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On the JJ Barnes Blog, get ready for sunshine and fun with these pastel summer nails designs.

Summer is knocking on the door, and what better way to embrace the season than with a set of delightful pastel nails?
These soft colors are not just trendy but also radiate a soothing vibe that perfectly matches those lazy beach days and garden picnics.
From mint greens to lovely lavenders, pastel shades are versatile enough to suit any occasion while keeping it chic and understated.
Let’s celebrate vibrant summer days with these 21 pastel summer nails, each one crafted to bring out your inner fashionista. Get ready to take notes on your next nail appointment!
1. Minty Fresh

Mint is the epitome of summer freshness, and when it comes to pastel summer nails, nothing beats a mint manicure. This cool hue pairs wonderfully with lighter skin tones and can be jazzed up with some white stripes or tiny floral patterns for a fun twist. You can even add some glitter on the tips for added flair.
To achieve the perfect minty nails at home, start with a great mint polish, like Bluesky gel polish in Mental Mint. This gel-soluble formula provides a vibrant color that really pops, especially when you apply it over a solid base. Speaking of which, don’t forget to use a base coat to ensure the polish adheres well and lasts longer—consider Barry M’s 3 in 1 base coat. It acts as a base, top coat, and nail hardener all in one, making it an excellent choice for a smooth application.
For those who love to express their creativity, a nail art brush set will be a great addition to your DIY nail art arsenal. With fine tips for detailing, you can easily create stripes or floral designs that elevate your mint manicure.
Minty nails are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re sipping a mojito on the patio or lounging by the pool. Plus, achieving this look at home is a breeze with the right tools and products.
– Pro Tip: Use a base coat to ensure the mint color pops.
– Pair with a minty cocktail for a full-on coordinated look.
– Consider matte finishes for a chic, understated vibe.
Product Recommendations:
• Bluesky gel polish in Mental Mint
2. Lavender Dreams

Lavender is the color of tranquility and elegance, making it a perfect choice for your summer nails. Soft lavender shades blend beautifully with any outfit and are especially striking against a sun-kissed tan. For a vibrant look, consider using London Kind and Free clean nail polish in lavender, which offers a stunning hue while being gentle on your nails.
To make a bold statement, try a matte finish or stick with a glossy look for that timeless appeal. To elevate your nail design, add some sparkle with nail art rhinestones. These gems come in various sizes, and with the included tweezers, you can easily create intricate designs that catch the light beautifully.
For longevity, don’t forget to seal your manicure with Barry M 3 in 1 base coat, top coat, and nail hardener. This all-in-one product ensures your nails stay polished throughout the summer.
– Tip: Lavender pairs well with gold accessories, so consider matching your jewelry with your nails.
– Try a gradient look by blending lavender with a lighter purple or even white for an ombre effect.
– With the right products and some creativity, your lavender dreams will shine all season long!
Product Recommendations:
• London Kind and Free clean nail polish in lavender
• Barry M 3 in 1 base coat
• and nail hardener
3. Blush Pink Bliss

Blush pink nails are like your go-to summer dress—effortlessly chic and versatile. This soft color feels romantic and can transition from day to night seamlessly. Not to mention, it flatters every skin tone, making it a universal favorite!
To elevate your look, consider adding some abstract designs or metallic accents, like the gold foil nail art kit. These foil flakes will give your nails that extra oomph and are perfect for adding a touch of glamour to your blush manicure.
To keep your blush nails looking fresh, using a quick-dry topcoat such as the quick-dry topcoat is a smart move. This product dries in just 60 seconds and provides a long-lasting, shiny finish, ensuring your nails stay vibrant throughout your summer adventures.
For a trendy twist, layer your blush pink with other soft pastels for a multi-colored look that’s great for festivals or sunny brunches. You can also incorporate some nail stickers to make the design process easier, ensuring that your nails remain the highlight of your summer style!
Product Recommendations:
• gold foil nail art kit
• pastel nail stickers
4. Baby Blue Bliss

Baby blue nails exude a breezy vibe that’s perfect for summer fun. This shade is reminiscent of clear skies and calm oceans, bringing a sense of peace to your everyday look. To enhance this calming color, consider adding whimsical designs like white clouds or silver stars. For a little extra flair, tiny seashell decals can give you that beachy feel. You can find a great selection of seashell nail decals that come in various shapes, perfect for your DIY nail designs.
This lovely baby blue works wonderfully with other pastel shades, so don’t hesitate to mix and match! To ensure your manicure shines, a glossy finish is key. A glossy topcoat can really make this shade pop, giving it that vibrant, long-lasting look. Alternatively, if you’re aiming for a more modern aesthetic, try using a matte topcoat on the tips. This combination not only adds texture but also creates a stunning visual contrast. Embrace the whimsical nature of summer with these beautiful nail enhancements!
Product Recommendations:
• Seashell nail decals
• glossy topcoat
5. Peachy Keen

There’s something undeniably cheerful about peach nails! This shade reflects the warmth of summer sunsets and radiates positivity. You can wear peach nails alone or jazz them up with fun summer motifs like palm trees or sun designs. For those who love a touch of shimmer, consider using a peach polish with subtle glitter, such as the glitter nail polish that offers a long-lasting, no-chip finish.
If you’re feeling creative, the nail art brushes set can help you add intricate designs, allowing you to incorporate summer motifs or even create negative space art. This technique beautifully showcases the peach alongside a nude background for a trendy minimalist style.
– Pro Tip: Combine peach with coral shades for an even more vibrant look using products like the peach nail polish.
– Keeping nails short and rounded will give you a playful, youthful appearance that’s perfect for the season.
Product Recommendations:
• glitter nail polish
• nail art brushes set
• peach nail polish
6. Soft Lilac Ombre

Ombre nails are all the rage, and a soft lilac ombre is perfect for summer! This design uses a beautiful gradient effect to blend shades from light mauve to deep purple, creating a dreamy finish. To achieve that smooth gradient, consider using an ombre nail art sponge. Its double-headed design and replacement heads make it easy to create the perfect blend, giving your nails a dynamic yet soft and understated look.
To enhance your ombre design, you might want to add tiny silver stars or dots along the gradient for a bit of extra flair. The nail art dotting tools will be perfect for this, allowing you to create beautiful patterns without any fuss.
When it comes to the nails themselves, a pastel lilac nail polish set can provide you with a range of shades needed to mix and match different lilac and lavender tones. This versatile set is great for achieving that soft summer vibe.
Lastly, you can choose between matte or glossy topcoats to finish off your look, depending on your preference. Whether you opt for a whimsical matte finish or a shiny glossy look, your soft lilac ombre nails will definitely stand out!
Product Recommendations:
• nail art dotting tools
7. Creamy Yellow Delight

Nothing screams summer like a delightful creamy yellow!
This shade is bright and cheerful, perfect for those sunny days at the park or beach.
Yellow can sometimes be tricky to pull off, but when done right, it adds a playful touch to your look.
Try pairing it with floral designs or even some cute smiley faces for a whimsical vibe.
– Pro Tip: Avoid dark undertones in your yellow polish for a more pastel effect.
– Layer with white dots or stripes for added fun.
– Use a matte topcoat to give it a chic, sophisticated finish.
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