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25 European Summer Nail Ideas You Can't Miss

  • 7 min read

Headed to Europe this summer? Whether you’re planning days lounging by the coast, leisurely strolls through city streets, or nights dancing until dawn in Ibiza, one thing is essential: a fresh gel manicure. Your carefree companion, a mani-pedi that complements your lively vibe and getaway wardrobe is vital for completing your European summer look.

Whether you adore serene shades of breezy blues or playful pinks, prefer festival nail art or timeless French tips, discover the hottest nail inspiration tailored for your summer holiday right here. Consider ‘paint dream vacation manicure' checked off your to-do list—let’s dive in!

A Little Tart Gel Nail Polish

Gelous A Little Tart Gel Nail Polish - photographed in United Kingdom on model

Holiday mode: activated. Sweet and sour, this pastel lime green is the perfect pop of colour to accompany all your Euro Summer activities. A little bit cheeky, this fun-loving favourite takes you from island hopping to festival-ready in a flash.

Heartbreaker Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Heartbreaker Gel Nail Polish - photographed in United Kingdom on model

Bold, beautiful, and impossible to resist—Heartbreaker. We’ll always be in the hot pink manicure fan club, but this bright beauty worn whilst swimming in the French Riviera? You can’t get much better. Swoon.

Head in the Clouds Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Head in the Clouds Gel Nail Polish - photographed in United Kingdom on model

Loyal to pastel gel manicures? Take this soft blue Gel Nail Polish international. A staple vacation nail shade, Head in the Clouds pays homage to the ‘blueberry milk’ nail trend to bring a fresh, on-trend vibe that’ll complement all of your holiday ‘fits.

It's a Mood Gel Nail Polish

Gelous It's a Mood Gel Nail Polish - photographed in United Kingdom on model

Yep, this purple Gel Nail Polish is a whole mood. A bright pastel lilac, It’s a Mood perfectly captures the carefree spirit of a European summer. Radiating all the cheerful vibes, this burst of colour looks great on all nail shapes and nail lengths.

Cobalt Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Cobalt Gel Nail Polish - photographed in United Kingdom on model

If one thing’s for sure, Cobalt is made for European summer gel manicures. A pure bold and bright hue, this blue Gel Nail Polish will always be the moment. Mirroring the stunning Mediterranean Sea, this iconic shade is vivid, vibrant, and very Santorini.

Trendsetter Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Trendsetter Gel Nail Polish - photographed in United Kingdom on model

Sizzling, AND sets-the-trends? A summer manicure wouldn’t be complete without a bright orange and your holiday sets are no exception. Sun-soaked and Riviera-ready, Trendsetter is the standout gel nail shade of the summer. Aperol Spritz, anyone?

Milk and Honey Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Milk and Honey Gel Nail Polish - photographed in United Kingdom on model

You can’t beat the simplicity and versatility of a classic milky-nude Gel Nail Polish. Effortlessly pairing with all your outfits, Milk and Honey is the perfect neutral for those feeling a little indecisive, or those after a more timeless look. It’s classy, clean, and looks great on both fingers and toes for a beach-ready mani-pedi.

Malibu Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Malibu Gel Nail Polish - photographed in United Kingdom on model

Hello, tropical paradise. Malibu is your passport to an endless summer, a coral pink Gel Nail Polish that promises to celebrate with you. Ideal for sipping cocktails by the sea or enjoying sunset dinners al fresco, this sun-kissed shade is a key player in your vacation manicure rotation.

We're Going To Ibiza Gel Nail Polish

Gelous We're Going to Ibiza Gel Nail Polish - photographed in United Kingdom on model

Very appropriately named, We’re Going to Ibiza captures the island's lively energy to become the perfect European summer nail shade. A bright, turquoise blue, this refreshing hue will have you diving into holiday mode from the first coat. Whether you’re lounging at the day club or dancing the night away, there’s no question this beauty sets the tone for your best vacation ever.

