French tips are back in the spotlight once more – and this time, they’re bringing colour, attitude, and fun twists for summer 2025. From soft pastels to bright neon frames and contemporary tortoise shell styles, these are well beyond the traditional white tip. Wondering how to refresh your manicure this season? Let’s see the newest french tips for summer that are far from basic.
Candy-Colored Perfection for Sunny Days
There’s something so effortlessly joyful about this set—like a scoop of sherbet on a rooftop patio. Each nail flaunts a different neon French tip—lime, pink, sky blue, lemon—painted over a glossy nude base. The square shape keeps it chic, while the playful palette screams poolside perfection. This style lands right in the middle of classic-meets-fun, giving french tips for summer square a youthful, Pinterest-ready glow.
To recreate this look, I used OPI’s “Put It In Neutral” for the base—a sheer pink-nude that melts into the nail bed—and paired it with the Gelish “Colors of Paradise” collection for the neon tips. I highly recommend a fine liner brush for precision if you’re going for the crisp color line at the tips.
Here’s the tea: I start by prepping my nails with a buffer and base coat, then layer on two thin coats of the sheer nude. Once dry, I use striping tape (or sometimes just a steady hand) to paint each tip in a different color. I always finish with a high-gloss topcoat like Seche Vite—it locks everything in with glass-like shine.
I wore this set on a weekend girls’ trip to Palm Springs and got stopped for nail compliments three times at brunch. If you want french tips for summer nails that make people smile without trying too hard—this is the one.
Sleek Emerald Vibes With a Twist
This bold green swoop design isn’t your everyday French—it’s the cooler, sleeker cousin who just came back from Tulum with new sunglasses. The almond-shaped nails elongate the fingers beautifully, and those twin green curves add a dynamic edge. The contrast between the crisp white and emerald makes it modern, but not loud. A perfect example of french tips for summer coffin with a fresh editorial spin.
I’m obsessed with The GelBottle’s “Elfie” green—it’s punchy but not too bright. For the white outline, I used Le Mini Macaron’s “Milkshake” gel, which glides on like butter and doesn’t smudge when layering. If you’re a precision person, a thin detail brush is essential to get those double swoops clean.
This one takes a little finesse. I map out the curve with a dotting tool first before committing with the brush. For those clean outlines, patience is your bestie. I cure between each color so nothing blends before I want it to.
This mani gives main character energy. I wore something similar for a friend’s engagement shoot—casual but considered—and it totally elevated the look. Plus, if you’re craving something beyond the pinks and pastels of summer, emerald green brings that quiet luxury vibe without going dark.
Red Hearts, Sharp Edges
I’m calling this look “Valentina Vibes,” and yes—she’s flirty. Bold cherry red tips form mini heart silhouettes at the center of each nail, edged with delicate white lining. The squared-off tips give it structure, which keeps the hearts from feeling too sweet. Honestly, it’s giving me elevated romance, but still very french tips for summer square with an edge.
Red like this has to be specific—I use Essie’s “Rock the Runway” for that rich, glossy finish. For the hearts and outline, Beetles Gel Polish White never lets me down. I prefer using silicone nail art pens for symmetrical hearts; they make life a lot easier than trying to freehand curves with a brush.
My tip? Outline your hearts first in white and then fill the tips with red. That keeps the proportions balanced. I top it off with a matte topcoat sometimes just to switch the vibe—it transforms it into something a bit more runway.
Red hearts in summer? Yes, absolutely. I wore this mani with a denim mini and an oversized white shirt on a first date and—let’s just say—he noticed. It’s romantic, confident, and totally unexpected for July.
Monochrome Hearts With French Edge
This one is like the quiet girl at the party who ends up being the coolest. Soft white French tips set the tone, but those miniature black hearts? That’s where the magic happens. Each nail has its own rhythm—some with a full arc of hearts, others scattered like confetti. It’s romantic, a little playful, and very much french tips for summer short with a side of cool girl.
