As the season for dark cranberry and espresso nails approaches, there’s still an opportunity to channel the elegant summery flair of celebrities like Zendaya and Blake Lively. These style icons are currently showcasing the summer “garden florals” nail trend, featuring a clear or light pink base adorned with intricate floral designs, such as sunflowers and posies. Below, we’ll delve into the trend and provide inspiration for your next nail salon visit.
Last week, Marina Dobic, the nail artist behind Zendaya’s stunning manicures, posted an Instagram video showcasing the Challengers star’s latest nails. She highlighted her use of hard gel to maintain their strength and health. Dobic, who often collaborates with the Dune: Part Two actress, 27, crafted Zendaya’s fashionable milk bath nails into a medium-length, softly rounded square shape.
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The Summer ‘Garden Florals’ Nail Trend: What It Is + Design Ideas
Starting with a sheer base, Dobic meticulously painted the finest, most delicate white tips. Over these, she adorned the Euphoria alum’s nails with intricate sunflowers and posies in hues of blue, purple, and pink, along with the tiniest, most charming bees. “We used hard gel to keep the nails strong & healthy,” Dobic noted in her August 6th Instagram caption.
Zendaya isn't the only celebrity embracing floral patterns this month.
Lively, 36, who portrays a florist in the buzzing film It Ends With Us, has been showcasing an array of flowery designs on her nails throughout the press tour. To complement her role, she has also been donning full floral ensembles.
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On August 3rd, Lively shared a photo of her nails, beautifully designed by nail artist Elle Gerstein. The manicure featured a delicate light pink base adorned with intricate watercolor floral designs in shades of purple, gold, and green.
On August 7th, Gerstein shared another IG photo of an additional floral mani she created on the Gossip Girl star.
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As Gerstein explained in her caption, she and Lively wanted to emulate "classic 2000s nail vibes" and the artist and actress "were inspired by the ultimate symbol of rebirth; the guardian of gardens, the butterfly."
In another post, Gerstein wrote to Lively: "Well @blakelively #lilyblossombloom & @itendswithusmovie you’ve officially started the top trending nail art request this month! Flowers for everyone."
Should you have browsed through popular nail accounts on Instagram or delved into BeautyTok videos in recent years, you've likely encountered one of the most breathtaking and enduring nail trends: the milk bath manicure.
This blossoming garden florals trend draws inspiration from the celeb-fave milk bath manicure, infusing floral designs into the previously celebrated creamy, elegant, and subtle base.
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Seen on stars such as Hailey Bieber, Vanessa Hudgens, and Sydney Sweeney, this nail trend emulates the sophisticated appearance and luxurious essence of a milk bath—one of the most glamorous, Old Hollywood-inspired, regal, and soothing ways to unwind (legend has it that even Cleopatra was a fan).
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Overall, many nail artists would concur that floral designs are among the simplest to create at home using a dotting tool. So, you can grab a few nail polishes and give it a whirl! Alternatively, if you need some extra assistance, consider ordering stick-on decals from Etsy.
For a professional finish akin to Zendaya's or Lively's, it might be wise to book an appointment at your favorite salon. They'll undoubtedly understand your request when you present the summer garden florals trend and specify a sheer, milky, or light pink base adorned with delicate painted flowers!