August marks the final full month of summer, making it the perfect time to embrace bold, celebratory nail colors. Think vibrant shades like marina blue, citrus yellow, and fuchsia pink to capture the energy of the season.
Did you feel that? The salt air and the rust around your door? It’s official—August is here! As I dive into my annual tradition of non-stop streaming “August” by Taylor Swift and “Agosto” by Bad Bunny, I’m also gearing up for a fresh new manicure. Ah, the duality of summer!
With the end of summer approaching, I’m choosing to stay positive and focus on the colors that bring me joy this season. After all, there’s so much to celebrate! Embrace the carefree vibes of Euro Summer with an aquatic blue nail look or give a nod to the classic French tip with a fun twist, using black or citrus yellow.
1. Marina Blue
Marina blue nails are an absolute must this month, says Evelyn Lim. “I can’t get enough of the shimmery marina blue shade,” she shares. “It’s like the clear blue waters of Santorini—so fresh and summery.”
Top Picks include Londontown “Poolside Dreams” ($16), Manucurist “Ultramarine” ($14), and Hermès “Bleu Electrique” ($60).
2. Black
Surprised to see black nails in the summer lineup? Celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein says black can be chic and edgy all year round. “Black is timeless and versatile, and when worn with style, it’s just as fun as any bright color,” she says.
Top Picks include Mineral Fusion “Little Black Dress” ($10), essie “Licorice” ($11), and Chanel “Le Diable En Chanel” ($33).
3. Citrus Yellow
This vibrant, sunny hue is the star color of the summer, according to Gerstein. “Citrus yellow is energetic, happy, and pairs perfectly with a tan. It also complements the playful, summery art trends like lemons and sunsets,” she explains.
Top Picks include essie “Riviera Rush” ($10), Le Mini Macaron “Limoncello” ($13), and Cirque Colors “Citrus Jelly” ($13).
4. Soft Lilac
Pastels aren’t just for spring, as Gerstein points out. “Soft lilac brings fresh, airy vibes with a pastel touch, and it shines beautifully under the sun,” she says. It’s the perfect way to keep that soft, summer feel going.
Top Picks include Pleasing “Live Laugh Lilac” ($18), Cirque Colors “Lavender Sky” ($13), and Manucurist “Lisa Lilas” ($14).
5. Fuchsia Pink
With the continued energy of “Barbie summer,” fuchsia pink is here to stay. “Go for a bold, vivid pink that really makes a statement this month,” suggests Gerstein. “It’s the perfect choice if you want to add drama without dipping into fall vibes.”
Top Picks include Essie “Clambake” ($10), OPI “Cajun Shrimp” ($10), and Cirque Colors “Clementine” ($13).
6. Blue Dot Nail Design
This chic blue nail design combines soft pastel blue with playful dotted details. The two nails featuring a delicate dot pattern in soft yellow and blue offer a fun contrast to the bold, solid blue nails, creating a balanced yet striking look perfect for summer. The clean lines and shine make it an ideal choice for a fresh, trendy manicure.
7 . Blue French Tip with Dotted Accent Nails
This design pairs classic blue French tips with a delicate dotted pattern, giving it a playful yet elegant touch. The soft blue complements the nude base, while the scattered blue and white dots add a refreshing and fun vibe, perfect for those looking for a stylish and unique summer manicure.
8. Ocean-Inspired Wave Nails
This design brings the beauty of the ocean to your fingertips with a stunning wave effect. Soft, flowing blue and white hues at the tips of the nails mimic crashing waves, creating a dreamy, water-inspired look. It’s a fresh, artistic twist on the classic French tip, perfect for a stylish and bold summer manicure.
9. Classic Navy Square Nails
This sleek and sophisticated manicure features a deep navy polish with a high-gloss finish. The square nail shape adds a modern touch, while the rich, dark color exudes elegance. It’s the perfect nail look for anyone seeking a chic, timeless style that pairs well with any outfit.
10. Blue Ombre Square Nails
This fun and refreshing design features a gradient of blue shades, from light to dark, creating a chic ombre effect. The square nail shape adds a modern and polished touch, while the smooth finish of the blue hues captures the cool, serene vibes of summer. Perfect for those who love a colorful yet cohesive look!
11 . Floral Blue and Pink Nail Design
This elegant nail design combines soft pastel blue with a delicate pink base, accentuated by hand-painted blue roses and green leaves. The flowers add a touch of femininity and sophistication to the clean, glossy finish, making it a perfect choice for a fresh, romantic manicure. The square shape further enhances the chic and polished look.
12 . Pastel French Tips with Pink and Blue
This trendy manicure features a modern twist on the classic French tip design, with soft pastel shades of blue and pink at the nail tips. The clean, neutral base contrasts beautifully with the colorful tips, giving a fresh and playful vibe to the overall look. Perfect for anyone looking for a chic yet fun nail design this season!
13 . Abstract Blue and Pink Marble Nails
This stunning design combines soft blue and pink shades with a minimalistic marble effect, creating a chic and artistic look. The clean, smooth finish and delicate abstract patterns make it an elegant yet trendy manicure, perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of creativity to their nails.
14 . Floral French Tips with Silver Accents
This playful and elegant nail design features blue floral details at the tips, creating a fresh twist on the classic French manicure. The addition of silver beads adds a modern touch, making this design perfect for those who want a chic and eye-catching look. The soft nude base keeps it balanced and sophisticated.
15 . Soft Blue and Nude with Minimalist Art
This elegant manicure features a smooth pastel blue paired with a nude nail that has a delicate white heart design. The minimalistic, hand-drawn art adds a modern and chic touch, while the glossy finish gives the nails a polished and clean look. Perfect for those seeking a subtle yet stylish and romantic design.
