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Spring and summer are the perfect seasons to explore festive and vibrant nail colors. As someone who loves staying on top of the latest trends, I get excited about sharing my favorite acrylic nail ideas during this time. From pastels to bright neon shades, there’s no limit to the creativity you can bring to your nails.
To make things even better, achieving these looks can be done either at the salon or right at home. While salon visits provide professional results, doing your own nails at home can be cost-effective and satisfying. I’ll guide you through what you need and how to get the perfect manicure set, whether you choose to stick with standard polish or venture into the realm of acrylics.
Personal Manicure Sets Nail Ideas
When choosing your perfect manicure set for acrylic nails, ensuring the essentials are included makes all the difference. Here’s what I always make sure my set contains:
- Clippers
- File
- Buffer
- Cuticle Oil
- Base Coat/Prep Coat
- Cuticle (and/or) Clean Up Brush
I’ve found Olive & June’s Studio Box Manicure set to be an excellent choice, providing all the essentials in one convenient package.
Personal Acrylic Sets
Unless you have experience from beauty schooling or learned from friends or family, I wouldn’t suggest doing your own acrylic nails due to the difficulties that can arise. For those who are knowledgeable and confident, I recommend Nail Architecture by Gelee & LECHAT. They provide all the necessary tools and offer collections with a wide range of fun and classic colors. This allows for a personalized and enjoyable nail experience right at home.
1. Always Buzzing Just Like NEON
Neon shades are the go-to trend for spring and summer. These eye-catching colors, like electric blue or hot pink, pop against tanned skin. They’re perfect for drawing attention. Personally, I recommend trying OPI’s Neon Shade Collection and Tokyo Collection for vibrant and stylish nail designs. Add some fun and flair to your look with these energetic hues!
2. Palette Play
Whether or not you were happy or upset about the ending of Game of Thrones, it doesn’t mean the fandom needs to stop. Thanks to KISS USA’s Masterpiece collection, you can rock your own game of tones 24/7.
RELATED: 15 Tips To Make Your Manicure Last And Get Your Nails Growing Fast!
3. For your astrological sign
You may have the perfect shade for acrylic nails written in the stars! Love by Luna’s astrological sign shades recommend you rock the color meant for your birthday. My personal favorite goes to all the Virgos out there!
4. Time for a Picnic
Spring and summer bring the perfect chance for a delightful picnic. I make sure to match my nails with the season’s vibes using Dashing Diva’s Daisy Duke Gloss. This easy-to-apply design adds a festive touch to my picnic outings, enhancing the overall fun atmosphere.
5. So Charming
I love adding fun charms to my long acrylic nails. Whether it’s whimsical or glam, I always choose charms that reflect my personality. They make my nails feel truly unique and stylish.
6. Star Power
When it comes to showcasing stars, what better way than on my acrylic nails? If Kylie can sport them, why can’t I?
7. Simplified Florals
Let’s not let anyone stop us from loving floral designs this season. I find that using light spring colors like Wild Petuna, Wisteria, and Snap Dragon from LECHAT’s line works wonders. For details, a toothpick is my go-to tool; it allows for precise and easy application of those tiny floral accents. Keep it simple and chic!
8. Marble Accents
I love how marble accents can elevate your nails, just like they do with countertops. This versatile design can be jazzed up with bright colors or refined with intricate detailing. It’s a classic and stylish choice!
9. Reverse French
When it comes to nails, stepping outside the box makes the most of the Reverse French manicure trend. Switching up the colors freshens up the classic look. During spring and summer, I love experimenting with bold shades like OPI’s Neons or softer pastels for a playful yet sophisticated vibe.
10. Jolly Rancher-inspired
I’m obsessed with vibrant, candy-like colors that remind me of summertime Jolly Ranchers. Using LECHAT’s Perception translucent gels, you can create stunning, mouth-watering acrylic nails that capture those vivid, fruity vibes. For me, the blend of bright hues and see-through textures really takes the classic manicure to the next level.
11. Everytime I Slay
Growing up in the 90s or early 2000s, I was all about the bedazzle craze. If it had a surface, I’d cover it in glittering gems. This trend can make a comeback on nails. Adding some sparkle to your manicure is simpler now, thanks to KISS USA and their pre-designed acrylic nails. These ready-made beauties let me enjoy that dazzling look without spending hours placing each stone by hand.
12. Pretzel Day
You don’t need to be Stanley from The Office to celebrate Pretzel Day. I can enjoy Pretzel Day every day with a fun nod to my favorite summer fair treat.
13. Unicorn Nails
Unicorns will always be in fashion. So embrace the timeless trend by designing a unicorn-themed manicure.
