Manicure with gel polish: 100+ photos of new nail designs Spring-Summer 2021

Fashion trends of the coming season dictate their own rules. A manicure is not just an addition to an image, but a “calling card” of every fashionista. Nails can now tell everything about their owner: her status, mood, state of mind. Fortunately, a huge number of designs and materials allow every girl and woman to create a unique gel polish design that will highlight their unique individuality and make them stand out from the crowd.

In 2021, both classics and new technologies and finds are at the peak of fashion. The trend is classic design, a combination of gloss and matte texture, broken glass, French and anti-French, multi-colored manicure, contrasting patterns, asymmetry, decor and bright shades.

Gel polish on short nails

Owners of short, neat nails often worry about how gel polish will look.
In pictures we most often see manicures on long nails, but will it look so good on short ones? Definitely yes. Gel polish on short nails looks very feminine, neat and cute. The main thing is to choose the right color and nail design. It is important that the cuticle and skin around the nail plate are in perfect condition and that the shape of the nails is neat. The following gel polish options are most suitable for short nails:

Matte textures in dark shades. Dark colors visually lengthen nails and make fingers more graceful. Bordeaux, purple, dark chocolate, even black - these shades look luxurious, especially if several nails are matte and the rest are glossy.
Minimum decor. Short nails should look stylish and laconic. Too many rhinestones, designs and other decor “overload” short nails, and they don’t look very good.
Bright multi-colored manicure. Short nails painted in different contrasting colors look very beautiful and cheerful, the brighter the better.
French and its variants. Anyone who thinks that French is for long nails is mistaken. On short nails, French, especially deep, and anti-French look very stylish. Preferably - in a classic look - pastel shades, a delicate nude background and a white “smile”.
Geometry. Short nails look very beautiful with stripes, triangles, and dots. Both asymmetry and strict symmetrical lines are suitable. Colors can be contrasting, bright and bold.

#1. Fashionable nail design 2021: a triumph of deep blue shades

In the spring and summer of 2021, interest in blue shades again pushed fashionistas to experiment with style. Blue shades attract with their depth and richness, and in spring nail art they look incredibly stylish and charming.

Dilute the design in blue tones with lilac, violet, orange and white shades. As for the design, the favorites of the season are geometric, lace designs, and abstract foil strokes.

Colorful nail art

Nail art is a multipolar concept, implying a huge number of images, decorative inclusions, applicable to all known types of manicure.
Regardless of fashion trends, it will always remain relevant, since only approaches to design and drawing techniques change. Modern gel polishes make it possible to embody even the most bizarre images on the nail plate. The number of different options for colorful nail art that are performed with gel polishes is so high that, perhaps, a whole treatise could be written about them. We will look at new products and designs that have not ceased to be relevant for many years:

Flowers. These can be large, voluminous flowers that occupy the entire plate. Small ones are possible, scattered throughout the nail or more densely at the root, decreasing towards paradise. The number of fingers on which the design is applied depends on the chosen option. All possible color palette. From pastel and calm shades (daisies, lilies, sakura) to bright and colorful flowers (roses, orchids). A rich, dense pattern will be more appropriate on one or two fingers.
Leaves. Green for summer. Golden yellow for fall.
Dots or volumetric drops. Universal nail art. They are applied in lines along the hole, framing the edge of the nail plate, or simply randomly scattered throughout the nail. With the help of drops you can create a semblance of a flower or outline an object.
Stars. The astronomical topic is now in trend. Single and group stars are applied mainly in white, gold or silver.
"Delicious" design. Recently, more and more fashionistas are choosing various sweets for drawing. Ice cream and cherry cupcakes lead the way in this ranking. Watermelon slices and pineapples are also popular.
Cartoon characters, animals, and Santa Claus can become the basis for a unique story on your nails. Don't be afraid to experiment. Take some liberties with yourself.

Glitters, stones, and sparkles are used as decorative elements and for a volume effect in all of the above variations.