Euphoria Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Euphoria Gel Nail Polish - photographed in United Kingdom on model

Energetic, eye-catching, and at the top of everybody’s Wishlist—Euphoria. Guaranteed to brighten every day, this Gel Nail Polish is a true celebration of summer. A bright and bold purple, it paints tales of late nights at beachfront bars, alive with music and with the best of company.

Pearlescent Splash Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Pearlescent Splash Gel Nail Polish - photographed in United Kingdom on model

Out of office: on. Channeling the glimmering Mediterranean waters, this tranquil turquoise boasts a soft shimmer reminiscent of Europe’s breathtaking coastlines. As part of our Pearlescent Gel Nail Polish range, these gems bring a touch of the ocean wherever you wander. Super serene, pair Pearlescent Splash with Nail Rhinestones for an extra mermaid-inspired vibe.

Lime Sorbet Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Lime Sorbet Gel Nail Polish - photographed in United Kingdom on model

A best-selling summer nail shade, Lime Sorbet is the pastel-green refresher you need on your European getaway. Bringing a burst of freshness to your manicures, this juicy hue is the perfect companion as you sail Croatia or stroll the streets of Spain. Keen to try a pastel yellow manicure instead? Opt for this summery shade’s sister, Lemon Sorbet.

Vitamin Sea Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Vitamin Sea Gel Nail Polish - photographed in United Kingdom on model

The ultimate it-girl Gel Nail Polish, bright blue manicures have been making waves everywhere lately. Bold, brilliant, and oh-so-azure, there’s no denying this is the trendiest manicure shade for Euro summer. The colour of the moment, wear Vitamin Sea as a vibrant full nail or as a French tip for a more subtle splash of summer.

Neon Tangelo Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Neon Tangelo Gel Nail Polish - photographed in United Kingdom on model

No intro needed. Neon Tangelo is the neon Gel Nail Polish your nails have been craving. A true statement-maker, this electric orange is forever on the holiday hotlist. Very pool party, Sorrento sunshine and Capri sunset, Neon Tangelo is the bold beauty you’ve been searching for.

Playing With Fire Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Playing With Fire Gel Nail Polish - photographed in United Kingdom on model

Red-hot and ready to go. If you’re one to always opt for red gel manicures, this fluorescent red Gel Nail Polish is the perfect holiday shade for you. Bright, bold, and blazing, Playing With Fire is an absolute summer classic. Extra points for how much it pops against a tan.

Festival Blooming Gel Nail Art

Gelous Blooming Gel Festival Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in United Kingdom on model

Probably the coolest nail design we’ve ever seen, this tie-dye-takes-psychedelic manicure is the ultimate choice for all your summer festivals. Brought to life with a simple Dotting Tool, Blooming Gel, and a mix of bright Gel Nail Polishes, this groovy set radiates all the good vibes. Headed to Glastonbury, Tomorrowland or Sziget? Add this to your manicure inspo folder ASAP.

Looking for a tutorial?

To recreate this look, watch our 'Tie-Dye' Gel Nail Art Tutorial on YouTube.

Butter Yellow Chrome Gel Nail Art 

Gelous Buttery Yellow Chrome Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in United Kingdom on model

The trendiest manicure of the moment—buttery yellow chrome. Worn best while sipping Limoncello on the streets of Italy, or wrapped around your favourite gelato, this combo is a must-have for your European getaway. Recreate it with our best-selling pastel yellow Gel Nail Polish, Lemon Sorbet, and the always-trending, White Glaze Chrome Powder.

Summer Swirls Gel Nail Art

Gelous Summer Swirls Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in United Kingdom on model

If paradise was a nail art look, this would be it. Swirls will always be a popular nail design, they’re quick, easy and super dreamy. Crafted with summery hues, A Little Tart, Oasis and Whiteout, the result is a swirling-whirling, tropical delight. We are so beachy keen.

Looking for a tutorial?

To recreate this look, watch our 'Watercolour Summer Swirls' Gel Nail Art Tutorial on YouTube.

