Is your pedicure still stuck in early summer mode? With August in full swing and sandal season going strong, it’s the perfect time to refresh your toe game. Whether you’re chasing beachside vibes, brunch-ready pastels, or something bold and unexpected, this season’s nail colors and designs are all about personality meets polish.
Whether it be soft floral prints, animal-themed art, and juicy berry hues, adorable August toe nails of summer 2025 are dishing out minimalist chic to all-out fun. And the best part? You do not need to be a professional to do them, you simply need the right shades, some creativity and a scroll through this post to get all the inspo.
Need something low-key and wearable? We’ve got it. Desire toe art that causes people to do a double take? It’s here too. These styles are not only fashionable, but they are mini mood boards on your feet.
So… which summer mood are you going to wear next?
Burgundy Gloss for Sunset Evenings
When I need something elegant but not too loud, I always resort to deep burgundy. It’s a color that whispers confidence, not screams it. These square-tipped toes are of that sleek, near lacquer finish that takes the light just so, like that just right red wine swirl on an August sunset dinner on the terrace. The color is on the border of sultry and sophisticated, and that is why it is an ideal choice to wear in late summer.
In order to attain such richness, I suggest OPI Malaga Wine or Zoya Claire. They both provide that creamy opaque look and gel like shine, without the gel. Take a good base coat, such as Essie Here to Stay, and follow up with two coats of color and top it with Seche Vite to get the glassy shine that feels like a salon manicure.
When I re-create this look at home, I put my feet in a warm bath of Epsom salts and a couple of drops of lavender oil. It’s simple, calming, and softens the cuticles beautifully. I file nails across, to get that squared shape, push back cuticles, and then polish in three even strokes. I never apply a coat until the previous coat has dried at least 5 minutes, it is worth the wait.
Honestly? Burgundy toes are my secret weapon. I put them on with billowy white linen and I feel like I have come out of a resort catalogue. Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann says that darker reds in summer are surprising and fresh, even on sun-kissed skin. She’s right—it feels bold in the best way.
Soft Pink for Barely-There Charm
This blush pink is milk, it is like a sigh of relief. It is fresh, it is discreet, it is that no makeup makeup, but on your toes. I adore the way this style manages to make everything refined and yet not attention-seeking, it allows your sandals to shine, your tan to glow and your style to breathe. Something very soothing about a pastel that is not overworking. And in August, when the heat and chaos are at their height I yearn after this sort of quiet.
To achieve this appearance, I vow by Essie Ballet Slippers or Dior Nude Look Gel Shine. They both slide on like butter and have that whispery translucency that makes toes look tidy and sweet without going opaque. Combine it with a ridge-filling base such as Orlys Bonders to achieve that salon quality smoothness.
When I am pressed for time, I apply quick-dry drops between layers- Sally Hansen has a great product called the Insta-Dri that is a life saver. However, when I have the time, I will sit down with a podcast and exfoliate myself and give myself a mini spa experience. Gently buff the surface, apply a non-greasy lotion and seal it all with a topcoat. The key is layering thinly to avoid streaks.
On some days, I want fireworks. On others, I would like soft jazz–and this is pure jazz. I have worn this to beach weddings, rooftop brunches, and even to the grocery store alone, and each time I see my toes I feel put-together. It’s easy elegance that fits every sandal.
Hot Pink for Bold August Energy
Let’s talk power pink. This juicy pink is hot and full of energy without hesitation on the side of main character. It’s playful, flirty, and so very alive. I love how it instantly brightens up your mood (and your toes), like a neon pool float for your feet. It shouts summertime- the kind that comes with iced beverages, poolside music and dancing barefooted on hot tiles.
Give Sally Hansen a go with her Back to the Fuchsia or Olive & June with Grateful and Kind. They’re chip-resistant and stay glossy for days. I like the three stroke polish system in this case- begin in the middle, then sweep one side. You desire the vividness to continue even and saturated.
I may do a foot mask, such as the one by Patchology, then follow up with a callus remover and new file. It is sandal season and our heels deserve attention as well. After everything is smooth and ready, I shine toes and top coat with high shine. It makes all the difference.