#8. Classic combination of red and black

Black and red are not often used in summer nail art, however, spring-summer 2021 has become an exception. Designs with geometric patterns with a smoky texture look incredibly attractive and stylish. What can you create with black and red gel polish? Whatever you want: French and lunar design, decor with rhinestones and sparkles, geometric and lace nail art.

Fashionable geometry

Finding inspiration even in the most unexpected places is truly the talent of a true artist. Nail art masters turned to geometry and were right. Masterpieces of nail aesthetics are created from familiar shapes. Gel polishes will help you create a unique, clear, stylish geometric manicure.

Main trends in geometric manicure:

The minimalist technique uses simple lines. Spaces located in any direction: horizontally, vertically, on a slope. They run parallel without touching each other. They intersect, forming the outlines of polygons and simple geometric shapes. Curls forming rounded shapes.
Directly geometric shapes. In various combinations and separately. Circles and ovals can be applied to one plate, and rectangles and diamonds to another. It all depends on your imagination and the desired end result.
Mosaic. Polygons of different sizes and shapes are folded into a single “mat”. Or the figures can be the same size and stacked in rows. Moreover, each top one will fit into the bottom one, like a puzzle.

The juice of a geometric manicure is not only in the shapes. Color solutions take on the leading role. Radically different colors can be used when creating a mosaic. In this case, the drawing will be bright and catchy. And to achieve a harmonious, calm effect, you need to choose several shades of the same color. In a mosaic with uniform rows, you can smoothly transition from blue to sky color.

Lines can also be drawn one after another. Great colors used. You can make a picture of a “triangle within a triangle” (any shape of your choice). The technique of smooth color transitions is also applied to lines. Sharp corners from the hole to the edge of the nail plate may differ in tone from each other.

Figures created by lines or specially drawn can be painted over with a shade contrasting with the main color of the gel polish, strewn with sparkles, glitters, and lined with stones.

Two-tone manicure in soothing colors

A two-color manicure does not lag behind a one-color manicure: such combinations of colors in nail design are within the power of a master who creates beautiful combinations every day. You can see the result for yourself: pale pink and dusty gray, beige and red, pale pink and white. Very beautiful, elegant and in a classic style - there are no other words.

Fashion drawings

The variety of colors and quality of the latest gel polishes make it possible to embody absolutely any design on the nail plate, regardless of its complexity. Over time, various designs either gain or lose their popularity. The masters also embody completely fresh ideas taken from floristry, mathematics and even cooking.

In 2021, familiar flowers will not lose their relevance. But they can be performed in various techniques:

Clearly drawn details and maximum naturalness. Roses, orchids, lilies are the most popular in this category. To achieve a realistic effect, many colors and shades are used. The contours of all, even the smallest details are outlined.
Only general outlines without shading of the inside of the flower. This design is very light and weightless. Most often, on pastel shades of gel polish, only the contours are applied in black.
Blurred flower. For example, poppy petals. The edges have no clear boundaries. It seems that the flower is in motion, swaying with the wind.

The leaves of ferns and various palm trees do not lose their positions either.

Architectural themes are gaining popularity. Fairy-tale castles, nighttime metropolises, and famous skyscrapers of the world can “grow” on the nail plate.

Various animals have also found a place in nail designs. These could be cats, dogs. Exotic representatives of fauna, for example, flamingos. Butterflies and dragonflies look original.

The summer design group includes:

Marine theme. Cocktails, beach, seagulls, waves.
Fruits and their slices. Strawberry, raspberry, orange. “Drops” of gel polish are used as additional decor. This gives the picture richness and naturalness. You can create a whole still life on the nail plate.

Summer manicure is a symbol. If there is not enough paint in winter, you can safely apply it in the cold season.

Cartoons, despite the fact that the design is interesting to an adult audience, are also relevant in 2021. You can apply your favorite from childhood, the Lion King, Mickey the mouse, or Teddy bear.

