The Hottest Nail Polish Colors for Summer 2021

By Southern Living Editors
Updated April 26, 2021
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.
Credit: Essie

When it comes to summer in the South, one thing always runs true: It has us dreaming about long days at the beach with toes in the sand and a piña colada in hand. If you can’t make it to the coast this weekend and, instead, are counting the days until your summer beach getaway, channel those Southern beach vibes on your fingers and toes.

We’ve rounded up nail polish colors that will feel right at home at one of our favorite Southern beaches. These shades are so coastal that once you’ve painted on two coats, you’ll feel like you’re living easy at Orange Beach, Cape Charles, or the Florida Keys. And if those really are your spots, you’ll want to pick up one of these shades ASAP, from sandy pink to bright coral. If your heart belongs to two beaches, may we suggest painting your fingers one shade and your toes another? These summer nail polish colors make it hard to choose.

Pick a new favorite shade (or two! or three!), and you'll instantly feel ready to soak in the sun. 

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OPI “Hue Is The Artist?”

Credit: Ulta

One editor cannot stop raving about this new neutral shade that’s beating out Funny Bunny in her book.

Shop It: $10.50; amazon.com

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2 of 20

Olive & June "Angelfish"

Credit: Olive and June

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

Shop It: $8; oliveandjune.com

3 of 20

Essie Expressie “Strong at 1%”

Credit: Target

This quick-dry shade is the ultimate coral for summer beach trips.

Shop It: $8.99; target.com

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4 of 20

Olive & June “MM”

Credit: Olive & June

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

Shop It: $8; oliveandjune.com

5 of 20

OPI "15 Minutes of Flame"

Credit: Essie

It's hard to resist this fuchsia pink from OPI's spring 2021 collection. It's got just a touch of shimmer.

Shop It: $10.50; amazon.com

6 of 20

Smith & Cult “Fosse Fingers”

Credit: Dermstore.com

Whether it’s your jewelry or your nail polish color, rose gold feels so right for summer.

Shop It: $18; amazon.com

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7 of 20

Essie "Retreat Yourself"

Credit: Essie

Inspired by a desert spa retreat, Essie's new collection features this flawless muted rose shade for your nails. 

Shop It: $8.50; target.com

8 of 20

Zoya "Abby"

A soft lavender should be in everyone’s nail kit.

Shop It: $10.50; ulta.com

9 of 20

Olive & June “GH”

Credit: Olive & June

Upgrade your baby pink mani with this fresh, glowy shade.

Shop It: $8; oliveandjune.com

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Smith & Cult "Poppy Papi"

Credit: Essie

It's impossible not to be in the mood for summertime with this zesty orange-red in a cruelty-free and 8-free formula. 

Shop It: $18; revolve.com

11 of 20

Essie Expressie “Air Dry”

Credit: Target

This denim blue is cool but fun for summer. 

Shop It: $8.99; target.com

12 of 20

OPI “My Chihuahua Doesn’t Bite Anymore”

Credit: Ulta

This update on a legendary OPI shade is just the color you need if you don’t like going out of your comfort zone too much but want to refresh your usual manicure.

Shop It: $10.50; amazon.com

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13 of 20

Nails Inc. Kiss My Peach Duo Nail Set

Credit: Sephora

This set gives you two trendy, summery peach tones for the price of one. You’ll swap them out all summer long. 

Shop It: $15; sephora.com

14 of 20

Defy & Inspire Nail Lacquer "Paradise Island"

Credit: Target

Everyone loves a color that looks just as good on their nails as it would on their walls, which is why we can’t get enough of this haint blue hue.

Shop It: $6.99; target.com

15 of 20

Essie "Get Oasis"

Credit: Essie

From Essie's spring 2021 collection, this pearly white nail color offers a sheer wash of color that goes with anything. 

Shop It: $9; walmart.com

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16 of 20

Sally Hansen Color Therapy "Soak At Sunset"

Credit: Ulta

While it may not be quite as awe-inducing as a real sunset, this metallic coral is pretty close. 

Shop It: $6.99; walmart.com

17 of 20

OPI "Hollywood & Vibe"

Credit: 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. 

Shop It: $10.50; amazon.com

18 of 20

Essie Gel Couture "Rock the Runway"

Credit: Ulta

Show your patriotism at the next Fourth of July barbecue with a classic red.

Shop It: $8.99; amazon.com

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19 of 20

Ella & Mila “Gilded”

Credit: Ella & Mila

Shimmery gold polish is a summer staple.

Shop It: $10.50; ellamila.com

20 of 20

Smith & Cult “Tang Bang”

This terracotta shade is warm and beachy, just like your summer tan. 

Shop It: $18; dermstore.com

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By Southern Living Editors