Sun-Kissed Mani: Bronzed Nail Colors For A Summer Glow
Giving Summer Nails a Sun-Kissed Glow
With summer just around the corner, it’s time to refresh our nail looks for the warmer weather. One of the biggest trends this season is bronzed nails, which add a sun-kissed glow to our fingertips. Bronzed nail polishes and shimmers are hugely popular right now for their nostalgic, beachy vibe. The metallic sheen and warm hues evoke images of sunkissed skin and summer fun. In this guide, we’ll explore how to get the perfect bronzed manicure for a natural, golden glow that feels just right for summer.
Why Bronzed Nails for Summer
Bronzed nails evoke a summery, sunkissed look that is reminiscent of time spent outdoors in the warm weather. The warm golden and coppery tones make nails look tanned and healthy, as if you’ve just stepped off the beach or out of the pool. Bronze polish creates a gorgeous glow on nails that pairs beautifully with summer fashion and accessories.
Bronze is the perfect nail color for summer because it embodies the season’s laidback yet glamorous vibe. The metallic sheen looks dressy enough for an evening out while still feeling beachy and casual enough for daytime. As Pheebs Nails on Pinterest notes, bronze nails “look expensive” and channel vacation vibes all summer long.
Choosing a Bronzed Shade
When selecting a bronzed nail polish for summer, you have lots of options like metallic, shimmery, matte, or glossy finishes. Warm tones like gold, copper, and bronze work well to complement tanned skin. Avoid orange or terra-cotta shades, which can look unnatural against most skin tones.
Metallic bronzes with a touch of shimmer create a glamorous effect, perfect for a night out. Try a color like OPI’s Bronzed to Perfection for an elegant bronze metallic. For a more subtle daytime look, consider a cream bronze matte polish like Essie’s Go Overboard. It provides a soft, velvety bronze shade.
Focus on golden bronzes, rose golds, and coppery shades that enhance tanned summer skin. Stay away from brownish bronzes, which won’t flatter most tones. Green Flash Bronzé by Manucurist offers a perfect summer bronze with green undertones.
Application Tips
When painting your nails with a bronzed shade, it’s important to apply multiple thin coats for an even, opaque finish. According to Bronzed Era #928 – DND Gel, applying too many thick coats can lead to an uneven cure and chipping down the road. Instead, aim for 2-3 thin, even coats allowing 2-3 minutes of dry time in between each coat.
Finish off your manicure with a shiny top coat for extended wear. The top coat creates a protective barrier to lock in color and prevent chips and scratches. Be sure to cap the free edge with top coat as well for maximum longevity according to Bronzed Beauty – People of Color Beauty.
Lastly, use a brush dipped in remover to gently clean up any polish on your skin or cuticles for a tidy finish.
Pedicure Pairings
Get feet bronzed too with shimmery shades for a coordinated manicure and pedicure. Go for a shade with golden shimmer like Essie’s Penny Talk (https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/bronze-pedicure/954650198158/). The warmth of the bronze will beautifully complement sun-kissed skin.
For a more sophisticated look, try a matte bronze like OPI’s Worth a Pretty Penne (https://www.pinterest.com/genjacqui/bronze-nails/). Matte shades add depth to nails while minimizing glare, perfect for an elegant finish.
Whether you choose a shimmery or matte bronze polish, match your manicure and pedicure for a pulled-together summer style from fingers to toes. Complementary shades will make both your hands and feet look enviably bronzed and beautiful.
Styling Suggestions
Bronzed nails are a gorgeous splash of color for summer and there are several styling tips to make them really stand out. Keep outfits simple like a white t-shirt and jeans to let the nail color pop. Pair with gold or bronze accessories like chunky bangles, hoop earrings, layered necklaces, or metallic sandals to complement the nails (www.pinterest.com/judiosterhoudt/bronze-nails). This nail look begs to be shown off, so wear tanks, strappy dresses, or off-the-shoulder tops to highlight bare arms and shoulders.
Bronze nails command attention, so keep the rest of your look minimal. A black maxi dress or jumpsuit is an easy canvas to let the nails dazzle. Strappy gladiator sandals in metallic or neutral shades work well. Show off the manicure with your hair up or away from your face. Bold nail art like marble, snakeskin, or chevron designs calls for an unfussy hairstyle like a sleek high pony or messy bun.
Brown Skin Tones
Warm metallic shades like gold, bronze and copper are especially flattering on brown skin tones. The metallic sheen helps create a radiant, sun-kissed glow against darker skin. Shades with orange undertones should be avoided, as they can make brown skin look muddy or uneven. Instead, lean towards metallic polishes with yellow, peach or red undertones for a vibrant summery look.
Sheer shimmery polishes are another excellent choice. The hint of shimmer catches the light beautifully against brown skin while the sheer tint flatters without being overpowering. Go for champagnes, taupes and rose golds to complement and brighten your skin. Sheers allow your natural nails to show through for a polished yet understated manicure that’s perfect for summer.
According to Byrdie, some gorgeous nail colors for darker skin tones include “Fire Red, Aqua Blue, Pastel Pink, Sky Blue, [and] Bright White.” These shades make brown skin tones pop.
Source: https://www.byrdie.com/nail-colors-for-dark-skin-tones-4775812
Fair Skin Tones
Women with fair skin should gravitate toward softer, more muted bronzed shades that complement their complexion rather than overwhelm it. Rose golds and champagnes are ideal for adding a subtle glow. According to OrlyBeauty.com, soft metallics like pewter are also excellent choices. Stark golds and harsh bronzes tend to clash with fair skin, so those are best avoided. When selecting a bronzed polish, look for hues with a pink, peach, or champagne base for a natural, luminous look.
Some great bronzed shades for fair skin include OPI’s Funny Bunny, a pale gold, Essie’s Penny Talk, a rose gold, and Orly’s Gilty Pleasure, a frosted beige nude. Applying a sheer bronzed topcoat like Essie’s As Gold As It Gets over a neutral pink or beige can also create a customized polished bronze for those with fair skin tones.
Nail Art Ideas
Bronze nail polish lends itself beautifully to creative nail art designs. Here are some stylish ways to incorporate bronze into nail art:
- Half moons in a contrasting color like white or black add visual interest to a bronze base. The half moon can be placed at the base or tip of the nail for different looks. 1
- Abstract bronze brush strokes over a nude base create an artistic, modern look. Use a striper brush and bronze polish to paint irregular squiggles and dots. 1
- A French manicure with negative space puts a fresh spin on the classic style. Paint your tips with bronze polish, leaving a gap between the tip and base for a reverse French effect. 1
With some creativity, bronze polish can elevate simple nail art into fashion-forward statement pieces. Let the metallic shades inspire you to get artistic with your manicure.
A Bronzed Glow All Summer Long
This summer, give your nails a sun-kissed look with on-trend bronzed manicures. As we’ve discussed, shades like metallic copper, bronze, and gold complement tanned skin beautifully. Popular pedicure pairings like bright oranges and corals make these metallic polishes truly pop. Whether you prefer a neutral brown for an understated elegance or a shimmery bronze to make a statement, a bronzed manicure is a perfect way to showcase sun-kissed skin. The dimensional, foil-like finishes of these polishes shine against a summer tan. With stylish metallic options for all skin tones and endless nail art possibilities, it’s easy to see why the bronzed nail trend shines each summer. After reading this guide, you’re sure to feel inspired to give your nails that perfect summertime glow.
