Nailed it

45 Nail Polishes to Get You Through the Summer

Even on those scorching, 100-degree-plus days when your look can best be described as least-amount-of-clothing-possible with a side of frizz, you can keep your cool with two things: a good manicure and a good pedicure (OK, and maybe also a braid). Here, the 30 nail colors you need to look polished all summer long.

By Stephanie Saltzman

May 27, 2017

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent, Essie, Sally Hansen, Dior, Jenna Hipp, NCLA, Deborah Lippmann, Chanel, Essie, Marc Jacobs, Maybelline, David Cook, Courtesy of Formula X, Tom Ford, Lancôme, OPI, Sally Hansen, David Cook, Courtesy of Formula X, RGB, Chanel, Dior, Jinsoon, M.A.C., Sonia Kashuk, Orly, Nails, Inc., Sally Hansen, Essie, Smith & Cult, CND

1/45
Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Coral Beach
It's a not-too-bright coral-y peach that's equal parts sexy and sweet—and it practically begs to be worn to the shore.
2/45
Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Bleu Celadon
This cool, creamy aqua is like an oasis in nail polish form. Another bonus: It looks amazing against (safely) bronzed skin.

3/45
Essie Nail Polish in Haute in the Heat
A bold magenta sounds like it has the potential to be girlie overkill. But this one is so saturated and intense, it's like the moody tomboy sister of most standard pink polishes. It's also a perfect pedicure shade.
4/45
Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Polish in Water Orchid
The pastel lavender contrasts beautifully with dark skin, but it also makes a pretty neutral for fair and medium complexions. Plus, the smooth formula is fully opaque in two coats, so there's nothing streaky about it.

5/45
Dior Nail Polish in Yacht
Greige gets a summery update with white undertones, resulting in a sandy hue that's subtle and sophisticated enough to wear while sipping rosé on a yacht. (Actual boat not included.)
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6/45
Jenna Hipp Nail Polish in Better Slate Than Never
Dusky gray-tinged violet for summer? Yep. So moody and unexpected, it works.

AVAILABLE FROM MID-JUNE 2014
7/45
Ncla Nail Wraps in House of Hollywood No. 1
This mixed-print set of nail wraps in orange, pink, yellow, and purple combines the cool factor of a summer music festival with the palette of a sunset.
8/45
Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in She Drives Me Crazy
Something about this true teal shade says it's what a mermaid would choose for her summer manicure. If you happen to have feet instead of a tail, you can wear it for a pedicure, too.

9/45
Chanel Nail Polish in Eastern Light
There are few things that look as crisp and clean as a white manicure done well. The trick to getting it right? Use a formula like this one from Chanel. It's smooth, even, and just as ethereal as its name suggests.
10/45
Essie Nail Polish in Strut Your Stuff
A coat of this bright Caribbean blue, and you can practically feel the white sand between your toes.

11/45
Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer in Bark!
A standout from Jacobs's summer beauty collection (not to mention the designer's spring runway), this cocoa shade is flattering as a nude for dark skin tones or as a rich contrasting shade for pale ones.
12/45
Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish in Fierce N Tangy
Yellow nail polish can go very wrong very quickly, but this sunny shade is just plain fun. And just try to be unhappy while wearing it. Not possible.

13/45
Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Nail Polish in Cardhsark
This cotton-candy pink is anything but sweet. Two coats and the acid-bright shade looks exciting, gutsy, and proudly synthetic (in the best way possible).
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14/45
Formula X Electrics in Zip
It's a vivid fuchsia shade that's so electric, it's more '80s punk than My Little Pony.

15/45
Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Incandescent
We're suckers for almost anything rose gold (it's universally flattering no matter your skin tone), and this version contains shimmer so superfine it looks glimmery, not flashy.
16/45
Lancôme Vernis in Love in Marine Chic
This rich royal blue is unapologetically bold....and that's exactly why we love it. It's equally stunning on fingers and toes—just keep nails short (and be sure to use two coats to get the full effect).

17/45
Opi Nail Lacquer in Coca-Cola Red
As the name indicates, it has a classic, all-American vibe (manicure shade of choice for a 1957 trip to the drive-in, anyone?), but the orangey tones freshen it up, making it fun and youthful for 2014, too.
18/45
Sally Hansen Color Foil Nail Makeup in Liquid Gold
It's the closest you'll get to a true metallic finish outside of coating your nails with actual gold leaf.

19/45
L'Oréal Paris Nail Color in Skinny Jeans
This dreamy periwinkle is cute but not cutesy—and like a good pair of jeans, it goes with everything.
20/45
Formula X Liberty Top Coat
Do you know what you're wearing on the 4th of July? We do. Layer this red-, white-, and blue-speckled topcoat over another patriotic-colored polish or over bare nails for instant, foolproof nail art. Betsy Ross couldn't have designed it better herself.

