Summer Nails Acrylic Colors 27 Ideas: Shades & Designs to Brighten Your Look

Are you ready to dive into the vibrant world of summer nails acrylic colors Shades & designs? Whether you’re planning a beach getaway or just want to add a splash of summer to your everyday look, the right nail design can elevate your style. What are the hottest acrylic colors this season? How do you achieve those show-stopping designs that turn heads? From the must-have shapes to the most sought-after colors, I’ll guide you through creating stunning nail art that’s perfect for summer.

Summer Radiance with Multi-Toned Acrylics

This delightful manicure showcases an eclectic mix of vibrant designs, blending classic summer shades with creative flair. Each nail tells a story, from delicate florals to bold geometric patterns. The bright colors art dances across each fingernail, creating a canvas that’s both playful and chic.

• Materials Needed:
  • Base coat (e.g., OPI Natural Nail Base Coat)
  • Acrylic paints in hot pink, yellow, blue, and red
  • Fine brushes for detailed art
  • Sealing top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Creating This Look: Start with a clean, prepped nail. Apply a base coat to protect your nails. For each design, begin with a light color as the base and add layers of detail with darker or contrasting hues. Use fine brushes to achieve the intricate lines and dots. Finish with a top coat to seal in your artwork and add a glossy sheen.

Elegant Simplicity in Blue and Pink

Here we see a stunning example of coffin short nails, perfect for those who love a bit of edge without going too long. The alternating blue and pink acrylics set a playful yet sophisticated tone, complemented by a minimalist zebra stripe design that provides a unique twist.

• Materials Needed:
  • Acrylic nails in matte blue and pink
  • Striping tape for clean lines
  • Matte top coat (e.g., Essie Matte About You)

Creating This Look: After applying your color base, use striping tape to outline the areas for your zebra stripes. Apply a second color over the tape, then carefully remove the tape before the polish dries. Apply a matte top coat for a contemporary finish.

Wild Side: Orange Tiger Stripes

Capture the essence of the baddie style with these fierce long nails, featuring bold tiger stripes that scream confidence. The orange and black color combination is not only eye-catching but perfectly fits the neon art ideas trend.

• Materials Needed:
  • Black and orange acrylic paint
  • Thin brush for stripe detailing
  • Glossy top coat for a vibrant finish

Creating This Look: Paint your nails with a solid orange base. Using a thin brush, draw delicate black stripes to mimic the natural pattern of tiger fur. Seal with a glossy top coat to make the colors pop and protect your design.

Lush Green

This sleek and solid green acrylic nail design captures the essence of summer’s lushness. Its vibrant shade is reminiscent of fresh leaves and grass, making it an ideal choice for those who love to carry a piece of nature with them.

• Materials Needed:
  • Bright green acrylic paint
  • High gloss top coat for shine

DIY Instructions: Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Then, apply two coats of the bright green acrylic paint, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly. Finish with a high gloss top coat to enhance the vibrant color and add a protective layer against summer wear.

Abstract Artistry

This set of nails showcases a unique blend of matte and glossy finishes with abstract blue designs that make a bold statement. The combination of muted and vivid blues, alongside a striking gold accent, creates a sophisticated look that is both artistic and elegant.

• Materials Needed:
  • Matte and glossy blue acrylic paints
  • Gold acrylic paint
  • Detailing brush for abstract designs
  • Matte top coat for a refined finish

DIY Instructions: Start with a matte base in light blue. Use a detailing brush to add abstract shapes in a darker blue with a glossy finish. Highlight the design with gold accents for a touch of luxury. Apply a matte top coat to seal the design and provide a modern, stylish finish.

Vivid Contrast with a Metallic Twist

The striking contrast between the bright orange and deep metallic green in this design exemplifies bold summer nails choices. The seamless blend of vibrant hues with a shiny metallic finish offers a fresh take on classic short solid styles.

• Materials Needed:
  • Neon orange and metallic green acrylic paint
  • High gloss top coat for a shiny finish
  • Nail tape for precise lines

Creating This Look: Apply a base coat of neon orange on some nails, and metallic green on others. Use nail tape to help with the clean lines if mixing designs on a single nail. Finish with a high gloss top coat to enhance the metallic sheen and ensure longevity.

Playful Rainbow Palette

This design captures the essence of colorful art designs with its spectrum of vibrant colors. Each nail sports a different hue, creating a fun and playful effect that’s perfect for summer.

• Materials Needed:
  • A range of acrylic paints in blue, neon pink, orange, green, and purple
  • Protective glossy top coat

Creating This Look: Begin with a clean, buffed nail surface. Paint each nail a different color, applying two coats for full opacity. Seal with a glossy top coat to protect the paint from chipping and to add a beautiful shine.

Soft Pastels with Floral Art

Embrace the subtle charm of pastels with this yellow based design adorned with delicate pink flowers. This look is perfect for anyone wanting a gentle yet bright aesthetic.

• Materials Needed:
  • Pastel yellow and pink acrylic paint
  • Small brush for detailed floral designs
  • Matte finish top coat

Creating This Look: Paint a pastel yellow base and use a small brush to add floral details in pink. Consider a matte top coat to give a soft, elegant finish to the floral patterns.

