Are French tips still a thing for summer 2025? Yes, absolutely and they’re not only a thing, they’re the most important thing. Try to move away from classic salon nails and choose designs that will look great in all your coffee selfies. This year, French manicures are gentler, more romantic and filled with fun surprises. While some are traditional with a unique twist, others give you the sensation of eating pastel sorbet. So, let’s break down the chicest updates to this timeless look — each one handpicked (literally) and trend-forward.
Modern Almond with Crisp White Tips
A French cocktail has always been elegant, but this version gives it a bit of a twist. The shape of the almond makes the style look more modern and the milky pink base with the white tips gives it a classic feel. It’s clean, minimal, and a little edgy. I like my summer neutrals to be classic but still interesting.
I suggest using OPI’s Bubble Bath as your base and Essie’s Blanc for the tip because it’s not too sheer. Beetles No Wipe Gloss is a good choice for a topcoat if you want your nails to last under beachy conditions. I promise, the glass finish stays beautiful even after being in the sun and sand.
The key to getting this shape right at home? Move the file gently toward the center so you don’t end up with too narrow a taper. If you’re not comfortable with freehand lines, use a tip guide or simply hold your brush at an angle and follow the edge of your nail.
To be honest, this is what I choose when I want to look well-dressed without trying too hard. I wore it to a vineyard weekend in June and didn’t need to fix my makeup at all; it looked great with both a white dress and my airport clothes.
Pastel Blue Florals Meet French Tips
I smiled the moment I saw this look — because florals for summer are still a big deal when they’re styled like this. Baby blue French tips are added to each nail, with white daisies dotted around a pink base. It’s nostalgic but not kitschy. Think: cottagecore meets clean girl aesthetic. Even if you don’t usually do nail art, it’s still easy to wear this design.
If you want to recreate this at home, you’ll need a soft pastel like Olive & June’s BP and a blooming white nail art pen (I’ve been loving Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen in White). Dotting tools are very useful, but I’ve also managed with the back of a bobby pin when I needed to.
Apply the French tips and let them dry and then add your daisies. Don’t worry about making it perfect — the little differences make it look dreamy and fragile. Place some slip on the surface with a thick jelly-like topcoat to seal the look softly.
I wore this at a summer barbecue and got complimented three times before I could enjoy my lemonade. It’s fun, but not silly which is perfect for my nails when I’m having fun outside.
Soft Rounded Tips with a Sheer Finish
If French tips could talk softly instead of loudly, this would be the one. The base is a soft pink that blends into a white arc, tracing the shape of the nail just like a second layer. The rounded tip softens everything. It’s elegant, quiet luxury. And yes, it matches literally everything.
To get the white edge so thin, use a small brush and wait until your pink shade is completely dry before applying. Essie’s Mademoiselle is my go-to and I put it on twice to get a healthy, but still light, glow.
Personally, I consider this my “don’t-know-what-to-wear” manicure. I’ve worn my favorite top to brunch, the beach and even on a Zoom call — it always looks right. Also, I love wearing it with gold jewelry, since that’s what I wear all summer long.
Peachy Clean Curves on a Bare Canvas
This set is a whisper of summer. A delicate pink base that is almost nude, with white tips that just barely go beyond the natural line. It’s a manicure that seems simple, but only until you notice how nicely your hands are polished. The curved shape fits the fingertip well which makes it easy to achieve that effortless summer look.
I prefer to use Zoya’s Bela or Butter London’s Pink Knickers for this manicure because they’re just the right amount of sheer. A detail brush with Orly White Tips applied gives the best result without making the nails look too professional.
I’d wear this mani with big sunglasses, a white top and my hair pulled into a bun and it would look like I’m headed to the market or the Amalfi Coast. And isn’t that exactly what summer should feel like?
Chic Florals in Pink and White Harmony
We can imagine that if Barbie was at Coachella in 2025, she’d be rocking this nail look. With a glossy pink color, a shiny finish and white petal florals all over, it’s a subtle way to add flair to your nails. The almond shape keeps it grown-up, while the bloom placement makes it feel like you’re wearing tiny pieces of art.
I’ll skip the steps for now because the vibe of this one is more about the mood than the DIY — but if you’re ready to channel your inner flower child, this one’s for you. And it doesn’t scream wedding season, which I love.
The first time I wore this style, I paired a denim jumpsuit with white sneakers. Zero regrets. The nails looked great, with just the right mix of style and fun — and a customer at the café wondered if they were press-ons because they looked so perfect. Spoiler: they weren’t.
