Get ready to immerse yourself in the radiant realm of summer short acrylic nails! From understated elegance to eye-catching flash, this guide is bursting with modern inspiration to elevate your summertime manicure. What makes square pink or black nail art a timeless choice for any occasion? How can you seamlessly blend gemstones and vibrant hues into your designs to capture that carefree beach essence?
Let’s delve into some show-stopping nail shapes and color combinations that are sure to turn heads this season, perfecting your look for every summer soiree.
Vibrant Red Elegance
As the sun shines bright, a vibrant red acrylic nail design embodies the essence of summer trends. This bold statement-maker exudes classic charm while feeling particularly radiant during the warmest months. The glossy finish and flawless application reveal a timeless choice that adapts seamlessly to seasonal transitions.
Credit: @womanslook
To recreate this look, utilize:
Essie Gel Couture in ‘Spiked with Style’
Seche Vite top coat for an enduring glossy finish
Orly Bonder rubberized base coat
Achieve the design by applying two coats of Essie’s ‘Spiked with Style’, followed by Seche Vite top coat for a lasting shine and durability. Begin with a clean, buffed nail surface and Orly Bonder to ensure maximum adherence and a smooth foundation.
Soft Lavender with a Sparkle Accent
The second image showcases a understated yet sophisticated manicure, where soft lavender hues are complemented by a sparkling accent nail. This design strikes the perfect balance between elegance and whimsy, making it suitable for those who crave a subtle touch of glamour. The gentle tone of the lavender evokes a natural essence, while the accent nail injects just the right amount of visual interest. The creativity behind this look is credited to @reginanaildesigner_.
To replicate this design, start by applying two coats of OPI’s ‘Do You Lilac It?’ for the lavender base. Then, use a fine-tip brush to carefully place Swarovski crystals on the accent nail. Seal the entire look with a top coat to enhance shine and protect the finish. The key to achieving an elegant appearance is precision in crystal placement.
Neon Dream
Unleash the vibrant essence of summer with this striking neon pink nail design, perfect for making a fearless and show-stopping statement. The bold color combination is sure to turn heads at summer parties and nights out.
Credit: @reginanaildesigner_
To achieve this look, you’ll need:
– China Glaze in ‘Pool Party’ for the base color
– INM Out the Door top coat for a quick-drying finish
– Nail adhesive for adding embellishments
Start by applying a base coat, followed by two coats of ‘Pool Party’ to achieve that radiant neon glow. Finish off with a top coat to keep everything in place and ensure your design lasts all day. This bold look is all about embracing the unapologetic spirit of summer.
Deep Burgundy Shine
The allure of the deep burgundy nails lies in their ability to evoke sophistication and depth, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to convey refinement. The square shape and glossy finish work in tandem to amplify the color’s richness, imbuing any look with a touch of elegance. A fittingly luxurious vibe is thus achieved.
Monochrome Animal Print
Combine edgy and playful vibes with this bold monochrome animal print design, featuring a striking purple accent nail. The contrast between glossy black and matte finish creates a contemporary look that’s sure to make a statement.
For this look, you’ll need:
– Black gel polish as the base for all nails
– White acrylic paint to hand-paint the animal print on selected nails
– Purple polish for the accent nail
– Matte top coat to contrast the glossy black base and enhance the texture of the print. Simply apply the black gel polish, add the animal print with white acrylic paint, paint one nail purple, and finish with a matte top coat for a trendy and fun look.
Blue Floral Dream
The summer short acrylic nails trend is perfectly captured in the first image’s white base with a beautiful blue floral design. The intricate petal strokes and soft gradient of blue hues evoke a fresh, bright, and airy feel, reminiscent of a sunny day. The semi-transparent background adds depth, making the floral patterns pop as if they were painted on canvas. A special mention goes to @nailsbeauty_star for capturing this look so beautifully.
To recreate this design, start with an opaque layer of OPI Alpine Snow as your base color. Then, use a fine detail brush and blue acrylic paint to bring the floral designs to life. Once dry, seal it all in with a glossy top coat for added shine and protection. This manicure is ideal for those who appreciate elegance and artistry in their nail designs.
