Summer Manicure Tutorial: Step‑by‑Step Guide
By Nailberry London | Published: 2026-09-21
Category: How-to Guides
Learn a breezy summer manicure using Emily’s Spring/Summer Edit collection—choose the right shades, avoid common pitfalls, and keep your polish fresh all season.
Quick Recommendation
Start with Emily’s Spring/Summer Edit shades such as Joyful or Lavender Fields, follow the three‑step process of prepping, coloring, and sealing, and finish with a top coat for a vibrant, long‑lasting summer manicure.
Emily’s Spring/Summer Edit collection captures the bright, playful spirit of the season with colors ranging from spicy orange‑red to soft pastel purple. These shades are formulated to glide on smoothly, giving you a professional finish without the fuss.
In this tutorial we’ll walk through selecting the perfect summer hue, applying it without common mistakes, and sealing the look so it stays fresh from beach day to evening soirée.
Pick Your Summer Shade
When choosing a summer polish, think about the vibe you want to convey. A bold hue like Joyful adds a punch of warmth that pairs well with sunny outfits, while Lavender Fields offers a subtle, pastel elegance perfect for daytime events. Both formulas are opaque and designed to deliver a streak‑free finish in just one sweep.
Consider the occasion and your wardrobe. Bright oranges and reds make a statement for parties, whereas pastel purples work beautifully for casual brunches or office wear. Test the shade on a nail tip before committing to ensure it matches your skin tone and the look you’re after.
- Tip: Apply a thin first coat and let it dry fully before adding a second layer to avoid clumping.
Your Summer Manicure in Three Steps
- Prep and Cleanse: Remove old polish, gently push back cuticles, and moisturise the nail bed. A clean surface prevents lifting and ensures even colour absorption. Checkpoint: Nails should feel smooth and free of residue before moving on.
- Apply Color: Brush a thin coat of your chosen Emily shade, wait about two minutes, then add a second thin coat for full opacity. Avoid thick layers to prevent streaks. Mistake to avoid: Rushing the drying time leads to smudging.
- Seal and Protect: Finish with a top coat, let it cure fully, and finish with a quick swipe of cuticle oil to keep the surrounding skin hydrated. Result: The top coat locks in colour and adds a glossy shine that lasts all season.
Featured Shades from Emily’s Edit
- Joyful: Spiced Orange-redOpaqueBursting with warmth and exuberance, this spicy red-orange adds a fabulous flair to both tips and toes. Exotic and eye‑catching, it's the ultimate empowering colour to pair with a chic daytime look or party outfit. The vibrant orange‑red delivers instant summer energy and holds up well on both nails and toes, making it a versatile choice for any warm‑weather event.
- Lavender Fields: Pop Pastel Purple | OpaqueChic, creamy and cool, our glossy pastel purple is both versatile and instantly enlivening. Enjoy this high‑impact hue in full‑colour nails or playful half‑moon designs for a minimal yet spirited manicure. The soft pastel provides a subtle pop of colour that complements sun‑kissed skin without overwhelming, ideal for daytime looks and easy pairing with summer accessories.
With the right shade from Emily’s Spring/Summer Edit and these simple steps, you’ll enjoy a fresh, vibrant manicure that stands up to summer activities and keeps you looking polished from sunrise to sunset.