Double French in Electric Blue Fade
A double French tip with blue coloring is a new take on an old style — the two arcs of blue blend together just like a late-summer sunset. A white band touches the nail curve and then a bright electric blue appears at the tip, becoming clearer as it moves away. The shape gives a sculpted look and the color makes even the hottest day more comfortable.
I applied Madam Glam’s Blue Monday and then added Modelones White Blossom on the inner line. You need a very fine liner brush to get that inner band looking neat and clean, almost like a graphic design. Don’t rush this one; it’s all about patience and clean curves.
I wore this outfit while visiting the lake on a weekend and it definitely made people talk to me. With flip-flops and sunscreen on, I still felt put together. It’s confident but not too flashy which is just what I want this summer.
Hot Pink Ombré French
This is for the girl who likes a bit of Barbie and a bit of edge. The French tip is a deep pink at the edges and becomes a sheer neutral in the center. The silhouette is still French, but the colors are not what you’d expect. It’s electric. It’s pink. It’s like the child of 2003 and 2025 that went viral.
My favorite pink for this? Lights Lacquer in Skip It or Color Club’s Warhol — both have that almost neon vibrancy. Dab the makeup on your face in the middle area with a sponge until the fade is invisible. Your base coat is your friend; it reduces the risk of stains.
I enjoy that this style is both timeless and different. I paired my skirt with denim cutoffs and a white tank and the combination was perfect. And if you tan easily? This pink POPS.
Neutral Chic with Bold White Tips
This French manicure is a strong salute to the classic style — a nude base with white tips that are noticeable without being overpowering. It looks good at the office, at a bonfire on the beach or when you’re grabbing an iced chai. With its almond shape, the contrast is softened and it looks less like a corporate French place and more like a cool girl’s matcha spot.
I always use OPI’s Bare My Soul or Sundays LA No. 2 as a base for this look. For the tips, I like Essie’s Marshmallow — it gives the creamy finish that doesn’t go stark white under sunlight.
I got the girl energy I wanted, but it didn’t feel forced at all. I wore it with a brown ribbed dress and gold hoops and it made me feel like I knew what I was doing. Even if I was running late.
Sky-Tipped Minimalist French
If you love clean designs, here’s an update just for you. Pale blue tips are set on a nude-pink background, just like watercolor brushstrokes. The color is subtle, soft, and ridiculously calming. It’s similar to waking up at 7 a.m. to admire the sky — peaceful, cool and beautiful in a simple way.
I suggest using Olive & June’s Angelfish or Lights Lacquer in Blue Moon to get this look. It’s important to avoid making the tip line too wide or too rounded. You can see it as a splash of color along the border.
I wore this set for a week of meetings and found out halfway through — people kept complimenting my nails. From my boss to the barista, people noticed. That’s the magic of a soft blue in summer — it’s cool without trying to be cool.
Lemon & Mint Pastel Duo Tips
Now for a surprise I didn’t expect: each nail has a pastel yellow French tip followed by a mint green one, making them look like the most beautiful sorbet colors. The base is smooth and shiny which helps the look stay even. It’s quirky but wearable — especially in sunshine.
I often use Peacci in Mint and Essie’s Chillato to get this look. You can alternate the shades on your nails or pick them randomly. Either option, it all feels light and enjoyable, like you have a bit of summer in your hand.
I paired this with a pearl ring and a loose linen shirt while shopping at the farmer’s market on Saturday. It was as if I was walking through a museum. It’s certainly playful, but it also has a cool, understated style.
Punchy Pink Florals with a Petal-Tipped Twist
This one is pure serotonin on a fingertip. A stylish French tip in vivid pink, with a deep, rounded curve, is decorated with fun 3D flowers in both pink and red. The result? A burst of flowers that still seems elegant, like bubblegum wrapped in a silk ribbon. It’s girly in the best, most grown-up way.
I find that Gelcare in Peony and Cirque Colors in Strawberry Fields work well together. You can either stick on nail decals or use a dotting tool to add petals, with lighter ones below and brighter ones above.
I’d pick this for any weekend when I want to feel a bit more feminine. You could wear a pink cardigan, put on some glossy lipstick and hold a lavender iced latte. It’s fun without being juvenile — and so photogenic.
Classic French Meets Ribbon Red Charm
Here’s the classic French manicure with a hint of romantic ribbon. The clean white lines are finished with small, shiny red bows on the nails, making the whole look both stylish and fun. It’s sweet, it’s cheeky, and it catches the light just right when you sip something bubbly.
For this one, you’ll need a vivid red gel polish like DND’s Poppy Red and a super fine nail brush (or an art pen if you want more control). The remaining part is all about making a confident swirl of the hand — steady but not too tight, much like drawing with icing.
