Upgrade Your Nude Mani With Peach Apricot Nails, Summer’s Juiciest Nail Trend

Just when we thought we’d seen every fruity manicure under the sun (looking at you, banana latte and lychee nails), peach apricot nails officially entered the chat as the latest nail trend we’re loving. Sitting somewhere between a juicy peach, a ripe apricot, and a subtle coral, this warm, glowy hue is soft, sweet, and oh-so summery. Think of it as an upgrade to your traditional nude manicure—it offers a little bit of that peach apricot color but is still neutral enough to pair with just about any summer outfit in your closet.You may be wondering: Why are peach apricot nails so popular for summer? Well, “they add just the right amount of color without feeling too bold,” says nail artist Erica De Los Santos. “They’re perfect for anyone who loves soft, sheer, nude nails but wants a subtle pop of warmth that’s easy to wear every day.”Whether you prefer a summery solid color mani, intricate nail art, or a French manicure, there are plenty of ways to incorporate peach apricot nails onto your fingertips. Ahead, all the peach apricot nail inspo you’ll want to screenshot before your next salon appointment.Peach apricot nails are pretty much exactly what they sound like: They deliver “a barely-there wash of warm peach,” says De Los Santos. Emphasis on “barely-there”—peach apricot nails tend to lean more transparent, which is what makes them so surprisingly versatile. But for a bigger pop of color, you can also try a more opaque shade that will still match with any summer outfit. Peach apricot nails work with any finish, including glossy, chrome, and jelly. “The sheer jelly finish lets the natural nail peek through, giving it a fresh, effortless look,” De Los Santos adds.How do you achieve peach apricot nails?Peach apricot nails start with choosing the perfect shade: Reach for something delicate in a creamy yellowish-orange hue. “My go-to for this look is Peachy from The GelBottle,” says De Los Santos. “It has the perfect soft peach tone to create that fresh, sheer apricot effect, especially when applied in thin layers to let the natural nail show through.” If you’re DIY-ing your manicure at home, simply swipe two coats of the polish of your choice onto each nail and seal it in with a glossy top coat.Again, because peach apricot nails are so versatile, they work well on any nail length or shape. So, it’s really all up to your personal preference. “I’m always going to choose an almond or oval shape—they’re my favorites for this look because they really complement the soft, elegant feel of the color,” says De Los Santos. “That said, a short square nail is also a great choice if you prefer a clean, modern style.”Peach apricot nails inspo@craftedbyaprince@imarninails@themaniclub@craftedbyaprince@craftedbyaprinceMeet the expertErica De Los Santos is a celebrity nail artist, educator, and owner of Nail’d It Beauty Lounge. She’s based in New Jersey and the New York City area.Why trust Cosmopolitan?Catharine Malzahn is a contributing beauty writer at Cosmo. She’s covered (and tested) all things nails, from the coolest new polish colors to cuticle and nail care trends. For this story, she tapped nail artist Erica De Los Santos for her expertise and recommendations for peach apricot nails and found inspo photos from salons, celeb nail artists, and polish brands.Add Cosmopolitan as a preferred source in your Google search results.Use your Google account to add this to your settings.Catharine Malzahn is a contributing beauty writer at Cosmopolitan and was previously the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention.