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Okay, so we’ve already done the soft summer hair dye options — if you’re committing to your summer season palette, another cheap and easy way to do it is through soft summer nail colors.
This post is going to attempt to give you summery nail colors from across our soft summer color palette, divided up by regular polish, gel, and dip. (I am a gel loyalist myself and I wrote about it here: How to Remove the Sticky Residue From Gel Nails FAST (2024) )
So, summer nail trends often run towards bright neons, but that’s just not part of our soft summer palette.
I remember when I first determined that I was a soft summer, I was so disappointed — it seemed boring to me. Wallflower-y. Like it was designed to be overlooked in favor of brighter, more vibrant shades.
But in reality — soft summer is sophisticated and refined. It took me a while to come around to appreciating the elegance of this palette, and even longer to identify with it. But I would say that 85% of my wardrobe is now in my soft summer colors, my overall look is cohesive and refined, and I barely miss those bright shades.
What makes a soft summer nail color?
A soft summer nail color will always be cool and muted, because all soft summers are cool and muted.
That means:
- You’re always looking for a color with blue undertones, not yellow undertones.
- And, you’re always looking for a color with a little bit of grey mixed in. Soft summers, unlike other summers, can get away with a little bit of brown as well.
The third quality that makes a soft summer is moderate contrast. This will vary for different soft summer skin tones — for white soft summers, this generally means a color of light to moderate depth, that will give some contrast against their skin tone. Soft summers of color can opt for colors that are 2-3 shades lighter or darker than their skin tones. Please note that I am showing soft summer nail colors in all depths of color because soft summers come in all races and ethnicities.
If all of this sounds too hypothetical right now, just hang on. You’ll see in a moment what all these colors have in common and it’ll become clearer.
Summer nail ideas for soft summers
Summer months make us want bright colors, and there are bright-for-soft-summer options that are going to work for you! We’re not opting for the hot pink nail polish colors that springs might go for, but we can pick brighter shades within our palette. (I’ll save the moody forest greens for the autumn nail post!)
So your summer nails are a little more dreamy pastel than bright red, but staying in your seasonal color palettes helps your polish just look right! As soft summers, we know that that neon orange wears us, not the other way around.
(Though, of course — sometimes you break the palette because that’s what you want! Sometimes your sister wants brown, earthy tones in the bridesmaid dress and you love your sister! Sometimes you love a bright orange for no real reason! And in those cases, wear the thing you want to wear. Summer is the perfect time to experiment! But if you’re looking for a go-to that’s always going to look right on you — these are them.)
It’s also possible to tweak an existing nail polish color to make it fit into the palette! I wrote up how I do that here: Holy Grail Soft Summer Polish – Adjust Any Color to Fit Your Season
Regular polish summer nail polish colors for soft summers
- A super-rich, long lasting and chip resistant nail polish with up to 7 days of wear when using 3-step system
- Pro-wide nail polish brush hugs nails for smooth, even coverage sans streaking or bubbling
- Salon-quality formula that delivers high-shine and fast-drying results
- 200+ trend-setting shades including dreamy sheers, versatile neutrals, playful brights, and iconic classics
- A vegan formula with no animal derived ingredients or by-products
I love this one to start — a cool, periwinkle or lilac with a creamy effect. Check out this photo from reddit of someone’s gorgeous manicure in this bright baby blue color. This color is actually a little less muted than most soft summers are going to reach for, but I like to have options that seem a little brighter for the summer! It makes it feel like a more versatile color. This contrast level is ideal for lighter skin tones.
- Over 200 trend-setting shades, each one as distinct and individual as the most-talked-about shade names in the industry.
- Vast color range includes dreamy sheers, versatile neutrals, on-trend brights and Iconic classics in conventional and fashion-forward finishes.
- With the exclusive ProWide brush that ensures even, streak-free application OPI Nail Lacquer delivers the high-shine, fast-drying results that fashionable women and salon professionals expect.
- Contain no DBP, toluene, or formaldehyde
- Includes OPI’s exclusive provide brush for the ultimate in application
Honestly OPI’s Taupe-Less beach is a year-round color for soft summers and offers that perfect refined muted shade. This taupe is a neutral nail for us!
