Top Techs Told Me These 10 Nail Trends Are Dominating This Summer

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@nailartbyqueenie

We're taking our iced coffee order onto our nails for summer, with matcha and pistachio tones tipped to be a big colour trend for summer 2023. “Green is popular all year round, but is especially trendy for SS23, as it coincides with nature, green grass, lush trees, and blossoming flowers," says Tinu Bello, manicurist and senior brand ambassador for Mylee. "Sage green is a stunning shade that works well on its own for a minimal look, or paired with white or brown accents or nail art for a mani that stands out," she says. "Mylee’s Pistachio Gel Polish is a gorgeous, pale pistachio colour that is key for creating this look. If you prefer a brighter, bolder green, Mylee’s Green There, Done That Gel Polish is your mani-match. This shade is perfect for festivals, parties, or for everyday nails that really make a statement."

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@imarninails

Jelly nails are the fun Y2K take on wearing brights. The sheer yet bright formulas make nails look jelly-like with a high-shine finish. "They are summery and will inject a pop of fun colour to any summer fit," says Bello. Everything from raspberry jelly to sheer apple will be big news for summer, and they're good enough to eat. Layer up sheer shades to recreate the trend at home.

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@iramshelton

What screams summer more than bright, colourful French tips? "We're 1000% going to see variations of a French tip this summer," says Shelton. "It will simply never go out of style. There’s a negative space look, a double tip and then your colourful tips. This will be as popular as ever because it just flatters both long and short nails. If in doubt, pick French."

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@nailartbyqueenie

Florals, for summer? They might not be ground-breaking, but they're a timeless summer nail trend if you're looking for nail art. "There is always an interest in floral designs for summer along with abstract designs," notes Shelton. "I think subtle designs like flowers can look really pretty, and depending on the colours used they can look great for weddings also," she says. And if you don't have a steady hand, these are pretty easy to do at home too. "Flowers are also super easy to recreate at home yourself," says Shelton. "You can either use a dotting tool to keep it really simple or a one brush stroke technique to make the petals look more realistic. It’s a great way to get creative."

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@iramshelton

Sometimes, you don't want a shouty manicure, and that's where the 'clean-girl' nails come in. "Summer is always a popular season for weddings so the minimal designs are always a good look. They look chic and so effortless." says Shelton. "I love the sheer nudes that OPI has because they are so perfect to wear on their own or to layer with nail art. Some of my favourites are Bubble Bath, Put It In Neutral, Bare My Soul and Baby Take A Vow. There is a shade for everyone and every skin tone."

Bello notes that it's all in the nail prep to achieve this perfectly manicured look. "Think short, practical shapes, with perfectly prepped cuticles," she says. "Grooming is at the forefront over colour, with pale pinks, nudes and clear builder gels being clean girl favourites. You can play with the hue, by building up colour for a milkier finish, or one coat for a sheer, barely there effect. You'll also want to keep a cuticle oil and your fave hand cream by your side, to ensure perfect nail health at all times," she says.

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@nailartbyqueenie

If you like your neutrals but want to dial it up a notch, then opt for a chrome powder finish on your favourite nude tone for a glossy, lip oil finish. "Lip oils are trending all over social media, and it's spilling over to nails," notes Bellow. "This celebrity favourite look replicates the sheen that a lip oil leaves. It’s all about that glossy topcoat—you want your nails to shine from every angle and sort of look like jelly," she says. To tap into the trend at home, begin by buffing the nails, and file the nails immaculately into shape. "For the base colour, choose between a sheer nude, a pearlescent pink, or a bright popping hue. Lastly, and most importantly, apply a few coats of a glossy topcoat for the ultimate lip oil finish."

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@iramshelton

Come on Barbie, let's get our nails done. With the arrival of the Barbie film release in July, pink is predicted to make a big comeback this season. "We will be in a Barbiecore era very soon," predicts Shetlon. "With the new Barbie movie release around the corner I know this will become the it colour—whether it’s baby pink or hot pink, we’re going to see it for sure and I am here for it."

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@harrietwestmoreland

Another micro trend from the clean-girl nails trend are milky nails. "It’s a softer version of a stark white manicure but adds a bit more colour than a sheer nude," says Bello. "It's popular because it is clean and simple, yet eye catching and bright. It also makes your nails look clean and polished. Plus, you don't need to grow out your natural nails, or sign up for extensions, for milky nails to look great. This manicure looks good on all nail types whether it be short or long nails, " she says. "I recommend Mylee's Mylee Nudes Gel Polish Trio. They are sheer and buildable, but also nude. Another top tip is to mix some of your colour with base coat to sheer it out and give a milkier effect. This can be done with any colour like a pastel or with a standard white nail polish."