Mini Oranges Gel Nail Art

Gelous Mini Oranges Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in United Kingdom on model

Very Valencia, squeeze some zest into your Euro summer manicures with this fun blend of Mini Oranges and French tips. Extra juicy, use a bright orange Gel Nail Polish like Trendsetter for the fruits and Frenchies, dark green Amazonian for the stems, and all-time-favourite-sheer, Spilt Milk for the base. So Tropicana.

Looking for a tutorial?

To recreate this look, watch our 'Mini Oranges' Gel Nail Art Tutorial on YouTube.

Pink French Tips Gel Nail Art

Gelous Hot Pink French Tips Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in United Kingdom on model

French tips will always be the moment. Holiday Frenchies that are hot pink though? The best. This pairing offers the perfect pop of colour—versatile enough to complement any outfit while giving your manicure a fun and trendy edge. We’ve used Very Berry here, but any Pink Gel Nail Polish will bring a playful vibe.

Looking for a tutorial?

To DIY French tips at home, watch our 'French Tips Gel Nail Art Tutorials' on YouTube.

Summer Flowers Gel Nail Art

Gelous Summer Flowers Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in United Kingdom on model

The perfect nail art look for short nails—delicate flowers. Simple, but far from boring, flower manicure designs always look fresh and are so easy to recreate with a Dotting Tool. For this look, you’ll just need a blue Neptune base, a white Gel Nail Polish and a touch of yellow. Brb, dreaming of the countryside.

Ice Cream Tips Gel Nail Art

Gelous Ice Creams French Tips Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in United Kingdom on model

Summer vibes by the scoop, these melting Ice Cream Tips will sprinkle your vacation nails with joy. Much like the sweet treats melting down your hand as you sightsee, this holiday-approved nail art mirrors some of your favourite vacation moments. Recreate it with pastel pink Strawberry Kisses, and a mix of bright Gel Nail Polishes for the sprinkles. Adorbs.

Looking for a tutorial?

To recreate this look, watch our 'Ice Cream Tips' Gel Nail Art Tutorial on YouTube.

Blue Aura & Silver Chrome Gel Nail Art

Gelous Blue Aura and Silver Chrome Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in United Kingdom on model

The ultimate cool-girl nail design. This sought-after set fuses two of the hottest nail trends of the moment – aura and silver chrome. You’ll need a few components for this look: Vitamin Sea for the blue aura, a Chrome Powder Application Sponge to create it, plus Black Out, Silver Mirror Chrome Powder, Matte Top Coat and Regular Top Coat. Vacay-ready, here you come.

3D Seashells Gel Nail Art

Gelous 3D Seashells Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in United Kingdom on model

Hey, Mykonos Mermaid. Dive into the world of 3D nail art with these pretty pink seashells. Bringing the beach to you in the best way, the 3D design is created using Rubber Top Coat, simply applied with a Thin Nail Art Brush and cured for 30 seconds following each stroke. Mix up your remaining nails with sweet Glitter Gel Nail Polishes, Sugar Dipped and Silver Lining, to achieve the full mermaid effect.

Looking for a tutorial?

To recreate this look, watch our '3D Seashells' Gel Nail Art Tutorial on YouTube.

Ombre French Tips Gel Nail Art

Gelous Orange and Yellow Ombre French Tips Gel Nail Polish Art - photographed in United Kingdom on model

Ombre French tips inspired by the beauty of European sunsets… it’s a big yes from us. With a warm palette of yellow and orange Gel Nail Polishes, these golden-hour nails are perfect for leisurely afternoons under the Tuscan sun or enjoying a spritzer as the light fades. To create it, simply blend orange and yellow shades across your nails with an Ombre Brush, and clean up with an Oblique Brush to keep that crisp French tip line. If you’re more into cool tones, try this look with blue and green Gel Nail Polishes instead.

As your European summer takes flight, don’t forget to take the perfect gel manicure with you! As always, we’d love to see your vacay manis, tag us in your holiday nailfies @gelous.co.

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