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10 Best Summer Nail Colors You'll Never Get Tired Of
Are we truly over chrome?
Warmer months tend to be the most exciting. As the winter blues fade, our joy for the impending sunny seasons is best reflected through our beauty choices—from breathable tinted moisturizers replacing full-coverage foundations, woodsy perfumes getting the boot by fruity summer scents, and sunscreens providing the ultimate summer radiance. However, nails are where we have the most fun.
It all starts with one question: What nail color do I wear that complements any outfit, fits the vibrance of the season, and won't leave me repulsed after a week or two? According to Jan Arnold, co-founder and style director of CND, those looking for new summer nail colors to try should stay away from deeper nail shades.
“Say no to dark or heavy colors, like solid black, navy, and red nails as they’re too ominous this time of year. Lean into the mystical and sensorial shades—think clean and whimsical,” she tells ELLE.com. To take it up a notch, Arnold suggests opting for designs as “a fun way to show off your personality” and “evoke tranquility, positivity, and confidence, all the while accenting your fresh and colorful wardrobes for this sunny season.”
Our top picks for the best summer nail colors of 2023
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Try your hand at these 10 vibrant summer nail colors that'll take you from poolside sipping to tropical vacations and everywhere in between. We consulted CND's nail expert to find the 10 best summer nail colors to try this season.
OPI Silicon Valley Girl
OPI Silicon Valley Girl
Orange nail shades are for those who don't mind being seen. This tone of orange is reminiscent of a juicy tangerine and has a creamy finish that's not too glossy or matte. This polish can last up to a week with proper application and care.
JINSoon Daisy
Party the night (or day) away with a burst of colorful confetti at your fingertips. Skip the tedious design process and reach for Daisy, which deposits an array of colorful confetti with just one swipe.
CND Keep An Opal Mind
Are you a fan of disco ball nails? Maybe you've been dying to try the Hailey Bieber glazed donut trend. This shade from CND gives you major glossiness and a chrome-like finish without the added steps. Cure the polish with a UV lamp and be on your merry way.
Gucci Glossy Nail Polish — 712 Melinda Green
Gucci Glossy Nail Polish — 712 Melinda Green
Green is the color of abundance, refreshment, and peace. This green shade evokes images of limey margaritas and fresh grass, aka my vibe for the upcoming summer season.
essie Expressie — Buns Up
essie Expressie — Buns Up
A nude manicure is the perfect accessory to any outfit and occasion this summer. The muted tone doesn't steal the shine from your overall look and is flattering on all skin tones. Essie's Buns Up has a quick-dry formula busybees looking to switch things up between soirees.
ZOYA Nail Polish — Darcy
What better than being the sunshine in the summertime? How about a zesty yellow shade that brings the sunshine wherever you go? Zoya's Darcy polish is basically happiness in a bottle, from its sunny hue to its 10-free formula that doesn't damage or irritate your nails.
Tenoverten Riverside
Tenoverten's Riverside is the only summer blues you should have this season. The polish goes on sheer but can be intensified with layers without the polish looking cakey or bubbly.
Hermes Paris Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel, Rose Indien
Hermes Paris Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel, Rose Indien
Try this stunning hot pink hue from Hermes, which deposits rich color with one stroke using its large, rounded brush applicator.
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color — La Vie En Rose/Shimmer
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color — La Vie En Rose/Shimmer
White toes for the summer are a no-brainer. This gel formula enforces a no-chip policy that offers a long-lasting, salon-quality pedicure that's as strong as gel but not nearly as damaging.
beetles Gel Polish Gel Nail Polish — Poppy Pink
This hot pink shade isn't for the faint of heart. Channel your inner Legally Blonde main character energy with Poppy Pink from Beetles' bestselling gel polish line. Although you'll have to get your own UV/LED lamp to cure, the polish is long-lasting and soaks off easily to reduce damage from nail drills.
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