12 best June nail ideas for a chic, glossy manicure upgrade this summer
With festival season kicking off and holiday countdowns officially underway, your fingertips deserve some TLC
June may not technically be peak summer, but you best believe we'll be basking in the attention usually reserved for it. Festival season is kicking off, holiday countdowns are officially underway, and every social get-together suddenly seems to involve sitting outside for as long as humanly possible. And what better accessory to accompany said plans than a fresh manicure?
This month, we're ditching the sensible spring shades and "quiet luxury" neutrals because we're ready for something a little louder. And to help you make the switch, we've rounded up 12 of the best nail designs to see you through the season – I'm talking everything from Harry Styles-inspired manicures (hi, hello 'Together, Together' tour) to chrome finishes that make a tan look even better.
Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got a manicure to book...
Sherbert nails
Blending soft pink and buttery yellow into a seamlessly delicious haze, this manicure is colourful without being too loud, proof that nail art doesn't always need intricate details to make an impact!
Blossom nails
While florals for summer aren't exactly reinventing the wheel, neither is making the most of the three sunny days Britain gives us each year. So, let's rinse the aesthetic while we still can...
Stars, stripes and polka dot nails
Can a manicure be understated and attention-grabbing at the same time? These French tips certainly think so. Tiny stars, stripes and polka dots neatly line the tips to create a design that's equal parts playful and polished.
Papaya nails
Inspired by the vibrant orange flesh of a tropical fruit, this juicy mani is sunshine in nail form. You heard it here first: Tomato girl summer walked so papaya nails could run.
Harry nails
The 'Together, Together' tour kicks off this month, which means Harry-inspired manicures are officially on the agenda. The more sparkles, the merrier!
Aperol nails
Bright orange polish paired with a softer yellow half-moon detail creates what might just be the ultimate summer colour combination. The inspo? Why, an Aperol Spritz, of course!
Strawberry nails
It's strawberry season, and frankly, we'd be worried if at least one fruit-inspired manicure didn't make the list. Keep the design classic with a bold colour palette or amp it up further with a red chrome base.
Gummy bear nails
Part manicure, part pick 'n' mix, gummy bear nails are the playful trend taking over our mood boards this summer. Featuring translucent, jelly-like finishes that look almost good enough to eat, they're colourful without feeling overly sweet.
3D bedazzled nails
Minimalists, look away. Between molten chrome details, 3D sculptural accents and enough gemstones to rival a treasure chest, these nails are unapologetically extra. But festi season only comes around once a year, so consider this your cue to go all out.
Floral mod nails
Combining graphic flower motifs with geometric shapes and a colour palette straight out of a 1960s interiors catalogue, this mani feels nostalgic in the best way possible.
Sardine nails
Sardines are having a moment (don't ask us why... something to do with sourdough and perhaps fishmaxxing??), and naturally, they've made their way onto our nails. You could say this trend sits somewhere between a Mediterranean holiday and a particularly stylish fishmonger.
Coral chrome nails
Coral has long been one of the most flattering summer nail colours, but add a chrome finish, and things get considerably more interesting. The warm undertones help bring out a tan, while the reflective sheen catches the light from every angle.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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