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32 Perfect Nail Polish Colors When You Just Can’t Decide

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Ever since high school, I’ve been a fan of going to the nail shop and treating myself to manicures or pedicures. It was always a treat and how I like to practice self-care for myself. However, I take close to FOR-EVER to pick out a color.

I’m the customer staring at the plethora of colors, picking up a bottle one by one to see if it matches my skin tone, or I’m sitting in the massage chair with a stack of binders looking at every page of nail polish shades. If you’re like me, this list is for you.

To make another decision in your life a little easier, I’ve rounded up nail colors that are perfect to wear during any season, are versatile for any event, and are flattering on all skin tones!

From looking at the fancy manicures of our favorite celebrities, reviewing recommendations by beauty experts, and plain personal experience, each of these colors can become your “best friend of nail colors,” - reliable, always there for you, and makes you feel good! Frankly, this list of best nail colors will have your go-to shade that will never go out of style.

8 Best Nail Colors That Look Great All Year Long

Funny Bunny (Soft White)

Funny Bunny is the iconic soft white that celebrities, influencers, and almost everyone on the planet knows about. (I am a huge fan myself.) It’s much more flattering than a bright, flat white, and it matches any outfit of any day. So, when you’re not sure what color to choose at the nail shop, a soft white like everyone’s favorite little bunny will be a guaranteed pretty and flattering look! There are other variations of this pale white to try out, too!

Our Picks:

Image: Ulta

Funny Bunny

OPI

We made it easier for you to buy your bottle of Funny Bunny with one click! Bring it to the nail shop or do some touch-ups at home! 


Image: Target

Unapologetic Icon

Essie

A soft white with a tint of pink that adds a cute, feminine touch. 


Image: Nordstrom

Insomniaque

Chanel

A bold luxury brand white to consider for your at-home manicure rotation!


Image: Ulta

Daily Grind

Essie

A quick-drying off-white shade that’s not quite as sheer as Funny Bunny!

Cherry Red

An extra bright red is one of the best nail colors to wear any time of the year. You may think it’s only suitable for Valentine’s Day or during the holidays, but think again.

Year-round, you’ll see top celebrities wearing red, like Beyonce, Kendall Jenner, Taylor Swift, and even Rihanna, the FENTY queen who effortlessly rocks this shade from head to toe. (And we mean literally, from her Stunna Lip Stick, to an almond-shaped manicure, to a sexy red pedicure with flirty, high heels.) Whether it’s a silky finish or a shinier, more metallic look, we’re lucky to do the same with any of the nail shades below!

Our Picks:

Image: Ulta

Tanya

ZOYA

Sweet–like candy–this is the classic cherry red nail color we all love. This polish is also 10-free, which is both safer and kinder for your nails! 


Image: Ulta

Cajun Shrimp

OPI

If you’re loyal to OPI, this is the bright red for you.


Image: Amazon

Red Red

Wet n Wild

Super affordable and perfect to bring on the go for trips and unfortunate chipping! 


Image: Nordstrom

Goldie Red

Gucci

An absolutely beautiful and extra-chic red nail polish from a top luxury brand.

Black

I am a strong believer that everyone looks good in black. From cool leather jackets, to chunky combat boots, or your go-to leather handbag–all look great in black, just like your next manicure. Wearing the deep color on your nails is not a bad fashion companion either, since it will undoubtedly match all of your looks and pair well with any jewelry that you wear daily.

If you’re thinking that all-black nails are meant to only be worn during the colder months or the spooky season, now is the time to reconsider! When you’re stuck on what color to choose for your next manicure, black nails will always be a guaranteed effortlessly cool option.

Our Picks:

Image: Ulta

Black Onyx

OPI

A classic black by one of the top nail polish brands out there! 


Image: Ulta

Powerslide

SALLY HANSEN

A quick-drying black nail polish that gives a shiny finish at an affordable price.


Image: Sephora

Black Lace

Sephora Collection

Another mini nail polish to keep with you on the go! 


Image: Nordstrom

Crystal Black

Gucci

A brilliant and intensely high-gloss black nail polish that delivers long-lasting shine.

Baby Pink

This is my favorite on the list and maybe my go-to color when I really can’t decide at my nail shop! While pink is naturally more feminine–and maybe a little flirty–these vibes are perfect to have any time of the year. The soft pink can also be a lot more flattering than other pinks, which may often be too bright or dramatic for some. We love all shades of pink, but the more delicate hue looks elegant on anyone!