The combo of black and white always looks expensive, even when it’s super simple. For the white tip, I love ORLY’s “White Tips”—it’s opaque in one swipe. The hearts were dotted using OPI’s “Black Onyx” and a dual-end dotting tool that helps create that perfect heart curve by joining two small dots into a V.
This one is actually pretty easy to DIY. Once your base color is dry, sweep on the white tip using a brush (or even French nail guides if you’re shaky). Then add hearts using two side-by-side dots and a flick down with a detail brush. Seal it all with a glossy top coat and boom—art.
There’s something satisfying about black and white in summer. It’s crisp, confident, and kind of Parisian. I wore this on a beach weekend in Montauk and got compliments from strangers at the juice bar. Minimal doesn’t mean boring.
Starry Pink Charms for Midsummer Dreams
This design is what happens when soft glam meets a bit of stardust. A dusty nude base fades seamlessly into whisper-pink French tips—each one kissed with a tiny golden star decal. The effect is delicate yet magical, like your nails caught the last shimmer of twilight after golden hour. This manicure embodies the ethereal side of french tips for summer pink, adding a little wish-upon-a-star energy to your everyday.
For the polish, I recommend “Bare My Soul” by OPI as the nude base—it’s neutral but never flat. The pink is Essie’s “Mod Square,” sheer enough for layering but punchy under sunlight. The stars? Nail decals from Olive & June—they last surprisingly well with a strong gel topcoat.
I like to layer this mani with soft details: after applying two coats of nude, I use a thin brush to paint the angled pink tips, letting each layer cure. Once sealed, I gently press on the star decals with tweezers and finish with a glossy topcoat. For extra staying power, cure under LED for a full minute.
This mani is one I wore for my cousin’s rooftop bridal shower—everyone asked where I got them done (spoiler: at my kitchen table). It’s one of those low-key, french tips for summer nails that makes you feel like you’re glowing even in a messy bun.
Gradient Purple That Fades Into Sunset
This look is bold, ombré, and basically a summer sky bottled into a nail set. The transition from a soft blush base into a purple tip gives it an electric sunset energy. Square in shape and high-gloss in finish, this design feels fresh and dreamy. Definitely a trend-forward take on french tips for summer square, with some serious vacation-in-the-Mediterranean mood.
I used a blend of “Sugar Spun” and “Purple Palazzo Pants” by OPI to build that gradual transition. You’ll want a makeup sponge to dab the gradient—brush blending just doesn’t give the same seamless fade. For the high-gloss seal, try Kiara Sky’s “Non-Wipe Top Coat”—it’s salon-grade and gives that ultra-wet look.
The technique takes a little time. I layer the nude base, then sponge on purple from the tip upward in light dabs. It usually takes three passes to get the color intensity right. Once it dries, I file the edges for crisp squareness and top with a thick gel finish.
This one turns heads. I wore this set for a weekend wine tasting and couldn’t stop admiring the way it caught the light in photos. When you want to bring a little drama without sacrificing elegance—this is your go-to french tips for summer nails set.
Barbiecore Chic with a French Twist
Bright pink meets classic white French tips? Sign me up. This design feels like the love child of retro glam and modern minimalism—short, sleek, and full of energy. The punchy pink base paired with thin white curves gives a polished yet playful feel. It’s a fun twist on french tips for summer short that channels that Barbiecore moment everyone’s still talking about.
Polish-wise, I swear by Sally Hansen’s “Back to the Fuchsia” for that near-neon pink. The white tip comes from the go-to: Essie’s “Blanc.” The key is a rounded flat brush to create that gentle arch on each tip—it makes everything feel clean and intentional.
Here’s a tip: flip your brush sideways when painting the tips to mimic the natural curve of your nail. You don’t need tape if your hand is steady. Two thin layers of color, cure, then cap it with a clear gel topcoat. Fast, cute, and durable enough for all the iced-coffee runs.
This one’s a confidence booster. I wore it when I needed a quick mood lift, and it worked like magic. Plus, it matches almost everything summery—linen sets, bikini tops, sundresses. It’s the kind of french tips for summer pink that says “I didn’t try too hard, I just look like this.”