14. For a Full Moon or New Moon
Got a moon party coming up? I recommend trying shades from Love by Luna that perfectly reflect the vibes and energy you want to bring into your gathering. These colors aren’t just for events; they look fantastic any day of the month.
15. Enchanted Moss
Connecting with nature always brings me a sense of peace. Incorporating rich greens and warm yellows into my manicure is a perfect way to capture that feeling. The Enchanted Moss look from Dashing Diva offers a simple yet stunning design. This nature-inspired style allows me to carry a bit of the outdoors wherever I go.
16. All-White Chic
Is it just me, or is painting your nails completely white the ultimate throwback to those school days when we used white out as nail polish? A fresh, clean white is perfect for spring and summer. It looks stunning against tanned skin and captures a timeless, elegant vibe.
17. Catch the Waves
If there’s one thing I can’t miss out on this spring and summer, it’s hitting the beach. To make the most of it, I’ve got to try out these manicured wave designs. They’re perfect for my next beach trip. 🌊
18. Cherry Blossoms
Spring brings such beautiful new blooms, and cherry blossoms are my favorite. I love celebrating this special time by incorporating cherry blossoms into my nail designs. It’s a perfect way to bring a touch of nature’s beauty to my look.
19. Hawaiian Luau
I love bringing the spirit of a Maui festivity to my fingertips. With lively shades of yellow and blue, I can’t help but imagine sipping a tropical cocktail on a distant island.
20. Not Just for Mermaids
By playing around with lavender and mint shades, I can capture the essence of a classic mermaid tail. Adding some stones or charms brings an extra sparkle to my nails and really makes them pop.
- Lavender Nail Polish
- Mint Nail Polish
- Stones or Charms: For that extra bit of flair
21. Holographic
I’ve noticed the holographic trend is no longer just for highlighters; it’s now all about nails too. The shimmering, multi-dimensional effect of holographic designs is perfect for any spring or summer festival. For quick and flawless application, I recommend trying KISS USA’s holographic nails for a mesmerizing look.
22. The All-Seeing Eye
The all-seeing eye design has made its way into nail art trends for spring and summer. Personally, I adore this look because it combines such versatility with style. You can use any of your favorite polish colors. Just ensure it contrasts well with white and black to make the design pop.
23. Embracing Childhood
There’s something so innocent and whimsical about having fun with nail art. Since they aren’t permanent, they can make simple yet joyful statements. I love using stickers or peel-offs for easy application. For inspiration, check out Dashing Diva’s nail sticker collection. Bringing segments of childhood into nail designs always feels playful and nostalgic.
24. Sharp and fearless
Whenever I want to add a bold touch to my look, I opt for pointed tip acrylics adorned with stones. Inspired by Victoria Secret models at glamorous events, this style makes my hands feel like they belong on a red carpet. It’s a fierce choice for anyone looking to make a statement with their nails.
25. Kitty Gurl
I love the strength and femininity of KISS USA’s Kitty Gurl look. It’s a dazzling mix of stones, holographic accents, and marbled shades, perfectly capturing the essence of girl power.
26. Sunshine and Daisies
I love incorporating delicate, feminine elements into my nail designs. Adding dainty daisies gives a delightful and wearable charm to manicures. Next time you’re at the salon, consider adding these cheerful flowers to your nail art.
27. Colorful French
There are no rules anymore when it comes to experimenting with French nails. I love keeping the line thin at the top or bringing it all the way down. Have fun, and make it personalized to you.
28. Head in the Clouds
I absolutely adore this design because it’s like having my own little thought bubbles on each nail. It adds such a playful and whimsical touch to my look. This style makes me feel cheerful, almost like I’m in a fun cartoon world.
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29. Fairy dust
Just a touch of imagination and a blank nail canvas and you’ve got your very own fairy dust magic. No royal title required! Get ready to sparkle and shine. ✨
30. Futuristic Vibe
I’m all about blending different new age elements into one captivating nail look. Why settle for just one mystical theme when you can showcase up to ten diverse designs on every fingertip? From astrology symbols to the all-seeing-eye, this trend invites creativity and individuality.
31. Two Tones
Who says everything has to match? By trying two different shades for both the right and left hand, I’m changing the status-quo. When choosing this look, I make sure that the two colors complement one another.
Here are some color pairings I love:
- Soft pink & mint green
- Navy blue & gold
- Lavender & pastel yellow
By mixing and matching, I create a unique and eye-catching manicure that’s sure to stand out!
32. Matte and Blue
Just like how I love matte in my makeup, I adore it on my nails too. Opting for blue instead of black gives my nails a rich depth while still maintaining a dark look. Blue captures more light, adding a unique touch to the matte effect.
