steady hand or the use of stamping plates. I would go for CND’s ‘Negligee’ for the sheer blush color and OPI’s ‘Alpine Snow’ for the white tip on this combo. A fine brush and gel paints can be used for the floral detail or you can use dried nail decals and seal them with a high-gloss top coat.
I wore a dress like this to a June bridal shower and people I didn’t know couldn’t help but ask me about it. Unexpected softness has a special way of surprising people in the best way. French tips for summer 2025 aren’t just about edge; they can be tender too.
Oceanic Fade with Blue Dimension
This one’s icy-hot. Navy and cobalt are combined in a shimmering sea-like effect on almond-shaped nails, with metallic edges that almost seem holographic. They have a lot of depth—the color shifts from a rich royal blue to a dark midnight blue, just like the ocean at sunset. A tiny, white under-swoop is added to each tip which makes them look both dimensional and almost floating. It’s up-to-date, eye-catching and can easily be worn at the beach or a bar.
A pale pink base such as Zoya’s ‘Bella’ will make the blue color stand out better. After that, use blues like ‘Starry Sky’ by Beetles or the deep ocean colors from Kiara Sky to add drama. For a real extra look, you can add chrome powder to the darkest parts to see them shine brightly.
I was surprised when this outfit went with every single thing I brought to Miami. Denim shorts, white linen, even swimwear—it worked. The vibe? Cool-girl elegance with a tiny bit of sparkle. Just how I like my summer energy.
Cotton Candy Diagonal French
Okay, let’s talk sweetness. Cotton-candy French tips are done diagonally, using icy blue and soft white to decorate almond-shaped nails. The base is a soft dusty rose nude to keep the look from being too Barbie-like. This set is so fun that you might want to have popsicles and wear heart-shaped sunglasses while having brunch. A little retro, a little edgy, totally current.
If you’re DIY-ing, grab a base like Essie’s ‘Eternal Optimist’ and freehand your angles using painter’s tape for precision. Use Gelish’s ‘Blue My Mind’ gel pastel for the tips and any regular white gel. Don’t forget a glossy top coat—that shine is crucial.
The best thing about diagonal tips? They elongate the nail in a super flattering way. Every time I put them on, someone says my hands look longer and I’m happy to hear that. It’s subtle, but it works.
Soft Almond French with a Sculpted Edge
The almond-shaped French tip is a timeless look, but it doesn’t seem old-fashioned. The base is very sheer and smooth, so the nail’s natural shape can be seen and the white tip is painted a bit lower than the usual smile line. It gives your hair a polished, salon-like look that is still modern. It’s a manicure that makes you look tidy, even when you’re wearing casual clothes.
I tend to use OPI Bubble Bath or Essie Mademoiselle as the base, then finish with a gel white like Beetles Classic White on the tips. If shaping your nails at home is too much, almond press-ons are a good alternative.
It is simpler to make this at home than you may think. I suggest looking at tip guides before you start your French line, mainly if you are not using your regular hand. If the white polish bleeds on the curve, a little acetone on a small angled brush can help clean it. If you use gels, adding Seche Vite Gel Effect as a topcoat can really enhance the shine and catch of light on that curve.
Honestly? This is a design I always return to, mainly during early summer weddings or vacations when I want to feel relaxed yet stylish. It’s quiet luxury, bottled.
Casual-Cool French on a Rounded Short Nail
It seems that this version of the French tip is designed for everyday jeans. This nail color is short, rounded and very easy to wear, plus it has just a tiny white tip, a hint of nude and a natural transparency that makes your hands look cleaner. I love how it softens everything. It’s useful, but not dull which is great if you’re typing or using your hands a lot.
I like to use Zoya Bela or Olive & June’s Pink Sand as the base when I want this vibe. The white? I tend to use a very fine liner brush and Bio Seaweed Gel’s French White. Keeping it subtle is the whole point.
There’s no need for tip guides here—I like to just freestyle the tiniest white line across the tips, almost like you’re brushing polish onto a smile. Finish with a plumping top coat to give the illusion of gel, even if you’re sticking with regular polish.
