Surprisingly, there is a lot to think about when it comes to summer nail colors. What is summer wedding guest nail color etiquette, or the best nail colors that will give your hands that glowy tan? And how does color analysis factor in all of this?
As we hit vacation mode, we say: throw out the rule book—anything goes. Summertime, after all, is meant for adventures. From tangy tangerine to bold cobalt blues and electric purples, the most vibrant nail polishes for summer go with pretty much anything. Below are 15 summer nail colors that the pros predict will be hot as the temps start to rise. Read on to learn more.
Key Takeways
- Tangy tangerine, Bottega green, and electric purple are a few of the 15 summer nail colors pros predict will be big.
- The key to protecting your mani from chlorine and sun is a good base coat and top coat.
Tangy Tangerine
A bold and classic shade for this summer, tangerine is one of celebrity nail artist Yoko Sakakura’s top picks. “[It’s] bright and fun for summer,” says Sakakura. She recommends something like OPI’s Your Zestination Awaits. We also like Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel in 33 Orange Boite for that bright orange or Manicurist’s Tangerine, which is aptly named and is the prettiest soft pastel orange.
Bottega Green
A favorite of celebrity nail artist Brittney Boyce, Bottega green is a blissful shade (and who isn’t happy when they see the brand’s signature color?). “I love it on a short, square natural nail for something clean and cool,” Boyce says. “Or as a French tip on a longer extension when I want a little more edge.”
She recommends something like Manicurist’s Brazil to get that rich, neon hue. We also like JinSOON’s Palma if you’re looking for something with a darker tint or Essie’s Feelin Just Lime.
Electric Purple
A pick from celebrity nail artist Sonya Meesh, an electric purple is an unexpected summer shade that just works. “[It’s] an excellent choice for a bold pop of color,” Meesh says. “I feel as though people lean towards a bright orange as their summer pop of color, but this purple glow in a similar, but more striking way.”
They recommend shades like OPI’s Glowing’ On Vacay or Dazzle Dry’s Epiphany to get this stunning shade.
Butter Yellow
Butter yellow continues its reign as a staple shade. Sakakura loves it for summer because the soft yellow color is seasonal, but still a neutral that works for every occasion. She recommends a shade like OPI’s Sunny Bunny. We also love The Gel Bottle’s Queen Bee or Chanel’s Le Vernis in 129 Ovni for that pretty yellow pastel.
Bold Cobalt
Boyce loves a cobalt blue so much that she got a polish named after her: Orly’s It’s Brittney, Beach.“When I first suggested the color, they thought I was crazy,” she says. “But it ended up becoming one of their best-selling shades.” For summer, it’s a striking shade that’s just pure fun. Try something like Chillhouse’s Cobalt Klein or Aprés Nails Gel Couleur in Fanta Sea.
Chocolate Brown
A favorite of Meesh’s (“[It’s] what I’m wearing on my toes,” they say), a chocolate brown is perfect for anyone who wants to lean into darker tones but go all the way into classic winter colors. “This is a perfect alternative to black,” they say. They recommend shades like Kure Bazaar’s Ganache or Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel in Brun Bistre.
Tomato Red
Are we gearing up for another tomato girl summer? According to celebrity nail artist and founder of her eponymous nail polish brand Jin Soon Choi, we just might be. “I adore the hot orange-red shade with a translucent finish,” Choi says. “It’s vibrant and lively, capturing the essence of summer like anything else.” We also like the Hermès Les Mains Nail Polish in Orange Poppy or the Dazzle Dry in Red Hot Chili for a very bright red with orange tint, or the Addiction Tokyo The Nail Polish in Tokyo Vibe for a deeper shade.
Latte Beige
For mani minimalists, neutral nails will be your north star. Celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein loves the Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour Légende, which she describes as a “latte beige,” with its rich, creamy tan color that will go with any look. If you want something a bit deeper with warm undertones, we like the Olive & June Long Lasting Polish in Caramel Budino. For something cooler or more neutral, try the Dior Vernis Gel Shine Long Wear Nail Lacquer in 402 Cashmere or the Côte No. 122 Caramel Clay Brown Nail Polish.
Yellow Taxi
Fellow New Yorkers know how magical the city can be in the summertime, and what better way to evoke the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple than with the iconic taxi cab yellow. “This refreshing hue adds a playful yet chic element, perfectly reflecting the contemporary style,” says Choi. “[It] demonstrates a keen understanding of the pulse of New York fashion, injecting a burst of energy into the fashion landscape. I adore it as a bold statement.” You can get this exact shade using JINSoon’s Tweety or opt for something similar, like Londontown Lakur in Mango and the Hermès Les Mains Nail Polish in Jaune Impérial. We also like the Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish in Yellow, which is a deep mustard shade that’s super pretty.