33. Tie-Dye
I’m always thrilled to revive the 60s with some vibrant tie-dye nail art! This playful pattern can mix multiple hues and can be tailored to any color palette. It’s the perfect way to unleash your creativity—don’t feel constrained to the classic rainbow design. Explore and experiment with unique and exciting combinations!
34. Sunrise at Skytree
I adore these Japanese-inspired nails from OPI’s Tokyo collection. They beautifully combine pink and purple shades, creating a stunning effect. The translucency adds an extra layer of elegance. These nails capture the serene beauty of a sunrise at Skytree perfectly.
35. Puppy dog
This look combines fun and elegance, reminiscent of 101 Dalmatians or playful ink blots. I love how the beige base adds a unique twist, shifting away from the traditional white. The result is a stylish and memorable nail design that’s both refined and whimsical.
36. Tiny Polka
I love the charm of tiny polka dots! With a steady hand and some fine toothpicks, creating this look is a breeze. The contrast between light and dark shades makes these delicate dots both feminine and adorable.
37. Serpent Eyes
Using the shade Narwhal from LECHST’s Metallux Collection for this design is incredibly trendy. To achieve the snake-skin pattern, I recommend looking for pre-made gel-nail strips. This club-ready style will definitely grab attention.
38. Glittery French
We’ve explored reverse French and bold French, and now let’s add a touch of glitter. This look not only has a timeless feel but also sprinkles in a bit of whimsy. Instead of using glitter polish, I recommend KISS USA’s Fanciful glitter French adhesives for an effortless application.
39. Embrace Shapes
I’m past those high school days of fearing symbols and shapes. Now, I love flaunting them on my nails! Geometric patterns offer a chic and modern twist that stands out beautifully.
40. Pearl Perfect
I adore matching my pearl necklaces with my nail polish. This pearlescent look strikes a beautiful balance between being subtly translucent and slightly holographic, creating an elegant yet modern feel. It’s such a sweet spot for southern belles.
41. Pink Ombre
Is there anything more fun and summery than pink shades? With a pink ombre design, I don’t have to pick just one color. I can enjoy multiple shades all at once!
42. Honey Bee
I adore honey and I’m all in to save the bees, so why not celebrate them on my nails? Mixing shades of yellow and black creates a vibrant, buzzy look, and adding intricate details makes it even more delightful.
| Design Ideas | Description |
|---|---|
| Honeycomb Patterns | Create hexagonal patterns reminiscent of honeycombs. |
| Bumble Bee Accents | Add tiny bee designs for a cute touch. |
| Yellow & Black Stripes | Alternate stripes to mimic bee colors. |
Simple yet effective, these designs bring a bit of nature right to my fingertips!
43. Metallic
Planning to attend concerts this summer? Metallic shades perfectly capture that rock and roll vibe. These hues will have everyone knowing exactly where you’re headed.
44. Brush Strokes
I absolutely adore this design! Brush strokes add a creative flair and a unique texture to your nails. The best part? You can play with all your favorite colors without having to choose just one. It’s artistic and fun, perfect for any season.
45. Confetti
I’m so excited that this trend is making a comeback! The confetti and loose glitter effect in nail polish is delightfully playful. It brings back all the memories of Summer from the early 2000s.
46. All Things Succulents
It’s hard to miss how trendy succulents have become. They’re not just decorating my home, but they’re also making a statement on my nails. From tiny cacti to intricate leaf designs, succulent-inspired nail art is charming and unique. Below are some fun ways to incorporate succulents into your nail game:
- Tiny Cacti Details
- Leafy Green Designs
- 3D Succulent Decals
Whether I choose a simple cactus or an elaborate garden scene, these designs add a touch of life and creativity to my look.
47. X marks the spot
Summer and pirates go hand in hand: water, beaches, and sand. Let’s leave the indoors behind and embrace this adventure-filled season!
48. Classic French
We couldn’t skip the timeless white and nude combination. Whether I’m going to weddings this season or walking down the aisle myself, a classic French manicure always feels right. It’s a sophisticated, versatile choice for any occasion.
49. Garden Fence
The fresh charm of spring with pastel tones and references to old picket fences. Easter has passed, but I’ll be showcasing these nails all the way to fall.
50. Gold Chains
If you’re aiming for a touch of glamour, gold chains on your nails are the perfect way to stand out at spring or summer gatherings. The key is to keep the chains delicate and understated, rather than opting for bulky, oversized styles. Small and dainty chains provide an elegant look that pairs well with both casual and formal outfits.
Nail style tip: Pair your gold chain nails with subtle, soft hues to let the golden accents shine. A light lavender or pastel pink base can really make those chains pop!
Elizabeth Blasi, a New York-based lifestyle and travel writer, loves sharing her journey and nail art tips from her travels around the world.