Vacation Nails Perfect for 2025: The Prettiest Manicure Trends to Pack This Summer

Imagine being able to start your next trip from where you are sitting right now. You can actually start your nail vacation before you even leave for the airport. The textures, colors and finishes in vacation nails for 2025 are not only trendy, but they give a sunny feeling. Your toes will look perfect whether, you’re relaxing poolside with a drink or hiking with a film camera, as these manicures are made for all occasions. Would you like your nails to reflect the fun in your favorite beach playlist? Perhaps you want something floral to mark the wonderful escape you’ve been waiting for? We’ll get right to it — every outfit is like a little trip all on its own.

French Blossom Petals with a Twist

Soft almond-shaped nails are making French tips popular again in a romantic way. Instead of having all nails white, this design gives us a soft peach-pink base and white tips that are smooth, shiny and nicely polished. The star of the manicure is the floral accent nail, featuring a five-petaled flower, a gold dot and brushstroke petals in pink and white. It’s like wearing a daisy chain on your fingertips. If I were going to a summer garden party in Provence, I’d choose these as my nail color. Definitely vacation nails perfect for 2025—whimsical, elegant, and breezy.

I’d begin with a soft nude-pink builder gel, for example, OPI’s “Bubble Bath” or “Put It In Neutral.” I use a precision liner brush with a thick white gel like Daisy from The GelBottle for the French tips. And if you’re layering 3D petals? You can use Mia Secret’s 3D acrylic powder in white and baby pink colors. Put a small metallic stud or Swarovski crystal in the center of the flower, just as they do at celebrity salons in L.A. It’s all about soft touches with high payoff.

Even though it appears complicated, anyone can do this manicure at home with the right tools and patience. Start by shaping your nails with a fine-grit file. Following your base coat and curing, paint on the French tip by hand and use a silicone brush to clean up if you tend to make a mess. To make the flower, use 3D acrylic beads and a petal brush to apply the petals; do one at a time and let it dry before continuing. Coat all the parts of the cake except the flower to give it a mix of textures. It’s fiddly, but worth it.

The thing I like best is the design’s ability to mix softness and charm—it looks dainty without being dull. When I wore something like this last summer, I kept hearing compliments. It gives your hands a special look without being too flashy. If you’re heading to the beach, going on a wine tour or just sipping rosé, these nails look like a bit of sunshine.

Ocean-Inspired Pearls & Shells

This design is pure vacation fantasy. The base color is a pure milky pink and every nail shows a different sea theme such as pearl bubbles, mermaid swirls, textured starfish and small shells. Each part of the painting seems to rise from the canvas in a sculptural way. The style goes for a dreamy, transparent feel, adding touches of fun nautical disorder. If you enjoy standing out at sunset dinners or tropical trips, these are the nails for you in 2025—fun, detailed and almost too beautiful to exist.

The main feature of this design is layering and texture. I’d first put on Beetles Gel Polish “Milky White” as a base and then add 3D shapes using modeling gel or acrylic. You can make the seashell and starfish with molds if you’re just starting out or you can sculpt them by hand with thick gel like Vetro’s Extension Clear. I like to add pearls to my nails using nail glue and a steady hand and the kit from Born Pretty looks very natural.

Creating this at home takes time, but if you’re crafty, it’s not impossible. Start with two coats of the milky base. Draw the seaweed-like squiggles with a liner brush and white gel polish. Cure between every detail. Starfish and shell designs can be formed in advance using 3D gel or pressed into molds and attached with hard gel. Put on a thick top coat on the flat surfaces and keep the 3D textures matte to create a stylish contrast.

Before going to Tulum, I tried this and found myself staring at my hands all the time. Their outfits really made the beach photos special and the staff at the resort took notice as well. These nails make you feel as if you’re the star of your own summer adventure—salty hair, sun-kissed skin and seashell tips.

