BEAUTY

Summer is the perfect time to add a little color to your Nails Nails

beauty routine, and the latest summer nail trends are a great place to start.

This year’s nail trends scream creative - from abstract shapes to literal clouds - the perfect 2021 summer mani is whatever you can dream. We listed a few of our favorites along with tips from nail artists so you can recreate the look of your choice!

Swirly Psychedelic

This trend returns each summer, but this year, we see a cleaner and simpler design. Celebrity manicurist and Smith & Cult Brand Ambassador Jessica Tong shares how she achieves this look. “I start with a sheer nude base and then add a loose S-shaped wave with one color using a striper brush. Next, I add 1-2 other colors along each side in a loose swirl and finish with a matte top coat for a little attitude.”

Nails by: Jessica Tong, Celebrity Manicurist & Smith & Cult Brand Ambassador

Wavy French

The classic French manicure gets a makeover. Recreate this look using Jessica’s method. “Start with a solid base color of your choice. Then with a striper brush, apply the V-shaped loose wave French, first from the upper left down to the off-center of the tip and then fill in. Repeat this step from the right side down to off-center of the tip in a way that the end points do not touch.”

Nails by: Jessica Tong, Celebrity Manicurist & Smith & Cult Brand Ambassador

Bright Neon Polka Dots

Neon is always a great color choice for summer, and here’s an easy but fun way to add a pop of color. Zoya’s Co-Founder and Creative Director & Formulator Rebecca Isa shares her simple method. “Choose your base and apply two coats. Using a dotting tool, apply contrasting pops of color all over the nail. Switch it up by painting a few larger dots and a few smaller ones. Finish the look with an ultra glossy top coat to give it a high shine and smooth look!”

Nails by: @alinasnailplace

Summer Corner Moon Look

Choosing the right colors can help you create a design that’s subtle or bold. Use Rebecca’s method to recreate the look yourself. “Choose your base. We love bright shades because you can really play with different color combinations. Allow your base to dry. Swipe a contrasting color in a half-moon at the top corner of the nail. Allow that to dry. Take a third color and paint a second smaller half-moon in the corner. Finally, top the look off with an ultra glossy top coat.”

Nails by: Nail Fever

Jen Chavarria is a freelance writer and graphic designer passionate about promoting low impact living and mental health awareness, along with writing about other topics. In her free-time, you can find her at jenchavarria.com or at Instagram at @Jen Chavarria.