French tip nails just got a zingy and very stylish makeover for summer

Lemon yellow is the hue set to grace everyone's nail tips this season - offering yet *another* twist on the timeless French manicure...

A close up of a hand with a lemon half-moon manicure by nail artist @gel.bymegn to demonstrate a stylish alternative to lemon French tip nails/ in a pink watercolour paint-style template
(Image credit: @gel.bymegan)

Summer is the season of citrus, from the scents we wear to the drinks we sip and these lemon French tip nails are bringing that same zingy premise to our talons...

French tip nails have been the go-to 2024 nail trend for months now, with what feels like endless iterations springing up almost weekly. In spring alone, we saw the likes of pink French tip nails trend along with other creamy pastels but summer it seems, promises a slightly sunnier look. Though perhaps the word juicer is the more apt as - off the back of 'Butter' nails - lemon French tips are the latest, must-have variation.

The look offers the perfect pop of subtle, summery colour and is already proving to be a favourite of nail artists and clients alike, so naturally, we're keen to add the hue to our own manicure rotation...

Lemon French tip nails are the sunny look we're seeing everywhere

Offering a surprisingly soft touch of colour to your look, lemon yellow is one shade we'll be seeing adorn many a French tip in the months to come.

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A photo posted by saskiafenwick on

As the name suggests, the pale colour mimics that of a lemon's skin and offers a slight and similarly understated variation on classic white tips - but of course, with an added lemony glow. The design is simple and ideal for minimalistic nail lovers and trend-chasers alike - not to mention it can be adapted to suit every nail shape, from squoval to elegant almond nails.

Our lemon French tip staples

So, if you're looking for a summer nail design that captures the essence of the season, whilst still remaining fairly low-key, these pale yellow French tip nails might be the ultimate solution. And to that end, we've rounded up a few, perfectly lemony nail polishes to recreate the look at home.

While pale yellow is the current go-to, one thing that never goes out of style is nailcare - so be sure to invest in one of the best nail strengtheners and top your new French mani with a drop or two of cuticle oil, to nourish the skin around your nailbed.

4 ways to wear a lemon yellow French tip

So, if you're feeling partial to these zingy yellow French tips, here are four ways we recommend wearing them...

1. Almond lemon French tips

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A photo posted by harrietwestmoreland on

If you're a lover of BIAB nails, lemon yellow tips perfectly compliment a cool-toned pink or pink-nude base colour, the likes of which are typically the core colours builder-in-a-bottle is available in. This means you can opt for a strong and long-wearing nail treatment alongside your summery pale yellow tips.

2. Short lemon French tips

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A photo posted by gelsbyfliss on

If you have short or square nails, this lemony hue will also work perfectly for more of a micro or short French tip nail look. This colour just adds a subtle hint of colour to the ends of your nails, without stealing focus from the rest of your attire.

3. Glazed lemon French tips

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A photo posted by staceymachin on

If you're looking to elevate this manicure further, why not add a sheer, pearlescent chrome overtop? This 'lemon glaze' combination would be perfect for an occasion look or perhaps as a way to just change up your current lemon tips, mid-season.

4. Lemon half moons

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A photo posted by gel.bymegan on

And in-case you're tired of French tip variations, this lemony hue also lends itself perfectly to a half-moon manicure - the pairing of which adds the perfect dose of modern-chic to your look.

Naomi Jamieson
Digital Beauty Writer

Naomi is a Digital Beauty Writer from woman&home, where she covers everything from skincare to fragrance but specialises, particularly, in makeup and nail trends. Through her work, Naomi gets to share her trend expertise and share her own shopping recommendations and product reviews. Previously, she worked as a Lifestyle News Writer for My Imperfect Life magazine, where she used her savvy for TikTok to bring readers the latest beauty buzzwords, fashion movements and must-have products. 

Before that, Naomi split her time between both GoodTo and My Imperfect Life, whilst training for her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ, for which she earned a Distinction. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied illustration at Plymouth University but leapt into the media world in 2020, after always having a passion for writing. Now, when she isn’t reporting on the best perfumes and latest beauty releases, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping...