Summer’s here—can you feel it in your fingertips? That dreamy stretch of sunny days, sipping iced lattes, and wanting to change up how we look, starting with small things. And yes, nails top the list. But how do you keep your manicure looking new without going for common trends? That’s where almond-shaped nails step in. They’re the perfect combo: soft but stylish, feminine but fierce, and totally customizable. Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, this summer, almond nails are your canvas.
Ready to try out some summer almonds nails that will make your hands look amazing and on-trend this year? Let’s go through each look, step by step, as we apply one layer of nail polish at a time.
Blush Gloss for Everyday Chic
There’s something about a shiny blush pink that really says summer style, but in a way that doesn’t look overdone. The almond shape adds a bit of femininity, and the single-tone finish keeps it looking neat and simple. It’s soft, sweet, and goes really well with gold jewelry or when your skin has a bit of a tan. A true “quiet luxury” moment for your nails.
If you’re recreating this look at home, I recommend something like OPI’s “Bubble Bath” or Essie’s “Ballet Slippers”—both deliver that delicate pink that never goes out of style. Use a fast-drying top coat like Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat to seal in your manicure and give your nails a really shiny finish.
I’ve worn this outfit a few times this summer, like for brunch, shopping, and even on the rooftop for dinner. It works with literally everything. And if you’re dipping your toe (well, fingertip) into nail care trends, this is the kind of timeless shade that makes you feel polished even on your most chaotic day.
Minimalist Dot Drama
This take still keeps the blush base, but adds a fun touch with three little black dots going up the nail. It’s that understated detail that gets noticed up close. Almost like jewelry for your nails. The almond shape makes the nails look longer and nicer, while the dots add a little bit of fun and might make your friends ask you where you got them done.
Creating this look doesn’t take much. Just a neutral or pink base—Zoya’s “Dot” is one of my go-tos—and a dotting tool (or even a bobby pin) dipped in black gel polish. Try OPI’s “Black Onyx” for a solid, dark dot that dries quickly and looks really rich. Seal your paint job with a top coat so it looks shiny and stays that way.
It’s funny because I started writing this way just before I went to Austin for the summer. I thought it might come off as too much, but it actually just felt really cool and natural. It’s ideal if you’re someone who loves the details but doesn’t want your nails to shout.
Modern French Twist
The classic French tip? She got a 2025 upgrade. Instead of the usual bright white, this almond-shaped nail has a latte-beige base with a French tip that comes to a soft, slanted point. The contrast is clear, looks fresh, and is still really soft. It’s a new take on a classic style that gives off that fresh and simple look perfect for the upcoming season.
Nail techs often use The GelBottle’s “Nude02” as a base for this kind of neutral look, and they finish off the white details with Bio Seaweed Gel in “Snow White”. A fine-tip nail art brush is essential here if you’re DIY-ing. Patience and symmetry are key.
I saw this look on TikTok, spotted on a beauty editor in LA, and thought it looked great, so I added it to my style inspiration. It’s clean, it’s classy, and honestly—it feels like the future of French manicures.
Gold-Lined Wine Accents
Okay, this one had me at hello. The moody richness of burgundy mixed with muted taupe tones and golden lines makes the perfect combo! It’s giving “evening garden party in Napa” vibes. The almond shape makes the earrings look a bit softer, so you can wear them during the day, but the gold detail makes them feel really special and glamorous.
For this look, either Essie’s “Wicked” or Olive & June’s “Obsessed” nail polishes will work great. The taupe shade could be OPI’s “Taupe-less Beach”, and a gold striping tape or a gold nail pen adds the finishing touch.
This is definitely a “special occasion” nail moment. I’d wear it to a wedding or a summer dinner outside where there are candles and you’re having something cool to drink. It’s got a bit of a glam look, but it’s still creative, like something an artist might choose to wear.
Floral Noir French with Petal Dots
This one’s for the girls who like to have a bit of fun with their nails. A delicate pink base with bold black French tips, and some fun black floral designs and little dots? It’s giving a mix of old, new, cool, and cute all in one. The almond shape gives it a mature and sophisticated look. This is statement nail art without going overboard.
To recreate this, I suggest using Beetles Gel in “Rosy Pink” as your base and Gelish “Black Shadow” for the flowers and tips. A thin nail art brush and dotting tool will help you do the best designs. Top it off with a gel sealant to help your hair look neat and shiny even when the weather gets really hot.
Honestly, this reminds me of my best friend’s bachelorette trip—we wore mismatched floral dresses, and her nails looked just like this. She got so many compliments, and it really finished off her outfit really well. It’s the kind of design that sparks joy. Isn’t that the point?
3D Bows & Blossoms Fantasy
This one is pure fairy garden meets nail couture. We’re talking about 3D pink bows, little pearl studs, hand-painted cherry blossoms, and some soft milky white and blush pink bases. It’s a real girly dream in almond shape, and every little bit, from the tiny dotted pearls to the layered petals, feels like something you’d see in a summer romance movie.
To recreate this, you’d need a mix of pastel polishes like Madam Glam’s “Sugar Pink”, a creamy white like Modelones “Ivory Queen”, and a set of 3D bow nail charms and half pearls (available on Amazon or Shein). Fine detailing brushes are really important for making the flowers look nice and realistic. And a builder gel helps keep all the dimensional pieces in place.
I know this isn’t something you do every day, but if you’re going to a bridal shower, a birthday brunch, or just want to show off your style this summer, this manicure could be a fun choice! It’s everything. It reminds me of the time at a friend’s wedding last July when the maid of honor made everyone stop and stare when she held up her glass. These nails demand attention—in the best way.
Soft Blend French Fade
You know those manicures that look like a whisper? This is one of them. A seamless baby pink and white ombré fade that turns the classic French manicure into something much softer and more delicate. The almond shape just makes the whole thing look more elegant, like soft ballet shoes for your hands.
Nail techs usually use either an airbrush or a sponge to get the nice, smooth fade you see in a gradient manicure. At home, you can use Beetles Gel Polish “French Ombré Set” with the blush pink and milky white colors, and use a makeup sponge to blend and smooth out the look before letting it dry. Finish with a glossy no-wipe top coat.
I’ve done this before when I went on a beach vacation and just wanted something nice and easy to take care of. This is the kind of outfit that goes well with just about everything, so you can wear it with a floppy hat, a sundress, or even your swimsuit. It whispers, but it stays with you.
Coffee Marble Swirls
Here’s one for the neutrals girls. This design uses mocha, taupe, cream, and white in a swirly pattern that looks both natural and planned at the same time. The almond shape makes your fingers look longer and more graceful, which can make anyone think you know how to get your iced latte just right.
You’ll need to have at least three shades of polish—OPI’s “Espresso Your Inner Self”, Essie’s “Topless & Barefoot”, and DND’s “White Snow” will work great for the look. The marbling technique usually means putting little drops of different colors on your nails, then using a brush or toothpick to mix them together before putting on a top coat.
What I love about this look is that it can work for lots of different occasions and styles. I wore a similar outfit last August at a casual networking event, and it looked nice without being too over-the-top. It’s a great entry point into nail art if you’re usually a “one color and done” type.
Classic Rosy Gloss
Simple? Sure. Boring? Not at all. A glossy rosy pink nail color, shaped like almonds, is a nice way to keep your nails looking fresh and pretty all summer. It looks good on all skin tones and picks up the light in a way that looks really nice. No accents, no patterns—just pigment, gloss, and shape. Sometimes that’s all you need.
I think OPI’s “Suzi Nails New Orleans” or Essie’s “Eternal Optimist” would look great for this pink nail color. Two coats and a top coat that has a glossy finish will help make your nails look shiny and smooth. If you’re using regular polish, a glossy fast-dry top coat is your best friend.
This is the look I make when I have too many options and don’t know which one to pick. It always looks pulled together—even when I’m not. There’s a reason it’s a summer favorite for everyone from teachers to stylists to bridesmaids on standby.
Dainty Daisy Dots
This set made me smile right away when I saw it. Tiny white daisies with pink centers grow all over a soft pink background. It’s cute without being childish, and the almond shape gives it a grown-up polish (no pun intended). It’s the kind of nail design that shows you care about how things look, but you also like to have some fun with it.
