Having your nails done is one of the greatest beauty joys. Whether you switch your manicure up every time by opting for some nail art or are loyal to a classic pink manicure, there is something about having a new set of nails that brings instant joy. You can't beat the feeling of perfectly shaped nails paired with some cuticle work and a fresh varnish to make your hands look more polished.
However, there is something to be said for throwing caution to the wind and choosing a bold and bright manicure. It feels so right for summer, especially now that holiday-and-wedding season is upon us. Whether it's a bold swipe of pistachio green all over your nails, pastel abstract swirls in clashing colours or a slither of neon painted along your tips, there are so many ways to experiment with colourful nail designs. Can't decide on one colour? Choose them all and paint a hue on each nail. It's the beauty version of dopamine dressing. Plus, there's something about this summer that feels right to experiment with all the colours of the rainbow, whether it's at the nail salon or experimenting with a DIY mani.
We've seen plenty of colourful manicures on our feeds lately, so it seems that everyone is ripping up the rule book of what a traditional manicure should look like. With so many designs to choose from, we saved some of our favourite colourful nail designs that we've spotted lately. Embrace yourself for plenty of inspo.
1. Colourful French Tips
Colourful French tips are a winner year-round.
We love seeing a different hue on each nail.
A reverse French along the half-moon on the nail bed gives a standard French manicure an unexpected twist.
We love the pastel colour combination of this micro French manicure.
Who says a French manicure has to be in block colours? These shimmering chrome tips are bringing us joy.
2. Multi-Tonal Hues
When you can't decide what colour to pick, choose them all. We love these muted yet colourful pairings.
Pink and green should always be seen.
How fun are these sangria tones?
Cheerful brights look brilliant on short, square nails.
Eyecatching but chic—we're obsessed with this colour combo.
3. Bold and Bright
A single colour in a bright hue is a great option if you're usually a nail minimalist. You can never go wrong with a red-orange shade.
Lilac isn't going anywhere, and we love this punchy shade.
A neon bright suits everyone.
A soft pistachio green brightens your nails and your spirits.
4. Colourful Nail Art
The beauty of nail art is that you can dial it up or down to suit your personality and style. This subtle yet colourful flower art is so pretty.
Dial it up by pairing it with a bold French tip.
Dip a toe (or a fingernail) into the trend by keeping the nail art to just your tips. This is a great way to make your manicure last longer, as the regrowth will be less noticeable.
For the nail maximalists, a design on each nail looks so cool.
Green is big news this summer, and we're taking this look straight to the salon.
Mix and match different designs on your nails within the same hue.
Bold floral designs are going to be everywhere this summer.
Pick-and-mix nails at their best.
5. Colourful Abstract Nails
Dabble in the colourful nail design trend by opting for negative-space nails. Simply apply a sheer or neutral base and apply bold colours in different shapes on each nail.
Grab every nail polish you own and apply a different shade to a different section of your nails.
We're in love with these negative-space swirls.
These squiggly negative-space nails are so much fun.
Experiment with placement and bold hues.
Shop Colourful Nail Essentials:
An essential for ensuring your nails have a smooth base for your varnish.
This blue looks just as great on its own as it does paired with other bright colours.
The perfect colourful green that will also look amazing on your dressing table. We're calling this shade one of the best nail colours of 2023.
A great at-home gel kit to experiment with colourful nail designs.
This coral shades looks just as good on.
The perfect sunshine yellow.
A bright Barbie-pink is an essential in any at-home mani kit.
An on-trend pistachio green.
This story was published at a previous date and has since been updated.
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