The Surprising Nail Polish Color You'll See Everywhere This Summer

By Patricia Shannon
May 09, 2018
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Mary Beth Wetzel
This summer we’re swapping our pinks for purples with a lineup of royal nail polish hues that are right on point. We swiped on paints from one end of the purple spectrum to another to find the best shades of the season ranging from berry to lavender. Cooler colors like Essie Lilac are perfect for those sweltering mid-summer days, while the berry-like lacquer from Flora1761 is primed for the pre-fall (note: still sweltering) weeks. Take your pick or stock up on all six—just be sure you don’t skip out on the prettiest nail trend to come out of summer 2018.  We definitely won’t.
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Amethyst

Photo: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Mary Beth Wetzel

This jewel-hued polish provides full coverage color in a 10-free formula—meaning it’s made without 10 of the biggest nail polish toxins.

Buy It: Professional Lacquer in Delia, $10; zoya.com

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Orchid

Photo: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Mary Beth Wetzel

Deborah Lippmann’s pinkish violet is a subtle way to dip your toe into the trend.

Buy It: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in Wild Orchid, $20; nordstrom.com

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Lilac

Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Mary Beth Wetzel

A soft purple is the key to bringing out your sun-kissed complexion this summer. Two coats is all you really need, but finish with Essie Gel-Couture Top Coat and you’ll have a mani that lasts.

Buy It: Essie Gel Couture in Style In Excess, $10; target.com

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Magenta

Photo: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Mary Beth Wetzel

A berry hue that skews a little cooler will be an unexpected choice that you’ll soon fall for, head over toes.

Buy It: Nail Lacquer in Laelia Orchid, $16; flora1761.com

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Lavender

Photo: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Mary Beth Wetzel

We love this bold purple, and you will too if you’re looking to take a walk on the wild side.

Buy It: Nail Lacquer in As If!, $16; shopncla.com

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Mauve

Photo: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Mary Beth Wetzel

Now, if you’re really out of your comfort zone with purple, Smith & Cult Powder Posse is your girl. It’s a fun neutral that will be the perfect finishing touch to your summer look.

Buy It: Smith & Cult Nail Lacquer in Powder Posse, $18; nordstrom.com

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By Patricia Shannon