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Summer manicures are often brighter and bolder, embracing the season’s hot temperatures (and the show-stopping fashion that’s worn to weather it). While we love neon nail looks, hot pink French tips, and the spritz nail art trend, we’re also big fans of shades of blue during summer. Whether worn solo or paired with nude polish or hints of gold, blue hues give off a refreshing, instantly beachy vibe that perfectly encapsulates summer. To prove it, we’ve rounded up 12 beach nail ideas. Find your fave below.
Aquamarine Swirl
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Excuse us while we swoon over this stunning aquamarine swirl nail art. Nail artist Phoebe Cascarina created this look using Lights Lacquer Polish ($11) in the shades Big Fish and Eat My Shorts. To create the pale blue, she mixed the shade Paper Snow into Eat My Shorts. While you might be better off leaving this nail look to the pros, you can try your hand at DIY-ing with a fine-lining brush and a little patience.
Cobalt Coral
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This abstract blue and white mani makes us think of coral, the ocean, and Matisse all at once. It’s a fun take on a beachy nail look but one that will definitely require a steady hand to recreate. If you attempt to DIY, nail artist Brittney Ellen used Lights Lacquer Polishes ($11) in the shades Barry and Misfit Toys. (P.S. If you love the look of the zebra dome ring, it’s the Rellery Savannah Dome Ring In White, $115.)
Matte Cobalt
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This semi-matte cobalt nail look reminds us of the iconic Blue Hole in Belize. It’s rich, vibrant, and perfect for a beach getaway or weeks when you’re simply dreaming of the sea. The color in question is Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Color ($10) in the shade Tidal Wave.
Pool Water
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There’s something so calming about looking into a bright blue pool or crystal clear ocean water. Put that vibe on your nails with this water-inspired French manicure.
Turquoise Squiggle
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For a bold nail look that’s somewhat minimalist, opt for a bordered squiggle design in a bright, glittery blue—you can see how stunning it looks when paired with a sheer neutral base. The exact color used is the Mooncat Polish ($14) in the shade Snake Charmer.
Turquoise Tips
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Turquoise is a beachy shade in and of itself—and when you add a metallic finish, it takes it up a notch to mermaid levels. Needless to say, we love the look of this chic, shimmery turquoise French mani. The polish used to create this look is the Starrily Designer Nail Lacquer ($16) in the shade Bellatrix.
Chic Shells
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Gold shells, gold foil, a sprinkle of glitter, and tiny pearls make this neutral mani undeniably glam.
Sun and Sand
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This shimmery blue, gold, and white set screams summer. One glance and we’re dreaming of long sunny days spent with our toes in the warm sand with crystal-clear blue waters stretching out in front of us. To create the look, nail artist Brittney Ellen used ILNP Nail Polish ($13) in Zero Degrees and Amber and Lights Lacquer Polish ($11) in Paper Snow and Adaline.
Tidal Marble
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Looking for a more beach-specific nail look? This marbled mani reminds us of the tide swirling in, and the gold flakes give it a luxe appeal.
Aqua Reptile
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Similar to the pool-water French mani, this light blue nail look features pale shades of blue that give off a beachy, by-the-sea vibe.
Fiji Nails
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Inspired by Fiji Water, this 3D nail art is beachy beyond measure. Just know that this level of precision will likely require the hand of a professional nail artist to recreate.
Mermaid Glass Nails
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For an under-the-sea moment, consider a 3D manicure with major mermaid vibes. To recreate this look, you’ll need confetti polish and a nail artist skilled with builder gel.