- Glossy Shine Nail Polish: essie’s For The Twill Of It is a rich maple vegan nail polish with reflective olive shimmer finish. Salon quality nail color formula provides flawless coverage and glossy shine
- Even, Professional Application: Our exclusive easy glide brush fits every nail size and allows for quick, streak-free, even and professional application at home. Flawless nail color coverage and durability with every brush stroke
- The Perfect Manicure: Apply 1 coat of any of our base coat polishes on nails, follow with two coats of essie nail polish, and finish with any 1 of our top coat offerings. Follow with essie on a roll apricot cuticle oil, a nail care essential
- Iconic and Trendsetting Colors: from the essie collection, which has produced over a thousand nail polish shades and counting. essie nail polish takes from fashion and cultural trends to make manicure possibilities endless
- America’s Nail Expert: essie is a leader in nail luxury, committed to high quality standards. Our nail polish has a vegan formula with no animal derived ingredients and no animal testing. essie nail polishes and nail care products make life colorful
essie’s For the Twill of It has enough grey in it to read muted, if you like metallics.
- Natural Origin: OPI Nature Strong nail polish is made with plant based ingredients deriving from nature for an eco-friendly polish that does not compromise on high performance & wear
- Long Wear: Designed for durability, this salon-quality polish provides up to 7 days of wear without chipping or peeling
- Natural Colors: Choose from a wide range of colors each drawing inspiration from natural colors in nature. From rich reds to vibrant greens, get a bold full-coverage finish in just a couple of coats!
- Vegan & Cruelty-Free: Certified vegan, Nature Strong does not include any animal-derived ingredients or by-products and is never tested on animals
- Sustainable Packaging: Nature Strong bottles & glitter are made with nature in mind. Each are made from 20% post-consumer recycled plastic
similarly — the OPI Intentions are Rose Gold is pink enough to suit a soft summer (or really any summer season). It isn’t very muted! But it’s not clear either, and it will work when you want a little razzle dazzle.
- Glossy Shine Nail Polish: essie’s breathe in, breathe out is a soft, dusty purple vegan nail polish with white undertones and a cream finish. Salon quality nail color formula provides flawless coverage and glossy shine
- Even, Professional Application: Our exclusive easy glide brush fits every nail size and allows for quick, streak-free, even and professional application at home. Flawless nail color coverage and durability with every brush stroke
- The Perfect Manicure: Apply 1 coat of any of our base coat polishes on nails, follow with two coats of essie nail polish, and finish with any 1 of our top coat offerings. Follow with essie on a roll apricot cuticle oil, a nail care essential
- Sol Searching Collection: Welcome to your summer meditation haven. Featuring 6 soothing summer nail polish shades inspired by an inner check-in, these glow-worthy shades will remind you to breathe in, breathe out
- America’s Nail Expert: essie is a leader in nail luxury, committed to high quality standards. Our nail polish has a vegan formula with no animal derived ingredients and no animal testing. essie nail polishes and nail care products make life colorful
And if you’re looking for a summery pink, this is a great soft summer option — clear for us, but still muted enough to look natural on you. If you’re looking for a bold colors but still soft summer look, this is it.
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And if you saw red nail theory on TikTok – make space for this Chevron Trend polish. (the name is dated but the color is not!) This is absolutely on the bright side for us, and too bright for the most muted soft summers. But if you want a statement polish that isn’t going to wear you, try this one out. (It has gel in the name but it’s a regular nail polish that does not require UV!)
Gel polish nail polish colors for soft summers
So I am a gel polish girl and would love to evangelize it to you. If you’re already a gel girl and never going back — here is the beauty content you came for.
Gel polishes often come in sets, which is annoying when you’re sticking to a color scheme. There aren’t a lot of packs that are committed to only cool toned colors, but it’s also nice to have some variety when you do your own nails.