Elegant White with Pink Art

These long nails combine crisp white with bold pink patterns, offering a modern twist on traditional French tips. It’s a sophisticated choice that incorporates the flair of art ideas into a classic style.

• Materials Needed:
  • White and pink acrylic paint
  • Fine brush for detail work
  • High-gloss top coat

Creating This Look: Apply a white base coat and use a fine brush to create intricate pink designs. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to make the design pop and extend the wear of your manicure.

Metallic Sheen

This nail set showcases a luxurious metallic finish that’s both unique and captivating. The shimmering purple offers a deep, rich tone that pairs beautifully with any summer outfit.

• Materials Needed:
  • Metallic purple acrylic paint
  • Silver glitter for added bling
  • High-gloss sealing top coat

Creating This Look: Apply two coats of metallic purple. While the second coat is still tacky, gently sprinkle silver glitter for a sparkling effect. Seal with a high-gloss top coat for durability and extra shine.

Bold Red with Animal Print Accents

This nail design combines fierce animal prints with a bold red background, making it a perfect statement for any summer outing. The black spots on a vivid red base create a dynamic and fun look, reflecting a confident baddie aesthetic.

• Materials Needed:
  • Red and black acrylic paint
  • Small dotting tool or fine brush
  • Glossy top coat for a vibrant finish

Creating This Look: Begin with a red base coat. Use a small dotting tool or a fine brush to create black animal spots randomly across the nails. Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the colors and ensure a long-lasting wear.

Sleek and Chic: Nude with Bright Accents

This design showcases a stunning contrast between a subtle nude base and striking hot pink tape accents. It’s perfect for someone looking for a simple yet eye-catching manicure.

• Materials Needed:
  • Nude and hot pink acrylic paint
  • Tape for precise lines
  • High-gloss top coat

Creating This Look: Apply a nude base coat and let it dry. Position the tape to create clean lines, then paint over it with hot pink. Carefully remove the tape while the paint is still slightly wet. Seal the design with a high-gloss top coat for a sleek finish.

Vibrant Blue with Bling

This long nail design in vivid blue is adorned with a colorful gemstone cluster, adding a touch of bling to a classic look. This manicure is a great way to add some sparkle to your daily outfit or a special event.

• Materials Needed:
  • Blue acrylic paint
  • Assorted rhinestones and gemstones
  • Nail glue
  • High-gloss top coat

Creating This Look: Paint your nails with a blue base coat. Once dry, arrange the rhinestones on the accent nail using nail glue. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to secure the stones and enhance the overall shine.

Abstract Artistry on Coffin Nails

These coffin long nails feature a stunning abstract design with swirls of yellow, purple, and neon colors, making each nail a unique piece of art. This look is perfect for those who love bright colors art and unique designs.

• Materials Needed:
  • Multiple shades of acrylic paint including yellow, purple, and neon
  • Detail brushes
  • Matte top coat for a modern touch

Creating This Look: Start with a white base to make the colors pop. Use detail brushes to create freehand swirls and abstract patterns. A matte top coat will give the nails a contemporary art-gallery finish.

Elegant Animal Print on Almond Nails

This sophisticated design combines a nude base with bold animal prints on almond solid nails, offering an elegant yet wild aesthetic. It’s a perfect blend of nature-inspired art and modern fashion.

• Materials Needed:
  • Nude and black acrylic paint
  • Small brush for detailed animal patterns
  • High-gloss top coat

Creating This Look: Apply a nude base coat. Use a small brush to paint the animal patterns in black. Focus on creating natural, flowing designs that mimic the animal’s fur. Seal the design with a high-gloss top coat to add depth and shine.

Classic Red Sophistication

This design epitomizes timeless elegance with its rich red hue, providing a sophisticated look perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions. The glossy finish adds an extra layer of charm, making it a staple in summer nails acrylic colors Shades & designs.

• Materials Needed:
  • Red acrylic paint
  • High-gloss top coat

Creating This Look: Apply two coats of red acrylic paint, ensuring each layer is smooth and even. Finish with a high-gloss top coat for a durable, shiny appearance that enhances the deep red color.

Green and Gold Luxury

These nails combine a fresh green shade with luxurious gold flakes, creating a striking look that’s both trendy and classic. The intricate snake skin design on the accent nail adds a touch of exotic art, perfect for those looking to make a bold statement.

• Materials Needed:
  • Green acrylic paint
  • Gold leaf or flakes
  • Snake skin stencil or stamp
  • High-gloss top coat

Creating This Look: Paint your nails with a green base. Apply gold leaf flakes to the tips or as a full nail accent. Use a stencil or stamp to add a snake skin pattern on one or two nails as focal points. Seal everything with a high-gloss top coat for protection and shine.

Vibrant Orange French Tips

This playful twist on traditional French tips features a vibrant orange color, making it a perfect choice for summer fun. The matte finish provides a modern touch to this otherwise simple design.

