15 Best Summer Nail Colors Of 2023 To Try For Gorgeous Nails
Paint your nails with these vibrant shades and let your nails do the talking.
Srijani Roy Chowdhury Certified In Makeup Artistry, Certified Style & Image Consultant
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Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
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Rajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication fro... more
Srijita DeCertified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
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Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
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Summers are all about flashy floral dresses, beach getaways, pretty sandals, and camping. And if you have the best summer nail colors in your collection, no one can stop you from acing your manicure games. Whether you love long nail extensions or nicely filed short nails, you need some vibrant colors to fit them with the summer mood. These lacquers are now available in gel paints and neon colors enhanced with jewelry and other patterns.
These warmer months are the best time to flaunt some shades of oceans or loud and quirky colors that catch the eyes. Of course, classic nudes can also be an ideal choice for summer nail art, as they are always on point and complement every outfit you wear. But if you are a wild heart, try the neon shades that will reflect your fearlessness.
So, ditch your regular nail colors this summer and sport the shades mentioned in our list of the 15 best-rated nail shades. Want to know more? Swipe up!
In This Article
15 Best Summer Nail Paints Of 2023
1. Best For Day Events:Essie Nail Lacquer- Mint Candy Apple
Image: Essie Amp up the style game this summer with something fruity and minty! This Minty Candy Apple nail paint looks refreshing and is a perfect shade for a day party. Flawless coverage and long-lasting color is what you are looking to flaunt this summer season.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Good coverage
- Suitable for day outings
Cons
- Runny consistency
Pro TipProduct Link:
2. Best Long-Lasting:OPI Nail Lacquer- Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet
What better way to express your love for summers than with this classic shade of sunshine yellow? Shiny and bright, this nail paint by OPI Nail Lacquer is the only crowning glory your nails deserve this season. Sport this tropical summer nail color, flaunt it, and sizzle!
Pros
- Superior shine
- Chip-resistant with up to 7 days wear time
- Long-lasting
Cons
- The paint is thick and difficult to apply
Product Link:
3. Best Shine:Essie Nail Color Polish- Limited Addiction
In the world of ‘old is gold,’ classic red is the diamond. Never off the trend chart, this stunning color will add drama to your evening and intensity to your #OOTD. Go on and let your circle feel the heat with this hot summer nail color from Essie Nail Color Polish!
Pros
- Free from DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde
- Shiny and durable
- Provides complete coverage
Cons
- The paint is thin
- It chips off easily
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4. Best Chip-Resistant:OPI Nail Lacquer- Strawberry Margarita
It’s officially margarita season – in the glass and on the nails too! Gear up ladies, this Strawberry Margarita nail paint is all you need to garner some wows, while you sip on your cocktail and enjoy your summer brunch. Sport this exquisite shade that is all things summer and make a lasting fashion statement!
Pros
- Lasts for up to 7 days
- Easily removable
- Chip-resistant
Cons
- The paint is sticky
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5. Best Coverage:Smith & Cult Nail Polish Neutrals- Stockholm Syndrome
Amidst the refreshing tides of spring, exude mystery with this Smith & Cult Stockholm Syndrome nail color. Dark, edgy, and sure to make your nails stand out, then this pretty summer nail color is yours to flaunt. Packaged in a premium bottle, it promises long-lasting, shiny, and smooth coverage for a long time.
Pros
- Ultra-adherent base coat
- Long-lasting shine and smoothness
Cons
- It is not chip-resistant
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6. Best Vegan:Cote Toxin Free Nail Polish- No.5 Natural Nude
Are you looking for a subtle shade to enhance your manicure for the upcoming brunch party? After all, less is always more! Look no further as we bring to you the Cote Toxin Free Nail Polish No.5 Natural Nude. This summer nail color is free from toxins, which means you can apply coat after coat without worrying about damaging your nails.
Pros
- Free from cruelty and toxins
- Vegan-friendly
- Shiny and smooth
Cons
- Does not dry quickly
- Thick consistency
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7. Best Non-Thickening Formula:China Glaze Nail Lacquer- Highlight Of My Summer
Make your nail polish the highlight of this summer! This turquoise green shade is the vibe of the season. Its rich and bright coat will make your nails look trendier. Featuring a non-thickening and non-chipping formula, China Glaze Nail Lacquer is the brand to pocket this season.
Pros
- Non-thickening formula
- Chip-resistant
Cons
- The coat turns brittle in a few days
- Reapplication required for long-lasting result
Pro TipProduct Link:
8. Best Glossy Finish:Essie Nail Polish Glossy Shine Finish- Marshmallow
Marshmallow, yes, please! Call it sweet if you like, but this French manicure pearl-white nail polish is taking the ‘soft look’ to a whole new level. Truly a sight for sore eyes, give those manicured nails a trendy uplift with Essie Nail Polish in the shade Marshmallow. Remarkably durable, trend-setting, and long-lasting, this gorgeous summer nail color is sure to make a lasting impression.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Smooth and glossy
- Easy-glide for hassle-free application
- Chip-resistant up to 7 days
Cons
- It does not dry quickly
- Contains alcohol
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9. Best Fragrance-Free:Perfect Summer Gel Nail Color Set
This set of Nail Gels from Perfect Summer is going to leave you spoilt for choices. Available in a pack of 6, we’ve got your summer nail #goals sorted! Featuring deep and warm shades of red, there’s one for every mood and party. Long-lasting with no-chip or no-peel guarantee, you can enjoy these coats up to 14 days post-cure under UV lamp (2-3 mins) or LED light (30-60 secs).