- Designed in the US & Best Gel Nail Polish Forward: Modelones 6 Colors 7 ml (0.24 oz) Big Capacity nude brown nail polish is Chosen from 108 sheers, opaque, shimmer, metallic, and chrome shades. Modelones gel polish have every color you need to create any nail look, a shade for every mani-pedi occasion, easy to match any style of your outfits.You can achieve the best salon look from the comfort of your own home.Modelones gel nail polish kit is a perfect gift for Halloween
- Vegan & Salon Quality: Modelones brown glitter gel nail polish set composed of 11 non-toxic and vegetarian that make people feel good. No irritating ingredients. Modelones nail polish is rich in natural resin, making your nail bed safer, prevent nail chipping, breakage and yellowing. Enjoy a quality salon perfect nail with a nail-friendly formula
- CHIP-RESISTANT & No Peel-off: Modelones gel nail polish brushes are made of extremely flexible PBT nylon hair, which is delicate and smooth, and easy to operate, only need a single coat, modelones gel nail polish kit provide rich color pigmentation that lasts up to 28 days. The nail is chip-resistant and fade-resistant. Never worry of a smeared, ruined manicure
- 2024 Fall & Winter Gel Polish: The latest high-quality formula, fashionable and avant-garde nail polish kit. Comes with an exquisite gift box, which is a unique gift for your family or friends during Halloween, holidays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day
- WARNING: May cause an allergic reaction by skin contact. Read directions for use carefully. Only used for nails. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and skin. Rinse them immediately should the product come into contact with them. If there is any incident, contact the doctor immediately. Stop using the product if redness and itching develop
These are not all muted, but they’re very cool, and I particularly like the airy shades of blue for summer nails. (Some other time I’ll teach you how I adjust nail colors to get them perfect for the palette, but that’s another post.) For this set, the medium blue and lighter purple are home run colors for soft summers, and the darker blue and brighter purple can be rule-breaking colors if you like that particular shade enough.
But mostly I stick to single polishes for that reason.
- Everything for You: Complete Set of semi cured gel nails includes 32pcs 8 sizes for everyone, 2 prep pads, 1 nail quartz pen& 1 mini nail file, and 1 wooden stick.
- Pop-on Mani in Minutes: Cured 60% in advance, our gel nail stickers stay soft and stretchy. Achieve a professional manicure in minutes. need to do is stick and cure it under a UV lamp. Even beginners can get salon-quality nails in minutes at home.
- 14 Days+ Long Lasting: With its waterproof top gel layer, our gel nail stickers can last up to 2 weeks once completely cured under a Nail lamp. You won’t have to worry about them chipping off!
- Natural & Comfortable Fit: Our Semi-cured gel nail strips are breathable and lightweight, do not require buffing the nail surface when applied, and are easy to remove. Non-toxins, no smell, no harm to your nails and health.
- Designs For All: With a diverse range of gel nail stickers designs and colors, we have something for everyone and every occasion (shopping, party, dating, friend gathering, wedding, gifting, Christmas or simply at home).
Here’s the soft summer pink glitter nail in gel! I love this color and think of it as my “nude plus”! It has a little bit of summer playfulness and is a perfect way to upgrade a pale pink or nude nail.
- 2024 Trendy Jelly Gel Polish: 15ml (0.5 fl.oz) big volume bottle gel nail polish to enjoy the nail art from the comfort of your own home! This clear nude pink gel is perfect for nail lovers with different skin tones.
- Sheer Translucent Neutral Nude Colors: The jelly gel polish is a semitransparent nail gel. Different from the ordinary color gel, when getting jelly nails, you can see the natural composition of your nails, which helps lending to a less-obvious grow out. Whether you opt for one layer, two layers, or three, each application offers a unique effect for a subtle yet stylish look.
- Healthy & Glossy Shine: Elevate your nail game with Modelones’ 1PCS Korean neutral nude jelly gel nail polish kit. Crafted from toxin-free ingredients, it’s safe and low in odor. Our eco-friendly formula ensures a durable, glossy shine and a flawless finish. Say goodbye to breaks, chips, or smudges and enjoy long-lasting, vibrant nails worry-free.
- Easy Application & Long Lasting : Our nude pink gel nail polish kit features a 150° wide-form brush for effortless application and smooth formula for flawless nail art. With quick drying under a nail lamp in just 30 seconds, enjoy up to 28 days of ultimate shine.
- Manicure at Home: This nude nail gel polish is the perfect gift for nail enthusiasts, offering endless possibilities for creating various nail styles. Ideal for everyday wear, dates, parties, ceremonies, sports activities, birthdays, holidays, and special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, Christmas, and Mother’s Day. Before use, perform a skin test to check for any allergic reactions, as some may be caused by acrylic resin.
But if you want a gel color that’s a true nude, here it is. A nice sheer pink that will pick up cool tones and look so polished and refined.
