My nail art preferences are as basic as basic can be: a heart here, a flower there. Maybe a geometric design if I’m feeling really wild. Never did I ever think I’d legitimately contemplate getting a worm design on my pointer finger. Yet, Kylie Jenner and celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt have somehow managed to make insect nail art—dare I say—the most appealing summer nail trend.
Allow me to set the scene: Jenner has medium-length, almond-shaped nails. They're pretty standard. But she puts a "summer garden" twist on each of her French tips, attaching a little backyard bug to the half-moon shape. Some critters are cutesy and to be expected for a summer manicure. There’s an innocent bumble bee, a ladybug, even a pretty blue butterfly. But Kylie’s personal “favorite” is a “little worm,” which is accompanied by a snail and an ant. The Sprinter founder even has a beetle intricately drawn onto her nail.
While the insect nail art is undoubtedly the primary focus here, the backdrop on which they’ve been drawn indicates a huge summer nail trend. Neon French manicures are about to be everywhere.
“I think of the French manicure as the nail design gift that keeps on giving—it’s nail art’s immortality,” celebrity nail artist Miss Pop previously told Marie Claire while discussing summer 2024 nail trends. “No matter what you do with it, it’s not obtuse. It’s easy to understand. We all expect to see a highlighted nail tip.”
According to Cardi B’s longtime nail artist Jenny Bui, “Neon color is making a comeback—especially this summer.” Take a cue from Jenner and opt for a bright yellow, or swipe on a pink, blue, green, or orange of your choice. It’s all about experimentation.
Shop everything you need to recreate Jenner’s unexpectedly chic nails (including little insect stickers for those who can’t DIY little critters), ahead.