Glossy Pink Swirls & Raised Florals

Here’s a design that screams playful elegance. The combination of pink swirls and glossy French tips makes this look instantly cheerful. The main highlight is the textured 3D flower in bubblegum pink which seems real and fresh, just like a flower pressed on the nail. The almond shape lengthens the fingers and gives the nails a delicate but bold look. These are great vacation nails for 2025, especially for those who like a touch of femininity and drama.

Begin by applying a simple neutral pink gel such as Gelish’s “Pink Smoothie,” as the base. Take a liner brush and bubblegum pink gel paint and draw swirls on some of your nails. The flower can be made using acrylic or 3D gel with a sculpting brush. If you are looking for a strong 3D look without a lot of product, Leafgel’s Sculpture Gel can help—it won’t sag and gives you a raised finish.

The first time I had polish this interesting, I grew addicted to staring at my own nails as I sipped from a nice cold cup or smoothed out naked beach waves. That’s the beauty of nice vacation nails: they blend into your look, your style and your overall outfit. Pink dresses, oversized sunglasses and shiny lipstick would look wonderful with this makeup. Chic, but totally chill.

Butterfly Blues & Botanical Whispers

The combination of soft blue, blush pink and white leaf designs creates a very cohesive style. It feels gentle, airy and a bit poetic, as if your nails are reflecting the morning sun in a field of flowers. One nail stands out with a hand-made butterfly in a pretty baby blue. This is the sort of manicure I’d pick for a picnic in the country or a laid-back morning by the sea in cutoffs and a big straw hat. Vacation nails perfect for 2025? Yes, especially if you want a summer look that is romantic but not too loud.

There’s something calming about working with this color palette. My pick for the base is Bio Seaweed Gel’s “Barely There” sheer pink builder gel. You can get the blue accent by using CND “Blue Eyeshadow” or any other pastel gel that you like. Freehand the leaves and the butterfly wings with a fine liner brush and white gel paint. You are free to pick whichever finish you want: either matte or glossy.

What I like most is that you can wear it with anything and it will always look unique. Having a little negative space and a few tiny flowers makes your nails look fresh and delicate. I’d choose silver rings and soft materials to go with it and a cloud-pink bikini would look wonderful on a lake trip. Sometimes, low-key details say the most.

Blue Porcelain-Inspired Florals

Seriously, these nails look like tiny vintage teacups. The white tips and blue flowers are giving this manicure a porcelain feel that’s fresh, refined and perfect for a vacation. It’s dainty without being precious. If your taste runs to simple, enduring designs with a bit of flair, you’ll like it. Nails for 2025 should definitely feature these—they are like art you can wear.

The look starts with a base of Aprés “Baby Pink.” Apply a white gel polish to some nails as the base and then use cobalt blue polish—either Zoya’s “Walker” or OPI’s “My Pal Joey”—over it. A precision brush makes all the difference here. Try to keep the strokes light and flowing to copy the look of brush-painted porcelain.

Even though the design looks complicated, it is actually quite simple to make yourself. Paint all the base layers first, then cure. Pick a super-fine brush and use it to paint the blue flowers in one unbroken line, like a real artist would. Finish the painting with a top coat that gives it a little shine, like china.

Whenever I spot this nail art, I imagine myself in Santorini or Amalfi Coast enjoying a brunch on a balcony. There’s just something timeless and light about it. They look great with white linen, light gold jewelry and a tan. They whisper vacation without having to shout it.

Floral Garden French Tips

This manicure looks like a spring meadow hiding inside a French tip. The first flowers are almond-shaped and white, but then a surprise, as small pink, yellow and lilac flowers suddenly appear. The illustrations look light and as if they were painted by hand, much like flowers pressed under glass. The combination of crisp white and soft nude base allows every petal to be noticed without the arrangement looking crowded. Such nails are ideal for 2025, especially if you are planning a trip to the countryside or imagine having a garden party.