Lemon Pop on Lavender Dreams
Okay—this one? Absolutely citrus-fresh and unapologetically cute. Lavender nails with vibrant yellow tips feel like the most unexpected power couple of summer. The square cut keeps it neat, but the color combo makes it playful in the best way. It’s definitely on the radar for trend lovers chasing french tips for summer square that aren’t shy.
I mixed Lights Lacquer’s “Lilac Wine” for the lavender base with a neon yellow like “Electric Daisy” from DND. The contrast is chef’s kiss, especially in sunlight. It’s a look that pops without going full neon overload.
If you’re DIYing, make sure the lavender is fully dry before adding the yellow tips to avoid muddiness. I use tip guides here just to keep that crisp, even shape. Clean up edges with a brush dipped in acetone for that super pro look.
I wore this on a random Tuesday and got so many compliments at Trader Joe’s, it was ridiculous. It made me wonder why we don’t do bold color duos more often—especially for summer when the vibes are this fun.
Watermelon Sugar Set
This mani is literally a slice of summer. Pink base, green tips, and tiny black dots—it’s the cutest watermelon-inspired French you’ve ever seen. The rounded almond shape adds a natural softness that makes this playful design totally wearable. If you’re craving french tips for summer short that lean fruity-fun without feeling like nail art overload, this is the one.
For the base, I used Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” layered with a sheer pink jelly polish for that watermelon flesh tone. The tips are painted with ORLY “Green Apple” and topped with a glittery shimmer for that rind-like sparkle. The dots? A toothpick and “Black Lace” gel polish.
I freehanded the tips here with a wide curved brush—no tape, just careful wrist control. The seeds are done last, just before the topcoat, so they stay crisp. It’s surprisingly easy and so, so cute once everything comes together.
I wore this to a beach picnic and everyone thought it was a press-on set. Nope, just a steady hand and a craving for fruit. It’s summery, cheeky, and totally fits the mood of a heatwave day under an umbrella.
Sculpted Rainbow Curves
This is what happens when bold meets balanced. Each almond-shaped nail has a different hue to it – juicy plum, electric blue, citrus orange, creamy pistachio – with the color winding around the tip like a sleek, curved arc. The negative space makes it breathable while the saturated polish makes it pop out. This isn’t your basic french tips for summer coffin, but it absolutely deserves a seat at the table.
To achieve the crisp curves, I applied a nude base and layered DND’s “Soft Pink” on top and then freehanded the side sweeps with a striping brush. I did a combo of Gelish and OPI colors for the range of brights- you can customize to your vibe or even coordinate with vacation outfits.
The trick here is to paint each swoop a little bit off-center, which makes the nail longer and more dynamic. I begin with one layer of the base, cure, and then apply the curves one after another. Each nail becomes its own tiny canvas.
This is a must-have for those weeks when I’m in the mood for color but can’t make up my mind about a single one. I wore this set to a local art fair in July and it went with every booth, every iced drink, every vibe. If you’re craving french tips for summer nails that feel both minimal and vibrant, this one’s a summer keeper.
Midnight Gold Luxe
Chic, dramatic, and dripping in elegance — these glossy black nails with golden French accents are serving straight-up fashion week energy. The smooth short square shape makes them wearable, and the glittering gold lining makes them jewelry for your fingers. This isn’t a beachside mani—it’s more “late night rooftop cocktails,” but still surprisingly versatile for french tips for summer short if you’re leaning into luxury.
I always use Lights Lacquer’s “Tuxedo Mask” for the inky black-it’s rich, opaque, and dries super fast. The gold detail? Chrome nail tape or thin foil strips, sealed in with a non-wipe top coat. If you want more dimension, you may add a gold glitter gel such as LeChat’s “Golden Glitz” at the border only.
Application is all about precision. Apply the black polish first, cure, then press the gold strip at the tip with the help of tweezers. I like to finish it all off with a double layer of gel topcoat to cover the foil.
