There’s a good reason we can never stop saving nail inspo. Unlike a dramatic haircut or a new hair color, a manicure is one of the easiest ways to experiment with your style without a major commitment. I especially love trying playful nail art for a vacation or special occasions, moonlighting my fingertips as blank canvases that I can always switch up every few weeks if I grow tired of a trend.
And for our end-of-summer manicures, there’s no shortage of nail inspiration. While manicures like a sheer pink or traditional French will always have a spot in the rotation, some of the season’s biggest nail trends are all about elevating the classics and also being food-inspired. From fruit designs that turn your fingertips into a summer snack to 3D florals that make your nails look like a tiny garden, these nail ideas are the best ways to lean into summer.
Ahead, all the best nail trends to try in August (perhaps we try one every few days of the month to squeeze them all in?).
French Vanilla
If you want to switch things up from your go-to French manicure, or you’re a white nail devotee looking for a new way to wear the shade, this white-on-white French is the perfect update. The look pairs a creamy base with a crisp white tip, creating a softer take on the classic manicure.
Fruit Salad Tips
These French tips create the manicure equivalent of a fresh fruit salad. Choose a milky base, and instead of a classic white French tip, top each nail with your favorite summertime snack medley, from juicy watermelon slices to tiny citrus wedges.
Juicy Fruits
These juicy nail designs transform the entire nail into your favorite summer fruit. Instead of dainty details, this maximalist approach turns each nail bed into a full piece of fruit, complete with realistic seeds and juicy textures. The result looks almost good enough to take a bite out of (but I don’t condone nail biting here!).
Tomato Red
There’s a clear food theme when it comes to August manicures, and tomato red is one of the hottest colors right now. Beloved by celebs like Kylie Jenner, it’s the perfect summer red that looks fab on both the fingers and toes, no matter your nail shape.
Mix-and-Match
Mix-and-match nails are the answer for anyone who has ever sat in the salon chair unable to choose just one design. Instead of committing to a single color, finish, or trend, this manicure combines everything from chrome finishes to floral detailing in one set. It’s like a moodboard for your fingertips, where all your saved nail inspo can finally make the cut.
3D Florals
Textured nail designs turn floral manicures into true works of art. By adding raised petals and sculptural details, these designs make it look like you have a tiny garden blooming right at your fingertips. Choose your favorite flower and bring it to life—my personal favorite is these hibiscuses, which feel especially fitting for a summer manicure.
Coastal Blue
If you’re ready to retire your go-to summer pink, take a page out of Hailey Bieber’s manicure book and try coastal blue nails instead. The ocean-inspired shade captures the feeling of a seaside escape, with a calming blue hue that feels refreshing for the end of summer.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmo who covers all things nails—from the latest color trends to new polish launches.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