The clean base can be achieved with a neutral-toned builder gel like Madame Glam’s “Builder Light Pink.” When following the tips, use a strong white gel like Apres Gel-X “French White.” Use a micro detailing brush (I love Beetles Liner Brush Kit) to paint the delicate blossoms. Blend colors such as “Peach Please” and “Lilac You Mean It” from DND to get a mixed, artistic effect.

What I love about this design is its subtlety. If you just observe from a distance, the nails have a simple look, but when you get close, you can see all that the design tells you. It allows you to try florals without looking too tropical. The truth is, these match with any outfit you wear in the summer.

Retro Gingham & Citrus Florals

This set takes me straight to an open-air farmers’ market. Orange sherbet, pinky-nude, gingham checks and daisy florals make this look feel like you’re having a picnic on your hands. The atmosphere is young but not childish, mainly because the colors and designs are well-placed. These are vacation nails perfect for 2025 if you’re planning a weekend in Napa, a backyard brunch, or just a vibe shift into sunny optimism.

Start by rotating pastel gel shades across the nails—Soft Peach by The GelBottle, Light Beige from Gelish, and OPI’s “Hue is the Artist?” are solid choices. Paint the gingham pattern by using a striping brush and making overlapping white squares. The petals of the daisy can be painted with dotting tools and a rhinestone in the center gives it a little shine.

It’s honestly not too hard to recreate. Paint your base and cure. Lightly draw the checkers with thin gel polish and cover them with white detail gel petals. You don’t have to make every flower the same; that’s what makes the cake look special. Apply a non-wipe gloss topcoat as your last step to keep everything sealed and suitable for picnics.

The design reminds me of the past and it makes me smile. I get a sense of my grandma’s porch and peaches in summer every time I eat peach cobbler. It’s not just about the past—it has been completely updated for 2025 with a polished finish and light colors.

Tropical Bloom & Pearl Clusters

This style will especially appeal to fans of extravagant nail art. Their pointed shape is typical island glam: they feature vivid fades in orange, pink and yellow, covered with 3D flowers, gold beads, pearl clusters and tiny metallic starfish. All the nails are unique, but they come together like a set of travel capsules. It’s beachy, but elevated. Over the top? Maybe. That’s what makes vacation nails ideal for 2025—they encourage you to go out of your comfort zone.

To build this look, I’d layer nude-to-yellow ombré gels (try Kiara Sky “Sunset Blvd” for the blend). Add the pearls and charms using either nail adhesive or a tacky builder gel. To add florals, use 3D modeling gels in bright colors and you can find tropical embellishment kits from Daily Charme.

It may be hard for a beginner, but a nail tech with imagination can really impress. These styles rely on using texture and layers: starting with an ombré base and then adding decorations for balance. You should apply a thick sculpting topcoat to make sure the pearls stick through your beachside mojito.

When I wore these in Maui, people I didn’t know asked about where they were done. They made even a simple white swimsuit look more thought out. Loud nails give you confidence and this design allows you to let everyone know you’re here to shine.

Mermaid Shoreline Dream

Here is the calm, beautiful relative of the bold tropical set. These nails are pink and blue, translucent like the ocean and feature tiny pearls and silver starfish. The swirling tips remind me of waves being frozen in motion and the pearls are placed just like tiny tide pools. They are the perfect nails for 2025 if your trip takes you to dreamy places and you like a minimalist look.

I’d apply Aprés’ “Soft Pink” gel and then add some pale turquoise or mint streaks to it. To get the oceanic marble effect, try the blooming gel technique with “Sea Wave Blue” by Born Pretty. You can place pearl accents and metallic starfish on top using nail glue or place them in the top coat layer.

For the swirling effect, use a detail brush and swirl the polish as it is still wet. Cure, then dot with pearls and press in embellishments. Seal everything—twice if you’re swimming—because texture needs hold.

I like this design a lot because it speaks softly, not loudly. The design is light, calm and luxurious, but it doesn’t make a big fuss. It’s like having a spa on a yacht, so it goes well with light makeup, moisturized skin and loose linen shirts.