To recreate, start with a coat of Lights Lacquer “Cherry Jelly” and then add daisies using a dotting tool and some white gel paint. You can use a toothpick to make the petal shapes if you don’t have any nail tools. A tiny dot of bright pink in the middle makes the daisy look really special.
Last summer, I wore the same style to a backyard BBQ and three people asked me where I got my nails done. Spoiler: I did them myself on a Sunday while sipping coffee and listening to a podcast. Floral nails just make people happy.
Groovy Citrus Waves
This set feels just like having a summer sunset on your hands. Bright lemon yellow, magenta, fuchsia, and lavender mix together in a fun, colorful pattern that looks like something you’d see at a retro beach party. Every nail has its own pattern of waves, just like a piece of abstract art made for the sun. The almond shape? Chef’s kiss because it still looks nice even though there are lots of colors.
To make this, you’ll need a few different neon gel polishes, like Lights Lacquer “Slice of Life”, OPI “Hotter Than You Pink”, and Gelish “Lavender Love”. A nail art brush or striping brush makes it easier to get those neat curves on your nails. It’s a fun style, so go ahead and let your 70s side show and have some fun with it.
I’d save this one for things like summer parties, hanging out on the roof, or when you have a lot of plans. It’s bold, but in a way that feels strong and sure of itself, like a pop of color that makes your hands feel good.
Sun-Drenched Daisy Tips
Floral French tips but make them sunshine-soaked. This daisy-inspired almond nail design starts with a light pink base, then adds a bright yellow tip on top, and finishes off with white daisy petals to give the nails a fresh and easy-going look. It brings all the fun of a flower crown without you having to take care of it.
To recreate this look, start with a clear base like Orly “Bare Rose” and build up the yellow tips with China Glaze “Happy Go Lucky.” Hand-draw daisies by using white gel paint and a thin brush. Dot a little yellow or gold in the center to make it look more eye-catching.
I’m a sucker for daisies—they just feel carefree. This look works great for road trips, hanging out at the lake, or just having a picnic on the spur of the moment. It’s nostalgic and fresh all at once.
Forget-Me-Not Blues
This set offers a charming twist: Hand-painted sky-blue flowers with navy and yellow details on a ballet-pink background. The contrast is unexpected but so dreamy. The almond shape gives it a nice, put-together look, while still feeling fun and playful, kind of like a tiny bouquet growing on your nails.
I’ve seen this style show up a lot on Instagram nail artists like @nailbymirella, who is known for making really detailed flower nails. You’ll need a light pink base (like DND “Rose Petal”) and a good variety of detail brushes to build those flower shapes. Blue, navy, and mustard yellow gel polishes add a pop of color and make the design look even better.
Personally, I really like these for early June when all the flowers are starting to bloom. They’re subtly artistic—like a gallery on your hands. Plus, they look cute holding iced matcha. Just saying.
Tropical Sunset Fade
This gradient looks like a real summer day, with the sunrise turning into that beautiful golden hour. The matte finish gives the ombré a velvety look, which helps tone down something that could be too bold and bright. The color change happens smoothly, and the almond shape makes everything look a bit softer and more balanced.
You’ll want a sponge applicator for this DIY, and you can start with a white or nude base, then dab on layers of Essie “Tart Deco”, OPI “Hotter Than You Pink”, and Kiara Sky “Peach Bum”. Set with a matte top coat like Zoya’s “Velvet Matte” to get a smooth, non-shiny finish.
I wore a pair of these on a girls’ trip to Miami, and a few people at the beach even asked me where I got them. The matte finish made the nails look different, even if you’ve seen sunset nails before. Like your favorite vacation photo—filtered just right.
Blush Petal Illusion
This one is soft art with a little bit of depth added to it. Hand-painted pink petals are scattered all over a clear nude base, and each one has a little golden stud in the middle. It’s romantic but modern. Under certain lights, the clear layers inside each petal pick up just the right amount of shine to make them look like little drops of dew.