"Broken glass"

Among the fashionable ideas for manicure with gel polish, the “broken glass” design occupies an important place. Bright, unusual and attractive art attracts attention and cannot go unnoticed.

“Broken Glass” is a nail art that resembles small shiny shards on the nails. Depending on the chosen coating, the surface of the “shards” can be glossy, mirror, multi-colored, benzene, or pearlescent. Marigolds resemble cut gems that shimmer with all colors in the sun. The design is suitable for fashionistas of any age, and does not depend on the length of the nails.

This design is created using a special foil or cellophane coating, pieces of which are applied in one order or another to the nail plate, creating a unique composition. The texture of the foil creates the illusion of broken glass shards, beautifully reflects sunlight and artificial light, and this design looks impressive both in bright light and under the lights of a nightclub!

“Broken glass” can be done on short or long nails, the effect is always stunning and original. The appearance and style depend on the shade of the foil, as well as on the background. All marigolds can be covered with “shards”, or individual fragments as decoration. This art can be complemented with stones, rhinestones, and it also looks very impressive on a plain matte or glossy finish.

A fantasy “broken glass” style can be created using polyethylene pearlescent coating in combination with backgrounds in pink, blue and green shades. And holographic foil on a dark purple, black or burgundy base looks seductive and bold. “Glass” also looks unusual and fresh on nails that are not covered with colored varnish - the effect is unusual and romantic, ideal for every day.

“Fragments” can be laid out on the nail plate in any compositional version: it can be asymmetrical chaos, or strict geometry. They can be given any shape, create a three-dimensional effect, or add a light, intriguing accent to a plain, modest manicure.

The “broken glass” design holds up well and will please you for at least two weeks. And most importantly, you will never get bored, since it is impossible to repeat one drawing twice - there are no two identical fragments.

With sparkles and rhinestones

Every girl loves to shine and be the center of attention. Therefore, the fourth place honorably goes to the festive design with sparkles and rhinestones.

This year, designs with sparkles or rhinestones in a more minimalistic design are considered trendy. That is, one nail on the hand is made shiny. As a rule, this is the little finger or ring finger.

It's the same story with rhinestones as with sparkles. The most trendy is the selection of one nail. You can cover this nail completely with rhinestones, or make a stylish design out of them.

Rhinestones on a matte base look very stylish.

Black manicure

Once upon a time, black design was associated only with informal movements. Modern nail aesthetics has long since revised these outdated views. Black designs made with gel polish have become the latest trend. Relevant for everyday wear. Can become a bright accent in a festive look.

A black manicure can be plain and not include any additional decorations. Or become the basis for a more complex and voluminous design. The most commonly used decorative elements in combination with gel polish are:

Glitter. The best choice is gold and silver. They look incredibly impressive due to the contrast with the main color of the plate.
Stones. Massive, small and their combinations. It is considered more successful to use on one, maximum two nails. The presence of each finger can oversaturate the picture. The accent will disappear, the overall impression will be blurred.
Glitters. They are placed both along the edge and over the entire surface (more abundantly at the root, gradually decreasing towards the edge of the nail). Available in different sizes and shapes. All kinds of color solutions.
Various drawings. Geometric shapes, multidirectional lines, flowers, vintage patterns - all this can be applied to the base in any color variations. Depending on the chosen design, its saturation, brightness, the number of nails for applying the design is also selected.

The latest gel polishes make it possible to perform a manicure in a matte or glossy version. Matte, as a calmer, more discreet color, is considered suitable for work and everyday life. At the same time, it also successfully combines with all types of decor that were presented earlier.

Glossy by itself, without additional decoration, attracts attention with its shine. It will be suitable for special occasions, as an addition to an evening look.

Black gel polish can be applied to the nail plate not only as a continuous layer. Actively used, looks impressive in all directions:

French manicure.
Art French.
Lunar.