21/45
Rgb Nail Polish in Bare
The subtlest polish to make the list, this sheer, subdued barely-there pink delivers a natural-nails-but-better look.
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22/45
Chanel Nail Polish in Orange Fizz
This vivid coral-orange hybrid is a beloved summer shade with good reason: It's cheerful, flattering, and wearable on fingers or toes, no matter your complexion. Plus, doesn't the name sound like a delicious summer cocktail?

23/45
Dior Nail Polish in Captain
This hot red polish looks rich—like lounging-on-your-private-island rich. The bright hue works on long and short nails, just make sure to file them into a clean squoval shape.
24/45
JINSoon Nail Polish in Kookie White
The longer you look at it, the better it gets: At first glance it looks like an eggshell shade. Then the gray undertones become more apparent, and it transforms into a superpale blue. Color us intrigued.

25/45
M.A.C. Alluring Aquatic Collection Nail Lacquer in Submerged
The water-droplet-covered bottle is cool; the iridescent polish inside is even cooler—shifting between blue, green, and purple depending on how it catches the light.
26/45
Sonia Kashuk Nail Colour in Breakfast at Tiffany's
Good as a movie. Good as a nail polish shade: It's a milky, minty green that reminds us of pistachio ice cream. Yum.

27/45
Orly Lacquer in Ablaze
It's so neon, it practically looks like you cracked open a glow stick and coated your nails with the stuff inside (for the record, we do not suggest actually doing that).
28/45
Nails Inc. Nail Polish in Marylebone Road
This bright, cheery green is as refreshing as a mojito. We recommend wearing it on fingers, not toes.

29/45
Sally Hansen Triple Shine Nail Polish in Jell-Ous?
Lime green not your thing? This sheer pink makes nails look healthy and shiny—not obviously polished.
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30/45
Essie Nail Polish in Clambake
If you see someone wearing the perfect orange-red polish, chances are good it's this classic summer shade.

31/45
Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer in Coral Crush
When in doubt, go for coral. It's a foolproof summer polish option that looks great on you, your mom, your best friend...
32/45
JINSoon Nail Lacquer in Mist
If bright and summery isn't really you, then you need this subtle, shimmery silver from JINSoon. Dust it on tips for a way cooler twist on the French manicure.

33/45
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Stargasm
The rose gold moment hasn't slowed down one bit. Match your nails to your phone, your barware, and your jewelry with Deborah Lippmann's coppery, rosy hue.
34/45
Zoya Nail Polish in Lois
A vibrant true purple is an inspired summer manicure choice. It's edgier than pink, but more chill than blue. Wear it to your next work happy hour.

35/45
Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish in Well Well Well
Nothing pops against a summertime tan quite like a bright white polish. Sally Hansen's shade Well Well Well is creamy and luxe, not chalky.
36/45
Smith & Cult Nail Polish in The Bee Side
This pale buttery yellow just looks like the summer sun, doesn't it? It'll cheer you up on grey, rainy days too.

37/45
OPI Nail Lacquer in Exotic Birds Don't Tweet
Hello, bold. Make a serious statement with bright yellow nails or toes. OPI's Exotic Birds Don't Tweet is a true, cheery Big Bird yellow, not too green or too orange.
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38/45
NCLA Los Angeles Nail Polish in Flower Child
Paint these cute little flowers over your manicure for your next music festival and channel your inner 60s rock goddess. Peace and love, man.

39/45
Christian Louboutin Nail Polish in Pluminette
Pink mani-pedis never go out of style, so go ahead and splurge on the ultimate: Christian Louboutin's perfect carnation pink. Fancy.
40/45
Essie Nail Polish in Blue La-La
Shall we compare this baby blue polish to a summer's day? That would be cliche, but it's true. Essie's Blue La-La looks just like a cloudless July sky.

41/45
China Glaze Nail Lacquer in I Truly Azure You
China Glaze's neon brights are legendary for their shocking color and impact. Go big and go blue with I Truly Azure You, a slightly shimmery bright, bright, BRIGHT swimming pool blue.
42/45
Yves Saint Laurent La Lacque Couture in Jungle Green
Acid green is a bold choice, sure, but the more we look at YSL's polish, the more we like it. It would be an unexpected choice with your prettiest floral sundress, but looks equally good with cutoffs and a tank.

43/45
Floss Gloss Pro Nail Lacquer in Palm
The name says it all. Floss Gloss's deep green Palm was made for summer, even if you don't live in L.A.
44/45
OPI Nail Lacquer in Me, Myselfie & I
A reddish-orange polish isn't basic. It's classic! Think Marilyn Monroe in her white swimsuit frolicking on the beach, then plopping down in a chaise lounge to sip on a Coca-Cola.