It is the color that I grab when I need to make a statement without the attempt. It is providing Barbie, Miami nights, water melon slices and spicy confidence. As Julie Kandalec, a celebrity nail tech once said, hot pink toes are like wearing lipstick on your feet. Couldn’t agree more.
Blue Crush for Laid-Back Luxe
There’s something magnetic about cobalt blue. It is moody, it is luxe, and it is cooler than cool in every possible meaning of this word. I adore this color on evenings when you have salty hair, bronzed skin and that after-sun glow. It feels a little edgy but still classic. Such as a large shirt on a bikini–plain, but with a flair.
I always reach to Chanel Bleu Pastel or Essie Butler Please. Both deliver high pigment and that velvety-smooth glide. Base coat is not to be missed here, blue shades will stain you otherwise. And don t forget to top the tips so they do not fade at the edges.
Application tip? Put your polish in the fridge 5 minutes before application- it will keep the bubbles away in August. That was an old Byrdie article I learned, and it does work. Strokes should be light yet firm and apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat.
I used this during my vacation last year and someone in a cafe literally stopped me to tell me how neat my pedicure was. Not my outfit, my pedicure. Blue has that effect—it’s low-key daring. Go ahead and give it a shot, and then tell me it is not your surprise favorite.
Lemon Zing for Happy Feet
Yellow nails are pure serotonin. This sunshine-drenched color adds a lot of joy to your entire mood. It is not the usual pedicure color, and this is what I like about it. It glows energy- bottled up golden hour on your toes. This color speaks volumes whether you are heading to the beach or simply sitting in the backyard.
You will need a formula that is opaque in two coats, and this is hard with yellow. Give a shot at Ella+Mila, Sunshine State of Mind, or OPI, Daisy Know My Name? Apply a white base coat underneath to increase the intensity- it brings out the yellow so well and keeps it true.
Summer yellows tend to chip faster on toes (thanks, sand and chlorine), so don’t skip your prep: cleanse with alcohol after filing, avoid oil before painting, and seal with a top coat every couple of days. Trust me, it’ll hold up way better.
I have used yellow polish to barbecues, pool parties, and even a long bike ride in the park. It’s that versatile. Manicurist Betina Goldstein says, of yellow, it is the instant pick-me-up, the smile on your nails. I have this shade on rotation when I need fun and not fuss.
Mint Sorbet for Breezy Mornings
This minty cool color puts me in mind of early morning walks on the beach- when the sand is cool and the breeze is salty and sunscreen-y. The polish is creamy and has a barely there blue undertone that is clean, fresh and a bit playful. It’s a hue that brings calm energy without feeling too pastel or washed out, which makes it ideal for everyday wear during late summer.
If you’re recreating this at home, try “Mint Candy Apple” by Essie or “That’s Hula-rious!” by OPI. They are both that milky aqua with a smooth application. These tones are helped by a neutralizing base to prevent any patchiness- start with a ridge-filler base coat such as Zoya Get Even. The last appearance must be similar to sorbet on your skin, cool and refreshing.
This type of shade takes time, you have to wait at least ten minutes between coats otherwise you will drag. I top it off with Olive & June Super Glossy Top Coat to give it a cushiony shine to make it pop. Especially in August heat, thin, even layers are everything.
I paired this color with denim shorts and a white cotton blouse and I felt like a Pinterest mood board. It is the type of tone which goes well with neutral clothing but gives a slight hint of color. It is new, it is relaxing and it simply feels good when you need to downshift without losing your fire.
Muted Aqua for Rainy Day Glow
There are days when August surprises us with gray clouds and warm rain showers and this shade reminds of them. It is a dusty aqua with a very slight touch of gray, it adds a polished, deliberate feel to your toes without making too much noise. It’s like the stormy sea under moody skies—serene, a little mysterious, and totally wearable with literally anything.
My favorite polish to use with this look is My Studio is on Spring by OPI or Blu by Zoya. They both are long-staying formulas that dry into that ideal dusky blue-green hue. Smooth down with a base and seal with high-gloss. The dull color requires that glossy look to make it sparkle.