Capri Blue
Are we expecting another Italian summer? Celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen thinks so—and there's no more perfect manicure than Capri Blue to match the moment. Aptly named, it is described as a “bright blue hue reminiscent of the azure colored waters of the blue grotto.” We like Nails Inc.’s Seabright Street Neon Light Nail Polish and Zoya’s in Breezi for a very bright blue, or Essie’s Offbeat Chic and Aprés Nail in Posei Donna for that ocean-like feel.
Silver Chrome
Who says silver shimmer is only a winter shade? Choi argues that it makes for a great summer mani. “Silver chrome and silver [shimmer] bring chicness and a modern look to your nails, especially when paired with pastel colors and vibrant shades for nail art,” she says. “[It] creates a great summer ensemble.” She recommends using something like JINsoon Halo, which is a sheer silver with a glitter finish. You can also use Nail Inc.’s Wherever I May Chrome and OPI’s Go Big or Go Chrome for a more shimmery metallic look or Sally Hansen’s Color Foil to get that chrome effect.
Montecito Mani
Taking a cue from Megan Markle herself, celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec says the Vogue-coined “Montecito Manicure” will be the summer neutral we’ll all be wearing in the coming months. Per her ShopMy, Sussex layers two glossy white pink shades: CND’s Vinylux Satin Slipper and Romantique. You can also opt for classic white-pink shades like Essie’s Ballet Slippers and Chanel’s Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Ballerina to get a similar color combo.
Lilac Jelly
Korean jelly nails are having a moment this spring, and Kandalec is predicting they will continue to be big well into the summer season. Any color goes well with the translucent, juicy look of these nails, she suggests something like a pretty pastel lilac (a la Hailey Bieber at this year’s Coachella) for your summer nail look.
The best way to get jelly nails at home is to use Korean gel polish, like the GAOY Jelly Gel Nail Polish Kit. But you can also opt for a top coat that will help get you that translucent effect, like the O.P.I. Gel Plump Effect, when you mix it with your main base color.
Pistachio Green
Bright and happy, Kandalec says pistachio green is the perfect summer nail color to get you in the right mood for all your warm-weather adventures. “[It’s] a really fun shade that's a bit unexpected yet fresh,” she says. She recommends a shade like Light Lacquer’s Bikini Bottoms. We also like Manicurist Paris’s Pistachio Green, O.P.I.’s The Pass Is Always Greener, or Olive & June’s Corrigan to get that lovely bright pastel green shade.
Aqua Shimmer
With its shimmer and velvet-like finish, the cat-eye nail has always been a mesmerizing choice when you want to be bold with nails. Any shade works with this fun look, but we’re especially partial to a cool aqua blue. Kandalec recommends opting for something like Olive & June’s Aqua Velvet. You can also try something like Londontown’s Whipped Blueberry, Deborah Lippmman’s Gel Like Treatment in Galaxy Far Far Away, or Essie’s Nail Art Studio Special Effects Nail Polish in Mystic Marine.
How do you prevent nail polish from fading in chlorine and the sun?
Beauty-wise, nothing ruins your summer adventures quite like a fading mani. It all starts with a good base coat and top coat. As Boyce explains, chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, and UV exposure can all dull polish over time, so having a protective layer helps preserve color and shine.
“Preparation and protection make the biggest difference,” she says. “I always recommend using a quality base coat and sealing everything with a high-shine top coat, then reapplying the top coat every few days if you’re spending a lot of time swimming or in the sun.”
“I personally use the Dazzle Dry System Kit,” adds Meesh. “The Seche Vive Instant Gel Effect Top Coat is also great for protecting your mani from fading and staining.”
Another pro tip: Boyce says that wearing gloves while you do certain activities like cleaning and moisturizing your cuticles daily will also help your manicure last longer.
How do you apply bright summer colors without streaking?
There is an art to applying bright summer shades. First, Boyce says to start with a smooth base. “I always recommend applying a good base coat,” she says. “One of my favorites is the Orly Bonder Basecoat.”
Next, Sakakura says to make sure your polish of choice has a good consistency. “Not too thin or thick,” she says. “I will test on paper if it’s too thin [or] apply a few drops of thinner if it’s too thick.”
She recommends dipping enough paint on the brush and brushing any excess at the neck of the bottle before applying any color to your nail. Then start at the middle of the nail, going up from the cuticle to the finger tip before applying color to each side of the nail. Boyce says to do this in two to three thin coats for even coverage and seal it with a top coat.
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