Of all the beauty things that feel synonymous with summer (hey, fruity perfumes and sun-kissed skin), nothing beats a bright, fresh manicure. After months of wearing wintery burgundies and browns on my nails, I’m itching to embrace color again. Thankfully, inspiration is endless this season, with joyful butter yellows, sophisticated sage greens, and now fifty shades of grey pink making a swift comeback.
If you’re looking for something a little more elevated than the hot pinks and overly cutesy designs that once reigned supreme, you’ll be relieved to see that variations of more elegant, minimalistic manicures are taking the spotlight this summer. Channeling pearlescent finishes and sheer, rosy hues, each is as glossy as the last—and perfectly wearable for everyday.
From barely-there Ballet Slippers to blushed French tips, ahead, find six of the most polished ways (no pun intended...) to wear the pink nail trend now.
1. Ballet Slippers
For fans of Essie’s iconic Ballet Slippers 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.”
2. Glossy Chrome
Believe us when we say simple doesn’t have to mean boring; take this chic reflective set. A soft, rosy base makes natural nails look healthy, while the chrome top coat catches the light wherever you go.
3. 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.
4. Pastel Frenchies
For something classy but elevated, look no further than this pastel-pink take on traditional French tips. Pair it with a natural, milky base and a rounded almond shape, and the result is as feminine as it is ideal for everyday wear.
5. Soap Nails
When the “clean girl” aesthetic filtered into the manicure world, soapnails were the result. It’s a does-what-it-says-on-the-tin situation; the “soap” part comes from a squeaky-clean finish and a natural pink-white ombré. If you’re opting for a gel polish over bare nails, this one’s for you.
6. Pink Polkas
You’d best believe this pink polka-dot set—courtesy of celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, whose clientele includes Hailey Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, and Kylie Jenner—went straight into my saved folder. Not only because if it’s endorsed by the It Girls, I’m following suit but because this near-transparent bubblegum base strikes the perfect balance between playful and modern. Très chic!
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.