Our Picks:

Image: Ulta

Let Nature Take Its Quartz

OPI

My favorite baby pink by OPI, it’s flattering for every skin tone, too.


Image: Ulta

Ballet Slippers

ESSIE

An extra pale pink that will look great if you have cooler undertones. 


Image: Amazon

Tickled Pink

Wet N Wild

A traditional pink nail polish that you may find irresistible.


Image: Amazon

Coy

Revlon

Play coy with this flirty pink by Revlon!

Nude

You probably guessed this one, but an all-natural look will never go out of style. However, finding a nude shade that matches your skin tone is…well, actually pretty tricky. Since you want your nails to be highlighted (and not fade into your actual skin), pick a nude hue with warm undertones to brighten up your hands and prevent an unflattering manicure. Once you find your perfect nude nail color, it’s like finding gold!

Our Picks:

Image: Ulta

Mia

ZOYA

A dusty pink nude that complements warmer undertones! 


Image: Amazon

Re-Nude

Sally Hansen

Oil-infused nail polish in this creamy, nude finish for a refined and clean manicure. 


Image: Ulta

Bubble Bath

OPI

Made famous by Kim Kardashian, for years she has raved that this is her ultimate go-to nude nail color.


Image: Nordstrom

Annabel Rose

Gucci

A beige for cool undertones to wear during all four seasons.

Burgundy

Yes, this is an extension of red, but in a darker, more sultry shade. From experience, I’ve seen this color on so many people, and I feel it is a beautiful color for anyone! While it is typically worn throughout the fall and holiday seasons, that shouldn’t stop you from choosing it as a go-to shade throughout the year.

It’s both chic and professional, while also giving off sophisticated vibes, too. It is lovely for a first date, for the office, and even has a cute way of matching your favorite glass of red wine!

Our Picks:

Image: Target

Put In The Patchwork

Essie

We love the vegan formula of this bold burgundy by Essie.


Image: Target

Cassis

Le Mini Macaron

A 3-in-1 nail polish that includes a base coat, color, and top coat for an outstanding deep red color. 


Image: Ulta

Big Sagittarius Energy

OPI

A shiny, pearly burgundy for some extra razzle-dazzle!


Image: Ulta

Courtney

Zoya

This burgundy nail polish is deep, dark, and a little sexy!

Navy Blue

Blue is a universally flattering color–think of denim, right? So, finding the most flattering shade of dark blue will be another color that you can add to your manicure rotation. You may feel that this nail color is a bit of a toss-up, but if black is too harsh for your taste, choosing a dark ocean blue can be just as pretty.

Navy blue nails have a way of matching just about anyone’s style and will look great all year long. To spice up this look even more, consider adding a sheer layer of gold glitter or a muted matte top coat.

Our Picks:

Image: Target

Midnight Drive

Sally Hansen

The fastest-drying blue nail polish on the list, this muted navy blue is perfect for everyday looks. 


Image: Ulta

Aquarius Renegade

OPI

Like a starry night sky, this glittery dark blue will brighten up your nails perfectly! 


Image: Nordstrom

Bleu Encre

Hermes

When you know you love this nail color, this luxury brand is always a posh and exquisite dark blue manicure.


Image: Amazon

Left on Shred

Essie

Paint two coats of this deep sea blue for a cool and long-lasting nail look.

French Tips

An easy and elegant nail design that has been around for decades, some may say that French tips are boring, but they are simple, classic, and pair seamlessly with anyone’s style, at any age. It is a manicure that is appropriate for all occasions, too! If you want to add a little spice, consider trying a different color on your nail tips. (We suggest black or any metallic shade for a more sparkly look!)

Our Picks:

Image: Ulta

Leia

ZOYA

An effervescent white that will give your nails a beautiful pop of color! 


Image: Ulta

Hi Maintenance

Essie

This off-white nail polish with tints of pink makes a solid base coat to your French tips, whether at the nail shop or at home!


Image: Ulta

French Press On Nails

OPI x xPRESS/ON

If you’re looking for length and to save some time, try these easy French tip press-ons! 


Image: Ulta

Le Frenchie French Manicure Set

Le Mini Macaron

The cutest French tip manicure set that is perfect to do at home or even give as a gift!

We created this list to make your trips to the nail shop a little easier! I regularly get my nails done as a self-care ritual and I always feel better afterward, especially when I choose the right color. Find your most reliable nail color this year–one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. We are confident it’s on this list!