Hey beauties!
Can we talk about how nail trends have been absolutely serving lately? Like, I’m sitting here looking at my sad, chipped polish from three weeks ago (don’t judge me, life happens) and getting so inspired by all the gorgeous summer 2025 nail looks I’ve been seeing everywhere.
I’ll be honest – I’m the type of person who saves about 500 nail inspo photos to my camera roll and then ends up getting the same nude pink every single time. But this summer? These trends are actually making me want to step outside my comfort zone, and that’s saying something.
So I did what I always do when I get excited about beauty trends – I dove deep into research mode. I’m talking celebrity manicurists, Instagram deep dives, the whole nine yards. And let me tell you, summer 2025 is about to be chef’s kiss for our nails.
Jelly Nails Are Having Their Main Character Moment
Okay, first things first – jelly nails. If you haven’t heard of this trend yet, prepare to be obsessed. Picture this: that perfect translucent, candy-like finish that makes your nails look like actual glass. It’s giving expensive manicure vibes even if you did it at home in your pajamas (which, let’s be real, is probably where I’ll be doing mine).
The whole concept started in South Korea, and it’s basically about using semi-sheer polish that lets some of your natural nail show through. The result? That gorgeous glossy, almost edible look that photographs like a dream. I’m talking Instagram story worthy, every single time.
What I love most about jelly nails is how forgiving they are. You know how regular polish chips, and suddenly your whole manicure looks tragic? Jelly nails are like that friend who always makes you look good, even when you haven’t been perfect; they still look intentional as they grow out.
I’ve been experimenting with different jelly shades, and honestly, they work for literally every occasion. Subtle pink for work meetings? Check. Bold orange for weekend brunches? Double check. It’s like having the perfect filter for your nails.
Soft Serve Swirl Nails (Yes, They Look Exactly Like Ice Cream)
This trend literally makes me hungry every time I see it, and I’m not even sorry about it. Soft serve nails are exactly what they sound like – that dreamy, swirled effect that looks like someone took two flavors of frozen yogurt and mixed them together on your nails.
I saw Hailey Bieber wearing these a few weeks ago and I actually gasped. The way the colors blend together with no harsh lines, creating this organic, flowing pattern that’s different on every single nail? Pure art.
The technique involves blending two (or more) colors while they’re still wet, creating these beautiful marbled swirls. Think strawberry and vanilla, or maybe mint and cookies and cream. Every time you look at your nails, you notice something new about the pattern.
The best part? Imperfections actually make it look better. Unlike those super precise geometric designs that stress me out just thinking about them, soft serve nails are all about that organic, hand-painted vibe.
The Colors That Are About to Be Everywhere
Let me paint you a picture of this summer’s color story, because it’s honestly perfect. We’re getting vibrant brights – think sunshine yellow, juicy orange, hot pink, and that perfect grass-green that screams summer vacation.
But here’s where it gets interesting: creamy pistachio is apparently going to be THE color of summer 2025. And I’m so here for it. It’s this perfect not-quite-sage, not-quite-mint situation that somehow goes with everything. I’ve been testing it out, and it works with my summer whites, looks amazing against tanned skin, and even plays well with bold patterns.
Then there’s this pale icy blue that’s giving me all the ocean vibes without being too obvious about it. It’s the kind of color that makes you feel cooler just looking at it – perfect for those days when it’s 95 degrees and you need all the psychological help you can get.
And can we please talk about how white nails for summer never go out of style? There’s something so crisp and clean about a perfect white mani that just screams confidence. It’s classic for a reason.
Texture and Art That Actually Looks Doable
This is where I get really excited because the nail art trends for summer 2025 are actually achievable for those of us who aren’t professional nail artists. We’re talking fluid shapes and thin lines; basically the opposite of those geometric designs that require a steady hand and the patience of a saint.
The whole vibe is organic and artistic, like someone painted watercolors on your nails. Flowing lines, soft edges, and abstract shapes that work with your nail’s natural curve instead of fighting against it. It’s giving “I’m artistic and effortless” energy, which is exactly what I want to project, even if I definitely am not effortless.
I’ve also been seeing the charm trend make a comeback, but we’re talking elevated charms here. Not middle school butterfly stickers (though honestly, if that’s your vibe, go for it), but delicate, well-placed accents that add just the right amount of sparkle.
Making These Trends Work in Real Life
Here’s the thing – I love a good trend, but it has to work with my actual life. I’m not changing my nail color every three days, and I need something that can survive my laptop typing, gym sessions, and general day-to-day chaos.
The good news? These summer 2025 trends are surprisingly practical. Jelly finishes are naturally chip-resistant, soft serve nails hide imperfections beautifully, and those flowing line designs are way more forgiving than anything requiring precision.
For my fellow working girls, a subtle jelly finish in a soft pink or clear with just a hint of color is perfect for the office but still feels special. Weekend vibes call for those bold jelly colors or experimenting with soft serve swirls.
And if you’re like me and change your mind about nail colors faster than TikTok trends, jelly nails are your best friend. You can layer different jelly shades to create completely new looks without starting from scratch every time.
The Products I’m Eyeing
While I’m still testing products for full reviews (stay tuned for those!), I wanted to share some sets that would be perfect for recreating these summer 2025 trends:
Born Pretty Jelly Gel Nail Polish Set – This collection has all the jelly-finish polishes you need, including that gorgeous pistachio green and icy blue I mentioned.
Summer Gel Nail Polish Set – Everything you need for those Instagram-worthy swirl effects.
Bright Summer Vibes Set – For when you want to go full summer energy with those vibrant yellows, oranges, pinks, and greens.
My Final Thoughts
Look, I’ll be real with you – I’m probably going to mess up my first attempt at soft serve nails. I’ll probably use too much polish, the colors won’t blend perfectly, and I’ll definitely get frustrated halfway through. But that’s exactly why I love these trends.
They’re giving us permission to play again, to have fun with our nails instead of stressing about perfection. After years of minimalist everything, we get to embrace color and texture, and techniques that make us smile when we look at our hands.
The best nail trend is always the one that makes you feel like yourself, just a little more polished (pun intended). So, whether you go full jelly goddess or dip your toes into one bold summer color, own it completely.
What trend are you most excited to try? Are you team jelly nails or soft serve swirls? Let me know in the comments – I love hearing what you’re planning to ask for at your next nail appointment!
PSA: Please use a good base coat and top coat, no matter which trend you choose. Your nails will thank you, and your manicure will actually last. Trust me on this one – I learned the hard way.
xoxo,
Sammie