To make this, start by putting on a clear pink gel like Apres “Glass Pink”, then use a small brush to add the petals one by one, and finally add some sparkly micro-beads or studs in the middle. A top coat like The GelBottle “Extreme Shine” helps finish the look and makes your nails look really nice.
I’ve saved this style in multiple Pinterest folders. It’s great for summer weddings, when you want a soft glam look, or just when you want to feel a little more flowery. It’s quiet beauty—but it leaves a mark.
Groovy Citrus Waves
This set feels just like having a summer sunset on your hands. Bright lemon yellow, magenta, fuchsia, and lavender come together in a colorful pattern that looks like something you might see at a fun beach party from the past. Every nail has its own pattern of waves, much like an abstract piece of art made just for the sun. The almond shape? Chef’s kiss because it still looks good even though there are so many different colors.
To make this, you’ll need a few different neon gel polishes, like Lights Lacquer “Slice of Life”, OPI “Hotter Than You Pink”, and Gelish “Lavender Love”. A nail art brush or striping brush helps you make those clean lines and curves on your nails without much effort. It’s a fun style, so don’t be afraid to let your 70s side come out and have some fun with it.
I’d use this one for things like summer BBQs, just hanging out with friends, or when you want to look nice and casual. It’s bold, but in a way that feels confident and comfortable, like a bright color that just makes you feel good and ready to take on the day.
Sun-Drenched Daisy Tips
Floral French tips but make them sunshine-soaked. This daisy-inspired almond nail design starts with a light pink base, then adds a bright yellow tip on top, and finishes off with white daisy petals to give the nails a fresh and simple look. It brings all the fun of a flower crown, but you don’t have to worry about watering or taking care of it.
To get this look, start with a clean base of Orly “Bare Rose” and then add the yellow tips with China Glaze “Happy Go Lucky.” Hand-draw daisies by using white gel paint and a thin brush. Dot a little bit of yellow or gold in the middle to help it stand out more.
I’m a sucker for daisies—they just feel carefree. This look is perfect for going on road trips, spending time at the lake, or just having a picnic whenever you feel like it. It’s nostalgic and fresh all at once.
Forget-Me-Not Blues
This set offers a charming twist: Hand-painted sky-blue flowers with navy and yellow details on a ballet-pink background. The contrast is unexpected but so dreamy. The almond shape makes your nails look neat and tidy, but still gives them a cute and fun touch, like a tiny bunch of flowers growing on your fingertips.
I’ve seen this style showing up a lot on Instagram, especially on accounts like @nailbymirella, who is known for doing really intricate flower nails. You’ll need a light pink base (like DND “Rose Petal”) and a good variety of detail brushes to build those flower shapes. Blue, navy, and mustard yellow gel polishes give the nails a nice pop of color and make the design look even better.
Personally, I really like these for early June because that’s when all the flowers start to bloom. They’re subtly artistic—like a gallery on your hands. Plus, they look cute holding iced matcha. Just saying.
Tropical Sunset Fade
This gradient reminds me of a summer day, starting with the sunrise and turning into that warm golden hour. The matte finish helps make the ombré look softer and less shiny, which can make it look less dramatic and more subtle. The color change happens gradually, and the almond shape makes everything look a bit smoother and more even.
You’ll need a sponge applicator for this DIY, and you can start with a white or nude base, then add on layers of Essie “Tart Deco”, OPI “Hotter Than You Pink”, and Kiara Sky “Peach Bum”. Set with a matte top coat like Zoya’s “Velvet Matte” to get a smooth and non-shiny look.
I wore these on a girls’ trip to Miami, and a couple of people at the beach even asked me where I got them. The matte finish made the nails look different, even if you’ve seen sunset nails before. Like your favorite vacation photo—filtered just right.
Blush Petal Illusion
This one is soft art with some added depth to make it a little more interesting. Hand-painted pink petals are scattered all over a clear nude base, and each one has a little golden stud in the middle. It’s romantic but modern. Under certain lights, the clear layers inside each petal catch just the right amount of light to make them look like little drops of dew.
