Summer Nail Trends: Mix Up Your Mani

Dec 20, 2023

Ahhhh, summer… the season of warm days and vibrant colors. And what better way to incorporate the beauty of the sunny months into your daily look than by painting on a pretty manicure or pedicure? The word on the latest nail color trends is bright; specifically, primary and neon nail polish colors that bring joy to your fingertips. Here's a list of the hottest summer nail colors for all your mani-pedi needs in 2023.

Coral Crush (Buy from Ella + Mila, $10.50) is one of the hottest nail trends for summer 2023. A bright shade that pops without being overpowering, it's a warm hue that pairs nicely with pink or yellow and gives "cool without trying too hard" vibes.

For those who want to make more of a statement, Red Hot Chili Pepper (Buy from Dazzle Dry, $11) is an eye-catching option. This retro, electric red hue takes any look from boring to bold in seconds. Pair it with black or white clothing for maximum impact.

Lemon Drop (Buy from Friend and Faux, $10) is an excellent choice if you're looking for something bolder than Coral Crush but not as loud as Red Hot Chili Pepper. This sunny yellow shade brightens your look while maintaining a kind of "summer neutral" quality, meaning you can wear it with almost anything.

A soft mint green shade (Buy from Amazon, $8.25) is perfect for those who prefer a DIY manicure that's not too in-your-face. It's warm and fresh-feeling without being overly trendy or loud — and it complements almost any skin tone. It also looks great paired with polka dots or used in an ombre gradient.

Nothing says "summer" quite like a bright pink hue (Buy from Amazon, $6.99). This girly shade looks great on both long and short nails, and it pairs beautifully with almost any color ensemble. It also looks great as a base for nail accents, nail art, stickers and intricate nail designs.

If you like making a statement with your nails, blue is the hue for you! Go mediterranean blue with a hint of shimmer (Buy from Amazon, $11.49), and wait for the tide of compliments to roll in. Add gold accents for additional pow.

Where are my bold girls at? Tangerine (Buy from Amazon, $17.99) is for you. This vibrant orange shade adds instant energy and excitement to your look, and pairs perfectly with navy blue and nautical themes.

Daisy White (Buy from Amazon, $11.49) is classic in a ’60s mod kind of way. It looks great with every skin tone, and is subtle enough to wear with anything in your wardrobe.

If you're looking for something even more subtle for a summer outing, Nearly Nude (Buy from Amazon, $12) is the perfect option. This barely-there holographic pink with just a hint of color enhances your natural nails. It's especially good for days when you want your look to be understated and polished.

The cosmic, ethereal quality of shimmery silver nail polish (Buy from Amazon, $7.50) hints at a woman with a lot on her mind — creative, cerebral and outside-the-box. Its metallic hue works with all skin tones and pairs nicely with neutrals like beige and cream.

Baby Blue (Buy from Sally Beauty. $10.99) is the perfect color for warm weather nails. Simultaneously icy and warm, it invites stolen glances. When you want a nail lacquer that whispers versus shouts, baby blue is the way to go.

For those who want something subtle and feminine, blush pink (Buy from Amazon, $9.49) is an excellent choice. It's saturated enough to hint at color, but transparent enough to feel natural. It looks especially good when paired with whites and pastels — perfect for warmer weather.

Aqua Sky (Buy from Amazon, $7.72) is a beautiful blue-green summer nail polish color that's perfect for the warmer months. The bright and sophisticated color looks great with almost anything, from dresses to jeans. Plus, it has luster and shine but lacks the sparkly stuff that makes so many summer nail colors look cheap.

When it comes to summer nail colors, pastel pink (Buy from Amazon, $8.75) is always a winner. It's light, cheery and easy to wear with everything in your closet — though it looks especially great with white and silver accents, which suggest a classic French manicure.

If you're looking for a nail idea that adds some sparkle to your look, Golden Glitter (Buy from Amazon, $5.76) is a perfect choice. This dazzling gold shade adds just enough shimmer and shine without being over-the-top. Wear it with classic black or add it to a bright ensemble when you want to make a statement.

Yellow (Buy from Blank Nails, $9) is one of the season's hottest colors. Sunny and full of flirty fun, it adds a pop of color to your press-on nails or gel mani without overwhelming your look.

Pastel blue (Buy from Amazon, $9.49) is a great choice for those who like matte nails. This shade has been popular in recent years, but it's especially on-trend this season. Its light undertones make it easy to wear for any occasion, from work meetings to brunch dates — and everything in between.

Neon Green (Buy from Amazon, $9.49) nails are this season's statement color. Vibrant and bold, it looks great on every skin tone and is guaranteed to turn heads. Don't be afraid to experiment with this beauty editor's pick — it can take your look from drab to fab in an instant.

Love fuchsia and hot pinks but want something a bit more delicate? Baby Pink (Buy from Ulta, $13.99) is the way to go. This sweet shade adds a hint of color to your hands while still looking natural. It also pairs nicely with soft shades like a white and light blue.

Last but not least, Periwinkle Purple (Buy from Amazon, $10) is arguably summer's most interesting nail trend. The lilac-esque mauve color has a hint of metallic shimmer to it, which makes it fun but not flashy. Pair it with pinks and neutrals for a subtle look, or go full-on glam with bright purples and blues.

Now that you've chosen the perfect color for your nails, make sure that you keep your manicure healthy and looking good. Here are tips to do that:

It may sound simple, but keeping your nails dry and clean is vital to protecting the polish from chipping. This means washing dishes with gloves and avoiding excessively long baths or showers. Also, keep your nails free from dirt and oils by gently scrubbing them with a nail brush when you wash your hands. Doing this daily will help to keep your nail polish shade vibrant and unchipped longer.

Cuticle oil nourishes cuticles and prevents them from becoming dry and brittle due to soap and water exposure. After every shower and bath, massage cuticle oil into the nail bed in circular motions until all cuticles are covered. The result will be stronger, healthier-looking nails that are less likely to chip, tear, and break.

A top coat is a clear, glossy finish that protects nail polish from chipping and fading over time. A good way to remember when to apply a top coat is after two days have passed since painting your nails; this way, you can refresh the color without having to take off the current layer of polish each time you want a new color! As an added bonus, most top coats dry quickly, so you can get back to living life without worrying about smudging or ruining your manicure or pedicure.

So, there you have it — the best summer nail colors for taking your look to the next level. From classic shades like Daisy White to bolder colors like Red Hot Chili Pepper, there's a style for every taste.

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This article originally appeared on our sister site, Woman's World.