Sporting on-trend nails this summer means going big or keeping your mani to yourself. Choose one of these looks or choose to rock them all. Whatever you decide, keep in mind that bling and bold shapes are accessorizing fingers across the Internet -- and they take up less room in your summer suitcase than jewelry. Here are five nail-art trends you have to (at least) try this summer.
Nail Charms: Adding nail charms to your finger this summer is a fun way for beauty buffs to make your mani stand out. Studs, spikes, rhinestones and even tiny little bows can be fun and help accessorize (just make sure your outfit is toned down).
Tip: Start with a single polish color on all nails. Then mix in metallic rhinestones and matte beads or studs and bows. Do one nail or do them all -- your options here are endless.
See also: Try These 5 Easy Summer Hair Tutorials The Five Worst Summer Fashion Trends of 2013
Nudes: Keep it simple with neutrals this summer. A second look reveals that this would-be boring mani is actually super-chic. You can give your fleshtone manicure an illusion of depth by experimenting with top coats, different shades, and tone-on-tone patterns.
Tip: Alternate painting every other nail with two similar colors of nude, or paint every other one with a matte top coat.
Bold Prints: Aztec-inspired, chevron, and gingham patterns are coming to fingers near you. These prints can be difficult to draw by hand, but with help from Sally Hansen, Essie, and OPI nail polish stickers they're easy to achieve.
Tip: Start with a clean buffed nail, cut to size, stick and press. Nail stickers are so easy that you can change the print out as much as you change your underwear.
Shape Shifter: Flared square tips used to be all the rage, but not any more. We see celebs like Rihanna and Lady Gaga showing off stiletto, almond, rounded, and oval nail shapes this season. Keep in mind, these could make it hard for non-pop-stars to complete normal-people tasks.
Tip: Start with subtle shape changes. More of a naturally rounded shape will help keep the nails strong while creating the illusion of length.
Half-moon manicure: Switch out your go-to pink and whites for a glitter fade or a strong black and white color blocking.
Tip: Create this look at home by painting entire nail with one color. Let it dry completely. Then use a hole punch sticker close to your cuticle to block off the half-moon shape and paint from edge out. There you have it; fresh Friday night nails in minutes.
If upgrading that French manicure or changing your nail shape strikes your fancy, then have fun with these summer nails trends and make them your own. Get creative, and don't be afraid of coloring outside the lines.