Sunset Blooms & Coral Punch

You’ll find summer sunsets and 3D floral drama meet here. The nails start with a coral color, move to tangerine, then to a soft rose pink and finish with bold sculpted flowers in red, orange and dusty rose. The flower centers are adorned with gold beads which appear like drops of dew soaking up the last light. These nails are bold, eye-catching and yes—they are great for 2025 if you love a bold, bronzed, barefoot look at sunset.

Choose a warm-toned ombré as your base such as Valentino Beauty Pure’s “Spicy But Sweet” and “Orange Creamsicle.” The 3D florals can be sculpted with acrylic or thick 4D gel in bright shades (think Luxa’s “Scarlet” and “Papaya Punch”). I would use a silicone tool for shaping petals and add a small gold ball stud to the middle before curing.

The design in this set is so striking that it says it all. I’ve dressed this way for music festivals and dinners on rooftops and people always ask about my outfit. People think they’re decals, but nope—they’re mini sculptures. If your trip is all about city adventures and less about the beach, choose this set.

3D Bloom with a Tropical Kiss

They are a sort of vacation bouquet that decided to remain with you. The soft peach and blush base creates a cheerful tropical scene and the 3D florals look like they’re growing out of the surface—a mix of hibiscus and kawaii cuteness. There’s something delightfully nostalgic about the way the yellow and pink petals pop, like a nod to summer stickers on old travel diaries. And those French tip accents? White is present just to make the outfit look put-together, but not so much that it dulls the fun.

If I made this set again, I’d use a set of pastel gel polishes, for example the Beetles Summer Paradise Gel Polish Kit and a strong base to support the 3D parts. For the raised flowers, Makartt’s 3D nail art gel does wonders — it’s beginner-friendly and holds shape until cured. It’s possible to paint the petals one by one using a dotting tool or a fine liner brush.

Making the base is easy — apply a neutral-colored gel, let it cure and use a fine art brush to add the French tip at the edges. For the 3D flowers, add tiny gel blobs, shape the petals with the tip of a silicone tool and cure them right away. Apply the top coat everywhere except where you want the texture to be visible.

I’m always drawn to designs that remind me of little gifts and this one brings me to sunset boardwalks and eating gelato. It’s cheerful, tactile, and feels like wearable joy. If you’re planning a getaway or just want your nails to pretend you are — these are vacation nails perfect for 2025.

Peachy Sunset Ombré

Seeing a good ombré reminds me of a sunset by the ocean. The gradient effect fades from sorbet pink to a bright orange, just like the last glow of sunset on the beach. It has a glossy, juicy and bold flavor that’s not too much; perfect if you prefer a minimal tropical look but want some summer excitement.

I prefer to use a sponge or ombré brush when I want to achieve this fade and I choose OPI’s “Suzi Nails New Orleans” and Essie’s “Tart Deco” for the shades. A base coat that is slightly sticky will help you blend the pigment better without it sliding. Don’t skip the top coat, because it really makes your nails shine.

The technique starts with a sheer nude base. When the polish is dry, take a wedge sponge with some pink and orange polish on it and gently bounce it over each nail. Work from the bottom up or from the top down, depending on the way you want the colors to move. Remove any extra material, let it cure and apply a glossy seal.

This design hits especially hard after golden hour. I wore the same look on a weekend trip to Miami and people kept asking me about my nails wherever I went, including at the hotel bar and on the sandbar cruise. If you want vacation nails that are casual and sunny for 2025, this color is for you.

Shell Pink with Seaside Accents

This look is light, romantic and definitely coastal, just like mermaidcore did as it grew up. Each nail is a soft ballet pink with a high-gloss finish, and just when you think it’s classic, you notice the starfish and seashell embossing. It feels gentle, moody and takes you away — just like clothes for a peaceful beach getaway.