It is easy to apply, all you have to do is to ensure that every coat is thin and you do not overload the brush. I do not apply the cuticle oil before polishing because I would not want it to slip, but after everything dries. When you are inside with the A/C blasting, a quick-dry spray such as an Orly one can be used to keep the process moving.
This color always reminds me that I am in a silent style club. It is classy but not trying, and it adds that gentle refinement that seems to be just right in transitional weather. Surprisingly a bit, but yet traditional, just the way I like it.
Chrome Blush for Dreamy Afternoons
This polish is pure fantasy. A blush base, with a reflective chrome that changes pink, green and pearl according to the light- it is like fairy wings on your feet. It is both feminine and edgy at the same time, as though your toes are in iridescent lingerie. This is a summer magic look, particularly in the late afternoon sun when everything is golden and dreamy.
You’ll need a sheer pink base (like “Bare It All” from Londontown) and a chrome powder top layer like Daily Charme’s Aurora Unicorn Chrome. Gel polish is best to achieve the most reflectivity but with regular polish you can achieve the same effect by layering carefully and pressing in that powder with a silicone applicator when the polish is still tacky.
Honestly, this one is more of a project. I would suggest setting aside an hour and pampering yourself with a complete DIY pedicure. Buff, exfoliate, hydrate, polish and apply the chrome with love. The final step? A top coat which is gel like and seals everything in and does not dull the mirror effect.
It’s a look that sparks conversation. People will notice—trust me. Even a friend who never makes a remark on beauty inquired me what was the polish I wore. It is the type of design that makes you feel like a mini goddess, and at times, that is exactly the vibe we require.
Olive Neutral for Earthy Chic
This dull olive is down-to-earth, down-to-earth, and stylish in a very cool girl off-duty sort of fashion. It is deliberate, simple, and a bit rebellious, like the nail polish version of linen jumpsuits and aviator sunglasses. I adore how wearable this color is and yet it is surprising on toes. It murmurs late-summer nature: high grass, mossy ground, and trees.
Olive & June has an exact dupe, East of Eden, and Lights Lacquer has a dupe, Poet Path. These tones are more opaque than I would have thought and one coat may suffice, but I apply two to give depth. To get a truly smooth finish, prepare your nails by buffing them and use no high-shine oil.
The best tip I’ve learned? Top with a matte top coat to get a rustic finish or leave it glossy to get a city-chic finish. I have worn this shade in two ways, according to the outfit and mood. Either way, it looks luxe.
It is the type of polish I wear when I feel like I want to be a little more grounded- when life is too fast or I need a break in brights. It is sure of itself in a non-obnoxious manner, and to be honest, I believe that every nail wardrobe needs a color like this.
Playful Orchid for Afternoon Sweetness
This orchid pink is the solution when you need to be flirty and not too much. It is not sugary sweet, and it is not too purple, either, to feel modern. It goes perfectly with summer whites, flowered prints and everything feminine. It is as though it was the color of your favorite lip gloss or that sundress that you always feel pretty in.
Experiment with OPI, Mod About You or get Static Nails, Hibiscus. These formulas are creamy to the extreme and dry quickly, particularly when used with a fast-drying top coat. It is a pastel hybrid so make sure you apply a brightening base coat underneath to prevent streakiness or yellowing.
I also go bare polish sometimes and wear this color on press-ons when I travel. They are simple, they remain flawless and they do not need any drying time. I have tried the KISS gel toes in a similar shade and to be honest? Game changer.
Orchid pink just makes me happy. It is feminine but not too precious and it fits all ages. I have observed it on my younger cousin and on the mom of my friend and it was equally cute. That’s the power of a perfectly tuned pastel.
Espresso Edge for Late Summer Nights
Dark polish on toes is something that is so quietly powerful, particularly during summer. This dark coffee color is decadent, brooding, and somewhat mysterious–cool after a heatwave. It is the color of late night iced coffees, rooftop wine nights and earthy elegance. There is that golden-hour magic to August evenings, and this shade is its earthy opposite.
