7 Of The Coolest Nail Colours To Wear This Summer

Elle

05-06-2025

Come rain or shine, there's little doubt that finding the best summer nail colours for your manicure can make an impactful difference to your mood. But just when you think it's time to let go of winter's moody wine tones, A-list manicurists are re-assuring us that a deep fig will always look elegant no matter the season...
If you are looking for a lighter switch-up, butter yellow nails are here to stay, as is green nails - this time in a calming shade of milky matcha that feels grown-up and elevated. Spring's baby blue manicures still feel fresh, but as manicurist Michelle Humphrey shares below, do consider cool blueberry tones for a summery twist.
Ahead, the best nail colours to try this summer...
There's a satisfying, delicious smoothness to pastel butter yellow that is catnip for the fashion crowd, and beauty is following suit. 'It's giving sunshine in a bottle!' says manicurist Michelle Humphrey. 'Soft, creamy, and way more flattering than people think, try Essie Rev It Up for a bolder take and Atelier At The Bay which is more muted,' she recommends.
Green nails are always on the summer mood board for their fresh, crisp appeal but Humphrey is a fan of the more elegant matcha green, which she describes as 'earthy, calming, and chic.'
Instead of oceanic blues, try a cool-toned blue, suggests Humphrey. 'Think periwinkle, indigo, and soft purples. I'm reaching for Essie Orchid Jelly and Dress Call!' she tells ELLE UK.
'Bright pinks and corals are a go-to for me—they're bold, energetic, and just scream summer fun,' says nail artist Tinu Bello, who's done manicures for major stars such as Letitia Wright and Michaela Coel. 'Think vibrant fuchsia or punchy watermelon tones that instantly lift your mood and add a pop of colour to any look.' Bello namechecks Mylee Bubblegum Gel Nail Wraps and Mylee Be Yourself Gel Nail Wraps as her current favourites.
According to Humphrey, clients often shy away from a salmony tone like apricot, but it's worth considering if you're looking for a lighter, more understated alternative the aforementioned hot pink or bright yellow. 'It's not the easiest shade to wear, and I hardly ever get requests for it, but apricot nails are truly stunning,' she says. A warm undertone can truly bring out your natural tan or you can ease into the trend with peachy French tips.
Don't save your deeper tones just for winter. 'I'd love to see more people embrace moody brights and inky shades during summer, like rich teal or fig,' says Bello. 'There's a misconception that dark or muted colours are just for autumn, but when you choose versions with a luminous or juicy finish, they actually pop beautifully in summer light.'
Similarly, you don't have to stash away the sparkle until Christmas time. Metallic silvers are popular on the SS25 runways. They shine brilliantly in the sunshine and are perfect for summer festivals.
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Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.