Every time I wear this look, I feel… expensive. It’s the ideal statement for anyone who wants something bold but still sophisticated. If you are going to a summer wedding or night event, this set gives you main-character vibes.
Tropical Neon Pop
This mani is a festival in color form – chunky, glossy and bright enough to compete with any sunset. Each nail is showing off a different neon duo in an angular French tip design: hot pink and aqua, lime and orange, tangerine and lilac. The mix-match vibe is chaotic in the best way, channeling french tips for summer coffin with a bold twist that doesn’t ask for permission.
To re-create the palette, I went into the Beetles’ “Neon Nights” collection and alternated combinations with a liner brush. The base is kept clear with a suggestion of nude gel polish to avoid the colors from clashing. Top coat is non-negotiable here—it makes those colors pop.
To achieve that sharp angular split, I draw a diagonal line from one side of the nail tip and fill each side with its color. It looks best if the rest of the nail is kept sheer or jelly like. I suggest treating each color individually to prevent bleeding into each other.
I wore this over a beach music festival weekend – think sand, speakers, and SPF 50. These nails basically danced for me. When you’re in the mood to turn heads and ditch anything safe, this is your summer anthem.
Baby Blue Crisp
Soft, clean, and oozing that breezy morning energy, these baby blue French tips are a complete hit for minimalists who are still looking for a pop of summer. The squared-off shape keeps it fresh, and the pastel blue tips give it a gentle coolness. It is a beautiful twist on french tips for summer square that is suitable for brunch, Zoom calls, or anything in between.
I would go for Essie’s “Saltwater Happy” for that ideal sky-blue color, applied over a translucent pinky-beige such as “Mademoiselle”. It’s subtle, but that contrast just sings. You can use French tip guides if your freehand game is not there yet.
I begin with two coats of sheer base, then I paint on the blue with a flat brush, curving slightly at the corners to soften the edge. The final layer of glossy topcoat ties it all together – nothing fancy, just a clean finish that stays.
These nails are the ones that go with anything – light jeans, white linen, even a bikini and a denim bucket hat. They’re easy and chic, ideal for a person who wants her nails to whisper rather than shout.
Cotton Candy Dusk
Blue glitter fading into soft pink tips? Yes, please. This reverse French-inspired design appears as a dreamy cotton candy sky at dusk. The shimmer close to the cuticle melts into pastel pink as it reaches the tip, giving an ombré effect that is magical. It’s definitely french tips for summer pink with a sparkly, inverted twist.
I applied Glitterbels “Frozen Dreams” glitter gel as the base and applied it over a sheer pink jelly polish. The gradient is done using a sponge and dabbing technique. The secret is to blend lightly at the join where the colors meet, allowing the glitter to fade upwards.
This one takes a little patience. I work in layers, curing after each gradient pass. Then I shape it up, file the tips crisp and top with a thick coat of glossy gel. Bonus tip: A drop of cuticle oil after makes the glitter even more reflective.
To be honest, these nails bring me back to amusement park nights – cotton candy in one hand, slushie in the other, breeze in your hair. They’re nostalgic and grown-up all at once. If you are looking for french tips for summer pink that twinkle as though they have something to say, here it is.
Smoky Matte Claws
If summer had a shadowy alter ego, this would be it. These ultra-pointed stiletto nails bring the drama with a black smoky gradient over a pale nude base. The matte finish softens the intensity just enough, but make no mistake—this is a power mani. For those leaning into statement style, this design flirts with the edge of french tips for summer coffin, but with a moody twist.
To get the fade just right, I use a sponge blending method. For the base, try “Bare Canvas” by Apres Gel, followed by dabbing black gel polish (like “Licorice” from Essie) toward the tips. Finish with a velvet matte topcoat to seal in that smoky softness.
Application-wise, blend from the tip inward using a makeup sponge to avoid harsh lines. Work in layers, curing after each pass. File to a dagger-sharp stiletto only after the polish is fully set to avoid cracks or chipping.