I wore this outfit to a daytime birthday picnic and had three people ask me who did my nails. Plot twist? I did them myself. They’re fun, flirtatious and great for spending time with friends or going on a summer date.
Square White Tips with Mirror-Like Shine
If you’re a minimalist who wants a bold look, this is the manicure for you. Short-to-medium square nails, a pink base and flat, wide white tips — everything is sharp and shiny, without any extra effects. It’s timeless, but in that “just pinned on Pinterest” kind of way.
I paint with OPI’s Bubble Bath and Modelones Gel White and then apply Apres Top Gelcoat X for the best mirror effect. If you want to prevent chipping, use a second top coat and cure it for 60 seconds.
I choose this style when I want a strong and polished appearance. I’ve dressed it up with a blazer for work and down with linen pants and a crop top for a rooftop meal. Works. Every. Time.
Cherry French with Whimsical Vibes
Hear me out — this is the season for fruity flavors. Crisp white French tips are the background for little red and green cherry groups. It’s not overly sweet, but it has a nostalgic feel that fits right into the year 2025.
Take a fine nail brush and dip it in ILNP’s Cherry Luxe to make the dots with Color Club’s French Tip. The stems can be done with a super fine green striping brush, or a stamping plate if you’re precise like that.
It looks like something you’d wear to a picnic — I paired it with sneakers and jeans and it still felt like summer. It’s full of joy, brings back memories and I often can’t look away.
Daisy-Fresh White Tipped Sunbursts
This one’s got sunshine in its DNA. Traditional white tips are the base for a design of scattered daisies, where each petal is drawn in white and the center is yellow. It’s the perfect combination of a garden party and soft glam, thanks to the almond shape that makes the eyes look longer and more romantic.
Start with a pale pink base like Zoya’s Bela, then use a fine tip nail brush to add petals. If you’d rather not paint freehand, use nail stickers and top coat them well.
I wore this at a friend’s backyard brunch and the daisies on the tablecloth seemed to match it perfectly. There’s something about florals that just feel right in June — even if your plans are as simple as walking barefoot through the grass.
Rosy Watercolor Fade on Almond Tips
This set is pure romance. The gradient starts at the base with a light milky pink and gets deeper to a juicy rose at the tip. The way the colors flow from light to bold and there are no sharp lines is what makes it look summer 2025.
It’s actually simpler to make this look yourself than it looks. I dab Beetles Gel Polish in Dusty Rose and Milky Pink on my nails with a sponge and blend them softly. Top the whole thing off with a shiny protective coat for a bright finish.
I put on this outfit on a rainy Sunday when I needed some pretty in my life. It added a bit of color that wasn’t too loud and my huge hoodie suddenly felt more refined. Total mood enhancer.
Zesty Yellow Tips with Lemon Slice Art
Okay, this one is straight-up adorable. French manicure is given a summery look by adding bright yellow arcs and lemon slice art to the accent nails. It’s refreshing, colorful and makes your nails feel like you’re having a poolside drink.
The tips should be done with Orly’s Glowstick and you’ll need a dotting tool and white liner for the citrus art. I draw white lines in a starburst shape for the slices, then put yellow semicircles on top of them.
You’ll want to wear this style for weekend brunches and trips. I put on this ring for a lunch with my friends on a rooftop and kept smiling every time I saw my hand. Bright nails = bright mood.
Multicolored Pastel Tips with Bubble Gloss
This is rainbow French — but make it pastel. The tips are in different shades from the cotton candy spectrum: lilac, mint, lemon, peach and baby blue. Since the base remains translucent and not too harsh, the colors accentuate your look beautifully. It’s cheerful and balanced at the same time.
I think Lights Lacquer’s Dream St. collection is ideal for this look because the colors are so pastel. Paint each finger a different color and finish with a thick topcoat like Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.
This one’s such a crowd-pleaser. I wore them to a family barbecue and everyone, including the kids, my cousins and my aunt, wanted to see where I had them done. (Spoiler: my kitchen table.)
Deep Cherry Swoop Tips
If you’re looking for something moody, this mani is perfect. The base is a light, natural color and the tips curve into a strong cherry red, going across the nail at an angle. It’s dramatic yet not too heavy, thanks to the clean base it’s made with.
Apply OPI’s Big Apple Red gel and use a fine art brush to get the soft slanted shape. You should draw it freehand for the best effect, but tip guides angled slightly can also be used.
I wore this nail color on a summer date night, with a slip dress, a low bun and a red lip. It was warm and fun, much like a cherry popsicle you eat at midnight.
