We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
These Are 15 Of The Best Baby Blue Nail Designs To Do This Summer
Fresh, crisp, and cool
Next to butter yellow and pretty pinks (a current favourite here in the ELLE office), baby blue nail designs are set to be a major hue this season and beyond.
The popularity of pastels often spike in the warmer months as we shed moody, dark winter manicures for fresher spring-ready nail colours, and baby blues - be in a chrome finish or as French tips - provide a joyful pop of colour that feels cooler than the saccharine sweetness of rose tones and is a little more unexpected than pale mints or stark white.
'Blue naturally evokes feelings of calm and serenity and so we often see it emerge as a key colour for summer manicures,' says The Gel Bottle's Daisy Kalnina. 'Baby blue offers a sophisticated and versatile transition into summer. Its lighter tonality retains the subtlety of pastels, with a fresh and airy feel that resonates with the shift towards warmer weather and even longer days.'
How to find the right shade of baby blue
Not all baby blue hues are created alike. If you're looking for something understated and elegant, go for a Bridgerton-esque, powdery, grey-blue such as The Gel Bottle Forget Me Not or Chanel Le Vernis in Muse.
To capture a sunny, beachy vibe, try a turquoise-tinged baby blue, which leans into the holiday mood when teamed with shades of white, tangerine or lemon. Try The Gel Bottle Sundae or OPI Gelato On My Mind.
A gentle periwinkle blue such as Kure Bazaar nail polish in Papillon is a calming choice for those who tend to feel overstimulated by brighter colours. Baby blues are surprisingly versatile across all skin tones too, enhancing the warmer undertones in deep complexions and lifting paler ones.
How to wear baby blue nails
Impeccably manicured nails in a solid block of colour are always chic and clean, but if you're one for nail art, a sprinkle of baby blue can elevate simple nail designs. You can also lean into the soap nail trend by asking for a sheer wash of colour (try Essie Sky Jelly for a quick DIY) or experiment with glistening cat-eye effects. Kalnina is a fan of pairing with a 'broader spectrum of blues' such as periwinkle, sky or cobalt.
Ahead, 15 of the coolest baby blue nails for summer and beyond
Studded Baby Blue Nails
Zola Ganzorigt's studded soft blue French tips for Kylie Jenner is dressy, delicate and arguably perfect for those attending Cowboy Carter this year.
Mini Patterns On Baby Blue Nails
These tile-like, mini floral patterns enliven the dusty blue base. Who knew orange, blue and lime green could work so harmoniously...
French Baby Blue Nails
Thin baby blue French tips are a fresher, modern take on classic white.
Swirls Baby Blue Nails
Organic lines are an easy way to lean into nail art. Alternate with colour-blocked nails for a more impactful finish.
Baby Blue Denim Nails
A slightly deeper, denim tone with ombre effects are a great way to experiment with blues. Throw in some tiny florals, hearts, stars and bows for extra fun.
Sunny Baby Blue Nails
Yellow and blue make excellent bedfellows, creating a sunny effect.
Clean Baby Blue Nails
Solid baby blue tips are instantly head-turning, especially on impeccably manicured cuticles.
Monochrome Baby Blue Nails
This two-tone periwinkle blue nails are perfect for those with an eye for detail.
Baby Blue Bow Nails
Bows will always be in style. Try a baby blue ribbon on a clean, neutral base.
Blueberry Baby Blue Nails
Move over strawberries, little blueberries are the fruit of the summer. Add it to your turquoise French tips for a playful accent.
Minimalist Baby Blue Nails
This uneven baby blue tips bring a graphic touch to the classic French design.
Retro Floral Baby Blue Nails
Embrace the mood of spring and summer with this unapologetically floral design.
Snowflake Baby Blue Nails
Not just for the winter, star or snowflake motifs are perennially pretty.
Sheer Baby Blue Nails
To achieve this translucent soft powder blue, nail artist Amber Hancock uses The Gel Bottle Blanc cocktailed with Glass Blue and a layer of Diana.
Chrome Baby Blue Nails
When in doubt, a chrome finish is always a showstopper.
Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
Victoria Beckham Puts Her Own Spin On The 'Soap Nail' Trend
A Guide To Creating Cherry Nails For Summer
5 Sunny Nail Designs For The Summer Heatwave
The 4 Juicy Fruit Nail Trends To Try
