I’m a Pro at Painting My Nails—These Are My Go-To Colors for Summer, from $8 (2025)

Despite being a beauty editor, my beauty routine is pretty low-maintenance. I don’t color my hair or get my eyebrows professionally done. While I’ll treat myself to a few pedicures during the summer, salon manicures are almost always off the table. I can’t justify the bi-weekly or monthly cost. I also prefer natural nails (no gel extensions or acrylics), so giving myself an at-home manicure is easy.

I’ve been painting my nails weekly (sometimes twice a week) since high school, so I’ve nailed (literally) the products that help me achieve a foolproof manicure every time. And with warm weather quickly approaching, I’m pulling out my rotation of shades I reach for every summer. From classic baby pinks and nudes to fiery reds and tropical hues, these are my favorite summer nail colors that never go out of style.

Base & Top Coat

No manicure is complete without a nail strengthening base coat and a glossy, fast-drying top coat. I credit the strength of my nails to the Nailtiques Formula 2 Protein. It goes on smoothly and significantly helps prevent flaking and breakage. The Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat is the last step in my routine; it’s absolutely essential. It dries fully in just a few minutes, offers next-level shine, and helps prevent chipping.

Pinks & Nudes

Light pinks and nudes are classic year-round, but I especially love reaching for them in the summer when my skin isn’t quite as fair. These shades go with absolutely anything; I never have to worry about my nails clashing with my outfit when wearing them.

Essie Mademoiselle

Mademoiselle is my most-used nail polish. I love that it’s semi-sheer and delicate-looking, and the slightly cool undertone pops against my fair skin.

Essie Marshmallow

When I’m not feeling color but still want my nails to look clean and polished, I reach for Marshmallow, a sheer cloudy white with a subtle beige undertone.

OPI Bubble Bath

Bubble Bath is a classic, and I get why. This light pink has a slightly warm undertone, giving it a romantic and soft-looking finish.

Olive & June Pink Goldfish

I’m not usually a fan of shimmery nail polishes, but there’s something about this sheer, iridescent shade that’s so fun for summer. It has a sheer pink base with a subtle blue duochrome that catches the light beautifully, lending to an understated mani with a special little twist.

Reds

Red nails are also classic, but come summertime, I swap my deep berry reds and oxblood colors for brighter, fiery hues.

Essie Forever Yummy

This cherry red shade is super rich, saturated, and pops against all skin tones. I reach for it when I want a fun, bright red that doesn’t lean coral.

OPI Cajun Shrimp

No nail polish screams summer quite like this fan-favorite from OPI. The vibrant red/coral shade is sunny and fun, and goes beautifully with freshly tanned skin.

Blues, Purples, & Greens

When I want to change up my classic red or baby pink nails, I reach for a cool-toned hue that pops against my neutral/warm complexion. These are my go-to blue, purple, and green polishes for summer.

Essie Butler Please

I love coating my nails in this royal blue shade when I’m feeling bold. It’s rich and bright without looking neon, and I love that it gives my manicure an aquatic feel for summer.

Essie Wink Of Sleep

Lilacism might be the most beloved Essie purple polish, but Wink Of Sleep is my favorite purple in the range. It’s a cool-toned, medium purple that creates a gorgeous contrast against my skin tone. It’s feminine and fun without being a predictable pink.

Essie Off Tropic

There are no rules when it comes to beauty; so while dark nail polish colors are more popular during the colder months, there’s no reason you can’t sport one during the summer. I’ve been wearing this deep green for years—it’s super dark without looking black. And it’s aptly named; it really does have a tropical feel.