Chic Leopard Print
Elegance meets playfulness in this timeless leopard print design, effortlessly transitioning from daytime chic to evening glamour. The subtle combination of nude tones, black, and brown creates a sophisticated look that pairs well with any outfit, making it a versatile choice for those who crave style without compromise.
Photography by @nailsbeauty_star.
To achieve this design, you’ll need the following consumables:
Essie Topless and Barefoot as the base coat
Black and brown acrylic paints for the leopard spots
A dotting tool to precision-craft each spot
Matte top coat for a modern, textured finish.
To execute this design, apply two coats of Essie Topless and Barefoot as the foundation. Use your dotting tool dipped in black and brown acrylic paints to meticulously add leopard spots.
Finally, seal the look with a matte top coat, accentuating the edgy texture of the print.
Neon Zebra
Neon Green Crack
For those seeking a bold fusion of edgy textures and vibrant hues, this neon green on black design is an ideal choice. Its striking aesthetic makes it perfect for a night out or adding a touch of sass to your summer style. The credit for this eye-catching look goes to @migas_nails. To recreate the design, start by applying a black gel polish as the base. Once set, layer neon green crackle polish on top. As the polish dries, the crackle effect will naturally emerge.
Finish the look with a high-gloss top coat to amplify the neon’s brightness and ensure long-lasting protection.
Subtle Elegance
The final image showcases refined deep purple nails that exude understated elegance for a chic summer look. The smooth finish on a curved nail shape harmonizes modern sophistication with timeless charm, making it an excellent choice for both professional and social settings. A special thank you to @migas_nails for the photo credit! To achieve this design, you’ll need:* OPI’s Vant to Bite My Neck?
for the deep purple hue* A high-shine top coat to enhance the color and add longevity* Cuticle oil to maintain a clean, healthy nail bedFollow these steps: Apply two coats of Vant to Bite My Neck? for full coverage. Seal with a layer of high-shine top coat to amplify the color and extend wear. Regularly applying cuticle oil will keep your nails and cuticles in excellent condition, complementing your beautiful manicure.
Emerald Simplicity
This striking green nail set exudes summer chic, boasting a sophisticated fusion of boldness and subtlety. The uniform color palette and sleek finish converge to create a modern masterpiece that effortlessly blends elegance with simplicity. The understated design makes it perfect for those who prioritize refinement in their beauty choices.
Credit: @migas_nails
To recreate this look, begin by applying OPI Natural Nail Base Coat for a seamless canvas.
Then, apply two coats of CND Shellac’s ‘Lush Tropics’ to achieve the desired depth and vibrancy. Finally, seal your masterpiece with Essie Gel Setter top coat, ensuring a long-lasting, glossy finish that amplifies the green’s intensity.
Gradient Summer Fun
This vibrant summer nail art design features a stunning combination of sky blue and hot pink hues, accented by bright yellow highlights. The square shape provides an ideal canvas for the colorful gradient, transforming each nail into a miniature work of art. The inspiration behind this look comes from @asal. nails. To recreate this fun and playful design, you’ll need the following consumables: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in ‘Mauve It’, ‘Lively Lilac’, and ‘Lemon Rush’.
Additionally, a sponge is necessary for achieving the desired gradient effect. Finally, seal your masterpiece with Seche Vite Dry Fast top coat to ensure a quick-drying finish. Start by applying a base coat to protect your nails. Then, use the lightest color as a foundation and blend it seamlessly with the other colors using a sponge. As you work, adjust the intensity of the gradient to create a harmonious transition between hues.
Once complete, secure the design with Seche Vite top coat for a glossy, chip-resistant finish.
Elegant Floral Accent
Summer’s sweet charm is captured in this elegant nail art design, characterized by a soft pink base and delicate floral accents. Perfect for those who crave understated yet sophisticated beauty, this look embodies the essence of natural elegance. A perfect blend of simplicity and refinement, it’s ideal for making a subtle yet stylish statement.
