Summer nails don’t only have to be bright. As much as we love neon orange or a sky blue, celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Cardi B, and Ashley Graham prove that nudes and bedazzled digits can be appropriate for the season too. To inspire your summer manicure, we’ve rounded up the stunning celebrity nails we’ve seen in the past few months.
From the colorful and fun shades you’ll want to bring with you to the beach to the more subdued (or over-the-top) manis that will be perfect for your poolside hang, these stars know their stuff when it comes to nails, and we can’t wait to take their leads. Unlike with haircuts, nails are way more low-commitment—don’t like it? Try again. So paint your way through these star looks this summer and find your perfect mani.
Kylie Jenner
In June, Jenner showed off neon-orange nails courtesy of Los Angeles's Modern Pamper Salon. Naturally, the salon named the color "Lambo orange" for its uncanny similarity to the signature sunset shade of Lamborghinis.
Lucy Hale
Hale looked pretty in pink with this blush-colored manicure courtesy of nail artist Thuy Nguyen.
Kaia Gerber
As a member of Generation Z, Gerber celebrated start of summer with a bright, Gen-Z-yellow manicure.
Cardi B
Cardi B is the queen of nails, so naturally her summer manicure would include blue and silver bling on top of a white canvas. The digits were courtesy of the rapper's longtime nail artist Jenny Bui from New York's Nails on 7th.
Lily Allen
Spring might be over, but for Allen, floral is year-round. Allen's nail artist, Michelle Mumphrey, showed off the singer's nails, which featured adorable and colorful flowers on the tips.
Rita Ora
For Pride 2018, Ora wore glittery, holographic-like rainbow nails courtesy of nail artist Naomi Yasuda.
Lupita Nyong'o
Nyong'o earned a double tap from us when she shared this selfie of her showing off her bright blue manicure courtesy of nail legend Deborah Lippmann.
Blac Chyna
When it comes to nails, Chyna is never afraid to go over the top. However, she's kicking off summer with a more subdued color, baby pink, as seen in this pool-lounging picture.
Kim Kardashian
Neutrals might not be the first color you think of when it comes to summer, but Kardashian's 2018 Met Gala nails, courtesy of nail artist Tom Bachik, might be the clean look we need this season.
Olivia Munn
Munn demonstrated the right way to match your nails with your lipstick when she showed off these crimson digits, painted by nail artist Tracy Lee, for an interview with Seth Meyers.
Kerry Washington
Washington kept it classic with a pop of Essie red nail polish on her fingers for a press day in June. The actress's bright nail polish was the perfect accessory to her multicolor outfit.
Hailee Steinfeld
To prepare for the scorching heat, Bachik painted Steinfeld's nails fiery orange using O.P.I nail polish.
Emilia Clarke
Clarke's 2018 Met Gala nails might not be for every day, but they sure are inspo-worthy. For the red carpet, the actress sported a manicure by nail artist Alicia Torello that featured tiny gold crosses on an off-white background.
Ashley Graham
Graham kept it clean for the 2018 CFDA Awards. Her neutral manicure, which matched her taupe dress, was done by nail artist Mar y Sol Inzerillo.
Sofia Coppola
Just because she stays behind the camera, doesn't mean that Coppola doesn't love a good mani. Coppola's nail artist, Fleury Rose, showed off the director's summer mani, which used Floss Gloss nail polish in International Hot Girl for a pretty pastel pink.