To make this, start by putting on a clear pink gel like Apres “Glass Pink” and then use a small brush to add the petals one by one, finishing off with some sparkly micro-beads or studs in the middle. A top coat like The GelBottle “Extreme Shine” helps finish your nails and gives them a really nice, glossy look.
I’ve saved this style in multiple Pinterest folders. It’s great for summer weddings, when you want a soft glam look, or just when you want to feel a little more flowery. It’s quiet beauty—but it leaves a mark.
Soft Pink Petals with Minimal Daisies
There’s something about a light pink color with daisies on top that really feels like summer. This almond-shaped manicure is done in a light pink color, and then little white flowers with pink centers are added on top. The design looks nice and not childish, and it’s light but still feels put together. Each nail has a small flower added, just enough to catch your attention without taking over the whole look.
To recreate this at home, I’d start with OPI’s “Bubble Bath” or Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” as my base. For the flower details, you really need a thin nail art brush or a dotting tool to make the petals and center look nice. I personally really like The GelBottle’s nail art brushes because they help me make really neat and clean designs. For the tiny white petals and pink dot center, you’ll want to use gel polish so you can get a neater look and it lasts longer on your nails. And don’t forget to put on a top coat, because it really makes the color look nice and shiny.
If you’re trying this design yourself, here’s a trick from editorial manicurist Betina Goldstein: use the tip of a bobby pin to make perfect little flower dots if you don’t have a nail art tool. Let each layer cure fully if you’re using gel polish, and always clean up the flower edges with a detail brush dipped in acetone for that pro-level finish.
Personally, this kind of mani makes me feel like I’m sipping a cold matcha drink on a nice, sunny day in the park. It’s light, airy, and just the thing for when you want your nails to look nice but don’t want to go through a lot of fuss. Minimalist florals are something I’m really liking this year.
Milky Pink Elegance for Everyday Glam
This look is a classic, timeless milky-pink almond manicure that doesn’t need any extra fancy stuff to look great. The color is a pink that looks good on everyone—it’s pretty, calm, and shows off a nice confidence. Perfectly shaped, gently rounded almond tips help elongate the fingers, giving off that clean and put-together look that’s really popular right now.
I usually go for Gelish’s “Light Elegant” or Bio Seaweed Gel’s “Marshmallow” to get that really soft and smooth pink look. These formulas are pigmented enough to give coverage, but they’re also light enough so you don’t feel like you’re wearing a lot of makeup. And if you’re not a gel person, Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel in “Sheer Happiness” comes pretty close. What makes this manicure stand out is how shiny and even it looks, without any streaks or rough spots.
You don’t need a salon to get this look. Nail tech Savannah Walker says to put on thin coats of polish and let each one dry completely before adding the next one. And here’s a secret I swear by: buff your nails before your base coat. It helps the polish stick better and makes the nails look smoother and even.
I can’t even remember how many times this manicure has come in handy when I needed to look put-together quickly for a weekend trip or a coffee date. It’s the kind of sandal that goes with everything, whether you’re wearing a dress or a pair of linen pants. It feels casual but expensive, like you have your life together (even when you absolutely do not).
Hot Petal Fade with Gold Touches
This set lets you enjoy a little bit of summer right in your own home. The petals look like they were painted on with watercolor, showing bright pinks that fade out as they get closer to the tips. What makes this manicure special is the small touches of gold, like a few strokes or a bit of shimmer, that make it look extra nice without being too flashy.
To pull this off, I’d start with a jelly nude base like Aprés “Latte” or the Kiara Sky “Sheer Bliss.” Then comes the magic: soft petal strokes with a small brush and gel colors like “Wild Strawberry” from Le Mini Macaron. Add gold foil or metallic gel polish using a liner brush to highlight a few petals—this part feels like you’re painting jewelry onto your nails. Total art moment.
The best tip I’ve heard for getting a good fade is from a YouTube video by nail artist Chaun Legend. work fast but softly, blending before the gel sets. You want the petals to feel like they’re floating, not stamped on.
I wore something really similar to this for a friend’s summer brunch last year, and everyone kept asking where I got them done. There’s just something about these flower nails that’s really eye-catching—they make me think of the kind of floral art you might see in a Matisse painting.
