There’s something about the nail salon that amplifies my decision paralysis like nowhere else. I often know days in advance which nail color I’m getting, right down to the questionable name (Suzi Needs a Loch-Smith, anyone?), but the moment I step inside and start flicking through the endless wheel of shades, the hue I thought was chic suddenly no longer feels right.
The problem, and the joy of it, is that there’s simply too much choice, but I can always count on Instagram’s nail artists to point me in the right direction — one I won’t regret the minute I leave the salon.
From deep cobalt blue that calls to mind the hand-painted tiles of Greece and Portugal, to soft peach and, for a third year running, butter yellow, these are the 12 nail polish colors we can guarantee will be on everyone’s fingers — and toes — this summer and beyond.
Cobalt Blue
Cobalt blue is the unexpected breakout shade of early summer, and we have a feeling it’s only going to get bigger. The color looks chic on every nail shape and length, but we especially love this short, rounded manicure by Kelly at KM Beauty, which is ultra-bright and mesmerizingly glossy. Essie Nail Lacquer in Butler Please is so close.
Electric Orange
Is it really neon if it isn’t visible from space? If this electric orange-meets-red set (Cirque Colors polish in Road Rage, expertly painted by Taylor @TaylorzNails) doesn’t scream summer, we don’t know what does.
Turquoise
Nail artist Becca McCall hails this the color of the summer — and we’re inclined to agree. There’s something Mediterranean about it, like the crystal-clear water off a Greek island. You won’t be disappointed with Essie Nail Lacquer in In The Cab-ana.
Pastel Peach
The fruity nails trend is back for another year, but if you’ve had your fill of cherry red and guava pink, opt for something in between with this pretty pastel peach, like nail artist Paulina Juśkiewicz.
OPI RapiDry Quick-Dry Lacquer in Within Peach is a similar shade and dries in a pinch.
Butter Yellow
Fern at @studio_seventy2 proves that butter yellow is a summer mainstay. We love the muted hue on short, square nails, but anything goes — even French tips. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Flower Powder Nail Polish in Swirling Sunflower is one of our current favorites — but hurry, it’s limited edition.
Cajun Shrimp
It’s not summer without OPI’s Cajun Shrimp, arguably the most requested warm-weather shade in salons for both hands and feet. Nail technician Skylar shows that it looks even better with lashings of glossy topcoat to really make the bold coral color pop.
Hot Pink
Neon pink works on absolutely everyone, but it looks especially vibrant on deeper skin tones. We’re a little obsessed with these short nails by Julia Diogo, aka @paintedbyjools. This is gel, but Orly Nail Lacquer in That’s Hot is a near-perfect match if you’re doing your nails at home.
Soft Coral
If neon hues aren’t your thing and you’re over pastels, soft coral sits beautifully in between. These almond nails by Chantal will earn you all the compliments, as will Essie Nail Lacquer in Peach Side Babe.
Aqua Blue
Are you sensing a theme? Blue is the color du jour this summer, and they don’t come much more delicious than this bold aqua spotted on Julia Diogo’s Instagram. This is Bio Sculpture gel in the shade Lisboa, but Essie Nail Lacquer in Offbeat Chic is a close match.
Pistachio Gelato
Like pistachio gelato, this creamy green, as seen on Mateja Novakovic, will bring so much joy. Manucurist Nail Polish in Pistachio is a close match we can see you wearing all summer long.
Guava Jelly
If you’re bored with opaque shades, try something a little more sheer and jelly-like. This manicure by OPI nail artist Samantha Silvius is like cutting into a ripe and juicy guava. You can achieve a similar effect by layering Manucurist Active Glow Nail Polish in Blueberry.
Soft Lilac
Spring’s most popular nail shade is steaming into summer. We love this opaque lilac shade painted by Julie Coates, which elevates short, square nails like nothing else. Le Mini Macaron Le Sweet Nail Polish in Lilac Blossom is a great match.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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