36 Best Nail Colors For Summer Manicures
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Summer is here and that will soon mean more manicures and pedicures in upcoming weeks. With these hotter months approaching, you might be feeling encouraged to play with different nail colors for summer: neons, pearly whites, or fiery oranges. You might even choose a shade that you’ve never picked before! Whatever your mood is, these nail colors may seem endless, but don't limit yourself.
If your nearby nail shop has a rainbow wall full of colors that seems overwhelming and a difficult place to start, have some extra fun with this list, and pick a color that will give you the biggest, warmest summer vibes yet!
So, What Are The Best Nail Colors For Summer?
Fashion trend experts explain that the best summer nail colors will be eye-catching hues, along with detailed and intricate nail designs. Also, it is okay if your nail colors offset your outfit. Your nails will only stand out more!
Eye-catching colors can be described as bright, vivid, and something that you won't want to take your eyes off of! Whether you're stepping out to treat yourself at a nearby spa or buying nail polish for an at-home manicure, these are the notable colors that should be at the top of your list this summer.
Cobalt Blue
Pick a blue nail color for summer to match the beaches you’ll be visiting this season! Even if you’re not taking a tropical vacation, your manicured hands will surely remind you of it. What is cobalt blue? It’s best described as a shade that is lighter than navy blue, but brighter than sky blue.
This bright, bold blue shade might not be the first color you think about putting on your nails for summer. However, it does makes a statement and looks great on almost any skin tone and—of course—when paired with any of your cute summer outfits. If you want to change it up, consider getting cobalt blue French tips for a more subtle, yet eye-catching nail design.
Image: H&M
Image: Ulta
Image: Ulta
Ripple Reflect
Essie
A lighter shade of the cobalt blue with a creamy finish. It is perfect to mix and match with!
Bright Red
There is something about a bright red pedicure that makes any outfit look more put together (And yes, hot!). Whatever that looks or feels like to you, bright red nails are timeless, sexy, and empowering—three words to describe the ultimate hot girl summer. In fact, there are almost too many reasons why a red manicure or pedicure is the perfect go-to look for the hottest months of the year!
Image: Ulta
Cajun Shrimp
OPI
A spicy bright red polish that goes on smooth and is your next best color for summer.
Image: Nordstrom
Image: Sephora
Pretty Shimmers
Looking for a new summer nail trend? Try experimenting with colorful, shimmery nail polishes. Also described as micro-shimmers, these polishes are a standout combination of metallic tones mixed with small specks of glitter—the exact formula for your next favorite summer nail polish. Pick from silvers, rainbows, or cool purples to be extra shimmery this summer, literally from head to toe!
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular colors of the year in the fashion world and that certainly includes on your nails, too. The light purple (also often called lilac) is a tasteful color that looks good on all skin tones, and is quickly becoming a staple throughout fashion, whether it’s on summer dresses, tops, hair accessories, statement jewelry, or makeup.
When it comes to your nails, try choosing a variety of shades—some that might be more on the purple side or those that even have a hint of gray. Either way, you can’t go wrong with choosing a pretty pastel this summer for your nails. Why not also consider buying a lavender bikini to have a full monochromatic look for your next tropical vacation?
Image: Amazon
Image: Ulta
Graffiti Sweetie
OPI
A lavender shade that’s mixed with a gray hue for a subtle purple manicure or pedicure.
Image: Ulta
Chartreuse
This might be the boldest summer nail color on this list, but that gives us even more of a reason to try this shade. Chartreuse is a color that is reminiscent of a tasty mojito (with lots of mint leaves) or maybe even a bright green apple. Either way, the distinct green-yellow mix is a perfect way to give some edge to any one of your summer looks, especially if you prefer to wear more neutral colors. Whites, beiges, and blacks make the perfect background for this cute nail color!
Image: Ulta
Image: Ulta
Image: Ulta
Electric-Lime Neon
Sally Hansen
A neon green nail polish that is so eye-catching, you’ll use it more than once this year!
Jelly Orange
Jelly nails are becoming popular for their translucent look and water-like texture, and this bright orange color screams summer nails and sun-filled vacations! Pick a hue with vibes like Florida oranges or a lighter orange creamsicle. For darker skin tones, the brighter the better, while the more pastel shades will stand out against lighter skin. You’ll feel extra ready for summer with these nails.
Image: Nordstrom
Image: Ulta
Orange Knockout
China Glaze
A creamy orange that will make your fingers and toes stand out in the best way.
Image: Nordstrom
Black Accents
Want to create a fun nail design for your summer nails? Consider adding black accents to a colorful manicure. Pair it with all-white nails or even on top of a neon-colored set. You can find all types of designs, such as black French tips on select fingers, clean black stripes, or even a cool checkered look. However, if you don't want to try any designs, you can’t go wrong with an all-black manicure. It will match any colorful outfit you wear during these warmer months.
Image: Target
Image: Ulta
Image: Ulta
Licorice
Essie
A glittery change-up to the traditional black and perfect to accent any summer manicures!
Bubblegum Pink
Pink has always been a go-to color for some of the prettiest manicures, but this summer choose bubblegum pink. This nail color is vivid and will highlight your sun-kissed hands. Along with classic bubble gum, this pink is reminiscent of a tropical hibiscus or maybe even your favorite strawberry ice cream. Some people even describe it as “Barbie” pink. Wherever you see this pretty shade of pink, make sure you see it on your painted nails and toes! Also, if you’re looking for a fun and unique nail design, consider trying a pink gradient manicure by choosing different pink shades for each finger or alternating between two different pink hues.
Image: H&M
Image: Ulta
Image: Ulta
Chocolate Brown
If brights and neons don’t match your vibes, choosing a cool chocolate or warm shade of brown will still be a stylish option with a subtle pop! Consider white or colored accents, like swirls or stripes, to enhance the manicure. Another summer nail design option is to mix and match the brown with lighter shades, such as beige and off-white.
Image: Nordstrom
Image: Ulta
Image: Ulta
Vivid Green
Chartreuse isn’t the only green nail polish on our list. This bold color, also known as acid green, has become more popular than ever this year—just check TikTok. Closer to emerald green (think: the long leaves of a tropical palm tree), it’s an entirely different shade from chartreuse and also more of a neutral color than you might think. If you are second-guessing if this is the color for you, we say it’s worth a try! Consider it for a fun music festival or as an easy way to brighten up any cute outfits in these coming months.
Image: Ulta
Image: Sephora
Image: Ulta
Nudes
You really can’t go wrong with choosing a nude nail polish—summer or not. However, picking the right shade for your skin tone is the tricky part. You can choose between neutral or nude nail polishes with pink or brown undertones to complement your skin or your summer looks. They are also ideal for any summer weddings or special work events you may have this season as they’re always effortlessly classy.
Image: Ulta
Image: Ulta
Image: Sephora
Golden Girls
If you’re looking for a metallic nail color, go for gold! This ultra-bright and brilliant color is perfect for summer. Usually, when people think of gold and silver polishes, they are only thinking about the winter season, but a gold set of nails will add the shine you didn’t know you needed to your next manicure. Think of it as matching the bright sun! A pair of bold sunglasses will be the best accessory alongside your shining nails. Consider picking gold for your next luxurious summer getaway!
Image: Ulta
Image: Ulta
Metallic Gold
Sally Hansen
When you just want a touch of gold, this top coat creates a cool foil nail design.
Image: Ulta
