No matter how far in advance we start the prep work, we always seem to spend the last few days before a vacation running in circles. There are outfits to pick out, toiletries to pack, and passports to dig out of the safe. And then there's that pre-trip vacation mani-pedi.
If you're headed to the salon without an idea of what you'll walk out with, we've got you covered. A tropical getaway is a perfect time to have some fun with your nails and get creative. So we rounded up our 14 tropical nail ideas for your next getaway. Scroll on and safe travels.
01 Orange You Ready for Vacay
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No matter your nail art skill level, adding hibiscus accents to your mani is within reach. For the beginner, go for nail stickers; if you'd consider yourself intermediate, use nail stencils; and if you're a pro, grab some fine-lining brushes and start hand painting.
We love this tropical spin on a classic French manicure. Swapping out the traditional white tip for a deep red might not immediately scream vacation, but it pairs perfectly with the white hibiscus flowers.
This manicure is like a nail art representation of swimming with dolphins. Head over to artist Brittney Ellen's IG to see how she used clear polish, white polish, and a dotting tool to create the water-like effect.
As this set demonstrates, you don't have to have a lot of real estate to showcase 3D builder gel accents. Still, despite the short length, we'd probably leave this one for the pros.
09 Tropical Girlie
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Tropical nails, meet the coquette trend. This pink design is girlhood in a manicure. There's something for everyone—French tips, ombré, hand-painted flowers, and even some dainty 3D details.
10 Happy Days
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You've heard of wearing your heart on your sleeve, so why not wear your smile on your nails? From the orange-pink ombré to the cute little smiley faces, this manicure brings us all the joy.
This set–which features watery and floral 3D accents—was inspired by Malibu Barbie, but we think it'd be just as fitting for Mermaid Barbie.
13 Blue Crush
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Most summer nail looks are heavy on the gloss, but this set makes a compelling case for the matte top coat. The mix of negative space, swirls, and blue French tips make for an elegant tropical look.
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