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The 10 Best Gel Nail Polish Colours For Summer 2022

  • 6 min read

Summer, the season of sun-drenched days at the beach, long awaited ice creams after a swim and balmy evenings spent catching up with friends. It is finally here, and there is so much to look forward to.

As we look to wrap up 2022 with brighter days, sunshine and that fun-loving, carefree attitude, we have got the Gel Nail Polish to boot. Summer nail trends for 2022 are all about ditching the darks, and making room for brighter, bolder colours that pay homage to the vibrancy of the season. Whether you wish to lean into a striking red, an eye-catching blue, or a fresh pastel, Gelous has got something for you over these sublime summer months.

Daredevil Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Daredevil gel nail polish - photographed in New Zealand on model

Vibrant and fiery, Daredevil is red-hot and scorching. Made to stand out, this is the perfect Gel Nail Polish for those wanting to turn up the heat on a classic red. You will set the summer days ablaze with this bold and vivid hue.

Zest for Life Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Zest for Life gel nail polish - photographed in New Zealand on model

Summer in a bottle, Zest for Life is a cheery sunny yellow that brings all the warmth to your gel manicure. Golden, radiant and uplifting, this Gel Polish gives a lively look when painted as a block colour or looks great as a french tip with a summery twist. Zest for Life pairs perfectly with a glass of ice-cold lemonade, poolside.

Peaches & Cream Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Peaches & Cream gel nail polish - photographed in New Zealand on model

This peachy Gel Nail Polish is the sweetest of them all. Ripe for the picking, Peaches & Cream delivers the perfect summer glow to your gel manicure and provides the sweetest of summer memories. This pastel peach is right on trend, and is bound to be the shade of the season for 2022.

Appletini Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Appletini gel nail polish - photographed in New Zealand on model

If you’re ready to bring the energy, look no further than Appletini: a vibrant lime-green Gel Nail Polish that pops to bring summer fun to life. Nothing but good vibes, this shade is electric and pairs perfectly with a girls night out over cocktails. It’s no surprise this shade is trending for summer 2022.

Icing on the Cake Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Icing on the Cake gel nail polish - photographed in New Zealand on model

The most delicate, dreamy, pastel pink, Icing on the Cake is the perfect Gel Nail Polish for those looking for a more subtle summer hue. Picture strawberry ice cream on a hot summer's day, this colour gives a simple and chic look to your gel manicure and is easily paired with your brighter, seasonal wardrobe. It really is the icing on the cake!

We're Going To Ibiza Gel Nail Polish

Gelous We're Going To Ibiza gel nail polish - photographed in New Zealand on model

We’re Going To Ibiza brings the ocean to your fingertips. This teal-blue Gel Nail Polish is pure summer serenity. Inspired by days spent amongst sparkling water and sandy shores, you will feel relaxed just from looking at your gel manicure. We’re Going To Ibiza is a true summer shade that gives a nod to the season in the best way.

Hey Sweets Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Hey Sweets gel nail polish - photographed in New Zealand on model

Hey Sweets is a light, yet bright pink Gel Nail Polish that is as sweet as it looks. Playful, flirty, and fun, it is everything right in a summer gel manicure. This sun-kissed shade will give you that summer feeling in just two coats and looks great as a french tip for a more subtle, yet playful look.

That's Mint Gel Nail Polish

Gelous That's Mint gel nail polish - photographed in New Zealand on model

The ultimate summer pastel, That’s Mint is a beachy Gel Nail Polish with a soft green hue. Oh so fresh, this soft Gel Nail Polish is an absolute staple for your 2022 summer gel manicures and is so on trend. That’s Mint will pop brilliantly against your glowing tan and bring tranquility to your summer days.

Prima Donna Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Prima Donna gel nail polish - photographed in New Zealand on model

A rich, powerful purple, Prima Donna lends a bold look to your gel manicure. This fashionable shade beams personality and is perfect for the summer months. If you’ve never reached for a purple Gel Nail Polish before, now is the perfect time to give it a go and see its dazzling qualities for yourself.

