Summer 2025’s hottest nail trend is, fittingly, cool to the touch. Aquamarine nails a shimmering, seaside-inspired blend of cyan, mint, and iridescent glaze are taking over manis everywhere. Whether you’re into glazed chrome, pastel polish, or nostalgic Y2K beauty, this dreamy hue channels the ocean’s calm and sparkle in one effortless swipe. From celebrity manicurists to Instagram trendsetters, it’s clear: aquamarine is the manicure shade of the season.
A color that makes waves
The trend’s splashy rise can be traced back to celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik, who gave the look its now-viral name: the “Aquamarine Angel Mani.” Bachik, who counts Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez as clients, combined a cyan polish with chrome glitter to create a glazed, jewel-toned finish that gleams like sunlight dancing on water.
Inspired by both the aquamarine gemstone and the dazzling tones of a tropical shoreline, the look is instantly refreshing and strikingly flattering. “This shade really pops against bronzed summer skin,” says Bachik. “It brings out the glow and adds a luxurious, clean finish.” Whether worn short and square or long and almond-shaped, the shade has universal appeal.
A nod to Y2K and ocean nostalgia
While aquamarine feels modern, it also carries strong notes of early-2000s nostalgia. Think Blue Crush aesthetics, mermaid-core palettes, and that iconic moment when Pantone named “Aqua Sky” the Color of the Year in 2003. “It’s a calming and serene cool shade of blue,” Pantone said at the time and the sentiment still holds true.
Kylie Jenner’s take on the trend leans into that Y2K influence. Her recent manicure featured a French tip twist, with soft baby-blue ends replacing classic white, accented by tiny silver studs and a sleek almond shape. The result? Chic, summery, and totally screen-grab worthy.
Why aquamarine nails are everywhere right now
Beyond the nostalgia factor, aquamarine’s versatility is part of what makes it such a seasonal hit. It bridges the gap between pastel and bold, feminine and futuristic. For minimalists, a sheer wash of aquamarine over a short, natural nail feels subtle yet fresh. For maximalists, high-shine chrome or holographic topcoats amplify the color into full-on mermaid glam.
This color also plays well with other summer trends from silver jewelry and white linen to glazed skin and dewy makeup. Whether you’re poolside, wedding guest-ready, or just spicing up your weekly mani, aquamarine adds an instant sense of cool-girl polish.
How to get the aquamarine look
Ready to dive in? Start with a high-pigment aquamarine polish in your preferred finish creamy, frosted, or chrome. Popular options include OPI’s “Can’t Ctrl Me,” Essie’s “Mint Candy Apple” with a shimmer topcoat, or Mob Beauty’s gel-based hues for high-gloss wear. For a trend-forward twist, add a layer of chrome dust, subtle nail art, or silver foil for an ocean-glazed effect.
Short, rounded nails feel classic and wearable, while almond and coffin shapes give the look a bit of drama. And for a low-effort take, press-on kits in glazed aquamarine tones are flooding the market just in time for summer.
Aquamarine may be the color of calm but its impact this season is anything but subtle. From coastal vacation vibes to retro glam revival, this cool-toned trend is a reminder that summer beauty should feel fun, fresh, and just a little bit magical.