• Materials Needed:
  • Orange acrylic paint
  • Matte top coat

Creating This Look: Apply a nude base coat followed by orange tips using a steady hand or French tip guides for precision. Finish with a matte top coat for a contemporary look.

Glittering Silver Showstopper

For those who love a bit of bling, this all-over glitter design is a showstopper. Using fine glitter on a solid base, these nails reflect light beautifully, making them perfect for evening events or a night out.

• Materials Needed:
• Silver glitter acrylic mix
• High-gloss top coat

Creating This Look: Mix fine silver glitter into clear acrylic or apply directly over a base coat. Ensure complete coverage for a uniform sparkle. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to seal the glitter and enhance the shine.

Ethereal Blue Ombre

These nails showcase a beautiful blue ombre effect, complemented by white floral art designs. The subtle transition from light blue to white creates a soft, dreamy look, enhanced by delicate white flowers that add a romantic touch.

• Materials Needed:
  • Light blue and white acrylic paint
  • Sponge for ombre effect
  • Small brush for floral details
  • High-gloss top coat

Creating This Look: Start with a light blue base, and gradually sponge on white paint toward the tips to create an ombre effect. Use a small brush to add floral details in white. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to protect the design and add a glossy sheen.

Vivid Swirls of Pink and Orange

This striking design blends hot pink and bright orange, creating a fiery swirl that’s perfect for any summer adventure. The marbled effect is playful yet sophisticated, making it a perfect companion for both a casual beach day and a fancy summer night out.

• Materials Needed:
  • Hot pink and bright orange acrylic paints
  • Swirling tool or toothpick
  • High gloss top coat
  • Base coat

DIY Instructions: Begin with a clean, buffed nail. Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Drop small beads of hot pink and bright orange on the nail. Using a swirling tool, gently mix the colors to create a marbled effect. Seal the design with a high gloss top coat for a durable, shiny finish.

Pastel Perfection

This nail design features a beautiful gradient of soft pastels from lavender to sky blue. The smooth transition of colors mimics a serene summer sky, ideal for those who prefer a subtle yet elegant nail art.

• Materials Needed:
  • Lavender, sky blue, and pale yellow acrylic paints
  • Sponge for gradient effect
  • Top coat for a smooth finish

DIY Instructions: Paint your nails with a base coat to avoid staining and help the color stick. Then, apply a light lavender as the base color. Use a sponge to dab on sky blue and pale yellow, creating a gradient effect. Finish with a clear top coat to blend and protect the colors.

Elegant White and Green Floral

This design is a testament to elegance, featuring a sharp white base with delicate green floral patterns. Accented with gold embellishments, it’s perfect for those summer weddings or upscale events.

• Materials Needed:
  • White and green acrylic paint
  • Fine brush for details
  • Gold studs or stickers
  • Protective top coat

DIY Instructions: Start with a white base coat. Once dry, use a fine brush to paint small green florals. Add gold studs at the center of each flower for an extra pop of luxury. Seal everything with a protective top coat for a long-lasting manicure.

Deep Blue Sea

Imagine the depth of the ocean on your fingertips with this glossy, deep blue acrylic color. It’s simple yet profoundly elegant, suitable for both day and night settings in the summer.

• Materials Needed:
  • Deep blue acrylic paint
  • High gloss top coat

DIY Instructions: After prepping your nails with a base coat, apply two coats of the deep blue acrylic paint. Allow each layer to dry completely. Finish off with a high gloss top coat to enhance the depth of the color and add durability.

Sunset Glow

This nail design captures the stunning hues of a summer sunset with vibrant orange and a hint of deep pink. It’s perfect for adding a splash of color to any outfit.

• Materials Needed:
  • Orange and deep pink acrylic paint
  • Sponge for dabbing effect
  • Top coat for sealing

DIY Instructions: Prep your nails with a base coat. Apply a bright orange as the base color. Use a sponge to softly apply deep pink at the tips, blending slightly into the orange for a sunset effect. Seal with a top coat for a smooth finish.

Citrus Charm

This playful design is a summertime delight with its bright lemon and lime slices nestled among vibrant green leaves on a clear base. The pop of neon yellow tips adds an electrifying twist that’s both fun and fashionable.

• Materials Needed:
  • Neon yellow and transparent acrylic paints
  • Green acrylic paint for leaves
  • Lemon and lime slice decals
  • High gloss top coat

DIY Instructions: Apply a clear base coat to your nails. Position the citrus decals on the nail as desired. Use a fine brush to add small green leaves around the decals. Tip the nails with neon yellow for a bold edge. Seal with a high gloss top coat for a vibrant and durable finish.

Hot Pink Speckle

Embrace the bold with these coffin-shaped, hot pink nails featuring a speckled finish that gives a modern twist to a classic color. This look is perfect for making a statement at any summer party.

• Materials Needed:
  • Hot pink acrylic paint
  • Black speckle polish or a fine brush and black paint for the speckle effect
  • High gloss top coat

DIY Instructions: Start with a hot pink base on prepped nails. For the speckle effect, lightly splatter black polish with a brush or use a toothpick to dot on the design. Finish with a high gloss top coat to enhance the color and ensure your nails stay fabulous through any event.