Nail Polishes That'll Look Good Even If You're Hopeless at Painting Your Nails

Buy It: $12; target.com

This longwear formula makes all of your sheer nude-pink dreams come true without the ghastly streaks that often accompany sheer nail shades. The polish goes on smooth and even, making it possible to get that royal barely-there color. Two or three thin coats will do the trick.

Buy It: $18; neimanmarcus.com

This cult favorite color sold out over and over again in record time after its release over a year ago. The appeal? It’s the most universally flattering opaque rose gold on the market. It hits the sweet spot for cool and warm tones alike, and it goes on with incredible full coverage that won’t look streaky.

Buy It: $9; target.com

Until the end of time, this shade will be our summertime secret weapon. This intensely vibrant color coats nails lavishly for a salon-worthy finish. (Remember: Always make sure the first coat is thin before applying a generous second coat.) With a little summer glow, the pinky red goes brilliantly coral.

Buy It: $10; amazon.com

While pastels are certainly tricky for most of us at-home mani ladies, two generous coats of this gel color with the wide, fat brush will have you fully covered and looking professionally painted. Lavender is one of the trendiest colors this season, so don’t miss out!

Buy It: $28; nordstrom.com

We’d throw caution to the wind, despite our lousy nail painting skills, for a bright pop of red every now and then. The only way to help yourself out when going with a conspicuous color is to invest in a high-quality polish. Dior’s new formula mimics gel manicures with its full coverage and incredible pigmentation. Pick its iconic red—Rouge 999—to really go for it.

Buy It: $20; nordstrom.com

What makes this sheer color work major wonders for terrible painters is the muted color and subtle shimmer. You’ll love this quietly stylish mauve shade year-round.

Buy It: $12.50; walmart.com

Yellow is one of the hottest colors for this summer, and no lady should have to miss out on it! Using OPI’s amazing gel color, you’ll be rocking this sunshiny yellow in no time. It goes on super shiny and finishes on the warmer, orange-toned side instead of pastel.

Buy It: $11.50; ulta.com

This bridal collection makes sure your manicure is absolutely swoon-worthy—but it’s not just for brides! This vintage rose gold shade masks any at-home mani malfunctions with its thick coverage and metallic finish.

Buy It: $18; amazon.com

This bright guava pink hits the perfect mark for highly pigmented color that isn’t hot pink or bubblegum. You’ll feel totally enlivened by the brilliant opaque shade.