I wore a set like this for a late-night rooftop concert, and they felt like an extension of my eyeliner—sharp, sleek, mysterious. If you’re the type to pair black bikinis with oversized sunnies, this look is your next move.
Taupe Gloss with Midnight Edges
This one’s for the minimalists who secretly love a little edge. Taupe nails with glossy black French tips might sound simple, but the combo is unexpectedly luxe. The short, rounded shape makes it easy to wear, while the contrast adds just the right pop. This is french tips for summer short with a neutral palette and a hint of city-girl chic.
I reach for Zoya’s “Leah” for the taupe base—it’s that perfect greige shade that feels elevated without being too warm. The black tip is done using Sally Hansen’s “Blacky O,” with a flat detail brush to get the line just curved enough.
You can go tape-free with this shape—just anchor your wrist on the table and let your hand guide the curve. I like to finish with a glassy topcoat to make the black tips gleam like patent leather.
This set is my go-to for work weeks when I still want to feel put together without screaming “look at me.” Think iced coffee, slick ponytail, and Spotify’s “Mood Booster” in the background.
Graphite and Fuchsia Power Tips
This one’s sleek, a little unexpected, and absolutely perfect if you love moody tones with a pop. Charcoal grey nails with deep fuchsia French tips create a high-contrast statement that doesn’t feel seasonal—it feels timeless. Short and square, this set feels like the rebellious cousin of french tips for summer square, and I’m so here for it.
The base is Essie’s “Now and Zen”—a cool grey that stays crisp. The fuchsia tip? “Berry Boudoir” by Gelish. It’s vibrant without being neon, and balances out the neutral base with attitude.
My method is layering: one thin coat of grey, cure, then paint the tips freehand or use nail guides depending on how sharp I want them. Finish with a gel topcoat to tie it all together—glossy or matte, both look killer.
Wore this mani to a gallery opening and it matched the vibe perfectly—artful, moody, and just daring enough to spark a conversation. If pinks feel too soft and blacks too bold, this combo lives in the sweet spot.
Black-Tipped Glam with Sparkling Cuticles
File this one under “dressed to impress.” The look starts with a soft lilac-pink base and sharp black French tips—but what makes it unforgettable are the glittering cuticle accents. Like tiny crowns for your nails. It’s elegant, party-ready, and definitely elevates your french tips for summer pink game into something more high-fashion.
I used “Do You Lilac It?” from OPI for the base and then built the black tips using LeChat’s “Black Velvet.” The glitter cuticles are from a fine-grade holographic glitter mix, dabbed gently with a dotting tool and sealed with topcoat.
To get the balance right, I apply the glitter first around the cuticles, then the black tips, and finally seal everything with two coats of topcoat for dimension. It’s important to keep the lines crisp so the sparkle doesn’t take over the whole nail.
This is a dinner-date, champagne-toast type of manicure. I wore something similar for a summer birthday dinner and let’s just say—the compliments came faster than the prosecco.
Matte Neon Frame Tips
These matte black nails with neon-framed tips are giving futuristic poolside. Each square nail is outlined in a different neon hue—green, pink, turquoise—creating a sleek “glow” effect without the glitter. It’s modern, playful, and has just enough color to count as french tips for summer nails with a digital-cool edge.
The base is “Velvet Noir” matte polish by Chanel, layered under a matte topcoat for a velvety finish. The colored tips are drawn with fine nail art pens—I love Modelones for their pigment punch and precision.
The trick here is letting the matte layer fully set before adding your neon accents. Otherwise, the colors can bleed. I go slow with a striping brush and let the negative space guide the edge for a clean outline.
This is one of those looks I wear when I want my nails to feel like accessories. You can wear head-to-toe neutrals and let your nails do all the talking. Tech-savvy, bold, but still so wearable.
Peach Slices and Gold Lines
This design is summer sorbet in manicure form—soft peachy tips sliced diagonally across the nail, separated by a fine golden strip. The slightly almond shape and glossy finish give it elegance, but it’s the color that makes it sing. It’s a chic, understated way to lean into french tips for summer nails without overdoing it.