Opi has a High Voltage Espresso or Zoya has a Louise which are both deep, almost black browns that still appear warm. These notes require clear preparation and accuracy- the darker the polish the more it reveals the errors. I would always use a brush dipped in acetone to clean up edges to keep it sharp.
I begin by soaking and pushing back the cuticles followed by clipping and shaping the nails into soft squares. With darker colors, I suggest applying a glossy top coat so that the polish does not appear to be flat.
I wear this shade when I want to feel powerful, stable and a bit rebellious. It is a leather jacket to your toes, immediately cooler, casually cool.
Soft Petal Nude for Any Occasion
There is one polish color that I never fail to use and that is this nude petal-soft pink. It is not precious, but polished, not formal, but elegant, and has that clean-girl vibe that goes with everything. Whether you’re barefoot on the grass or styling sandals for brunch, this tone adds that perfect minimalist touch.
Essie in Ballet Slippers or Londontown in Chic are the polishes that you cannot go wrong with this look. They provide you with that creamy, buildable coverage that is not streaky. In case your nail beds are discolored, a base coat that fills the ridges or brightens them will be the difference.
No need for fancy tools here—just patience. I use the “3-stroke rule” (middle, side, side) and keep coats thin. The shine is sealed with a top coat that is high gloss to make this minimalist mani even more.
This is my default when I am on the road or I do not know what to wear. It goes with everything. It is something rather confident in a shade that does not have to make any effort to be noticed.
Speckled Pink for a Playful Twist
This one’s just fun. The base is soft baby pink with bold black speckles on top, which brings the overall vibe of a chocolate chip cookie and modern art, and I am here for it. It is eccentric, artistic, and yet wearable to an extent that you can wear it with your favorite slides. Softness and speckling contrast to make it fresh and surprising.
Nail artists usually apply a soft gel base such as OPI, Put It In Neutral followed by a speckle topper such as Cirque Colors, Speckled Egg. And, for maximum control, you can even apply fine dots using a nail art brush, using black polish, just be sure to allow it to dry between applications.
When I want it to be more editorial, I tend to do it with a matte top coat but when I want it to have that lacquered finish I leave it glossy. It is very forgiving to first timers and the more irregular the spots are the cooler it looks.
Whenever I put this on, people have always asked me where I have done it. It has pro finish with DIY appeal and to be honest, it simply makes me smile. Isn’t that what nail polish is supposed to do?
Rosy Mauve for Barefoot Romance
This is a quiet mauve that is pinkish in tone and has a romantic softness that is ideal on a dreamy August weekend. It is subtle, mature, and unobtrusively complimentary on all skin tones I have observed. This shade has something special about it that makes even the most casual barefoot moment a bit more elegant.
Seek out Sagamore by Tenoverten or Ros All Day by Orly, both are very wearable, and have a creamy smooth base that goes on like a dream. I use very little here, a soft file, a gentle buffer and a cuticle balm before polish. The trick to maintaining it elegant is simple, deliberate preparation.
When I feel extra, I will put a slight shimmer to the top coat just to reflect the light. However, this polish has a low-key radiance to it that does not require much even without any extras.
I love how this one works for any mood. It’s the polish equivalent of a linen sundress—effortless, light, and always appropriate.
Poolside Aqua for Instant Joy
This bright aqua blue gives instant serotonin. It is the meaning of summer toes, bright, saucy, and to be flaunted poolside. I consider this color to be a turquoise plunge into fun. It is one of those colors that leaves your entire appearance lighter and brighter as soon as you wear it.
Give a go at Essie For the Twill of It or China Glaze Too Yacht to Handle. They both provide intense pigment with two coats and provide that creamy finish without appearing flat. I never go without a white base coat- it makes it so much brighter and last longer in chlorine, sand and salt.
I will usually wear this with a silver toe ring and white sandals just so that it can speak all by itself. Seal with a chip-resistant top coat and you are all set to go on vacation, even when you are just going out on errands in flip-flops.
This one’s a summer staple for me. I reach out to this polish when I want to have my mood boosted or when I simply want to be a little playful. It is like having your feet in the Amalfi coast without leaving home.
