By Kaitlyn McLintock
last updated
(Image credit: @iramshelton)
I'm just a girl who loves summer—beach days, road trips, and late-night dinners included. I also love the beauty aesthetic of summer. Think sun-kissed skin and salty hair punctuated by bright makeup and nail colors. Baby-pink blush? Yes. Bold lipstick? Sure. Colorful nail polish? Most definitely.
The latter is what I'm most excited about. I spent all fall and winter wearing either soft neutrals or dark and intense shades of nail polish. Come spring, I switched to powdery pastels. Now that it's finally summer, I'm yearning for the brightest possible shades I can find. I'm talking about bold marine blue, sun-kissed gold, palm leaf green, and sunburnt peach (among others). You know, the perfect-for-summer nail colors that elevate my mood and accentuate the warm-weather vibes. Ahead, see the eight nail colors I'm wearing on repeat.
Bold Marine Blue
essie
Nail Polish in Butler Please
To me, bold marine blue is a classic summer nail color. It's playful yet sophisticated, and it reminds me of diving into cool water on a hot day. I'll never stop wearing it, especially not this iconic cobalt blue color from Essie.
Other Options I Love
Manucurist
Ultramarine
This nail polish is so highly pigmented that it should win an award.
Hermès
Les Mains Hermès Nail polish in Bleu Électrique
This Hermès shade is limited-editon, so get it while you can.
Sun-Kissed Gold
J. Hannah
Nail Polish in Relic
I was never a gold-nail-polish girl until a couple of years ago. I had the chance to use J. Hannah's Nail Polish in Relic, and as any good beauty editor would do, I painted it on with an open mind. Much to my surprise, I loved it. The color is unexpected compared to neutral hues, yet it's subtler than other summertime shades—the perfect balance. It complements sun-kissed skin so well.
(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)
Other Options I Love
Dior
Vernis in Lemon Glow
The name of this shade is Lemon Glow. It's giving Amalfi Coast vibes, and I love it.
ADDICTION TOKYO
Moroccan Dream the Nail Polish in Sunlit Sands
Another shimmering shade of gold, this one is called Sunlit Sands. It's stunning.
Palm Leaf Green
JINsoon
Nail Polish Palma
I know what you're thinking. Rich shades of green don't feel all that summery. I used to think the same, but I've seen the error in my ways. It all started with this Jinsoon Nail Polish in Palma. The name struck me to the point where I saw the color in a totally different light. I imagined broad palm fronds covered in dew drops, fresh tropical air, and damp, earthy soil. Ever since I've been wearing it consistently throughout the summer. It's like a tropical vacation in a bottle.
Other Options I Love
Gucci
Glossy Nail Polish in Melinda Green
Slightly lighter than Jinsoon's Palma, I think this verdant shade is eye-catching.
essie
Nail Polish in Off Tropic
Another rich tropical green color I love, this one is only $9 a bottle.
Electric Blue
LeChat
Dare to Wear Nail Polish in Moon River
I gotta be honest. Bright, blazing, electric blue is my favorite nail color to wear in the summer. Yep, out of all the colors and options, this is the one I reach for the most. I love how striking it looks. It's the ultimate summer statement-maker.
(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)
Other Options I Love
essie
Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Color in Word on the Street
I mean, just look at how striking this shade is. I'm obsessed.
LeChat
Dare to Wear Nail Polish in Blue-tiful Smile
Here's another LeChat nail polish. The brand makes the best blue shades.
Sunburnt Peach
Gucci
Glossy Nail Polish in Peggy Sunburn
I love classic peach tones, but this summer, I'm craving something a little different—ripe, sunburnt peach. it's a little darker and a little richer than its classic counterpart. Consider it the modern way to wear peach nail polish.
Dior
Vernis in Icone
Dior's dark peach nail polish is undeniably pretty.
ILNP Cosmetics, Inc.
Holographic Nail Polish in Citrus Punch
For an extra kick of holographic shimmer, opt for this one.
Fiery Red
Chanel
Le Vernis Nail Polish in Incendiare
Even though I love an unexpected nail color, I'm not above classic colors like orange-red. This shade never misses. It's bold, vibrant, and fiery, just like summer itself.
(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)
Other Options I Love
OPI
Opi Nail Lacquer in Cajun Shrimp
This OPI shade is iconic. I never head into the summer months without it.
butter LONDON
Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer Polish in Come to Bed
Slightly darker yet just as fiery is this Butter London pick that I love.
South-of-France Lavender
Nailberry
Nail Lacquer in Lavender Fields
Some people might think this is more of a springtime nail color, but I disagree. I associate this shade with the famous lavender fields of Provence, the purple-hued plants swaying under the heat of the sun. I also think about lilac bushes swaying in the summer breeze. It's so soft and pretty.
Other Options I Love
LONDONTOWN
Lakur Nail Polish Golden Hour, Honey Lavender
This nail polish has a soft, shimmering quality that I love.
CHANEL
Le Vernis Nail Polish in Immortelle
Chanel's lavender nail color is soft and muted with gray undertones.
Summer Sky Blue
Olive & June
Nail Polish in Honest & True
Can you tell I love blue nail polish? I might be partial, but hear me out! Sky blue feels fresh and free, like the expansive summer sky. That's why I reach for it whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. The soothing effect lifts my mood and makes me feel less burdened by work, obligations, and to-do lists.
(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)
Other Options I Love
Gucci
Glossy Nail Polish in Lucy Baby Blue
This shade, called Lucy Baby Blue, is one of my all-time favorites.
Zoya
Nail Polish in Blu
This Zoya nail polish looks so airy and ethereal.
5 More Perfect-for-Summer Nail Products
Revlon
Manicure Essentials Kit
A nail tool set is a must.
Dashing Diva
Glaze Solid Color Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips in Coral Crush
These semi-cured gel nail strips last up to 14 days.
Dashing Diva
Glaze Solid Color Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips in Royal Blue
Here's that deep marine blue color I love.
SCRATCH
Freshly Picked Nail Wraps
These nail wraps are like effortless at-home nail art.
Le Mini Macaron
1-Step Diy Glossy Gel Manicure Kit
This at-home gel manicure kit is so cute.
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Nail PolishNails
Kaitlyn McLintock
Associate Beauty Editor
Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior to Who What Wear, she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing the latest and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.
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