Builder gel in a light rose or petal pink is generally used for this style and then you press in embellishments from silicone molds or pre-shaped art gel. You could try Aprés Gel-X “Baby Pink” and add Daily Charme’s metal decals or a seashell stamp plate if you prefer stamping. What matters most is the clean, elegant sculpt.

Do a few thin layers of the pink gel and cure them as you go if you are doing it yourself. Apply paint to the ridges with a press mold or a tiny detailing brush for the look of a seashell. You can use a metallic gel or charm adhesive to give the star more depth if that’s what you like. Matte top coats should be avoided — the shine from the gloss makes it look like water reflecting sunlight.

These nails have a soft, sure confidence and they don’t have to be loud to stand out. If you’re on a spa or resort trip and wish for your nails to show a sense of calm, this is the color for you. With very little color and a lot of style, this is how I want to live when I travel light.

Cherry Blossom Play

The cherry blossom design is flirty, fresh and full of charm, making any vacation moment feel soft and feminine. The base is transparent, so the painting feels light and the red-pink flowers look as if they are floating up. It’s playful in a fun way such as enjoying iced tea under a flowery arch or riding your bike by the spring gardens by the sea.

Using the nail polishes called “Mademoiselle” and “Big Apple Red” from Essie and OPI is the best way to do a subtle floral art. You’ll need dotting tools for this and you can use a fine liner to draw the stems if you want to make it look like a garden.

This one’s actually beginner-friendly. After your nude base, use the dotting tool to add red dots and then add a white dot in the middle or a little to the side for more dimension. For a natural effect, make the lines uneven; if they are too perfect, it may look like stickers. A jelly top coat will give your nails a glassy finish.

I put on something similar during a late May weekend in Santa Barbara and it matched well with white linen and red lipstick. There’s something sweet and lowkey sensual about these nails. They’re fun, airy and would be great for 2025, especially if you’re feeling a garden-party-meets-ocean-breeze mood.

Rosy Swirl Mirage

Swirls are back, but here they are enhanced by using rich berry colors and hand-like contouring. The design looks like desert winds blowing through the pink sand. It has an edgy look, but it doesn’t force it and it shines brightest in golden light.

Choose gel polishes that are rich in color and come in different rose tones; “Pink with a Secret” from Madam Glam makes a great base which you can layer with mauve shades using a nail art brush or dotting tool. The key here is not symmetry but movement.

After your base is cured, start swirling the colors on the surface in layers. Applying a blooming gel before the topcoat can help the colors blend and give a marbled effect. When the swirls are in place, let it cure again and add a clear top coat that won’t yellow.

I really like that this set is modern but still has a soft and feminine feel to it. They give a gentle confidence, much like a dinner by the sea with wavy hair and a glass of rose wine. If you want vacation nails that are stylish and not too touristy for 2025, this is the one — it’s cool, calm and sunny.

Golden Orchids on Nude Silk

It looks like a work of art that you can wear on your nails. Every bloom is painted by hand to look like a watercolor, with a metallic gold outline that looks like it has been leafed. The base? A nude-pink cream that feels so smooth it’s like satin. This style says “luxe” with a touch of playfulness, so it’s ideal for 2025 vacation nails that you want to look elegant, not overdone.

I would start with Gelish “Cover Me Head to Toe” as a sculpting nude gel base and then hand-mix fuchsia and crimson for the florals. The gold? Try using a foil transfer gel and loose gold leaf or you can use a precise metallic liner gel like Presto Gold Liner Gel for detailed work.

I’ve found that breaking the flower into three quick strokes, letting the color spread a little and adding the gold liner after it cures works well. It allows the flowers to appear watercolored and the metal to shine at the same time.

Seeing this made me picture late meals in Florence or enjoying rosé wine on a breezy balcony. It’s one of those manicures that photographs like a dream and makes you feel like you’re carrying your own wearable artwork.

Champagne Ribbon Elegance

If your travel style is as a first-class passenger with only a small carry-on, this is the nail look for you. The base is a pale milky pink and thin golden ribbons and little bows are used to add a bit of sparkle. It’s not too heavy, it looks great and you can wear it anywhere, from the beach to a restaurant on the roof.