I usually reach for DND’s “Peach Glow” for that juicy pastel hue, and I use gold striping tape or foil accents to achieve that sharp clean line. A sheer nude like “Sheer Fantasy” by Essie is perfect as a base—it keeps everything fresh and clean.
You can freehand the tips if you’re confident, but I like to lay down thin diagonal guides to keep the edges precise. After adding the gold detail, seal everything in with a high-gloss gel topcoat so the tape doesn’t lift at the edges.
This is my go-to for any sort of daytime occasion—picnics, baby showers, even casual brunch. It’s feminine, polished, and just a bit flirty in the way only a peach mani can be.
Avocado Fade with Glossy Black Tips
This one’s earthy with attitude. A subtle green ombré transitions softly from the cuticle up to the tip, where a glossy black French edge seals the deal. It’s equal parts nature-inspired and edgy, offering a fresh twist on french tips for summer short if you’re tired of pastels.
The fade effect is easiest with a sponge technique. I use Bio Seaweed Gel’s “Pistachio” for the base fade and layer “Black Tie” by Madam Glam on the tips. The contrast between matte and shine really amps up the effect.
Blend the green with a sponge to keep the transition soft, then apply the black tips with a flat brush for precision. Finish with a clear glossy topcoat, focusing on the tips for maximum shine.
This design gives me “cool-girl at a farmer’s market” vibes—think straw tote bags, kombucha in hand, and enviably good taste in sandals. It’s subtle, it’s stylish, and it’s totally unexpected for summer.
Candy-Cane Chic
Sweet, classic, and clean—this is your French tip glow-up. Each almond-shaped nail features a crisp white tip, edged with a soft pink line that creates a double-border effect. It’s giving retro diner chic meets beachside polish. For anyone looking to reinvent french tips for summer pink, this combo is totally worth trying.
The white comes courtesy of Essie’s “Blanc,” while the pink outline is best with something sheer and warm like “Pink Smoothie” by Gelish. It’s key to use a detail brush to get that thin border—too thick and it feels clunky.
I apply the white tips first using a French brush, cure, and then trace the pink arc just below the white. One coat of glossy gel top seals everything and keeps it feeling fresh.
I wore this on a road trip up the coast with the windows down and old-school playlists playing—it just felt right. If you want something that feels both retro and modern, this is your sign.
Forest-Tipped Elegance
Sometimes you want your nails to say “I’ve got it together” without saying much at all. This almond-shaped set with rich green French tips delivers exactly that. The base is neutral and glossy, while the green tips ground the look, giving it a nature-meets-fashion vibe. Definitely a polished take on french tips for summer nails with a grown-up twist.
I used OPI’s “Bare My Soul” for the base and paired it with DND’s “Olive Grove” for the tips. It’s deep enough to contrast, but not too dark to feel out of place in summer.
The curve of the tip should follow the nail’s natural smile line. I use a short angled brush and anchor my hand for stability. A layer of shiny topcoat ties it all together and keeps the tips chip-free longer.
I love this for workweeks when I still want color, but can’t go neon. It’s timeless and subtle, but still gives that little “I care about details” energy we all love to carry into summer.
Barbiecore French Reloaded
Let’s be honest—sometimes we just want to feel like the main character. These bold pink almond-shaped nails with ultra-vibrant fuchsia tips deliver that fantasy. It’s unapologetically feminine, super glossy, and totally aligned with the french tips for summer pink moment that refuses to quit.
I go full Barbie with Modelones “Bubblegum Bliss” as the base and “Hot Pop Pink” from Gelish for the tips. They glow in daylight, pop on camera, and last through everything from beach dips to cocktails.
French tips like these require confidence, so I always prep with a solid base coat, apply two layers of color, then draw the tips in one swoop with a rounded French brush. Don’t skip the topcoat—it makes everything sing.
If you’re heading to a festival, bachelorette trip, or even just want to spice up your grocery run—this mani turns any moment into a photoshoot. I wore these with a white sundress and platforms, and let’s just say: heads turned.