Berry Wine for Late-Summer Luxe
This rich berry color is the last luxury of the month of August. It is luxurious but not too formal, it is moody but not fall. I adore the way it reads both old and new, a juicy wine tone that looks fantastic with silver rings or knits or barefoot days in something cozy.
To get this mood, I will be using OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Zoya Dahlia. They are that deep purple-red with a creamy almost mirror-gloss finish. The tone is especially popping on medium to deeper skin tones but flattering on all skin tones.
Here’s my little prep tip: soak feet in warm water with rose petals (yes, extra), scrub with a sugar exfoliant, and top it off with a foot balm before polishing. This color deserves the full spa moment. It feels expensive without the cost.
Whenever I apply this polish, someone will ask me where I got it done. This color is something that makes people stare and mutter with confidence. It’s not trendy—it’s timeless.
Baby Pink for Classic Girl Energy
It is classic like a white tank and old denim. A soft baby pink that toes the line (pun intended) between minimal and girly, it’s the perfect pedicure shade for when you want to look quietly polished. It adds that clean girl glow to any summer scene, whether you are on your Saturday coffee run or taking a barefoot walk in the grass.
Try Essie or Static Nails in the shade of Fiji or Pink Sands. Both give that ballerina softness with a buildable formula. Apply a milky ridge-filler at the bottom to create a smooth base, particularly when your nails are worn out due to the summer wear-and-tear.
I tend to wear this color when I want to take a break on bold colors. It’s the pause button. Soft pink toes have a certain peace about them, and to my surprise, they fit every pair of sandals I have. It’s kind of magic.
Sage Sprout for Botanical Calm
This shade? Fresh-picked leaves, iced matcha, cool gardens after the rain. Sage green toes are a trend that I did not think I would love this much but here we are. It is earthy, gentle and strangely soothing in the most luxurious manner. August heat? Who cares. This polish feels like shade under a fig tree.
I would suggest Avocado by Nailtopia or Jaded by Olive & June. They are just right, green enough to be interesting, but soft enough to remain wearable. These shades apply so well, particularly when they are applied over a base coat that neutralizes nail tone.
I do simple things when applying: push back cuticles, lightly buff and hydrate then polish. This one has the advantage of a super shiny top coat to complement the creamy finish- it makes the green glow just right.
This is the antidote of overdoing it. It is fashionable, relaxing, and surely will become a repeat in my rotation.
Cool Sand for Understated Chic
This beige-taupe color is slightly gray, and it is as classy as new linen. It’s clean, minimal, and gives spa-day sophistication. I adore how it allows the rest of your outfit to pop-out–as though it were a neutral pedestal to your sandals. It’s giving “quiet luxury,” and I’m not mad about it.
Search topless and barefoot Essie or Paloma Lights Lacquer. They bring that creamy sophistication with a bit of coolness that does not make it too warm or muddy. I pass over the shimmer here–clean, matte, or glassy-gloss only.
My application tip? Paint while lying down with a fan blowing (I know—luxury) to keep it bubble-free and chilled in August humidity. Such minor adjustments can go a long way during summertime.
This is the polish I choose when I want to skip thinking about my pedicure. It is suitable on the beach days, weddings, meetings or lazy Sundays. Like your favorite nude lipstick—it just works.
Pine Grove for Cool Depth
This deep forest green isn’t just for winter anymore. Wearing it on sun-warmed toes in the middle of August is something moody and bold. It is a shocking twist, it is something you have never seen coming, but at the same time, it is exactly right. This color provides depth and coolness to summer style especially when combined with gold accents or jewelry.
Try “Stay Off the Lawn!” by OPI or “Into the Trees” from Cirque Colors. They are highly pigmented colors which are smooth and dry glossy. This is where a good base coat is necessary, green can stain without one, particularly when pedicures are back-to-back.
I prefer to go all spa with the darker colors- scrub, soak, shape, hydrate, and polish all the time listening to podcasts. It is a minor detail that makes the daring color even more purposeful.
