20 Blue Nail Ideas For A Tropical Summer

A turquoise blue manicure — @lolonailedit

When you think of a perfect summer color, yellows and oranges come to mind first—the sunshine, the warmth, it's all there. But one of the most underrated tones when it comes to summertime, there's a compelling case for the color blue, too. It is, after all, the shade of oceans, pools, and clear skies—not to mention, the desire to be "cool", too.

So, naturally, we had to round up twenty of the most beautiful summery blue manicures that evoke playing in the sand or exploring deep lagoons (even if your vacation may be more like a staycation). Whether you like to keep it simple with a solid color, or play it up with a design, these nail artists have you covered.

01 of 20

Blue French Tips

French manicure with Amalfi-blue tips — @bawansisters

We love these gorgeous blue French tips complimented by a thin gold accent line created by The Bawan Sisters. As for the gold jewelry and blue stones? Fabulous. We'll be coordinating our jewelry and nails from here on out, tyvm.

02 of 20

Ocean Blue

Manicure featuring an ocean design — @imarninails

When we say ocean blue nails, we mean it. Celebrity nail artist Imarni Nails quite literally brings the ocean to her client's fingertips with this gorgeous mani, which combines multiple blues and a marbling effect. The subtle white balances the blue and gives the feel of foam in the water, just like you'd see in real life.

03 of 20

Ombré Blue Blend

Why choose one blue when you can choose five? These gorgeous matte blues, painted by artist Aneta Ujwary, make for the perfect gradient look.

04 of 20

Seaside Side Town

Cobalt blue painted trees, towns, and landscape on white nails — @nailsbymei / Instagram

Celebrity favorite nail artist Mei Kawajiri illustrates a simple scene of seaside country life that we all yearn for with open hills, lush gardens, and tall trees.

05 of 20

Simple Evil Eye

Close up of a hand with small blue evil eyes on nude nails — @nailartbyqueenie / Instagram

If you are looking for simplicity, this evil eye design by nail artist Queenie Nguyen is your best bet. Use the back of a brush to dot your color for the outer circles. For the tiny black pupil, use a toothpick. With nails like these, you'll be protected.

06 of 20

Make A Splash

This pool water-inspired French manicure by @nuka.nails would be gorgeous even without the clear gel water droplets, but the 3D accents elevate the final look.

07 of 20

Mix and Match

Azure blue nails with accent French tips — @anetaujwary

Nail artist Aneta Ujwary takes the Amalfi blue trend to new levels with the mix-and-match patterns and finishes on these nails. Two flawlessly glossy solid blue nails are complemented by two matte French blue tips with a cute and subtle white heart design.

08 of 20

Fine Florals

White nails with a blue porcelain design — @bhambnails

We can't stop staring at this beautiful set by celebrity nail artist Pria B. The intricacies of the design are incredible—the painterly florals resemble the most luxurious porcelain you've ever seen. Add these to the inspo board for your next tea party.

09 of 20

Mermaid Cateye Tips

Set of hands on top of each other with sparkly aquamarine tips on nude nails — @manicuristanonymous / Instagram

These cat eye tips are the perfect aquamarine—it shimmers and changes with every movement, if you want a more subtle take on capturing the ocean's essence.

10 of 20

Royal Claws

Long, almond-shaped nails in a royal blue — @thenailboxxchi

Royal blue never goes out of style, and nail artist Charlyne is here to prove it. The matte finish gives these stiletto nails some added flare.

11 of 20

Simple & Dainty

Glossy neutral nails with blue floral designs — @betina_goldstein

Betina Goldstein is the queen of nails online and off, so it's no surprise that this perfectly precise nail art belongs to her. Delicate and dainty, these nails are subtle yet intricate and will elevate any look. With a sheer neutral polish base, the design pops that much more. We sense a new trend coming.

12 of 20

Sitting Poolside

Pair of hands with nails that look like pool water with orange, pink, and yellow details — @nailsbycanishiea / Instagram

No pool? No problem. This set by nail artist Canishiea J. Sams keeps the aquatic vibes constant with realistic water and colorful accents.

13 of 20

Swirly Shades of Blue

A swirly nail design featuring shades of blue — @yo_keshh

If swirls and swoops are your thing, these are the nails for you. This simple yet chic design features fun pops of color without being too over the top and can be dressed up or down. Artist Keshia opted for a nude base that lets the blues do the talking.

14 of 20

Flaming Hot

Who says flames have to be orange and yellow? This design by Keshia is spunky and playful in a cool color palette of blues and greens.

15 of 20

Turquoise Tips

Close up of a turquoise manicure — @lolo.nailedit

Sometimes, when you have the perfect blue, nothing else is necessary. This dreamy turquoise is Transcend the Trend ($9) from Essie and was flawlessly applied by creator @lolo.nailedit.

16 of 20

Cyan Dreams

A cloudy, cyan blue manicure — @chelseaqueen

These cyan-blue nails will make you want to take a dip in the pool pronto. The marble details crafted by Chelsea King LeBouton are effortlessly cool for the summer.

17 of 20

Liquid Luxury

A blue manicure with dew drop details — @sojinails

Forget water-painted designs: These blue nails are topped with gel droplets that resemble actual water. Celebrity nail artist Soji Nails is known for these kinds of bold, funky, 3D nail art looks.

18 of 20

Pattern Dreams

A set of mix-and-match nails in various shades of blue and green — @nailsbycanishiea

This mix-and-match set created by Canishiea J. Sams uses six different blues and demonstrates true artistry.

19 of 20

Abstract Colorblocking

Set of hands on a quilted bag with two toned abstract blue design on nude nails — @paintboxnails / Instagram

Can't decide which shade of blue? Just do both. This funky combination of navy and lapis takes French tips a bit further — literally.

20 of 20

Under The Sea

Aquatic blues unite in this ocean-inspired manicure by nail artist Sarah Thompson. The details are drool-worthy, from the impeccably captured fish scales to the marbled ocean water. It's the perfect getaway manicure for someone who loves a design-heavy look.