20 Jelly Nail Ideas for the Most Refreshing Summer Manicure

A jelly French manicure with opaque French tips. — @cirquecolors / instagram

Summer is upon us, meaning big plans for fun in the sun are top of mind. While it's unfortunately not possible (at least for most people) to take off the entire summer and fully embrace the free-spirited nature of the season, we can create little moments of summer-inspired joy in our daily lives.

One way to do so is with a jelly manicure. The sheer, lightweight finish is like the nail version of the sundresses and button-downs we live in all season. Keep scrolling for 20 of our favorites jelly nail looks to embrace this season and beyond.

01 of 20

Spritz Jelly Nails

A jelly manicure in an Aperol Spritz tone — @imarninails / Instagram

Let's kick things off on a hot note. These spritz jelly nails perfectly encapsulate summer with their Aperol-inspired tone that borders on neon.

02 of 20

Cool-Toned Jelly Nails

A cool-toned jelly manicure in blues and purples — @melanated.mani / Instagram

If you prefer the cool tones of summer—those inspired by the crashing waves and icy pool days—opt for a multicolor cool-toned jelly Skittle mani.

03 of 20

Hot Pink Jelly French Mani

Hot pink is always a good idea for a summer nail look. This dual-finish jelly French works just as well on short nails as long (though you'll probably want to stick to an almond or oval shape).

04 of 20

Latte Art

A brown jelly manicure with white details. — @brushedbyb_ / instagram

Something about the pairing of brown and cream will always scream "latte art" to me. This mani is proof that caffeine—and a good brown polish shade—works its magic year round.

05 of 20

Blue and Yellow Jelly Nails

We love how vibrant turquoise and neon yellow look together. A jelly finish and negative space French tips only add to the overall appeal.

06 of 20

Jelly Skittle French

A multicolor jelly French manicure — @pop_polished / Instagram

Why limit yourself to one jelly nail color when you can rock a few? This jelly Skittle French would make the perfect Pride mani.

07 of 20

Burnt Orange Jelly Nails

A burnt orange jelly manicure — @melanated.mani / Instagram

Burnt orange is another color that just screams summer. It creates an ultra-warm glow akin to days spent in the summer sun. (With plenty of SPF protection, of course.)

08 of 20

Honey Honey

A honey-colored jelly manicure. — @brushedbyb_ / instagram

A spoonful of golden honey... the sun glittering through the window... sounds like a great breakfast setup (and even more gorgeous jelly manicure) to me.

09 of 20

Pink Chrome Jelly Nails

A pink chrome jelly manicure — @overglowedit / Instagram

Iridescent pink chrome jelly nails? Consider us obsessed. Nail artist Melanie Graves created this gorgeous summer nail look by topping her jelly polish with chrome powder.

10 of 20

Coral Jelly Nails

A coral jelly manicure — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

Headed to the beach or want to create a beachy state of mind? Consider a shimmery coral-inspired mani. Nail artist Brittney Ellen used a dotting tool to draw on the designs in this coral-colored set.

11 of 20

Jelly Skittle Fruit Nails

A jelly manicure in multiple colors, a different fruit on each finger — @pop_polished / Instagram

Fruit nails are trending on social media, so this cutie jelly nail look is a must-try if you ask us. Luckily, the fruit is pretty simple to DIY with a nail art brush and some patience. You got this! (And if you don't... there's always decals.)

12 of 20

Neutral Jelly Nails

A neutral jelly manicure — @gelcare.official / Instagram

If you prefer neutral nail looks, you can't go wrong with a soft, pale pink, which pairs especially well with summer spray tans and darker skin tones.

13 of 20

Pink Shimmer Jelly Nails

A pink jelly manicure with bow, butterfly wing, and rhinestone details — @overglowedit / Instagram

A sheer, shimmery pink mani? It's like a grown-up take on the jelly shoes of our youth. Cute, cute, cute.

14 of 20

Lavender Jelly Nails

A sheer lavender manicure — @betina_goldstein / Instagram

For a more cool-toned neutral jelly mani, opt for a sheer lavender shade, as celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein did here.

15 of 20

Jade Jelly Nails

A jade jelly manicure — @melanated.mani / Instagram

This manicure is perfect for the earthy girls out there. DIY this look by topping off an earthy green jelly polish with a coat of sheer glitter.

16 of 20

Lavender Tangerine Jelly French Tips

A tangerine jelly manicure with lavender French micro tips — @betina_goldstein / Instagram

Orange and purple might feel like an unexpected pairing, but in jelly finishes, they make for a fun, summery nail look.

17 of 20

Pink Jelly Nails

A pink jelly manicure — @gelcare.official / Instagram

Not much time to spruce up your nails? Make it easy on yourself with a coat or two of a jelly shade and call it a day. Pinks and blues are particularly on-trend this season.

18 of 20

Watercolor Jelly Nails

A watercolor jelly manicure — @betina_goldstein / Instagram

Feeling artsy? Dot a few shades of jelly polish onto your nails. Then, while the colors are still well, top it off with clear polish to make the shades blend.

19 of 20

Jelly Stars

A white jelly manicure. — @brushedbyb_ / instagram

We love a good milky jelly manicure, and the addition of some stars make the new-classic look even cooler. And if stars aren't your thing? Try hearts, flowers, swirls—when you stick with a simple background, the nail art opportunities are truly endless.

20 of 20