When I wear this, I feel bold. As though I have entered my power and I am completely indifferent to the heat, the trends or what anyone thinks. That’s the kind of energy worth channeling, no?
Cherry Pop Art for Nostalgic Sweetness
Cherry toes just do something to a summer day. The design is a revival of all the retro cuteness of vintage prints and cherry ice pops on your toes. The red juicy against the soft blush ground, the little green stems, it is flirtatious and sweet, but not too kitschy. Ideal to wear on a weekend getaway or a sexy touch to a minimalistic look.
Take as a base either Big Apple Red by OPI or Love Me Not by Holo Taco, and apply cherry art with nail pens or mini brushes. I combine a forest green with a touch of black to make the stem, trust me, it makes it look more realistic. Even the juicy effect can be achieved by applying a matte top coat on the cherries and a gloss on the base.
This one will definitely require a little practice, but the reward is enormous. I suggest drawing some paper with polish a few cherries on paper and then plunging. In case that is too much, cherry decals or stickers can be the rescue.
I used this outfit in a weekend picnic and I could not stop admiring them. They made me feel like the happiest accessory to my ensemble-and yes, I matched a cherry-print scrunchie. Sometimes, more is more.
Lemonade Glow for Bold Citrus Fun
Now this is the way you do sunshine on your toes. Lemon slices on a peachy base? That’s peak fruit-core energy. It is sour, tropical and exudes the feeling of I am on vacation even when I am not. It is a golden hour design in nail form, ideal to wear on a beach day, on a brunch date, or to brighten up a rainy afternoon.
On the fruit slices, use the color of the Sunshine Yellow by Bio Seaweed Gel, and on the base, use the color of the Coral Punch by Ella+Mila. Your best friend here is fine detail brushes and a dotting tool will help you nail the lemon wedge shape.
The secret is to allow each layer to dry then outline using black polish or nail pen. Put a thick top coat over everything to smooth out the designs and leave a gel-like finish that can withstand the sand and the surf.
This is definitely one of the most eye-catching designs I have worn throughout the summer. It takes even the most basic slides to runway level, and it transforms every moment into an occasion to take citrus selfies.
Minimalist Leaves for Artistic Calm
This one is for the artsy girlies. White and mauve and minimalist pink linework of leaves- it is peaceful, abstract and more sophisticated than one might expect of a botanical subject. It’s like wrapping your toes in a watercolor painting. I adore this on August days when you want something soft yet still edited.
Apply Sinful Colors Snow Me White on the clean base, and Essie Dusty Rose on the dull contrast. The leaves can be hand-painted with ultra-fine brushes, or you can use a stamping kit if you’re feeling fancy but lazy (we’ve all been there).
It is an excellent design to go with soft neutrals or anything linen. It is high-minded, low-maintenance a combination that is hard to come by and works hard on your behalf without much input on your part.
Something about the wearing of nature inspired art slows things down. I have discovered that this one makes me feel relaxed, deliberate, and a bit more pulled together.
Glossy Red with a Heart for Bold Romance
Nothing is sexier (or cuter) than a shiny red pedi with a small heart. This one’s a modern love letter to classic glam. The polish is fire-engine hot, the finish is patent-leather level, and the sweet blush heart is just enough to say I’m feeling myself without going full Valentine’s.
I use “Forever Yummy” by Essie as the base—it’s my forever-fave red—and add the heart using a pastel pink polish and a toothpick (yep, that simple). A nail stamp can also be used in case you desire that it be symmetrical.
This does not require much more, just make sure that the appearance is clean, your cuticles are hydrated, and the footwear is something that allows your toes to shine.
I have used this mani on date night, pool hang on the weekend, and it always attracts compliments. It’s classic red—but with a twist. And it feels so you, you know?
Retro Cherry Whiteout for Crisp Playfulness
To finish off, we have another cherry moment but this time it is crisp, bold, and graphic on a bright white background. It’s retro diner meets TikTok baddie, and I’m obsessed. It is high contrast, super cute and it is a flirty wink with each step. This is the one you want in case you love cherry nails but prefer something punchier.
