The Best Nail Polish Colors For Summer 2023

Take a summer vacation from your go-to shade.

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Summer Nail Colors
Getty Images/Jena Ardell

Out of all the seasons, summer offers the best opportunity to step outside your go-to beauty routine, whether it's through a pretty rose lipstick to replace your usual nude or a bright nail color to don with your open-toed sandals. There's no better time to tap into your bright side than when beach days and lake trips are on the horizon. From freshened-up takes on classic neutral to colorful pigmented shades just waiting to make a splash, these nail colors are ready to take on summer 2023 on both your fingers and toes.

See the our favorite summer nail colors to serve as your next salon—or at-home manicure—inspiration below.

OPI "Hue Is The Artist?"

OPI Hue Is The Artist
Ulta

Trade in your classic Funny Bunny for a slightly more exciting neutral. This opaque shade has just the slightest tinge of lavender undertones.

Price at time of publish: $12

Olive & June "Angelfish"

Easter Nail Colors
Olive and June

Be as calm and bright as a cloudless summer day with this opaque, creamy, icy blue.

Price at time of publish: $9

Essie Expressie "Strong At 1%"

Essie Expressie Strong at One Percent
Target

This quick-dry shade is the ultimate orange for summer fun to come.

Price at time of publish: $10

Olive & June "MM"

Olive and June MM

Olive and June

This toasted sand color is a summery neutral that updates your usual go-to.

Price at time of publish: $9

OPI "15 Minutes of Flame"

Summer Nail Colors
Essie

It's hard to resist this fuchsia pink from OPI's Hollywood collection. It's got just a touch of pearlescent shimmer.

Price at time of publish: $12

Essie "Peach Side Babe"

Essie Peach Side Babe

Essie

Inspired by romantic soft hues, this Essie peachy pastel shade is an instant pick-me-up for your nails.

Price at time of publish: $9

OPI Infinite Shine Nail Polish

OPI Nail Lacquer in My Chihuahua Doesn’t Bite Anymore
OPI

This update on a legendary OPI shade is the ideal color if you like making a bright, colorful statement.

Price at time of publish: $11

Olive & June "Strawberry Scone"

Olive & June Strawberry Scone
Olive & June

Olive & June's collection—inspired by afternoon tea—includes a barely-there sheer pink that's bound to become a favorite at-home mani staple.

Price at time of publish: $9

Gucci Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish

Gucci Nail Color
Sephora

This minty haint blue has us feeling ready for a breezy porch hang on the Southern coast.

Price at time of publish: $33

Sally Hansen "Soak At Sunset"

Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish in Soak At Sunset
Ulta

This metallic coral-orange is almost as awe-inducing as a beach sunset.

Price at time of publish: $7

OPI "Baby, Take a Vow"

OPI Baby, Take a Vow Nail Lacquer

Opi

If you're a Ballet Slippers or Bubble Bath fan, this bright pastel pink puts a little extra oomph into the classic shade for summertime.

Price at time of publish: $11

Essie Gel Couture "Rock the Runway"

Essie Rock the Runway

Target

Get festive for the Fourth of July barbecue with a classic red.

Price at time of publish: $13

A soft lavender should be in everyone's nail kit, and you won't find a more perfectly creamy, opaque version than this one.

Price at time of publish: $12

OPI "You Had Me At Halo"

OPI Spring Nail Color
OPI

Choose something out-of-the-box with this pearlescent purple-blue nail polish.

Price at time of publish: $12

Sally Hansen Insta Dri "White on Time"

Sally Hansen Insta Dri Nail Color in White on Time

Amazon

This quick-dry formula is perfect for when you need to give yourself a sandal-ready pedicure in a pinch.

Price at time of publish: $6

Olive & June "GH"

GH by Olive & June
Olive & June

Try out a new goes-with-anything baby pink with this flattering shade.

Price at time of publish: $9

Essie Expressie "Air Dry"

Essie Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish in Air Dry

Ulta

This denim blue is a unique choice for summer.

Price at time of publish: $10

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