A Leading Manicurist Has Spoken—7 Nail Shades to Bookmark This June

The UK heatwave may have come and gone, but June has officially arrived, and with it, a fresh wave of summer nail inspiration. Whether you're jetting off to the Mediterranean, sipping cocktails atop a rooftop terrace or simply refining your summer aesthetic, the right summer nail colour should evoke the care-free, feel-good factor that hits between June and September.

And whilst there are heaps of unique nail ideas for June I'm desperate to try, if you're more of a one-shade sort of person and choice paralysis gets the better of you, then I feel you. That's why I've spoken to nail pro Daisy Kalnina, founder of The Gel Bottle, who has curated this season's standout nail shades (including a few unexpected contenders) into an edit of seven must-try colours.

Ahead, meet the nail colours set to dominate June and carry you stylishly through the summer months.

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1. Velvet Sunset

Watch this space for a luminous, sunset-like glow across the nail. "We’re seeing the textured nail space evolve for June, moving away from heavy, metallic glitz into a softer, sun-drenched velvet look," says Kalnina, who also notes that her clients want light-catching, multidimensional finishes that offer subtle, understated luxury. "Think muted sage tones with a champagne gold shimmer that mimics the way sunlight hits the water," she adds.

2. Escapist Blue

Cool tones had a major renaissance in early spring, and that momentum is carrying straight into summer. "Sky blues and icy cornflowers are dominating both the runways and social feeds," reveals Kalnina. For manicures, a crisp, opaque sky blue offers a refreshing pop of colour that looks incredibly striking against all skin tones.

3. Butter Cream

Butter cream yellow is the breakout neutral defining the summer, believes Kalnina. "The ultimate optimistic shade, it’s creamy, soft and incredibly wearable, making it the perfect elevated pastel for anyone wanting to step away from traditional nudes for the summer."

Heading to the salon? Ask for The GelBottle's Sorbet All-In-One BIAB™ TPO-Free. It's the perfect BIAB option for a soft, creamy finish that strengthens as it builds.

4. Sugar Plum Jelly

Jelly nails are the ultimate eye-catching trend for spring and summer and for good reason. "Inspired by the globally recognised Korean jelly nails aesthetic, this look offers semi-sheer, milky pastel polishes with a signature bouncy, jelly-soft finish," explains Kalnina.

We're big fans of this sugar plum jelly shade, but other options include bubblegum blue with a milky pastel sheen, or kiwi and lime.

5. Soft White

If you're a fan of understated nails, then this soft white hue is for you. "This year, we’ve seen the 'your-nails-but-better' aesthetic evolve into 'no-mani manicures,' with editorial shoots and celebrities sporting hyper-groomed, almost naked-looking nails," adds Kalnina. For BIAB lovers, ask for 'Soft' it's a sheer, peachy-beige option that provides a barely-there glow while keeping nails strong.

6. Cherry Glass

For those wanting a bolder look, June is serving up vibrant, juicy shades with a high-gloss finish. "We’re moving away from synthetic neons toward scorching hot reds with cherry undertones," reveals Kalnina.

7. Raspberry Pink

Ripe raspberry pinks deliver an instant burst of energy that feels perfect for summer. "They work best on short square or soft almond shapes, making them the ultimate holiday-ready statement," argues Kalnina.