7 Fruity Nail Ideas (With A K-Beauty Twist) To Try This Summer

Summer is in full swing in Seoul, and the heat and humidity feel like they're at an all-time high. Rather than fight it, I’ve decided to pare down my beauty routine and focus on the only part that’s 100% weatherproof: My nails. 

Just ahead of my next appointment, I’ve been looking to my fellow commuters and their freshly painted tips for some inspiration, which is how I noticed that fruit motifs are everywhere. Think crisp watermelon slices, sparkly strawberries and 3D peaches that almost look good enough to eat. Whether you’re into whimsical designs or crave a more minimal take on the trend, there’s a juicy fruit nail set for everyone.

Peruse the seven examples below and get ready for your most delicious manicure yet. 

For a twist on the classic summer red mani, we love this crimson gradient with slices of golden yellow. The understated effect mimics the texture of apple peel without being too fruit-forward. 

With its candy-coated colours, cartoonishly rotund shapes and glossy, syrupy glaze, this three-dimensional take on fruity nails feels perfect for summer, especially when paired with crisp white linen.

If you want to highlight your favourite fruit, may we suggest this dazzling strawberry set? Painted over a neutral base and topped with metallic green stars, these are as sweet as it gets.

If 3D glitter strawberries aren’t your jam (pun intended), try a slightly less flashy — but no less fun — option with a mix of dainty 3D fruit for a party on your nails. If you want to level up, mix and match your tips to include some solid colours and softer gradients among your fruit accent nails. 

Figs, grapes, peaches and plums: There’s so much beauty right on the surface of these fruits, which is captured brilliantly in these artistic designs. Through a masterful combination of marbling techniques and meticulous speckling, these subtle nuances make for a truly unique manicure moment. 

Another fruity option that may appeal to mani minimalists is this reflective, wine-coloured set, which shines in more ways than one. This design would also be a great option to save as a transition manicure between summer and autumn. 

Watermelons go hand in hand with summer, so naturally, this list wouldn’t be complete without a playful nod to the season’s freshest fruit. In a sea of standard watermelon slices and rind-striped designs, this abstract rendering offers a refreshing alternative.