Watermelon nails
Nothing is more refreshing on a hot summer day than biting into a cold slice of watermelon. Now, get that image out of your head and onto your nails. These fun, fruity nails are achieved by starting with a base of bright pink polish like OPI’s Too Hot Pink . After the pink coat dries, brush some clear top coat over it. Once both layers are dry, take a black nail pen -- like Sally Hansen’s Color Quick -- and make small dots to look like seeds. Once the dots dry, brush a straight line of green at the tips, like L.A. Colors Art Deco Nail Art in Bright Green .
Photo credit: theinvisiblewombat via Flickr
Tropical stripes
These brightly-colored stripes look like the shirts, swimsuits and umbrellas you’ll see on the beach. First, start with a pink bottom coat, like China Glaze in Pink Voltage , and let dry. On your index and ring fingers, brush a bright yellow polish at the base of the nail, using a color like Kleancolor’s Funky Yellow . Then, using Sally Hansen’s Chrome Nail Makeup in White Pearl , brush on the final stripe. Cover with a top coat and let dry.
Photo credit: lacrisma via Flickr
Tribal nails
This swimsuit-inspired look takes its attitude from tribal tropical attire. First, coat your nail with a bright red polish like OPI’s Apple Red and let dry. Brush on some white polish on the sides of each nail, covering the red color as pictured. A nice, brilliant white like Suncoat’s Pearl White will look stunning. Then, using the black Sally Hansen nail pen mentioned above, draw on the striking stripes. Let dry and finish with a clear coat.
Photo credit: lacrisma via Flickr
Tiger stripes
Go wild this season! Start with a base coat of gold nail polish. Essie polish in Shifting Power should do the trick. Then, with the Sally Hansen Color Quick nail pen mentioned above, draw on stripes. Set with a nice, healthy coat of top coat.
Photo credit: lacrisma via Flickr
More about summer trends
Fun flip flop styles
The best bathing suit for your body type
Spring/summer 2012 wedding dress trends