Pros
- No chipping or peeling
- Lasts up to 14 days
- Non-toxic
- Fragrance-free
- Easy to use
Cons
- Runny consistency
- Requires multiple coats to last long
Product Link:
10. Best Non-Toxic:Butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer- Trout Pout
When in doubt, always choose a pastel shade- pink. This bright, peppy, and vibrant color is the nudge you need to break free from the daily rut. With a highly-pigmented formula that makes this cute summer nail color last long, it is an absolute must-have this season. Infused with essential vitamins, it helps strengthen nails. This gorgeous shade is sure to bring a smile on your face and a spring in your step!
Pros
- Lasts up to 10 days
- Shock-resisting polymer technology assures limitless shine
- Non-toxic
- Highly pigmented formula
- Offers great coverage
- Gel-like quality
Cons
- It has a thick consistency
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11. Best Hydrating:Orly Breathable Nail Color- Staycation
On those beach getaways, feel one with the sand and surf! Make a style statement without being loud or flashy with this sheer cream-colored lacquer. Ideal for French tips or use it to get full coverage, fewer things feel better than painting your nails in the shade Staycation from Orly Breathable Nail Color.
Pros
- Glossy and rich color pay-off
- Hydrating with oils and vitamins
- Non-toxic nail polish
- Dries quickly
Cons
- It’s thin and almost transparent
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12. Best Elegant Shade:Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish- A Fine Romance
This elegant shade is going to make you fall in love with your nails! A Fine Romance by Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish is like Cupid striking your heart with a blushing radiance. Formulated with several active ingredients, this gel nail paint is sure to garner compliments, day after day. So get summer-ready and flaunt your nails!
Pros
- Gel-based nail paint
- 10 active ingredients that promote healthier nails
Cons
- Expensive
Product Link:
13. Best Shimmery Finish:Color Club Nail Lacquer Halo Hues- Cloud Nine
Who does not love a little bit of shimmer and shine? Dazzling and rebellious, and unabashedly so, this shade beckons summertime like no other. Break the rules, go loud, and let your nails be your jewel for your summer evening galas. With all eyes on you, watch your squad go gaga over this pretty summer nail color!
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Lost-lasting
- Easy to apply
- Gel-based nail color
Cons
- Not easy to remove
Product Link:
14. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Color
Sally Hansen called this nail gel line a miracle, and we can’t agree more! Turning boring nails into a work of art, this turquoise gel polish is perfect for celebrating the beginning of summer. Suitable for all skin colors, it’s no surprise if you end up starting a trend with this exquisite-summer nail color. Easy-to-apply, and with no UV lamp needed, it lasts for up to 14 days!
Pros
- No UV lamp needed
- Easy to apply and easy-glide
- Stronger chip-resistance
- Lasts up to 14 days
Cons
- Almost transparent
- Requires several retouches to last longer
Product Link:
15. NARS Cosmetics Endless Night, Purple Nail Polish
Fashionable and flawless, this nail paint is like summer packed in a bottle for you! Featuring unique shades with a fruity twist, your summer nail color for 2023 can’t get fancier than this. Free from harmful chemicals like toluene and DBP, this nail paint is curated to last long.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- No chipping and peeling for days
- UV protection that prevents discoloration
- Free from toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde
Cons
- It is runny
- Requires several coats for a great color pay-off
The Bottom Line
Vibrant nail colors can elevate your fashion game and make you vacation-ready in summer! If you are enthusiastic about fun, flirty manicures, you can look out for nail paints that provide seamless coverage and perfectly blend with your flawless summer attires. The Essie Nail Lacquer- Mint Candy Apple is a great choice for those who love subtle colors with a shimmery finish, while the OPI Nail Lacquer- Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet is an excellent pick for those who love bold nail colors. However, if you are someone who is looking for a perfect everyday wear option, try the Cote Toxin Free Nail Polish- No.5 Natural Nude. These listed nail colors are long-lasting, shiny, and durable. One can also try coral, lavender, peach, ocean blue, hot pink, sky blue, and other such light colors to sport a beach-inspired look! Opt for nail polishes that are free of toxins and harmful chemicals. However, you should steer clear of nail paints that have a runny consistency or chip off easily after application.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijani Roy Chowdhury, the author of this article, is a makeup enthusiast who loves to keep up with the latest trends in the beauty industry. Her strong knowledge of nail color brands helps her provide a well-researched article on the best summer nail colors for your gorgeous nails. These nail colors are long-lasting, highly pigmented, and provide full coverage.
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