Sky Marble French with Ocean Swirls
Now this is a showstopper. Icy blue and crisp white mix at the ice tips to form a pattern that resembles stopped ocean currents. The foundation remains simple, giving the abstract waves the main role.
Using blooming gel or the drag technique makes marbling the simplest. Apply Cirque Colors’s Skylight and White Matter to the canvas, while they are still wet and use a liner brush to mix them together. Top coat twice to preserve the movement and dimension.
I put this on for a weekend by the sea and it really helped my tan look nicer. The cool tones pop in photos and IRL — definitely a must-try if you want your nails to make waves (pun intended).
Chic and Square: A Minimalist’s Summer Classic
There’s something quietly luxurious about this design. They have a soft square shape, are gently filed and have a light nude-pink base that looks good on every skin color. The white tips are crisp, clean, and surprisingly modern in their proportion—thicker than the ’90s version but not too bold. It’s giving “quiet luxury” but with SPF. Whether you’re wearing a cardigan or enjoying a drink by the pool, this manicure looks great.
I usually start with Bubble Bath from OPI GelColor and finish with Alpine Snow for the white tip to get this look. You can also try Essie’s Blanc if you’re doing regular polish—just make sure to use a striping brush for that even arc.
You can always get this done at your salon, but it’s simple enough to try at home if you’re steady. I recommend applying a sheer pink base coat first, letting it dry completely, and then using French tip guides if freehand isn’t your thing. Use a top coat such as Seche Vite, to make your nails shine like those you’d get at the salon.
When I’m in a hurry, I turn to this nail look to feel put together without much thought. I wore this mani last year when I was in Santa Monica and it stayed perfect with all the sun, sea and sunscreen.
Neon Pink Tips for a Bold Summer Pop
I have to mention how great my mood feels after this mani. The fun hot-pink tips make this nail polish perfect for summer and the nude base means it’s easy to wear daily. It’s not too extreme and the almond shape gives it a little bit of a sharp edge to match its fun side. The difference between the white bed and the vibrant edge is just perfect. It’s summer in nail form.
I usually go with Madam Glam’s Neon Pink in gel form—it’s high-pigment and doesn’t fade in the sun. It’s best to use CND Shellac in Bare Chemise as a base to make the pink color stand out. I like to use Sally Hansen’s Pink Blink over a nude base and it looks good with a couple layers.
My secret is to begin with a nude gel base and let it cure completely. After that, use a small detail brush with neon polish to follow the curved edge. After applying a top coat, your nails will look so good you’ll want to dance along the boardwalk.
I wore this style to a rooftop party in Miami and three girls asked me for my nail tech’s Instagram. It’s that kind of look.
Crimson Hearts: A French Mani with a Flirt
This one’s for the hopeless romantic in all of us. A French tip in the shape of an almond is paired with a red edge, but there’s more to it. Tiny white hearts placed right at the top of each nail. It’s playful, feminine, and just a little daring. To me, it’s like a classic valentine, but with a high-end summer twist. The color is bold, the details are clear and the design brings your hands into your overall look.
If you’re doing it yourself, I highly recommend Olive & June’s CV red polish for a tidy cherry look. With a dotting tool, place the hearts on the nails after the red tips have dried somewhat. A quick-dry top coat keeps them from smudging.
Truthfully, this one takes patience. The hearts need symmetry, so don’t rush the process. But once it’s on? You won’t stop staring at your nails. It’s a vibe. Also, red tips are always on trend and give any outfit a bold kick.
Is it a good choice for a night out or for a beach wedding? Absolutely. But I’d also rock it just to feel a little cuter when grabbing iced oat milk lattes. Because why not?
Cloud-Swept Tips: Abstract White on Almond
Each tip has a soft, abstract circle of white, much like the passing of clouds across the sky in summer. The style is light, dreamy and perfect for this time of year. This isn’t your typical French—it’s a whisper of it. Abstract lines give the nails a natural and artistic look and this style works best on almond-shaped nails.
Surprisingly, using the proper tools makes this one simple, despite how it looks. Tracing the waves with a thin liner brush dipped in OPI’s Funny Bunny allows for the design to change and grow as I keep going. It’s not about perfection—it’s about flow. That’s the beauty of it.
According to nail artist Betina Goldstein, negative space nails are easy to do and make your hands look clean and fresh. This look proves it.
I’ve always had someone ask me if I had my nails done at Paintbox after I wore this. Nope. Just a little patience and a steady brush. It’s like watercolors for your fingertips.