- Multi-Designs Pearl Cat Eye Gel: Includes 15ML( 0.5fl oz) gel polish + 1*Magnetic Stick. Modelones pearl magnetic gel polish is an upgraded 2-in-1 gel polish collection, it can bring you the cat eye effect and swirl shell thread effect. Let’s start a special magical journey, adding more surprises to your fingers for all seasons and daily routines!
- High Glossy Shine & 28 Days No Peel-off: Modelones magnetic nail polish is highly pigmented and only needs two coats to achieve a super shiny result. Spend 3 minutes and long-lasting for 28+ days with unrivaled shiny, Say Goodbye to Air-bubble and Peel-off problems, The pearlescent cat eye series features patented “Inspire Gel” technology and an amazing gel finish.
- Easy Apply, Manicure At Home: Modelones shell shimmer cat eye has a 150° wide brush that perfectly fits your nails, ensuring easy and complete coverage. Hold the magnetic stick 3-5mm above the surface for a few seconds for the best cat-eye effect. Use the wooden dot pen to circle the desired texture on your nails. The gel polish requires a base and top coat(Not included), and cure for 60 seconds per coat in U V/LED lamp(Not included).
- Ideal Gift Choice: With stunning shades, the nude colors are ideal for all daily working, dating, parties, prom, events, vacations, birthdays, and holidays. Offering a beautiful selection of stylish shades, Modelones pearl iridescent cat eye nail kit makes your nails pop!
- Healthy & Certified Cruelty-free: The gel nail polish is free of nine toxic ingredients, no harsh ingredients or adhesives that lead to damaged nails, anti-chipping, low odor and skin-friendly. Please take a skin test FIRST before using it to check for any reaction. The allergens are mostly caused by acrylic resin. The nail polish is only for nail usage, please avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and skin.
Another set that’s quite good. Every color will suit your color analysis, though certainly not every color is summery! I would tuck some of the greys away for winter.
- Personal Style: Eye catching color cobalt gel polish. Vibrant shades of cute and trendy suitable for all seasons and daily routine life!
- Healthy: it has a low odor. No harsh ingredients or adhesives that lead to damaged nails.(PLEASE NOTE: We strive to make our digital color swatches as accurate as possible to the actual product color but due to different monitor settings and electronic devices colors may differ slightly.)
- Easy Application and Good Tenacity: With proper application, last at least 3 weeks.This item is UV gel. It is still sticky after curing. It must be used with a base coat and top coat! This item does not include base&top coat, which needs to be purchased separately.
- What you get: 15ml solid Color Gorgeous and Trendy shades of Gel Polish, hassle-free and friendly customer service.
- WARNING: May cause an allergic reaction by skin contact. Read directions for use carefully. Professionally formulated and only used for nails. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and skin. In case of contact with them, rinse immediately with water. If there is any incident, contact the doctor immediately. Stop using the product if redness and itching develop. Keep out of the reach of children.
Cobalt is another bright but muted color that’s going to be a good summery compromise color, if you want one. It will be one of the brighter colors you can get away with!
And if you’re looking for a soft summer red in gel polish — it’s not available on Amazon, but try beetles Alicia Jam and report back!!
Dip nail polish for soft summer nail polish ideas
I’m not too good at dip, but I know that the people who love dip really love it, so I pulled some color options for the dip girls too. (I tried dip and found it more difficult to get started than builder gel so I kind of gave up.) Of course, dip users can make custom colors so easily by combining products together!
I’m less knowledgeable about brands here so there are fewer options but….
- PROFESSIONAL QUALITY: Easy to use super fine dip powder is infused with Calcium and Vitamin E to provide the premium quality that lays smooth with maximum shine. With a wide range of colors you can create any nail art or design. Perfect for every occasion!
- LONG LASTING: Our dip powder can last from 3-5 weeks, just as strong as acrylic nails white outlasting gel nail polish. Formula is crack and chip resistant ensuring your at home DIY manicure lasts weeks to come while keeping natural nails healthy and strong.
- NO NAIL LAMP NEEDED: Our nail dip powder provides protection and long-lasting color with a lightweight, natural feel. When you choose a Dip Powder manicure, there’s no need for UV lights or hard gel applications. Get longer, stronger, more natural feeling nails with a durable finish and shine that lasts.