Apply your base coat of Blanc by Essie and then apply the bright red and leaf green polish to create the design. I sketch the cherries in black, which is pop, and a nail art pen to be more precise. Top it off with a glassy top coat which makes the colors pop.
In case you are not a fan of freehand art, you can use cherry decals or stickers to replicate the look within minutes. Just seal them up, so they will not peel in the August heat.
This design feels like a mood. It is jovial, brash, and irrepressibly entertaining, like a nostalgia trip to roller skates and soda floats. Isn’t that what summer’s all about?
Safari Chic for Wild Summer Vibes
It is glam safari and I am so here for it. The neutral base is hand painted with cheetah spots and the bold ruby red toes are just the right spice. It is fierce, fun, and completely wearable, a leopard-print bikini, but on your feet.
I apply Bare With Me by Essie as a base and use Black Onyx and It Is a Piazza Cake by OPI to create the spots and the last color to complete the look is I am not really a waitress by OPI. The cheetah art is best done with dotting tools or toothpicks, make it random and layered to achieve a natural look.
It’s actually easier than it looks. Apply two layers of nude polish followed by your cheetah art as you watch an episode on Netflix. Use a gel-finish top coat to seal it so that it does not chip.
When I am in this combo, I feel daring yet in control. Like a stylish adventurer. And honestly? Isn’t that the summer vibe we all want?
Petal Print in Lavender Mood
It is a design that incorporates both the elegance and softness in the most dreamy manner. The smaller toes are dusty lavender and the big toe is detailed pink-and-white petal art. It is like putting your toes in a watercolor bouquet- delicate, considerate and really pretty.
To this I adore Reign Your Voice by Sally Hansen in the purple and a white base such as Marshmallow by Essie under the petals. You may freehand the florals or stamp them out using a stamping plate should you prefer that crisp layered effect.
This mani has me feeling like I want to slow down- light a candle, have something iced, and spend the afternoon doing art. It is calm and beautiful, and it evokes that sweet romantic feeling that I occasionally forget I adore.
Blue Safari for Bold Contrast
A punchy sky blue paired with black-and-white zebra stripes? Yes, please. This look is fresh, edgy, and a total statement-maker. It’s the kind of pedi that makes you want to show off your toes—even if you’re just lounging around the house in silk pajamas.
Apply that bright base with Salt Water Happy by Essie then use a black nail art pen or super-fine brush to apply the zebra stripes over a blue base. You can switch up big toe art or leave it all-over to be as dramatic as possible.
It does take a little steady hand so I would suggest practicing the stripes on paper first before going in. Or go to nail wraps when you do not feel like doing it yourself, there is no disgrace in that game.
I went to a pool party of a friend of mine and received three compliments before I had even removed my sandals. Instant cool-girl points.
Daisy Pop for Sunshine Days
This mani is a daisy field in blossom. The little toes are bright yellow, the big toe is white and yellow daisies on a soft neutral foundation, it is sunshine in a bottle as a nail design. It is lighthearted, sunny, and definitely designed to be worn on August picnic dates or long bike rides.
I apply China Glaze Sun-bleached as the yellow, and paint the flowers by hand using Blanc and Lemon Fizz. Flower centers are simple with dotting tools and a dab of clear polish on top gives it that 3D juicy look.
Floral designs are so happy, and daisies make it not too precious. I put this on when I want a dose of happiness. It works. Every time.
Pastel Fade for Poolside Dreams
This seamless transition of mint, blush, and baby pink is right out of a poolside dream. The colors run together like summer sorbet, and the finish is a glazed sugar. It’s minimalist, soothing, and full of soft-glow glam.
Use “Mint Condition,” “Ballet Slippers,” and “Sugar Rush” from different brands, or try a pastel ombré polish set if you’re new to blending. A sponge of makeup assists in the blending of the shades- simply dab in layers until the fade is smooth.
Top it off with a shiny top coat and a cuticle oil such as CND SolarOil to make it look like a glazed donut. You’ll thank yourself later.
I feel like I am in a small dream when I wear this. It is subtle yet unforgettable, the sort of pedi that is quiet yet can never be overlooked.
