While hair and makeup looks used to reign supreme in beauty trend pieces, a movement that has been steadily gaining momentum in recent years is that of skincare and nail art. Doing your nails used to be seen as a chore, or it was reserved for those that had the money to go to salons and have them done professionally. This is no longer the case. It is more accessible than ever before, and there are a number of trends to watch out for this summer.
French Tips with a Twist
We saw this in 2021, but it has continued to ramp up this year. French tips can be done in a number of new and exciting ways, from the micro mani to the wavy tip to the side tip too. There are a lot of quirky variations on this trend for you to choose from. You don’t even necessarily need a steady hand to pull this look off; depending on the style that you choose, it simply adds to the effect. You don’t need to stick to the classic colours either. You can create any colour combination that you like. I’m a fan of a nude base colour with a bright tip that really pops. You could even make the most of a pointed tip by having an inverted heart design.
Neutrals
Okay, so this trend is not exactly super exciting or new, but it is a classy and timeless look that is not going anywhere this summer. In fact, it’s going to be bigger than ever. Apply a complementary nude shade that suits your skin tone (this bit is very important) and keep your nails clean and your cuticles nourished with an oil, as this look can stop looking attractive if you don’t do the maintenance part. It’s also best on shorter nails too. Think Harriet Westmoreland and you won’t go wrong!
Minimalism
This summer is primed to see the rise of the micro mani. This trend is all about small, seemingly random little details. These subtle designs are a great way to spruce up your nail looks. You can achieve the look with polish or by using nail stickers or decals too. You can lean into your skill level, going for easier, more abstract designs until you have developed your capabilities further. One trend increasingly growing this year is pearls – glueing on a little pearl to each of your nails will keep you ahead of the curve.
Y2K Inspired
Last year and this year has seen a huge resurgence of early noughties fashion, and it has permeated every aspect of the beauty industry. It’s actually a trend i’m obsessed with at the moment. Trying to relive my youth! It is only natural that this trend has moved into the nail art realm too. These Y2K styles of nail looks are pure nostalgia. The designs tend to be more cheery, featuring bright colours and added textures like gems or decals. Pastels are huge right now too! If you want to make the most of your designs, you might want to consider investing in a gel kit. It allows you to seal in the designs, making them last longer.
There are a lot of options when it comes to nail art, and it can be more than simply a vanity project. It can form a crucial element of your self-care routine as well as encouraging you to get in touch with your more creative side. You can find a trend or style that will work for you regardless of personal style and preferences.
You can see what i’m loving, and what i’m doing, over on my Instagram.
