As we hit mid-July, there are a few things that summer is synonymous with: the smell of sunscreen, ocean-rinsed hair, sun-kissed skin, and, of course, pink manicures. And if you’re devoted to pink nails, but, after many weeks of the same summery color want to change it up, you came to the right place.
Whether you’re headed on a beach vacation or just want an interesting everyday manicure, there are so many nail trends that can incorporate your go-to pink polish. From French tips to floral designs, I rounded up all the pink nail art inspiration you need to get through the rest of your summer manicure appointments.
Ahead, the chicest pink summer nail designs to try all season long.
Pink nail varnishes
essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers
NAILS.INC 1-Step Gel It's Topless in Sabrina
Ballet slippers
For fans of essie's iconic Ballet Slipper polish, this delicate, pared-back look will need no introduction. Defined by a sheer (ballerina-esque) pale pink topped with a high-shine finish, it's the epitome of 'your nails but better'.
Pearly rose
These intricate, mermaid-style pearl designs are flooding my Instagram feed lately – and I'm all for it. It'll require a skilled hand, so this is one to screenshot for your next nail appointment. But when you opt for this shimmery rose quartz kind of pink? You'll be basking in compliments.
French tips
Replace your classic white tip with your favourite shade of pink for a playful yet elevated take on French nails. With a milky pink base and a light tip, it creates a chic and nearly monochrome effect.
Jelly nails
Pink is probably my favourite take on the jelly nail trend, with a reflective, glass-like finish that allows your natural nail to peek through. You can DIY it with one or two coats of your favourite polish and top it off with a shiny clear coat, or go with a jelly polish from Essie.
Hot chrome
I keep coming back to reflective nails every summer, and a fuchsia polish looks fabulous with a pink or silver chrome topper.
Beach stripes
Match your nails to your beach towel or favourite bikini for the perfect summer mani. You can choose any two colours, but pink and orange are an unfailing choice. Start with a pink base coat, then take your secondary shade and paint on vertical stripes.
Mix and match designs
If you’re too indecisive to land on just one nail design, why not go for a different one on each finger?! You can choose different shades, stripes, French tips, or whatever your pink-loving heart desires.
Floral gardens
Turn your fingers into a gorgeous summer garden with some pink flowers blooming on each nail. Pro tip: starting with a neutral base lets the intricate designs do more of the talking.
Soap nails
If you love the look of a clean manicure, soap nails work perfectly with a pale polish. They look glassy, hydrated, and squeaky clean, like you just freshly washed each nail.
Polka dots
Polka-dot nails need no introduction – they’ve been a staple design for celebrity nail muses like Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber for ages. Simply select your pink base of choice, then dot on your top colour. Some of our favourite polish combinations are a darker pink, white, and black.
Aura glow
This energy-inspired mani looks fabulous with a double pink polish moment. First, paint the base with a hot pink, then take a paler polish and use a sponge in the centre to create the aura gradient by gently blending outwards.
Animal print
Who says the colour of your animal print design can’t be hot pink?! This zebra-striped manicure is so fun for a summer vacation; just start with your favourite pink for the base colour, then a silver topper will make the pattern look extra playful.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmo who covers all things nails – from the latest polish launches to the biggest manicure trends.
Urmi Pandit is the beauty assistant across UK titles Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, Red and Prima. She fell into the world of beauty following a Master's in Magazine Journalism, and has been knee-deep in maximalist makeup, seasonal nail trends, and skincare myth-busting ever since. Both in and outside the office, she is best recognised by her signature red hair and elaborate set of acrylics.
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.
Beauty Assistant Urmi works across Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, Red and Prima.
She fell into the world of beauty following a Masters in Magazine Journalism, and has been knee-deep in maximalist makeup, seasonal nail trends, and skincare myth-busting ever since. Both in and outside the office, she is best recognised by her signature red hair and elaborate set of acrylics.