Girl Talk Gel Nail Polish

Gelous Girl Talk gel nail polish - photographed in New Zealand on model

Your summer gel manicures wouldn’t be complete without a classic pink. Reminiscent of the rosy flowers that colour our gardens, parks and streets during this time of year, this is a blooming gorgeous shade. Girl Talk is sitting pretty and ready to brighten up any day.

Summer Nail Art Looks

SUMMER SQUIGGLES GEL NAIL ART

Gelous Summer Squiggles gel nail art - photographed in New Zealand on model

Kick summer off with a funky look that puts a trendy, squiggly spin on classic swirls, using Appletini, Garden Party and our Gelous Nail Art Brushes.
  1. After completing your nail prep, apply a thin coat of Pink Rubber Base Coat and cap the free edge. Cure under your Gel Nail Lamp for 60 seconds.
  2. Apply 1-2 thin coats of White Builder Gel and cap the free edge. Cure each coat under your Gel Nail Lamp for 60 seconds.
  3. Apply 2 thin coats of Appletini and cap the free edge. Cure each coat under your Gel Nail Lamp for 60 seconds.
  4. Wipe your nail with Nail Polish Remover & dab Garden Party onto your Nail Art Palette.
  5. Using Garden Party and your Long Striping Brush, paint squiggly shapes and lines on your nails. Cure under your Gel Nail Lamp for 30 seconds.
  6. Apply a thin coat of Rubber Top Coat and cap the free edge. Cure under your Gel Nail Lamp for 60 seconds.
  7. Finish off the look by applying Gelous Cuticle Oil.

To recreate our Summer Squiggles gel nail art, watch our Mini Tutorial Highlight on Instagram here.

OMBRE CHECKERS GEL NAIL ART

Gelous Summer Ombre Checkers gel nail art - photographed in New Zealand on model

This creative nail art is perfect for the summer season, bringing a fresh and fun look to your gel manicure that uses That’s Mint, We’re Going To Ibiza and our Gelous Nail Art Brushes.

  1. After completing your nail prep, apply a thin coat of White Rubber Base Coat & cap the free edge. Cure under your Gel Nail Lamp for 60 seconds.
  2. Apply 1-2 thin coats of White Builder Gel & cap the free edge, curing each coat under your Gel Nail Lamp for 60 seconds. If your Builder Gel has bulked the free edge, gently file your nails back to shape.
  3. Apply Nail Polish Remover to a Lint Free Wipe and thoroughly clean your nails.
  4. Paint half of your nail with That’s Mint. Tidy up the halfway line with your Oblique Brush and paint the other half of your nail with We’re Going To Ibiza. Then, using your Ombre Brush, blend the two colours together in an up and down motion to create the ombre effect. Before curing, use your Oblique Brush to tidy any areas before curing. under your Gel Nail Lamp for 60 seconds.
  5. Repeating step 4, paint a second coat of That’s Mint on the first half of your nail. Tidy up the halfway line with your Oblique Brush and paint a second coat of We’re Going To Ibiza on the other half of your nail. Then, using your Ombre Brush, blend the two colours together in an up and down motion. Before curing, use your Oblique Brush to tidy any areas before curing. Cure under your Gel Nail Lamp for 60 seconds.
  6. Paint a quarter of your nail with That’s Mint, and another quarter of your nail with We’re Going To Ibiza to create the checker effect. Using your Ombre Brush, blend the two colours together in an up and down motion. Finally, wet your Oblique Brush with Nail Polish Remover and sweep away part of these quarters to create an arched tip. Cure under your Gel Nail Lamp for 60 seconds.
  7. Apply a thin coat of Rubber Top Coat and cap the free edge. Cure under your Gel Nail Lamp for 60 seconds.
  8. Finish off the look by applying Gelous Cuticle Oil.

To recreate our Ombre Checkers gel nail art, watch our Youtube tutorial here.

So, what will your nails of the season be? Kickstart the brighter days by choosing your favourite summer shade and get started on your gel manicure. Show us what summer nails you created by tagging us on Instagram @gelous.co!

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