- REVEL NAIL: We strive to offer the highest quality products. Our products are made in the USA, calcium and vitamin E fortified, non-toxic and low odor, vegan, cruelty-free, and water and crack resistant.
Revel’s Queen is a perfect soft summer color — moderate depth, muted, and cool.
- ❤️【Perfect Dip Powder Set】: AZUREBEAUTY nail dip powder includes a well-selected all season nude pink gray 6 colors, suitable for all seasons and daily routine life, parties, travel, weddings, etc. With flawless coverage these premium dip powders and your nails will look brilliant shiny finish, lightweight, and more attractive.
- ❤️【Easy to Use】 AZUREBEAUTY dip powder nail starter kit doesn’t need a nail lamp to cure, dries quickly, and is skin-friendly to avoid skin blackening and nail damage. This makes dip powder an ideal choice for at-home nails. (Note: This set does not include a dip powder liquid set.)
- ❤️【Superior Quality & Long Lasting】 AZUREBEAUTY nail dip powder kit is long-lasting and anti-chipping, anti-peel off. The color is full and natural-looking, light, and has an impeccable shine finish. It can keep the nail art gorgeous and shiny for more than about 28 days with proper application. This makes it the first choice for busy people. (REMINDER: The affection of dip powder may show differently in different people, 2~3 base coats while using will be the best.)
- ❤️【Environmental & Nail-Friendly】 AZUREBEAUTY dip powder is made of Non-irritating ingredients, a unique healthy formula complex of rich calcium and vitamins, which is paraben & cruel, safe & harmless & non-odor, effectively preventing nail breakage. It not only strengthens the nails’ strength and hardness but also keeps them healthy.
- ❤️【Ideal Gifts & Trusted Brands】 AZUREBEAUTY nail powder kit with more advanced and simple colors is an ideal gift for your sister, mom, and friends. Save your money and time but get a salon-quality nail dip system. 💅Note: According to different skin symptoms, it should be tested before use to check if there is any reaction.
A great starter set of soft summer dip colors. That brightest pink looks a little warm and wouldn’t work for a light summer or cool summer complexions, but we tend to run the warmest.
- BUILT TO INSPIRE. We understand the importance of providing easy-to-use, quality products to all the nail artists of the world. Our goal is to share our professional knowledge and continue educating and inspiring future talented nail artists.
- NAIL DIP POWDER. Get stronger, lightweight and natural long-lasting nails with our easy-to-use dip powder. Kiara Sky Dip Powder is formulated without harsh chemicals and with added vitamins and calcium to strengthen natural nails.
- PRO BEAUTY. Showcasing a collection of dip powders, gel polishes, nail lacquers, LED lights, pedi packs and color collections, Kiara Sky is made by professionals for professionals with a passion for top products and colors that pop.
- Made in the USA (DOES NOT COME SEALED BY THE MANUFACTURER)
A pink glitter manicure for every soft summer!
- ★HIGHT QUALITY & LONG LASTING: AZUREBEAUTY Dipping Powder is long-lasting, chip-resistant for AZUREBEAUTY special formula and advanced manufacture skill. It can keep the nail art colorful and shiny for about 2-3 weeks.
- ★NO NEED NAIL LAMP CURING: AZUREBEAUTY Dip Powder doesn’t need nail lamp to cure, which can avoid making your skin black. It’s a faster way to paint your nail.
- ★EASY TO USE: AZUREBEAUTY Dip powder should be used with top, base coat and activator, Apply it in right way,it can last more than 2 weeks. Best choice for Manicure shop and nail salon at home.（please pay attention this color don’t come with top，base coat and activator, just one dip powder color）
- ★COLOR NATURAL: It feels and looks natural, is lightweight, and has impeccable shine. Fortified with calcium and tough against daily wear and tear compared to traditional nail lacquer, gel polish, and traditional acrylic systems.
- ★AFTER SERVICE: If you don’t love it, pls contact us, and you will get the refund with no condition in 30 days.
I could take or leave the color change thing, but this is a classic soft summer denim blue and I love finding it in nail polish shades!
So I’m planning to do a post like this for each season, and for all three types of summers! I love nails. Thanks for being on the color analysis journey with me.
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[…] I’ve got a bunch of other soft summer posts: Soft Summer Eye Makeup Ideas – Best Colors and Products, Soft Summer Nail Polish Colors – Best Seasonal Palette Ideas […]