The key to achieving this look is using OPI Bubble Bath as a gentle base coat, followed by acrylic paints and fine detail brushes for precision painting. Seal your masterpiece with a glossy top coat for long-lasting shine and protection.
Playful Pattern Mix
This eclectic nail design combines patterns and colors in a vibrant explosion of fun, perfect for the summertime. Each nail showcases a unique aspect, making this set ideal for those who enjoy experimenting with their look and sparking conversations. The design features a mix of polka dots, florals, and other eye-catching motifs.
For this design, you’ll need the following consumables: China Glaze polishes in various colors to serve as the base for each nail; dotting tools and striping tape for creating intricate patterns; and a high-gloss top coat to seal everything in place and add an extra layer of shine. Simply apply different China Glaze colors as the foundation for each nail, then use your dotting tools and striping tape to bring the design to life.
Finish off the look with a high-gloss top coat to ensure the vibrant color and durability last all summer long.
Glittering Minimalism
This understated design boasts a subtle combination of soft gray and sparkly elements, making it suitable for both daytime and evening events. Its classic elegance is perfect for those who crave a sophisticated, natural look with a touch of whimsy.
Credit: @rasta. nailbar
To recreate this design, you’ll need:
Essie’s ‘Master Plan’ for the base color
Silver glitter top coat
Protective base coat for added longevity
Start by applying a protective base coat to your nails.
Then, apply two coats of ‘Master Plan’ to create a solid, neutral foundation. Finally, seal everything with a layer of silver glitter top coat, allowing it to catch the light beautifully and add an extra touch of glamour.
Sweet Strawberry Touch
This delightful summer nail art design combines whimsy with elegance, boasting a gentle pink hue as its foundation. The playful strawberry accents, crafted using green and red acrylic paints, add a touch of sweetness to this charming look. Perfect for brightening up any sunny day, the simplicity of the design is elevated by the fun and lively additions.
The necessary tools for recreating this design include Essie’s ‘Muchi, Muchi’ for the pink base coat, fine detail brushes for painting the strawberries, green and red acrylic paints for adding color to the fruit accents, and a glossy top coat to seal and protect the final result. To achieve this look, start by applying two coats of ‘Muchi, Muchi’ to create a smooth, soft pink base. Then, use the fine detail brushes to add tiny strawberries, painting red bodies and green tops.
Finally, apply a clear glossy top coat over the design to ensure durability and add a beautiful shine.
Wild Zebra Stripes
This bold design combines striking zebra stripes with a vibrant neon yellow gradient, perfect for those who want to make a statement this summer. The unique pattern and bright color combination create an eye-catching look that’s sure to turn heads.
To recreate this design, start by applying OPI’s ‘Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet’ as a base coat. Use a sponge to softly blend the color towards the tips of the nail for a gradient effect.
Next, use black striping polish to paint thin zebra stripes across the nail, adding a touch of drama and whimsy. Finally, top it all off with a high-gloss top coat to seal in the color and add extra shine.
Eclectic Artistry
With a playful fusion of orange, green, and white hues, this design showcases a unique spotted cow print on one nail. The eclectic style is perfect for those who enjoy bold and vibrant expressions. A collaboration between artistic flair and nail art, this look embodies the essence of fun and creativity. To achieve this design, you’ll need OPI’s ‘A Roll in the Hague’ for the orange nails, ‘Green-wich Village’ for the green, and ‘Alpine Snow’ as the base coat for the cow print.
Using a dotting tool, apply black spots over the white base to create the distinctive cow pattern. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to amplify the colors and add an extra layer of shine.
Floral Elegance
In this fourth image, we see a breathtakingly elegant manicure that combines simplicity with sophistication. The delicate floral accents add a touch of whimsy and romance, making it an ideal choice for a summer garden party or a stylish outing. The credit for this stunning design goes to @nailsbymartonnora. To achieve this look, you’ll need the following consumables: Essie’s ‘Watermelon’ for the pink base coat, pink glitter, tiny floral decals, and a glossy top coat.
