Top 10 Short Nail Designs That Will Dominate Summer 2023

Summer nails are arguably favorite among all the annual nail trends. As much as I appreciate the classic charm of fall hues or holiday-themed nail designs, there's something truly special about the burst of summertime freshness on my nails as the much-awaited warm season arrives. After enduring a lengthy winter and a cool spring, I am wholeheartedly embracing the onset of this new season.

Summer is the season when my nails are naturally at their best. Given the flurry of holidays, weddings, and summer parties, there are ample opportunities to schedule a manicure that will complement the season. Whether it's durable gel nails to last through vacation activities or whimsical nail art, summer presents an ideal opportunity to bring out the vibrant nail colors we stored during winter, and try out the brighter shades that resonate with the season's optimism. Even if the weather doesn't promise warmth, we can still evoke that sunlit sensation through our nails.

Considering all these factors, I'm curious about which summer nail styles will be prominent in 2023. Together, let's uncover the top 10 short summer nail designs that are set to take over this season!

Top Short Nail Designs 2023

Glazed Citrus Nails

Glazed citrus nails, using vivid chrome powder over summer colors, are a new trend following 2022's glazed donut nails. The trend is likely to continue, with various color combinations expected this summer, says professional nail artist Iram Shelton. Brighter hues under chrome powder can refresh the trend for summer, and an iridescent shimmer can mimic the effect without gel polish.

Figure 01. Glazed citrus nails following glazed donut nails trend in 2022 from Hailey Bieber.

Summer Velvets

Our fascination with nail effects continues this summer, with velvet cat-eye nails anticipated to become a major trend. To achieve this look, opt for polishes that are magnet-responsive for a multi-dimensional effect. "A cat-eye gel can be effortlessly layered over a vibrant shade like pink or orange, looking stunning as you hold your summer cocktail," Shelton suggests. "The sunlight enhances the colors even more, providing a 3D effect to the nails."

Figure 02. Summer velvets with velvet eye-cat effect.

Iced Matcha Green

This summer, matcha and pistachio nail colors, inspired by iced coffee hues, are set to trend. Green, especially in alignment with nature, becomes particularly popular in S/S 23, says Mylee's senior brand ambassador, Tinu Bello. She suggests the minimalist sage green or pairing it with white or brown for a standout look. Bello recommends Mylee's Pistachio and Green There, Done That Gel Polish for these styles.

Figure 03. Iced matcha green nails with minimalist style.

Jelly Popsicle Nails

Jelly nails, a Y2K-inspired trend, offer bright, semi-transparent, glossy colors for a summery look, says Bello. With shades from raspberry jelly to sheer apple predicted to be popular, these lively colors can be replicated at home by layering sheer hues.

Figure 04. Jelly popsicle nails are bright and semi-transparent.

Colorful French Tips

Bright, colorful French tips, with their timeless appeal, are anticipated to be a summer hit, says Shelton. Variations such as negative space, double tips, or vibrant tips will remain popular due to their suitability for both long and short nails. When in doubt, choose French.

Figure 05. Colorful french tips nails with vibrant color in nail heads.

Summer Florals

Floral designs, while not novel, remain a staple for summer nail art. There's an ongoing demand for floral and abstract designs in summer, notes Shelton, and they can be appealing and suitable for events like weddings. Easy to recreate at home using a dotting tool or a one brush stroke technique, they offer a great opportunity for creativity.

Figure 06. Summer florals express the dream like a fairy picture.

Clean Neutrals

Sometimes, a subtle 'clean-girl' nail style is preferable, especially during the wedding-popular summer season. They appear sophisticated and effortless," notes Shelton, appreciating the sheer nudes from OPI that can be used alone or with nail art. To achieve this style, Bello emphasizes nail preparation, focusing on short, practical shapes with well-prepped cuticles, and colors in light pinks, nudes, and clear builder gels. Layering can adjust the hue, and maintaining nail health with cuticle oil and hand cream is crucial.

Figure 07. Clean neutrals exude natural beauty.

Lip Oil Nails

For those wanting a twist on neutrals, adding a chrome powder finish to a favorite nude tone can achieve a glossy, lip oil-like effect. Bello notes the current trend of lip oils on social media is spilling over to nail art, replicating the lip oil sheen with a glossy topcoat. To create this look at home, start with perfectly buffed and filed nails, select a base color from sheer nude, pearlescent pink, or a bright shade, and finish with several coats of a glossy topcoat to mimic a lip oil-like finish.

Figure 08. Lip oil nails replicate the lip oil sheen.

Barbiecore Pink

With the upcoming Barbie movie in July, a resurgence of pink is predicted for the season. Shelton anticipates the onset of the 'Barbiecore' era, with shades ranging from baby pink to hot pink set to become the trend.

Figure 09. Barbiecore pink nails are cute and personable like Barbie of Ruth Handler.

Milky Nails

A derivative of the clean-girl nails trend, milky nails present a milder version of a pure white manicure, giving more color than a sheer nude. Bello notes that this trend is appealing for its clean, uncomplicated yet noticeable style. These nails look tidy and well-groomed without needing long natural nails or extensions. Suitable for all nail types, she suggests Mylee's Nudes Gel Polish Trio for this look. Additionally, she recommends blending the color with a base coat to achieve a milkier finish, which can be done with any shade, including pastels or standard white.

Figure 10. Milky nails are based on milk color.

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