Classic White-Tipped Squares Reimagined
A classic is always a good idea, especially if it’s been updated for the year 2025. A French manicure in a square shape is as refreshing as a cold iced vanilla latte on a summer morning. The new design has more striking proportions and the glossy finish gives them a bright, glass-like look in the sun. It’s polished, flattering, and quietly commanding.
This is how I feel “done” without spending too much time thinking about it. I painted the white tips with Essie’s Blanc and the sheer base with Zoya’s Bela. The look of this combo is always fresh and never fades.
You don’t have to be an expert to make this happen. If you’re not good at freehand nails, use tape or French manicure stickers to get a sharp edge.
There’s something so grounding about this design. If I’m not sure, I turn to it like I would my favorite pair of denim shorts or white tee. It’s familiar—but never boring.
Golden Edges: A Luxe Take on the French Curve
This design is luxury in the tiniest of details. A soft pink almond base is decorated with a classic white curve and the smile line is lined with a shiny gold foil. It’s elegant, luminous, and feels like sipping Prosecco on a rooftop at golden hour. The gold gives a little extra touch that stands out quietly.
I use Bio Seaweed Gel in Strawberry Milk as the base and OPI Alpine Snow for the tip to get this luxe look. The special ingredient is metallic foil—you can try Gold Foil from Whats Up Nails. If you cure your tips first, the gel will be thin enough to stay flat and won’t lift under your top coat.
I use tweezers to press the foil between the base and tip before covering with two layers of clear gel. It’s a little fussy, but that refined gold line is what takes it from “nice” to “you did those yourself?!”
Actually, I wore them at a summer wedding last year and didn’t stop hearing compliments until the champagne was gone. And yes—they matched the hardware on my clutch perfectly.
Cherry Smoke: Ombré Tips in Wineberry Fade
Forget the French you think you know. The first shade is a light pink and the second is a smoky wineberry that looks similar to the inside of a ripe plum. It’s moody, rich and a surprise for summer, so it’s even more enjoyable. It’s a kind of elegant that is easy and effortless.
You’ll need a makeup sponge and a little patience for this fade. Apply Essie’s Mademoiselle as your base and gently dab OPI’s Malaga Wine at the tips with a sponge. Blend up toward the center, drying between coats. It creates that dreamy ombré without looking blocky.
Brittney Boyce, a nail artist, says this method gives the best gradients. Her advice is to use as little polish as possible. And she’s right—less is more.
I choose this style when I want to be elegant and a bit bold. It looks great with a sundress as it does with your favorite vintage tee.
Lemon Sorbet Tips for Barely-There Sunshine
Talk about dopamine in nail form! These soft yellow French tips seem to bring a taste of frozen sunshine. Its round shape and simple base give it a natural-looking finish, but the pastel yellow gives it just a touch of flair. It’s quietly cheery and can be worn by anyone, even if you don’t usually wear bright colors.
You can use Sundays Studio No.47 for the yellow and Deborah Lippmann’s Naked for the base. Use either a fine brush or tape to help you paint the rounded arc.
Sometimes I’m not confident enough for neon, but this sunny yellow is a great way to start. It makes you stand out without being too noticeable—like smiling with your hands. It’s my go-to for summer mornings when I want something sweet and simple.
Rainbow French: Playful Pastel for Summer Moods
Summer freedom is best represented by a pastel rainbow on your nails. A pale pink, lavender, soft lemon and baby blue tips are placed on a nude base in this French manicure. The almond shape gives it a mature look, but the colors are very fun. You get a taste of vacation, festival and weekend getaway all in just ten tiny paintings.
For colors, I love Olive & June’s Spring Set. They layer beautifully without streaking. Let your base coat dry completely before adding color, so you don’t drag it. A topcoat like Seche Vive will give your nails the reflection of glass.
While it’s a little more fun than what I usually choose, I like that I can pair this mani with almost any outfit. Wore it to a picnic last June and instantly got that “omg your nails!” moment—mission accomplished.
Lavender Petals and Ombre Fade
Now this is summer nail art at its dreamiest. Soft purple French tips blend into natural pink and small white floral designs drift across every nail as if by the wind. The style is a mix of fairy tale and fashion week, making it look both delicate, magical and quietly powerful.
I use Modelones Lilac Mist and then fade into OPI’s Bubble Bath using a sponge. I use a white detail brush to paint the flowers and finish them with a dotting tool for the centers.
Hang Nguyen and other nail artists suggest using flowers to add texture to your nails without making them heavy. She says, “Flowers make strong shapes softer,” and that is very clear in this space.
I’d choose this set for a weekend trip to a lavender field or, honestly, to run errands and feel more stylish. It’s fun but functional—like having your own garden party in your hands.
