Top Nail Techs Told Me These 10 Nail Trends Will Dominate This Summer
No chrome powder? Layer this iridescent polish over your nail color for a glazed finish without the mess of powder.
This gel polish reacts to a magnet to give you a 3D velvet effect.
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@nailartbyqueenieWe're taking our iced coffee order onto our nails for summer, with matcha and pistachio tones tipped to be a big color trend for summer 2023. "Green is popular all year but is especially trendy for S/S 23, as it coincides with nature, green grass, lush trees, and blossoming flowers," says Tinu Bello, manicurist and senior brand ambassador for Mylee. "Sage green is a stunning shade that works well on its own for a minimal look or paired with white or brown accents or nail art for a mani that stands out," she says. "Mylee's Pistachio Gel Polish is a gorgeous, pale pistachio color that is key for creating this look. If you prefer a brighter, bolder green, Mylee's Green There, Done That Gel Polish is your mani match. This shade is perfect for festivals, parties, or everyday nails that really make a statement."
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@imarninailsJelly nails are the fun Y2K take on wearing brights. The sheer yet bright formulas make nails look jelly-like with a high-shine finish. "They are summery and will inject a pop of fun color to any summer fit," says Bello. Everything from raspberry jelly to sheer apple will be big news for summer, and they're good enough to eat. Layer up sheer shades to recreate the trend at home.
One coat gives nails a healthy pink sheen, while a couple of coats gives you glossy jelly-like nails.
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@iramsheltonWhat screams summer more than bright, colorful French tips? "We're 1000% going to see variations of a French tip this summer," says Shelton. "It will simply never go out of style. There's a negative space look, a double tip, and then your colorful tips. This will be as popular as ever because it just flatters both long and short nails. If in doubt, pick French."
French tips can be tricky if you're creating the look at home, but this stamping tool makes it easy. Simply apply polish to the stamp, press the tip of your fingernail into it and you're left with a crisp line.
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@nailartbyqueenieFlorals, for summer? They might not be groundbreaking, but they're a timeless summer nail trend if you're looking for nail art. "There is always an interest in floral designs for summer along with abstract designs," notes Shelton. "I think subtle designs like flowers can look really pretty, and depending on the colors used, they can look great for weddings, also," she says. And if you don't have a steady hand, these are pretty easy to do at home too. "Flowers are also super easy to recreate at home yourself," says Shelton. "You can either use a dotting tool to keep it really simple or a one brush stroke technique to make the petals look more realistic. It's a great way to get creative."
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@iramsheltonSometimes, you don't want a shouty manicure, and that's where the 'clean-girl' nails come in. "Summer is always a popular season for weddings, so minimal designs are always a good look. They look chic and so effortless," says Shelton. "I love the sheer nudes that OPI has because they are so perfect to wear on their own or layer with nail art. Some of my favorites are Bubble Bath, Put It In Neutral, Bare My Soul, and Baby Take A Vow. There is a shade for everyone and every skin tone."
Bello notes that it's all in the nail prep to achieve this perfectly manicured look. "Think short, practical shapes with perfectly prepped cuticles," she says. "Grooming is at the forefront over color, with pale pinks, nudes, and clear builder gels being clean girl favorites. You can play with the hue by building up color for a milkier finish or using one coat for a sheer, barely there effect. You'll also want to keep a cuticle oil and your fave hand cream by your side to ensure perfect nail health at all times," she says.
This kit has everything you need for perfectly manicured hands.
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@nailartbyqueenieIf you like your neutrals but want to dial it up a notch, opt for a chrome powder finish on your favorite nude tone for a glossy lip oil-like finish. "Lip oils are trending all over social media, and it's spilling over to nails," notes Bellow. "This celebrity favorite look replicates the sheen that a lip oil leaves. It's all about that glossy topcoat—you want your nails to shine from every angle and sort of look like jelly," she says. To tap into the trend at home, begin by buffing the nails and filing them immaculately into shape. "For the base color, choose between a sheer nude, a pearlescent pink, or a bright popping hue. Lastly, and most importantly, apply a few coats of a glossy topcoat for the ultimate lip oil-like finish."
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@iramsheltonCome on, Barbie, let's get our nails done. With Barbie expected to hit theaters in July, pink is predicted to make a big comeback this season. "We will be in a Barbiecore era very soon," predicts Shelton. "With the new Barbie movie's release around the corner, I know this will become the It color. Whether it's baby pink or hot pink, we're going to see it for sure, and I am here for it."
If Barbie could choose a nail polish, I'm certain she would choose the Gucci shade.
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@harrietwestmorelandAnother micro trend from the clean-girl nails trend is milky nails. "It's a softer version of a stark white manicure but adds a bit more color than a sheer nude," says Bello. "It's popular because it is clean and simple yet eye-catching and bright. It also makes your nails look clean and polished. Plus, you don't need to grow out your natural nails or sign up for extensions for milky nails to look great. This manicure looks good on all nail types, whether it be short or long nails, " she says. "I recommend Mylee's Mylee Nudes Gel Polish Trio. They are sheer and buildable but also nude. Another top tip is to mix some of your color with a base coat to sheer it out and give a milkier effect. This can be done with any color like a pastel or standard white nail polish."
The ideal milky nail polish in a long-wearing formula.