Ocean Breeze and Blue Bloom
When you want your nails to look really cool and stand out, this electric blue and aqua almond set is just the thing. With swirling marine patterns, a 3D flower design, and lots of layered water droplets, this look feels just as cool and relaxing as a walk on the beach. I can almost feel the sea air and smell the sunscreen just by looking at this.
I’d go with “Periwinkle Blue” by Beetles for the base, then add some “Aqua Baby” by Essie on top, and finish it off with a 3D flower in a bright color like “Lime Punch” by Essie. You’ll need acrylic or gel sculpting. I know not everyone wants to go into too much detail, but even just a simple baby blue decal could look good for a DIY version. Just don’t forget to add a matte and gloss top coat together to really make the rippled look stand out.
Creating this at home? Start with your lightest blue paint, then use darker blue colors and a small brush to draw in the swirls. Nail artist Brittney Boyce says that putting on layers of gel and letting them dry in between is the key to getting really deep and shiny nails. And if you’re feeling creative, you can also add some 3D gel drops to make the water look like it’s got a bit of salty sea spray on it.
Personally, this one makes me feel like I’m getting a little bit of my mermaid vibes going. I’d wear this set when I go to the beach or just want to feel a bit happier. It’s bold, fun, and definitely for someone who’s not afraid to let her nails speak first.
Cherry Blossom Candy Pop
This design really shows what floral maximalism is all about, and I really like it. Bright cherry-pink flowers with yellow centers stand out over a smooth nude base, and some nails have a pink French tip to make them look even more eye-catching. It’s fresh, it’s flirty, and it plays with symmetry in the best way. The almond shape helps make floral prints feel softer and more casual, so even the most bold patterns look easy to wear.
If you want to copy this one, start with a clean base like “Put It In Neutral” by OPI. Use a fine brush to layer on those hot pink petals (I love Madam Glam’s “Hot Date”) and dot the flower centers with bright yellow or white. For that pop of pink at the tips, you can use any opaque fuchsia gel nail polish to make your nails look finished and stylish.
When doing these at home, just go with the flow and don’t worry about making the flowers look completely perfect. That’s the charm—each one is a little bit unique, just like real flowers. Celebrity nail tech Tom Bachik often says the best nail art looks “intentional, but not overworked,” and this design nails that perfectly.
There’s something about this manicure that makes me want to eat some watermelon and drink a glass of rosé up on a rooftop. It’s definitely a mood-booster—playful but still totally sophisticated. I’d wear this to a summer festival or a picnic in Central Park without any doubt.
Sunset Fade in Citrus Orange
This orange fade is giving me major golden-hour-on-a-rooftop energy. The gradient starts off as a sheer nude color and then fades into a bright orange, just like the sky does at sunset. The almond shape on the nails really lengthens the hand, but it’s the bold, fading color that really catches your eye—clean, simple, and eye-catching.
To make this look, I’d start with a soft nude like “Bare With Me” from DND, then add a bright orange color called “Tangerine Rush” from Kiara Sky on top. A sponge is your best friend here—dab the color from the tip downward in gentle layers until the color blends nicely from dark to light. Seal your nail art with a top coat to give it a really shiny and smooth look.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get this glow. Manicurist Julie Kandalec suggests putting a layer of liquid latex around your nail before using sponges to help keep the skin clean and make it easier to do gradients at home. Blend with patience and don’t over-saturate the sponge; it’s better to build slowly.
This ring always makes me feel a bit more awake when I put it on. It’s bold, juicy, and really goes well with a lot of things. I wore it with denim shorts one day and with a white satin slip dress the next. It really is a color mood.
3D Lemonade Blooms with Soft Ombre
If sunshine could be sculpted, this would be it. This set brings together soft pastel shades of pink and yellow with 3D flowers that look almost real when you look at them. The flowers look like they’re having fun, with a soft yellow that reminds me of a cool lemon sorbet. It’s sweet, cheerful, and has just the right amount of drama to make every bit of summer light shine.
