36 Best Nail Colors Perfect For A Summer Manicure
This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, we may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement.
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
Incendiare
Chanel
The perfect red nail polish to pair with a matching red lip for a classic, timeless look.
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 yellows, rainbow, or cool purples to be extra shimmery this summer, literally from head to toe!
Image: Ulta
Image: Ulta
Image: Ulta
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: Ulta
Image: Ulta
Graffiti Sweetie
OPI
A lavender shade that’s mixed with a gray hue for a subtle purple manicure or pedicure.
Image: Nordstrom
Turquoise
Turquoise is the seamless mix of dark blue and green, reminding you of deep island waters. (Or maybe you think of mermaids, or is that just me?) Whatever the cool color reminds you of, consider choosing it for your next nail color this summer. Especially if you like to keep your outfits neutral, this summer nail shade will make your whole ensemble pop.
Image: Ulta
Image: Ulta
In The Cab-ana
Essie
Wherever you are this summer, this pretty turquoise will be flattering from head to toe.
Image: Ulta
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
Baby Blue
As I went down my own TikTok rabbit hole, I saw that baby blue is becoming a summer favorite—bathing suits, rings, earrings, and other fashion accessories, you name it. But, let’s be honest, manicures and pedicures are an understated fashion accessory, especially during a hot girl summer. Baby blue is a color that matches everything and is flattering on many skin tones. Without a doubt, it will be in my nail color repertoire these next few months.
Image: Target
Raindrop Expectations
OPI
As an extra-light shade of blue, it’s also extra versatile to wear on your nails any day this summer!
Image: Ulta
Image: Nordstrom
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: Ulta
Image: Ulta
Image: Nordstrom
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: Ulta
Image: Nordstrom
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
Mia
Zoya
A dusty mauve with just a touch of pink creates a universal nail color that will look great on anyone!
Image: Nordstrom
White Silk
Chanel
A silky nude that will make your nails look like they have their natural, healthy shine.
Image: Nordstrom
Cheerio
Londontown
Another vegan and cruelty-free luxury polish, but in a jelly-like finish that you can wear during all four seasons.
Silver & Gold
Wear metallics on your nails like an extra piece of jewelry! Whether you prefer silver or gold, now is the time to pick your favorite way to shine. While many people think that gold and silver polishes are only for the winter, a metallic set of nails will add the extra glow that you didn’t know that you were looking for—think of it as being as bright as the summer sun. With a set of shiny silver or gold nails, the only summer accessory you’ll need is a pair of bold sunglasses!
Image: Ulta
Image: Ulta
Happy Anniversary!
OPI
A light silver that is great to mix and match with this summer (and into the holidays)!
Image: Amazon