I’d go for Apres’ “Heavenly” gel base — it’s a translucent pink that flatters every skin tone — and pair it with a foil nail tape or freehand gold gel detailing using Born Pretty’s Metallic Liner Gel in #02 Champagne Gold. You can use stamping plates, decals or draw the bows with a micro liner brush if you are skilled enough.

Try this: put down your base color, cure it and then use a detail brush to lightly draw the ribbon pattern before applying the metallic gel. This helps keep the spacing natural and cohesive. Apply a gloss top coat to finish, as the matte finish will hide the shine of the design.

I’ve noticed this style on a friend at an Amalfi Coast wedding and it was just as stylish as you can get. She said people she didn’t know often asked if her nails were actually jewelry. I believe her. It’s that good.

Daisy Skies and Candy Tips

There’s no better sign of vacation than sky blue hair and daisies. This nail set looks like a clear blue sky and a beach towel — it features glossy pink nails topped with bright blue French tips and a little 3D daisy. The style is cute, neat and fun, making you want to dress in a sundress and enjoy the sun.

Pick up a candy pink gel called Modelones “Sweet Pink,” and a true baby blue like Lights Lacquer’s “Blue Moon” for the tips. The flowers? 3D charms or small sculpted gel flowers created with the Bloom Gel 3D Petal Builder and a dotting tool.

This one’s beginner-friendly. When the base and tip colors have cured, apply a small amount of builder gel at the spot where you want the flower. Next, take your tool and pull out and shape five little petals. Put a small crystal or dot in the center and cure it. It’s low effort but high payoff.

When I wore these on a summer road trip along California’s PCH, they stayed in great condition despite sand, salt and snacks. If you’re looking for cute vacation nails that are still polished for 2025, these are your choice.

Mint Blooms and Meadow Tones

This is how spring and summer come together in the most beautiful way. The nails use green colors and soft floral designs, giving your vacation manicure a fresh, garden feel. There’s an understated wildness to it — much like hiking in the sun, shopping at farmers markets and having picnics in fields.

Sage and white give the space an airy quality and the combination of big and small flowers adds some depth. I’d use Olive & June’s “WKF” for the green and the opaque white gel for the flowers. You can use a matte or velvet top coat to update the set, though glossy also looks nice.

A striping brush is required for the leaves and dotting tools for the flowers. It helps to put the dot or gem in the middle and gradually pull out the petal shape. Wait for the first layer to dry between flower clusters so they don’t touch the paint below.

These give me “eco-retreat in Bali” energy. They are both earthy and playful — the style that shows you are interested in nature and fun accessories. For sure, one of the best vacation nails for 2025 this year.

Soft Whisper of Florals

This set is quiet, barely-there, and absolutely beautiful. The smallest raspberry-colored petals are set against a soft pink background. It’s simple enough for those who like minimalism, but you can still tell the decor was thought out. This works well with everything from a caftan to a linen suit and you’ll still look great.

I often like to have a simple, soft and fresh look on my nails when I’m on vacation. This one hits that sweet spot. You can apply Zoya’s “Dot” as a base and the magenta flowers can be painted with a thin brush using a mix of magenta and white gel.

You can decide on your own where to add art — for example, just two nails with art and the rest left plain. Pick a fine art brush and paint the petals with light, easy strokes. A dot right in the center gives the eyes a little contrast without making the design look like a cartoon.

The style is soothing and calming to put on. Sometimes, you want to look nice and relaxed, like when you have peach tea on your balcony at sunrise. That’s the feeling I hope to have more of in 2025

Pastel Wings and Daisies

The design is very soft and dreamy, with the baby blue tips blending into the almost-translucent feathers and a daisy blooming near the cuticle. The shape of the ring is almond which is elegant and the pearls add the perfect touch of depth. What really appeals to me is the combination of simple designs with fun little touches. This style is perfect for the year 2025 because it is light, breezy and a bit like a soft summer wind on your nails.

