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Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
This summer, less is more.
With trends like “no makeup makeup” and “quiet luxury” dominating BeautyTok, experts are predicting that the nail colors of summer 2025 will be likewise understated. Think elevated simplicity, soft washes of color, and high-shine finishes.
Regardless of whether you’re into minimalist manis or prefer subtle nail art, there’s a shade to match your every mood. Consider this your guide to what’s trending.
Keep scrolling to browse the colors we’re predicting will be everywhere this summer!
1. Soft Lavender
If summer 2025 had a signature color, it would be soft lavender. Feminine, calming, and effortlessly chic, this dreamy hue is popping up everywhere—from sundresses to swipe-right-worthy manis.
I love how lavender nails are both understated and chic. This shade looks just as good holding an iced matcha as it does wrapped around a beach read.
If you’re into the trend, try OPI “Polly Want a Lacquer?” ($11.99), a soft, creamy lavender that flatters every skin tone.
Style tip: This shade looks magical on almond or oval-shaped nails with a high-gloss finish. Want to level it up? Add a whisper of chrome powder for that glazed, fairy-core vibe.
2. Light Ballet Pink
This sheer, barely-there blush is the definition of timeless. It’s soft, elegant, and gives your nails a clean, polished look that works for literally any occasion. Whether you’re heading to brunch, a job interview, or just want to feel a little more put-together, this shade is your go-to.
Try essie “Ballet Slippers” ($9.29)—a cult-favorite with over 24,000 reviews on Amazon. This delicate pink looks soft, fresh, and always polished.
Style tip: Use it as a base for micro-French tips or minimalist floral nail art. It’s the perfect canvas for subtle creativity.
3. Marshmallow White
If you love a fresh, barely-there mani but want something a little more modern than nude, marshmallow white is your girl. This milky, semi-sheer shade is crisp without being stark, like your favorite white tee, but for your nails. And it looks so good against sun-kissed skin.
Try out the trend with essie “Marshmallow” ($8.29) nail polish. This soft, buildable white gives you a clean, glossy finish without looking too opaque.
Style tip: Pair it with short, square nails for a minimalist vibe, or add a glazed overlay for that subtle, dewy glow.
4. Cherry Red
Sure, soft pastels are having their moment, but cherry red is crashing the party—in the best way. This classic shade is making a fresh comeback for summer 2025, and it’s glossier, juicier, and more confident than ever.
Red is a classic nail color, so you have lots of great options when it comes to trying out this trend. One of my go-to shades is LONDONTOWN “Maraschino Cherry” ($16).
Another great option is OPI Red Crème ($12), a rich timeless red with a modern twist.
Style tip: Cherry red looks especially striking on short, rounded or square nails. Mix it up and try it as a French tip twist for a bold take on a classic.
5. Butter Yellow
Yellow for summer? Groundbreaking—but hear me out. This year’s take is softer, creamier, and way more wearable than you’d expect. Butter yellow is like sunshine in a bottle: warm, happy, and just the right amount of playful.
Try out this fun trend with essie “Sunny Business” ($7.08), a soft, sunny pastel. Over 1,000 Amazon customers bought this polish in the last month!
Or, embrace butter yellow with OPI “Buttafly” ($12), a creamy, dreamy yellow that has just a hint of shimmer.
Style tip: This shade shines brightest on natural nail shapes (think rounded or oval) with a super glossy top coat.
6. Hot Pink
This bold shade is pure dopamine in polish form, perfect for pool parties, rooftop hangs, or just adding a little extra oomph to your day.
It’s playful, confident, and totally unapologetic—which is 100% the vibe I’m going for this summer.
Try out the trend with essie “MOD SQUARE” ($9.70), a vibrant Barbiecore pink that one reviewer called “so pigmented and beautiful.”
People also love duri “Voodoo” ($12.50), which is a deep, punchy hot pink with attitude.
Style tip: This color pops on short square or almond nails. Try a cat-eye finish or go flirty with a fun design—think hearts, cherries, or even a cheeky smiley face.
7. Milky Pink
If you’re into the whole “clean girl” aesthetic or just love an elegant mani, then you’ll be all about milky pink shades. Cloudy, creamy, and effortlessly elevated, this nail polish feels luxe and timeless.
It’s understated in the best way, giving your nails that polished, put-together look without trying too hard.
If this appeals to you, then try a sheer, milky pink that’s equal parts delicate and sophisticated, AKA Cirque Colors “Rose Jelly” ($12.50).
Style tip: This shade pairs beautifully with natural-length square nails. A shimmery top coat will also give it a subtle sparkle that catches the light *just right*.
8. Blueberry Milk Nails
Blueberry milk nails are having their moment in the sun (pun intended) and I’m here for it. This cool-toned, milky blue is playful without being over-the-top, meaning it’s totally summer-ready.
CANNI “Baby Blue” ($6.29) is a dreamy, creamy blue color that brings this trend to life.
Plus, don’t sleep on butter LONDON “Powder Blue” ($18). The soft shade has just a hint of cool-girl edge.
Style tip: Add a glossy top coat for that fresh-out-of-the-salon shine, or level it up with a cute summery design.
9. Sage or Minty Green
If you’re looking to switch things up from the usual pinks and nudes, sage and minty greens are a trendy alternative (and this color currently has me obsessed!). In the middle of summer, a soft, modern, and refreshing hue is just the right amount of unexpected.
Go green with CANNI “Sage Light Green” ($5.99), a soft sage that’s equal parts calming and cool.
Style tip: Keep it shiny and short for an ultra-modern vibe.