Lunar manicure

Many years have passed since lunar design has leapt into the ranks of the most popular. Despite everything, it does not give up its positions and only improves, transforms into fresh colors and shapes. Made with gel polishes will not just be a decoration, but will help to show individuality and femininity. Simple and elegant, suitable for holidays and everyday life.

In 2021, both the already familiar, standard moon manicure and non-standard solutions for the shape of the hole and its framing will remain relevant.

Let’s conditionally divide the types of design into groups. According to the shape of the hole:

Oval. It is considered the ancestor of the entire line.
Triangle. One of the varieties of using geometric patterns in manicure. It can reach either to the end of the plate or be only at its base.
Reverse French. A shade different from the main color of the gel polish is applied at the root and along the sides of the nail. A clear, thin line creates a visual illusion and the nail plate appears longer.

Outlines:

Clear. The main color, reaching the hole, neatly outlines its edges. A line can also be drawn using gel polish of a different color.
Instead of lines, stones, sparkles, and glitters can be used. This will give the manicure volume and solemnity.
Painting in the form of lace is possible.
Drops and dots from gel polishes can be a good solution for creating an unusual contour.

Design of the hole itself:

For a festive look, stones are suitable. Everything is covered with stones of different or the same size, randomly located or orderedly arranged.
Can be strewn with sparkles.
A play of colors is used. A shade is selected for the main color as its continuation, or a contrasting one that is significantly different.
It might just be empty.

Lunar manicure is performed both individually and on all plates.

Matte gel polishes will be an excellent help for a calm design. Glossy, due to the memorable shine, will emphasize a sophisticated image or simply a playful mood.

#10. Stylish negative space manicure: spring-summer 2021

Since its inception, fashionable design with negative space has enjoyed unprecedented popularity among girls who prefer original and eye-catching nail art. Use delicate spring shades for negative space manicure: turquoise, peach, pastel, green, pink, cherry blossoms and others.

Combine negative space design with geometric patterns and randomly arranged blocks. The spring-summer 2021 trend is a manicure in black and white with negative space. Use dots and stripes of different thicknesses, animal figures and faces, paws, and negative lettering.

Spring manicure with flowers deserves special attention. This is an extremely seasonal design that looks great on nails of varying lengths and shapes. The trend is realistic images of flowers, complemented by drops of dew from a transparent top. Designs in achromatic colors look great, such as a basic black tone and black flowers on a transparent or pastel background.

There are no strict rules regarding spring and summer manicure. Nothing prevents fashionistas from creating the design they want on their nails. Get inspired by our photo ideas and create amazing and unique nail art.

French

French manicure is performed in a calm palette, outlining the upper contour of the nail. Recognized as a reference. He won the hearts of all women. But today all these conventions have been destroyed. The number of gel polish colors, many techniques and decorative elements make this type of design sophisticated and unique.

In 2021, the following types of French will be most popular:

Standard. White, beige, soft pink are the basic colors for this manicure.
The outline can be drawn in absolutely any color. The most relevant are red and its variations, black, rich blue and others.
One finger - one color. Or several shades are combined on one finger. This “rainbow” is appropriate for all seasons of the year.
One color smoothly flows into another. There is no clearly drawn line. A very delicate and elegant design is called ombre.
Reverse French. A line is drawn at the base of the nail root and along its sides. Can be done in combination with the classic design or independently on all nails. The plate is “stretched” due to visual deception.
The edge can be outlined with more than just one or several colors of gel polish. Performed in the direction of geometric manicure, for example, mosaic. Various diamonds and squares can decorate the tip of your nail.

Glitters, sequins and stones are used for decoration. Moreover, they can be either an insertion element or independently occupy the entire surface of the edge of the nail plate. Dots and drops from gel polishes are used as additional decoration.

The oval shape begins to lose ground in front of the latest solutions taken from geometry. Triangle is a trend used in all types of manicure. Its outlines can become the basis for a non-trivial jacket. Or several sequentially drawn lines of the same or different colors.

In combination with French, not only decorative elements are actively used, but also various types of design, multiple painting and sculpting techniques.