If you’re into that “I’m not trying too hard, but my nails still look amazing” aesthetic, this is it. Whenever I’m not at a big event or just spending my summer in casual clothes, I usually wear it.
Baby Pink French Tips with Bow Charms
I just need to stop for a second to appreciate how cute this is. The baby pink tips and 3D bows on these nails make the Barbiecore look, but in a very elegant and modern way. It’s playful, but also surprisingly sophisticated. The base is clear and simple, so the pastel tips and bows are easy to see. And those bows? Literal icing on the cake.
If you want to make this at home, choose a soft pink like Essie’s Fiji or Madam Glam’s Pink Princess. I put the bows on with Makartt 3D Nail Art Bows and used a dotting tool to place them. You can use gel polish or builder gel to shape the pink tip if you like a raised effect.
Begin with the pink tips, cure them after and finally use nail glue or builder gel to attach the bows. Apply a high-gloss topcoat that goes over the bow but does not cover it. A no-wipe gel topcoat will give you the best smooth finish.
I chose this style for a summer garden party last year and I received more compliments on my nails than on my outfit. Bows have a way of making you feel instantly more attractive and I really think so. That’s reason enough for me.
Glossy Nude French with a Raspberry Twist
This is where French meets fresh. The tips are dipped in a raspberry pink shade that is barely visible, but gives off a beautiful light reflection. It’s a fun change that you can still wear, mainly because the base is neutral and shiny. The ideal choice when you’re after a fun time, but not the full-on neon experience.
OPI’s Bare My Soul was the base and I added Lights Lacquer’s Cherry Jelly for the tips. The key is the polished texture which gives you a glossy, syrupy finish that’s very popular now.
One way to paint this is to slowly draw the tips with a fine brush and to add raspberry color in two layers so you don’t see any streaks. If you would like a reflective finish, use a gel-effect topcoat or a glaze. The basic idea is easy, but it’s the exact shape that makes it impressive.
I think this is my favorite choice for summer brunches or cocktails by the beach. It uses the right amount of color so it stands out, but doesn’t clash with your clothes or glasses.
Minimalist Lemon-Tipped French
If summer could whisper, it’d sound like this manicure. It’s clean, simple, and just the slightest bit citrusy. The lemon-yellow tips add a hint of color to the transparent nude base which is great for those who like a simple look but want to stay trendy. It’s like sunshine at your fingertips—without the drama.
The light color makes me think of Sundays Studio’s L01 and JINsoon Tweety which both go on easily and don’t get too dark. For the base, something sheer like Butter London’s Mellow The Yellow (yes, it exists) works double-duty to neutralize and brighten.
You need to be careful and patient to paint this at home. I use a half-moon stencil to make sure the arc is even and I finish by painting the tip with a microbrush. And here’s a pro trick I learned on TikTok: outline your French tip first, then fill in—it’s easier and way less messy.
I like to wear this when I want to look clean and polished. When worn with dewy skin and a fresh white dress, it’s the simple look summer has to offer and I love it.
Glossy Mocha with Neon Pink Edges
I was really surprised in a good way by this combination. A base of warm mocha with a shockingly crisp neon pink tip? It’s a surprising fit for warm summer nights and cocktails on the roof. The almond shape makes it look elegant and the neon twist keeps it lively—like a nail art version of colorblocking, but easier to wear.
I started with OPI’s Chocolate Moose, then painted the tip with Lights Lacquer’s Jefa to get that hot pink look. The difference between the two is what defines the look—it’s clean, bold and very modern.
If you are doing this at home, first put on two layers of mocha polish and then cure it if you are using gel. I prefer to use a French tip guide or a thin brush to make the smile line look just right. Being patient is very important, especially when you’re using bright colors.
I like this one because it isn’t afraid to say what it wants. It’s not trying to be “cute”—it just is. Great for taking pictures on holiday or when you want your nails to speak for themselves over coffee.