To recreate this, I would use sheer gel colors like The GelBottle’s “Peony” and “Sunray” for the ombré. The 3D flowers look best when you use a builder gel or acrylic, like Young Nails’ “Synergy Gel” or Valentino Beauty Pure’s acrylic powders. Don’t skip the rhinestone centers; they bring the whole thing to life.
Applying 3D elements at home can sound intimidating, but here’s the thing: it’s more forgiving than you’d expect. Just make sure your base is fully cured before you start sculpting, and try to work on small details at a time. YouTube tutorials by Nail Thoughts are great if you want to try out 3D nail art for the first time.
I wore the same nails to a backyard barbecue last July, and someone actually asked if they were fake nails from Etsy, because they looked so good. That’s the power of dimension. It gives your nails a little something extra, even if you’re not wearing a lot of other makeup or accessories.
French Daisy Dream
Classic white French tips get paired with a pretty pink-and-white daisy look for a sweet and simple manicure. The base pink is creamy and clean, making your nails look extra nice, and the daisy with a golden yellow center brings in a bit of nostalgia. Think about old-school flip phones and picking up a bunch of fresh daisies from the corner shop.
For the pink base, I usually go for “Mademoiselle” by Essie because it’s such a classic color. The white tips can be painted on by hand or using French tips with a bright white polish like OPI’s “Alpine Snow.” The daisy design is easy to make with a basic nail art tool, like a dotting tool. Just add a few white petals and a yellow center, and you’re done!
If you’re trying this at home, just remember that the petals are just for fun and you don’t need to get them perfect. Nail artist Brittney Boyce always says that floral nails should look natural, not perfectly made. That’s what makes them charming. And to make the French tips look nicer, I use a brush dipped in acetone to smooth out the edges after I’ve finished painting.
Every time I wear a mani like this, I get compliments from strangers—usually accompanied by a “wow, that’s so cute!” This design feels young at heart but never childish. It’s a quick manicure that makes your hands look neat and put-together even if you don’t have much time.
Sunflower Chic with French Flair
This almond nail design looks great for summer and isn’t too much or too little. The sunny yellow petals and bold black centers of the flowers look just like the wild sunflowers you see growing along the side of a hiking trail. Pair that with soft white French tips, and the whole outfit looks both stylish and timeless. It’s both nature-inspired and totally runway-ready.
To build this look, start by putting on a pale pink base color called “Fairy Floss” from Nailberry. Use a fine detail brush for the flowers and pick a nice yellow color like “Daisy Know My Name?” by China Glaze for the petals and a black gel for the center. That contrast really helps the flowers stand out and look their best against the light background.
Manicurist Tom Bachik once said that getting the placement of your design just right is really important in nail art. Don’t put too many flowers on each nail; just one or two will do. And if you’re not sure about painting freehand, you can use floral decals or stickers instead to get a similar look without having to worry about messing up.
Honestly? This design reminds me of sitting on a porch in the South, drinking lemonade. It’s light, it’s sweet, and it feels both girly and fresh at the same time. Definitely one of my favorites this season.
Delicate Petals on Rosy Nude
This mani is what I think a bride or someone who likes soft glam would wear if they were getting married in July. The petals are painted in a light white with just a hint of gold, making them look nice and subtle but still pretty. Set against a muted rosy nude base, the whole look is soft, pretty, and just a little bit romantic.
To achieve this, I’d start with a pinky-beige gel polish like “Barely Blush” by LeChat. Then use white gel paint, like the GelBottle’s “Daisy” color, to draw in some flowers, and add a few bits of gold foil or gold gel liner to make the look stand out more. A glossy finish locks in that soft glam.
One tip I got from celebrity nail artist Gina Edwards is to always start with a base coat before putting on your nail polish. when working with metallics, less is more. Just a hint of gold can really make your design look more thoughtful and classy, without making it look too over the top. And always put a thick top coat of gel on top of any metal parts so they don’t get dull over time.
There’s something almost calming about this look. It reminds me of lazy summer mornings, clean sheets, and soft gold jewelry. This is the almond nail look you go for when you want something classic and pretty, but with a little bit of fun thrown in.