Begin by applying two coats of ‘Watermelon’ for a lush, vibrant base color. Then, carefully place pink glitter and floral decals on the accent nails to create a subtle yet striking effect. Finally, finish with a glossy top coat to ensure your nails remain looking freshly done all day long.
Playful Pastels
This whimsical design showcases a delightful medley of pastel hues paired with a speckled accent nail, ideal for those seeking a delicate, understated appearance with a touch of playfulness. The subtle color palette makes it an excellent choice for a refined yet carefree summer look. The soft colors are perfectly balanced by the matte finish, resulting in a charming, effortless style.
Photo credit: @nailsbymartonnoraTo achieve this design, you’ll need:* OPI ‘Coney Island Cotton Candy’ for the pink base* Various pastel polishes to create the desired color scheme* A black and white speckle polish to add a pop of contrast on one nail* Matte top coat to complete the modern, soft-focus finishStart by applying a base coat followed by your chosen pastel shades on each nail.
Use the black and white speckle polish on one nail for a playful touch, then seal everything with a matte top coat to tie the look together.
Glitter and Blush
This luxurious design combines the elegance of soft pink and the opulence of rich gold glitter, creating a sophisticated look that’s perfect for both formal occasions and everyday wear. The dual-tone approach adds depth and visual interest, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. This stunning design is courtesy of @nailsbymartonnora.
To recreate this look, you’ll need the following consumables: OPI’s ‘Tickle My France-y’ as the base polish, gold glitter polish to add some extra sparkle, and a glossy top coat to seal it all in. Start by applying two coats of ‘Tickle My France-y’ for a smooth pink base. Then, apply a thick layer of gold glitter polish to one or more accent nails. Finish off the look with a glossy top coat to enhance the sparkle and ensure your design stays chip-resistant.
Frosty Lilac
This summer-inspired nail design showcases a soothing lilac hue infused with a subtle shimmer, evoking feelings of serenity and tranquility. The added glimmer provides a delicate sheen, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a stylish yet understated look.
To achieve this design, you’ll need:
• Essie’s ‘Lilacism’ as the base color, applied in two coats for a solid foundation.
• Silver glitter top coat to add a touch of sparkle and visual interest.
• High-gloss top coat to seal and protect the design, ensuring a chip-resistant finish that shines.
Summer Sunset
Imagine donning a radiant sunset-inspired manicure that perfectly captures the essence of a warm summer evening. This stunning design features a vibrant orange base, topped with delicate pink glitter for a whimsical touch. The result is a bright and cheerful vibe that’s sure to elevate any outfit. Credit: @kamila. grochowska. spnnailsTo recreate this look, start by applying China Glaze ‘Orange Knockout’ as the base color.
Once dry, carefully apply a layer of pink glitter polish, focusing on the tips for a gradient effect. Finally, seal in your design with a protective glossy top coat to ensure a vibrant and long-lasting finish.
Bold Blue Zebra
The bold ‘Zebra Stripe’ design makes a statement with its vibrant blue hue and striking black and white striped pattern. This artistic choice is perfect for those who crave self-expression through fashion-forward colors and designs. The accompanying photo, courtesy of @nailsbeauty_star, showcases the eye-catching result.
To achieve this look, you’ll need:* Sally Hansen’s ‘Pacific Blue’ as the base color* White striping polish for the zebra stripes* A high-gloss top coat to seal everything and add depthBegin by applying two coats of ‘Pacific Blue’ for a rich, deep base. Next, use white striping polish to carefully draw the black and white striped pattern on the accent nails. Finally, finish off the look with a high-gloss top coat to enhance the color’s intensity and protect the design from chipping.
Neon Leopard Edges
Elevate your nail game with this edgy, eye-catching design that combines vibrant neon green with bold black leopard spots. This show-stopping look is perfect for making a statement and standing out from the crowd. To achieve this trendy look, start by applying a neon green polish as the base. Then, use a thin brush to add intricate leopard spots around the edges of each nail using black acrylic paint. Finally, seal your design with a glossy top coat to ensure it stays chip-free and vibrant.