Sunset-Blend French Fade
It’s probably the most flexible French manicure I’ve tried, looking like summer sunsets on my nails. Rather than a strong line, the color goes from transparent nude to watermelon pink with a soft fade that looks like airbrushing. It’s soft, seamless, and insanely eye-catching without being loud.
You should use sheer gel polishes: Madam Glam’s Sheer Pink on the base and Modelones Flamingo Fizz for the tip. Using a sponge is important to achieve the right ombré effect. Apply a little of the pink to the tip and then blend it out gently toward the center.
Add the color in a gentle and light way and don’t put too much pink on at once. End by adding a milky top layer for a shiny, dream-like look. Crystals or accents are not needed; the color is enough to make the statement.
Every time I have this on, people ask if it’s a gel overlay or an airbrush job. It’s that good. I had it on last Fourth of July and it went with everything from my swimsuit to my dresses.
Modern White French with Clean Cut Curves
This is how you get a classic updated in the best possible way. The curve here is deeper at the sides which makes the shape look a little like a half-moon. Almond nails make the fingers look longer and more elegant. The pink base is shiny and thin which makes the design easier to see.
I usually paint OPI’s Baby Take a Vow as the base and use Apres Gel-X White Gel Paint for the sharp white tip. Use a super-thin liner brush for extra control.
Make the curve look clean by hand-painting the tips and using a cleanup brush dipped in acetone to make it perfect. When you get used to it, it can be a bit like meditation. A gel top coat will make your white nails stand out.
I go for this style when I want to be simple but still stylish. It works well for beach weddings, bridal showers or any time you want to look polished without a reason.
Yellow French with a Retro-Fresh Kick
The cheerful look of yellow tips makes me think of older lemonade stands and blooming daffodils. Yellow nail polish on pinkish-clear almond nails looks cheerful without being too bold. It’s the kind of manicure that makes you happy when you see your hand in the sun.
For this one, I used Olive & June’s Bright & Focused (a lemon sorbet tone) layered over a nude base like Zoya’s Bela. The key is to avoid streaks in the yellow which is why I prefer two thin layers instead of one thick one.
If you wish, look up a tip guide or draw whatever on your own if you feel confident using your brushes. Be sure to finish with a topcoat; it will make the design really sparkle.
I prefer to wear this when I’m in the middle of summer, with beach bags, basket hats and lots of sunscreen. It is light, happy and looks like a piece of jewelry. Especially cute with gold jewelry and white sundresses.
Ocean-Wave Blue Marble French
This style is for anyone wishing to feel a bit of the ocean breeze. The French tip is now decorated with blue marble swirls that look like sea foam, water waves and clouds. It’s gentle yet versatile and its square shape is longer which adds a lively touch to its layout. If manicures could send you on vacation, this would be the one.
Making this at home takes a little longer, but it is possible. I chose Beetles Gel Polish in Sky Blue, Baby Blue and White, mixed them on a palette and picked up the mixture with a detail brush. You apply the colors in a wavy line on the tip, cure them and finish by touching up the edges with a thin brush and some nude polish.
Anyone can do this as long as you don’t mix the colors too much. Let the swirls live their own little lives. Finish the job by applying a thick topcoat to make the surface look like glass.
When I have this on, it makes me feel like I’ve gotten off of a yacht, even though I’m just drinking cold brew at home. The style is simple, striking and surprising which makes it perfect for summer.
Soft Lemon French on Almond Nails
In this design, the almond-shaped nails are painted with a pale yellow tip and a sheer milky pink base which makes the whole design look light and airy. It’s as if classic French pedicures took a holiday in the Amalfi Coast and became a little more cheerful. The look is gentle and always in style, but the citrus color gives it a modern touch for French tips in summer 2025.
I usually go for OPI’s “One Chic Chick” or “Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants” to get this tone, because they are subtle and lovely. A good base could be Essie’s “Mademoiselle” because it is clean, soft and looks good on everyone.