Iridescent Magenta Glow
These birthday nails are pure radiance. Soft almond-shaped nails blossom with a shiny magenta French tip that flows into a transparent pink base. It’s iridescent, bold, and full of movement – a shimmering take on summer pink french tips that feels celebratory, but not too much.
To achieve this glowy gradient, I layer a sheer jelly pink base (try “Baby Pink” by The GelBottle) with a chrome pink powder concentrated at the tips. The secret is to blend up while the polish is still a little tacky. Finish with a mirror-shine topcoat for that glassy finish.
Application is best with a sponge fade, then a light dusting of chrome powder when curing. A last sealing layer sets the luster and keeps the tips bright even in direct sun.
I did wear something very similar on my birthday last year and it made every selfie just a little bit more sparkly. If you’re the type to coordinate your nails with your favorite gloss, this one’s calling your name.
Tortoise Shell Meets Blue Ink
This is an unlikely combination that just works. Warm tortoiseshell French tips are outlined with a fine electric blue stroke, contrast and curiosity in every flick of your hand. Combined with a short square shape, this set is editorial and earthy – a real wildcard in the category of french tips for summer square.
To re-create the tortoiseshell pattern, I apply amber, brown, and black splotches in a semi-translucent polish such as OPI’s “Suzi – The First Lady of Nails”. The blue line is best achieved with a liner brush dipped in “Butler Please” by Essie for a sharp saturated finish.
I prefer to use the tortoise tip first, cure it and then outline it with the blue after the pattern is locked. It’s a balance between chaos and control, which is, quite frankly, half the fun.
These are the nails I would wear to a hip brunch place with latte art and gallery walls. Bold enough to be noticed, neutral enough to go with linen or leather. Ideal for the girl who edits her Instagram for just so.
Jungle Luxe French
This would be the manicure of wild summer adventures, if they had one. The almond shape lengthens the fingers while the tortoiseshell French tips swirl with olive green accents. This is a combination that has a certain undeniable luxe about it, it’s earthy, mysterious, and wonderfully offbeat. A real high fashion version of french tips for summer nails.
To create the base of the tortoise, I apply sheer amber and dark chocolate polish in irregular patches. I use “Geláze Sun Worshiper” for the warm tone and “Black Shadow” by Kiara Sky for depth. The green stripe is from a forest-tone gel polish, which has been carefully applied with a thin detail brush.
There’s no rush when painting these—slow layering is key. Begin with the lightest color and apply in light strokes, curing after each. End with a glossy gel topcoat for dimension and strength.
This design made me feel as though I was going on safari – only the kind that involves espresso martinis and silk sets. It’s bold without being obnoxious and it’s classy in a wild sort of way.
Diagonal French with Tortoise & Lavender
Sharp, artistic, and full of balance – this set pairs lavender stripes with tortoiseshell corners, forming a diagonal French tip that has depth and intrigue. It’s contemporary but natural, sweetened with the soft pastel color and anchored by the tortoiseshell detail. This style is ideal for those who want to take their french tips for summer game to the level of artistry.
I recommend “Lilacism” by Essie for the lavender stroke and a custom mix of amber gel polish (like The GelBottle’s “Butternut”) for the tortoiseshell spots. Use the pastel stroke first and anchor the edge of the outward with the tortoise pattern and seal with a glossy finish.
The shape is most suitable for almond or round nails because it reflects diagonal lines. Be sure to cure in between each step to ensure everything is crisp and in place.
I’d wear these to a rooftop dinner at golden hour – there’s something about the way they catch the light that just feels magical. Beautiful yet cool, these nails are the confirmation that you can indeed have it all.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to soft shimmer, bold contrast, or artsy patterns, french tips for summer 2025 are all about personal flair. These designs bring the heat—without losing elegance. From beach days to rooftop nights, there’s a French twist for every mood and outfit. So save your favorite looks, show them to your nail tech, and let your hands do the talking this summer.
