10 Trending Summer Nail Ideas for 2023

If you're booking a summer getaway (or indulging in a summer hideaway), rest and relaxation revolves around the intention to practice self care. But why wait for your vacation time to feel good? Having a cute summer manicure can turn your mood around almost immediately. The act of creating pretty nails at home is a great way to spend time thinking, unwinding, and reflecting on your day while doing something nice for yourself. Plus, you’ll even get to wear a beautiful reminder of how great it feels to practice self care. When you feel good, you look good! 

Need a little nail inspiration? We've gathered 10 of our favorite trending summer manicure ideas of 2023, plus a few bonus DIY nail art tips so you won’t have to break a sweat even in the sweltering heat. Get ready to grab your stamping plates because your nails are in for a treat. 

1. Beachy Waves Manicure

Your bedroom just got upgraded with a beautiful ocean view! Using wave-patterned stamping plates, this whimsical design captures the very essence of the sea! Stamp those waves onto a mix of blue hues and white for the ultimate beach vibes. It’s like a cool sea breeze, but on your tips! 

2. Hawaiian Inspired Nails

Aloha! Greet the summer season, Hawaiian style. Using tropical-themed stamping plates like Lei Day (m374), you can bring the islands to your nails with beautiful garlands of Hawaiian flowers plucked straight from your nail desk. Stamp away with vibrant colors to feel like you’re sipping a maitai in Hawaii.

3. Flame Nails

Fire up your summer with flame nails! 🔥 Use flame design stamping plates to ignite your inner fire goddess. Mix and match fiery reds, oranges, and yellows to create a blazing manicure that's impossible to ignore. Let your fingers dance like flickering flames as you rock this sizzling summer trend!

4. Aura Nails

Aura nails are inspired by aura readings which are believed to represent a person’s health and temperament. This trend combines bright colors with a subtle gradient design that seems to bloom out of the center of your nail. Mix and match your favorite colors for an abstract expression of your current mood, bringing calm and peace to your summer days. Many artists use airbrushing to achieve the aura effect, but we’ve created an easy-to-follow aura nails video tutorial on how you can create aura nails at home with just a sponge.  

5. Mermaid Nails

Shello! Merpeople are taking over. Don’t tell us you haven’t watched the NEW Little Mermaid yet! Dive into the mermaid core trend with some easy mermaid nails ! 🧜‍♀️ Use mermaid stamping plates with shades of teal, sea green, and lavender. Add glitters and seashell accents to truly enchant the seven seas. Ariel could never!

6. Grunge Coquette Nails

See mom? It wasn’t a phase. We’re back to embracing the fairy grunge aesthetic. From lace trims to oversized hoodies, a grunge coquette style manicure completes the vibe. Embrace your edgy side with grunge-themed stamping plates. Use lace or butterfly stamping plates in combination with earthy greens, creamy off-white, soft brown, and black for that dark and mystical summer night vibe. Who says summer can’t be a bit mysterious?

7. Juicy Jelly Nails

Reminiscent of those jelly sandals from the 90s, jelly nails are all the rage in 2023. With their translucent finish, they are fresh, fun, and absolutely summer-ready. Similar to k-pop juicy lips, you can create a matching manicure that captures that playful and youthful juice box effect. Just use sheer tinted polishes and stamp a few accents to kick it up a notch. 

DIY hack: Apply a sheer neutral base coat before your sheer tinted polish to conceal the nail bed and create a more consistent jelly effect!

8. Zodiac Queen

What’s your sign? Start up a conversation with Zodiac nails! Whether you’re a fiery Aries or a grounded Taurus, let the stars guide your style. Use an astrology stamping plate and metallic shades with stars, moons, and zodiac signs to connect with your astrological side. 

DIY hack: Want to add some tiny dots to represent stars but don’t have a dotting tool?  You can use a toothpick or bobby pin to get the job done!

9. Terrazzo Nails

Inspired by classic terrazzo flooring, this nail trend incorporates specks and splotches over a nude or pastel base. It’s a chic and sophisticated style that adds an artsy touch to your summer look. We even carry a Terrazzo stamping plate with layerable designs to make colorful terrazzo manicures easy!

10. 2000s Y2K Nails

You’re not dreaming. We really are going back in time, at least in nail art. Grab your frosty lip gloss and low-rise jeans because fashion has been on a throwback to the Y2K era. Use stamping plates with early 2000s icons like smiley faces, butterflies, and yin-yangs. Think glitter, bold colors, and funky patterns to give your nails that funky, retro Y2K vibe!

These summer nail art trends of 2023 are *the* perfect summer self-care activity for anyone looking for a little mood boost. Every day can feel like a mini vacay with small acts of kindness to yourself.  A little pampering and creativity can go a long way. So, throw caution to the wind, grab your stamping plates, and get those fingertips ready for a stamped summer they won’t forget!

Want more ideas for summer indulgence? We’ve got you covered! Check out our blog for even more summer self care tips. Who knows, maybe you’ll become an expert in R&R by the time fall rolls around.