If you want your manicure to stay put after swimming and applying sunscreen, use a good gel base coat. First, shape the nails into almonds (this length works best with subtle French designs). Use a neutral base, let it dry and then carefully apply the tips with a fine brush or French stencil. Another cure, followed by a glossy top coat and your nails will look fantastic.
I was wearing this outfit at a rooftop brunch last month and I got four compliments before my second drink. Soft yellow has a subtle luxury to it, since it’s not flashy or loud. That’s the sweet spot for me this summer.
Fresh Mint Crescent Tips
This version of the French is totally transforming modern garden parties. A cool green color is applied like a crescent moon on each nail, making the almond shape look softer and more playful. This is a nice way to introduce color, especially if you want to avoid neon and it works well with the current trend of cool-toned french tips.
If you’re shopping polish, “That’s Hula-rious” from OPI or “Mint Candy Apple” by Essie nails this shade. The green eyeshadow really stands out against a sheer pink base which doesn’t try to compete.
To do this design at home, I mark the crescent shape with a silicone stamping tool or a French manicure guide, especially when using gel. Hold your brush at an angle to make the mint curve gently. Arch your back slowly and gently to get the right shape.
This green nail color convinced me to try something new and I loved it. The outfit included a large white shirt and cat-eye sunglasses and I felt just like a Parisian beauty editor on a Sunday.
Reverse Strawberry Curve
Okay, this one’s fun — a berry-pink French tip flipped into a smile line that curves toward the base instead of away. It’s subtle from afar but up close? Total statement. The bright red color following the curve of each nail results in a graphic look that is also easy to wear. One of the most fun ideas for french tips this summer in 2025.
I think the shade “Watermelon” from Essie or “She’s Pampered” can make red look great. When you add a sheer blush pink gel — you could try Aprés or CND — it gives you a transparent polish look with an interesting twist.
The arc is surprisingly easy to do — I put two small red dots at the sides of each nail and then link them with a liner brush in a shallow U-shape. A top coat combines the different layers and makes the transition smooth, so the final look is professional.
It makes me think of those sweet little strawberry candies my grandma would give me from her purse. It brings back memories but is still very modern.
Ocean Blue Gradient Tips
The result is a serious ocean vibe, thanks to the layered blue French tip and the gradient blue that looks like waves. Because the base is so clear, the frosty sky-to-navy blend can be clearly seen. It’s fresh, it’s bright, and it’s a little sporty — which fits perfectly into french tips for summer 2025 where athletic and playful polish designs are everywhere.
I chose to use two tones, one light called “Bikini So Teeny” and one dark called “Russian Navy.” Paint the lighter blue first, blend the darker blue from the tip downward with a sponge or ombré brush and then cure it. To get a precise curved line, use a thin liner to tidy up the edges.
This one seems a bit trickier than the previous ones. If you are not perfect with the gradient, the blue tones are still nice and look beautiful from a distance. This one is usually the one that receives the most compliments at beach cafés and anywhere you’re drinking a cold beverage.
Whenever I put on this ring, the camera on my phone seems to like my hands a lot more. It creates the popular “clean girl meets cool girl” look with almost no work.
Popsicle Pink Fade
The way the color changes from sheer pink to raspberry at the tip is similar to dipping your fingers into cherry sorbet. It’s a sunny version of the baby boomer fade, but it’s brighter, bolder and more enjoyable. It has a feminine touch, but not in an obvious way and it fits perfectly for sunset dinners or weddings with string lights.
I usually use a blend of “Mod About You” and “Big Apple Red” (both OPI) to get that juicy gradient. The best way to blend the color is with a sponge or airbrush over a creamy pink base, for example, Essie’s “Ballet Slippers.”
You need to be patient and add several thin layers when blending for this result. I always cap the tips with a thin extra layer of red to make sure it doesn’t wear off prematurely (thanks to a tip I picked up from celeb nail tech Julie Kandalec on IG — game-changer).
The mani gives me that instantly polished feeling, even when I’m wearing flip-flops. It’s light and pretty, just like wearing lip gloss on your nails.
