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It’s like what Elle Woods said: summer gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t kill the vibe — they just don’t. (Or something like that.)
The same thing applies to the color of your nails. When you look down at your hands, the shade you’re wearing can have a profound, physiological effect on your mood — just like sunlight, sex, or exercise. That makes painting on a fun chrome finish or bright-pink polish the perfect way to get ready for the season. It’s science. (But, like, please don’t put us on trial.) Summer Nail Polish Colors to Wear All Season Long
“Summer nail polish colors are super bold, bright, and happy,” Rita Remark, nail artist and Essie global lead educator, tells PS. “It’s all about choosing colors that give a dopamine rush, so it’s trendy but also personal and expressive.”
If you’re curious to know the mood-boosting nail-polish hues that everyone will be wearing for summer 2024 — or are looking for a reason to finally whip out your sandals in the coming weeks — we’ve asked a few nail experts to dish on their predictions for the season. From bold oranges to metallics, the best summer nail colors have a little something for everyone and every beauty style.
And, of course, when in doubt, you can bet your money that classic, crisp, white nails won’t be going anywhere anytime soon (unless you’re still boycotting due to the Scandoval drama, that is), so feel free to bust out that bottle along with the white pants you put away after Labor Day last year.
jhannahjewelry.com
Green
J.Hannah Nail Polish in Artichoke ($22)
As we’ve said, Remark says summer nail-polish colors should be “super bold, bright, and happy.” One bold shade that’s getting a lot of attention right now is green. Not only will the nature-inspired hue make you feel one with your surroundings as you spend more time outside this season, but it’s also super trendy right now.
J.Hannah Nail Polish in ArtichokeFrom$22$22 at J. Hannah Jewelry
beyondpolish.com
Garden Green
OPI I’m So Swamped ($20)
OPI I'm So SwampedFrom$20$20 at Beyond Polish
orlybeauty.com
Muted Green
Orly Impressions Spring Lacquer in Artist’s Garden ($11)
Orly Impressions Spring Lacquer in Artist's GardenFrom$11$11 at ORLY
target.com
Metallic Blue
Essie You Do Blue ($10)
“Vacay-ready beach nails are out, but the coastal metallics are in for summer,” says Hemi Park, Lechat Nails brand educator. If you’re inspired by the latest “water” nail trend, you’re onto something. “Nothing reminds me of summer better than deep oceanic blue shades, and what would be more perfect than deep blue-toned metallics?” she adds. “I recommend this color on any shape of nails, but especially on short nails and toenails to shine those clean-cut shorties without messy chrome application.”
Essie You Do BlueFrom$10$10 at Target
ulta.com
Ocean Metallic Blue
Zoya Jen ($12)
Zoya JenFrom$12$12 at Ulta
lechatnails.com
Mermaid Metallic Blue
LeChat Nails Siren Song ($12)
LeChat Nails Siren SongFrom$12$12 at lechatnails.com
ulta.com
Pink
OPI Racing For Pinks ($12)
Our experts agree: Barbiecore colors aren’t going anywhere. “Everyone loves a classic pink manicure,” says Deborah Lippmann, manicurist and founder of Deborah Lippmann. And Park agrees: “Pinks are definitely a huge part of summer nail trends, and now is the time to wear it.”
OPI Racing For PinksFrom$12$12 at Ulta
RelatedRelated
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amazon.com
Bubblegum Pink
LeChat Pink Lady ($6)
LeChat Pink LadyFrom$6$6 at Amazon
beyondpolish.com
Shimmery Pink
Deborah Lippmann Love Sensation ($20)
Deborah Lippmann Love SensationFrom$20$20 at Beyond Polish
oliveandjune.com
Chrome
Olive and June Sundance Shimmer ($9)
If you’ve been paying attention to the red carpet, you know that chrome nails are having a moment, and celebrity manicurist Leanne Woodley sees the shade as one of summer’s hottest trends.
Olive and June Sundance ShimmerFrom$9$9 at Olive & June
nailtopia.com
Sparkly Chrome
Nailtopia Plant-Based Nail Lacquer in Jomo ($10)
Nailtopia Plant-Based Nail Lacquer in JomoFrom$10$10 at nailtopia.com
amazon.com
Classic Chrome
Sally Hansen Color Foil Nail Color in Steel a Kiss ($9)
Sally Hansen Color Foil Nail Color in Steel a KissFrom$9$9 at Amazon
gucci.com
White
Gucci Vernis À Ongles Nail Polish in Winterset Sno ($35)
Stumped on what shade to get at the nail salon next? When in doubt, go with a classic: white nail polish. This crisp shade really makes your fingers pop and is a staple in every nail kit.
Gucci Vernis À Ongles Nail Polish in Winterset SnoFrom$35$35 at GUCCI
ulta.com
Classic White
Essie Nail Polish in Blanc ($10)
Essie Nail Polish in BlancFrom$10$10 at Ulta
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sallybeauty.com
True White
Nails Inc. 73 Percent Plant Power Nail Polish in Free Time Is Me Time ($10)
Nails Inc. 73 Percent Plant Power Nail Polish in Free Time Is Me TimeFrom$10$10 at Sally Beauty Affiliate Program
Courtesy of Paintbox
— Additional reporting by Kelsey Castañon
Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for POPSUGAR. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR’s TikTok and Instagram accounts.
Kelsey Castañon is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and content strategist with more than 13 years of experience in publishing. She is currently the senior content director at POPSUGAR, where you can find her stockpiling (and reporting on) everything from skin care to wine.
