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When the heat hits, so does the urge for neon tips, playful pedicures and nails that feel like summer in one glance. What exactly does that look like for summer 2025? Well, it’s a little different from the norm. It’s less about shock value and more about easy, elevated colour with a playful, wearable twist. “Right now, we’re seeing a return to classics—bright reds, deep cherries, soft neutrals—but paired with sheer Jelly textures and shimmering tones that feel really fresh,” says Rita Remark, Essie’s Global Ambassador. “It’s like your quintessential summer nails, but with a translucent or tonal remix.” Alongside those reimagined staples, nail art is getting extra creative this season. Aura ombré fades (that dreamy, airbrushed-like glow concentrated in the middle of the nail), fruit and sardine decals and seashell-inspired iridescence are all in the mix. Whether you’re into full-on beach-core or want something that just hints at the season, there’s a full mood board’s worth of inspo to take to your next manicure appointment. Here’s what should be on your radar right now.
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Tonal French Manicures
French manicures aren’t new, but they’re getting a translucent remix. “Right now, we’re seeing a lot of tonal French tips using Jelly textures,” says Remark. Think clear, candy-like colours with a pop of saturated pigment along the tip, all in the same hue family. “It looks like a Jelly shoe or tinted sunglasses for your nails,” she says. Bonus: It’s a great option for anyone who loves subtle nail art but doesn’t want to commit to a fully opaque colour.
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Red Rules
If there’s one shade that never really leaves the chat (and is truly seasonless), it’s red. But for summer 2025, it’s not just any red—it’s your red. “Everyone wants to find their perfect red,” says Remark. “It’s timeless, it’s powerful, and there are so many ways to wear it now.” That means everything from bright cherry reds that pop against sun-kissed skin to deeper, vampier shades that feel a little unexpected for warmer months—but somehow work.
The key is keeping things easy and intentional. “Red is the ultimate summer neutral,” says Remark. “It works with denim cut-offs or a slick all-black look. It’s that versatile.” One of her favourite? Essie’s Geranium, an orangey-red she calls “so bright, it’s almost neon.”
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Sea You at the Salon
Summer always brings beach-inspired beauty, but this year’s take leans into full sensory experiences. “We’ve gone from Mermaidcore last year to total Beachcore now,” says Remark. Picture seashell textures, netted designs, iridescent oyster sheens, and even micro-glitter that mimics sun hitting the water. “A Jelly base with an iridescent topper looks absolutely stunning,” she adds.
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Grocery List Nails
File this under unexpectedly delightful. Food-inspired nail art is having a moment. “I’ve been seeing fruit decals everywhere,” says Remark. From strawberries and tomatoes to cherries and tropical citrus textures, it’s all about leaning into playful farmers market stall vibes. Even more unexpected? Sardine nails. “There’s something about a little sardine decal that’s so darn cute,” says Remark, laughing. “A must if you’re going to vacay in Lisbon.”
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Aura Nails
Aura nails aren’t new, but they’re definitely still having a moment. The hypnotic, cosmic-inspired look features a hazy wash of colour concentrated in the centre of each nail, fading outward like a soft-focus glow. “It’s not easy to master, but it’s beautiful,” says Remark, who says this look is best left to the pros. “Unless you have an airbrush machine, it takes a lot of skill to get right.” Inspired by vividly coloured energy fields (and your social feed), aura nails are the kind of manicure that looks both ethereal and intentionally cool—like a mood ring, but make it beauty.