To get this effect, use OPI’s “It’s a Boy” for the tips, a detail liner brush and finish with a good pearlescent top coat. You can use 3D acrylic flowers or nail charms for the flower design and I usually find the best-looking ones at Daily Charme. If you want your makeup to last a long time, always start with a layer of builder gel.

I’ve managed to do a similar look myself by using stamping plates for the feathers and dots for the petals. Nail pro @nailthoughts recommends adding layers one at a time instead of all at once which is very important when using texture and pearls.

I wore a dress like this on a weekend trip to Carmel and got a lot of compliments from people I didn’t know. It felt like I had a small art gallery with me and wearing it always started conversations and made me feel confident.

Bubblegum Florals with a Twist

This set screams sunshine and strawberry cream. A mix of 3D pink petals, sugar-dot textures and white French tips that change the usual look of nails. It’s enjoyable, but not crazy — think of a blend between Y2K and today’s romances. The fact that every nail is slightly different makes the design seem like it was made on purpose.

If you use a dotting tool and a pastel gel palette, you can easily make a similar look at home. Apply “Strawberry Milkshake” from Lights Lacquer and use a thick gel and a tiny brush to layer in the petals. A matte base on some fingers will give you more contrast.

If you are taking 3D prints on a trip, apply “The Shield” from Apres to prevent details from coming off your food while you eat.

Wearing nails like this on a trip is just so much fun. I felt as if I was a dessert menu in Miami — full of color, sweetness and a bit too much fun.

Tropical Bloom Energy

If you could paint vacation, this green-and-gold floral scene might be it. The leaves curve upward, just like palms swaying with the wind and are held in place by shiny gemstones and hand-carved flowers. A blend of glamorous and natural styles makes this feel just right for a vacation at a resort or a tropical wedding.

The first step is to use a sheer pink polish such as Essie’s “Ballet Slippers.” Apply nail tape or draw the leafy part with a dark green color. Next, add some gold rhinestones and 3D flower molds and I’ve found that Makartt’s silicone flower stamps work really well.

To make your nails last longer, especially those with embellishments, seal the tips and cure them twice which a salon tech in Honolulu says is the best way to keep your nails safe in the pool.

I wore something similar to this in Tulum the last time and my nails were the star of every picture with a margarita.

Blue and White French Fantasy

The style is modern elegance, thanks to a white French base and navy and cobalt floral accents. The flowers are soft but have a moody feel which creates a mix between coastal grandmother and indie chic. These nails look so classy, you picture yourself relaxing on a Greek yacht, drinking coffee and getting ready for your swimming time
For this look, precision is everything. A milky pink base (try Zoya’s “Dot”) makes the blue stand out, and a liner brush is a must. I like to use gel paints for floral detail since they don’t spread and allow you to build up the layers of petals.

Actually, this is simpler than it seems; all you need is patience and a nice playlist. Sarah Nguyen, a nail artist, advises practicing on tips and rotating the design before doing it on your own nails.

I chose this outfit for Santorini last year and it made me feel much better. It made my tote bag look as if it came from a designer shop.

Sunset Sorbet Gradients

Now this one is just pure summer joy. The shades of orange, pink and peach blend together beautifully and the design is completed with the tiniest white floral drawings. It’s fun, colorful and easy to wear — it’s as if your nails were dipped in a sunset cocktail from the tropics. If fun had a nail look, it would be just like this.

If you like doing your own makeup, apply the shades with a sponge while the foundation is still a little sticky. I am a big fan of “Peach Side Babe” and “Mod Square” from Essie. After that, apply a white stamping polish and a floral stencil or just freehand it if you’re more creative.

To do ombré, apply the dye in thin layers and blend quickly. Julie Kandalec says that misting alcohol on the sponge helps make the fades look smoother.

