10 Expert-Approved Nail Colors To Try This Summer

“Brights are having a comeback, but I don’t think everyone is ready to go full neon,” says nail artist Caroline Cotten. “Bright-adjacent colors feel fresh and exciting yet palatable for the warmer weather.” She anticipates orange-red hues will gain momentum as temperatures rise. Manucurist’s Coral Reef is vibrant without verging into highlighter territory, and the formula is made using plant-based ingredients derived from corn, potato, cotton, sugarcane and yucca.

For a subtle wash of color, try a buildable jelly polish that delivers an ultra-glossy, translucent finish. Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec says this juicy grape shade from Essie is “perfect for year-round dark nail polish wearers.” The red-purple color has plenty of depth, but the sheer formula makes it feel light, bright and beach ready.

Butter yellow, a trend that took hold last year, is sticking around for another season. Nail artist Svitlana Motyl attributes the shade’s staying power to the fact that “it’s soft, versatile and complements a wide range of skin tones.” At the recent Hermès resort show in Los Angeles, the fashion house showcased head-to-toe yellow ensembles on the runway. When you consider the fact that this sunny polish is a fraction of the price of a full look (or a Birkin bag), it’s practically a bargain. 

Soft pink is another hue that’s popping up on the catwalk. (Look to runways of Tory Burch, Victoria Beckham, Alaïa and Balenciaga for proof.) This delicate color “continues to be a staple thanks to its timeless elegance and understated femininity,” says celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt. A sheer polish, like Birkenstock’s Light Rose, is fairly forgiving if you’re doing an at-home manicure. Add a second coat for more opacity and a clean look that pairs well with pretty much everything.

Nail artist Maryna Slynko is “seeing a strong demand for finishes that interact beautifully with light.” Chrome powder, which is typically buffed over gel polish and sealed with clear topcoat, is one way to achieve the high-shine look. Celebrity manicurist Erica De Los Santos likes to apply a soft pearl or white chrome over a vibrant color to create a “subtle glow that softens the brightness.” A pearly polish like Artisan from Dazzle Dry provides a similar glazed effect.

Magnetic polishes create mesmerizing results that never fail to photograph beautifully, says Kandalec, who is currently gravitating toward jade shades for the summer months. Mooncat makes it easy to DIY the multidimensional effect. Start by placing a magnetic wand at an angle beneath your fingertip, apply a coat of this polish laced with metallic pigments and wait 30 seconds to lock in the design. Repeat these steps until the color is opaque and finish with topcoat.

“Tiffany-inspired turquoise green” is gaining popularity this season and “brings a vibrant yet sophisticated pop of color to summer manicures,” says Motyl. Dip your toe into the trend and add a vacation-ready touch to any look with this aqua shade from Chanel that evokes the sparkling waters of the Côte d’Azur.

Statement-making colors typically dominate the nail conversation for summer, but neutral hues “will continue to be popular for clients seeking a clean, effortless aesthetic,” says De Los Santos. Hailey Bieber wore this sheer beige from OPI to the Met Gala and Sabrina Carpenter sported it on stage at the Grammy Awards. 

For a bold floral design on your fingertips, Ganzorigt, who recently created bedazzled daisies on Kylie Jenner’s nails, suggests starting with a neutral base that allows nail art to stand out. “If you’re hand-painting the flowers, use a fine detail brush or a dotting tool to build the petals slowly for better control,” she says. “For rhinestones, apply them with tweezers or a pencil.” Don’t have a steady hand? These nails from Olive & June give plenty of flower power and are our top pick for best press-ons.

“Textured, dimensional nail designs are extremely popular,” says Motyl. “One of my favorite looks combines raised gel details with a chrome finish, creating a modern, eye-catching effect that feels both artistic and elegant.” The quickest way to achieve textured tips outside of the nail salon is to pop on a pair of pre-adorned press-on nails. This reusable set from Kiss features a glazed base and puffy chrome designs, as well as rhinestone and pearl accents for a shiny finish.