Looking at these nails always made me happy. I took them with me on a trip through the Southwest and they went perfectly with my golden hour pictures and coral bikini.

Lemon Daisies on French Tips

These yellow French tips are like bottled sunshine. Every nail shows a daisy or bud which has been painted by hand in soft white with a touch of golden pollen. The bright lemony yellow goes wonderfully with the nude base, making the set look cheerful and perfect for a sunny day. It’s a bright, flowery and carefree choice, perfect for a trip to the Amalfi Coast or a morning spent in the garden.

To get this effect, use a bright pastel yellow gel polish such as “Limoncello” from The GelBottle and a detail brush for the daisy petals. The main thing is to keep the floral art airy and light by not using strong lines. Paint the flower centers with a fine dotting tool and human cold cure each layer for clear details.

I’ve done something similar for a visit to Key West and I recall holding a glass of lemonade and admiring how the sun shone through my hands. It’s a small thing, but it totally elevated the mood of the whole vacation.

Lagoon Blue Florals with a 3D Pop

The combination of tropical turquoise and soft pink is really special and it’s made even better by the 3D flowers that look like they grew on your nails. The outfit uses empty space and blocks of color to make it look unique and both elegant and playful. The aqua line on the nails looks like a gentle wave in a pool and the blossoms are right in the center and look great.

You can build 3D flowers using acrylic or thick builder gel and it’s best to start with soft molds if you are new to this. If you want the French style, you can get the perfect aqua shade with “Blue Lagoon” by Madam Glam. Apply the liner brush to get the edge of your nails curved.

You can wear this at any occasion, not just for a special purpose. I tried this style one time during a weekend trip to San Diego and imagined I had a personal stylist on the phone. Sometimes it’s the little details that make the whole trip sparkle.

Tropical Heat Gradient

It transforms the heat of a heatwave into nails that look great. The mix of sunset orange, warm yellow and hibiscus-like flowers is making it look like a tropical fruit cocktail. The squared tips give the design a neat and orderly look. I find this to be both lively and spicy which makes it a great choice for those with a bold personality or for those going to hot and humid places.

Get ombré sponges as well as three gels in the shades “Marigold,” “Coral Crush,” and “Sunset Blaze.” Apply the shades one at a time, curing each coat and then add the floral decals or sculpt with the gel builder and dotting tools.

Because it’s so bold, that’s what makes it perfect. I wore something similar during a fun summer in Austin and it made every moment seem louder, brighter and better.

Watermelon Sunrise Blend

This one is like a tropical smoothie and a neon sunset came together and had a wonderful child. The peachy coral softens into citrus yellow which is then layered with crisp white flowers and dots that make it look like a starburst. It is light, sweet and manages to be both playful and chic. This particular vacation nail design is the most fun-filled of all the others.

A blending brush is the key to getting this faded effect instead of a sponge. I used “Yellow Meringue” and “Papaya Whip” from Bio Seaweed Gel and I added a little white stamping polish for the flower design. Just put the dots down randomly, as it adds to the unique feel of the painting.

I’d go with these nails for a beach trip or a holiday in Hawaii. They’re full of charm, have a touch of wildness and are impossible to resist smiling at.

Marbled Rosé with Rhinestone Drops

This design is such a mood. The marbling of soft rosé and white gives the effect of stones or clouds at sunset. To make things more interesting, a rhinestone is added to each nail as if it were a dew drop. It’s a manicure that is subtle but still attracts a lot of attention. Elegant, dreamy, and just edgy enough to stand out.

To get this marbled look, I drag the brush through two colors (usually pink and white) before placing them on the nail in swirls. You can use a thin detail brush to draw the paint smoothly like water. Try using Swarovski or Preciosa flatbacks for the stones; they have a special way of reflecting light.

I decided to wear this outfit on a trip to a lakeside cabin where we spent the whole time reading, preparing meals and swimming. These nails made even the lazy moments feel special. There are times when glam is calm and yet it still grabs all the attention.