The Best Summer Nail Polish Shades for 2018

By Maureen Choi

Glamour

From now until Labor Day, my nail beat goes a little something like this: Scan the never-ending options at the corner salon (or rummage through my own hefty stash if I'm DIY-ing at home) with the intention of choosing a hot new shade and enthusiastically posting on the 'gram to prove that I've finally broken out of my polish rut. But then I chicken out and default to a Day-Glo pink that screams summer, because I'm just that embarrassingly predictable. Turns out my fellow Glamour colleagues are too. That's why, in honor of National Nail Polish Day (yup, that's a thing, and it's today June 1), we've rounded up a list of our most beloved warm-weather nail polish shades. Here's what we'll be living in all summer long.

1. 

   PHOTO: Courtesy of Christian Louboutin

   Christian Louboutin Nail Polish in Baraboum, $50, sephora.com

   "I'm usually a dark-nails-only girl. But the one shade I'm willing to swap my favorite deep purples for in the summer is a vibrant blue. It says, I'd rather it be fall, but yes, I'll take that rosé. This one is the perfect not quite neon, not quite royal blue with staying power that almost gets me through two full weeks." —Lindsay Schallon, senior beauty editor

2. 

   PHOTO: Courtesy of Essie

   Essie Nail Polish in Tart Deco, $9, amazon.com

   "My typical nail polish falls somewhere between white and light pink. Think Ballet Slippers (I see you, Duchess Meghan) or Fiji. But in warmer weather I push myself to venture into more colorful shades, ones that feel less safe than my normal soft pink go-to. My favorite? This orangey coral is beautifully rich in color and looks genuinely flattering on just about every skin tone. It's such a fun, refreshing change for my typically subdued fingers, and one I wholeheartedly intend to wear all summer." —Jennifer Lance, executive assistant to the editor-in-chief

3. 

   PHOTO: Courtesy of Deborah Lippmann

   Deborah Lippmann Nail Color in Respect, $18, nordstrom.com

   "When warm weather hits and the opportunity to Insta my hand and toes against the sand encroaches, Deborah Lippmann's Respect is the go-to. It's this fabulous, classic red that looks crazy creamy, and it serves me well each summer." —Rachel Nussbaum, beauty writer

1. 

   Jin Soon X Flagpole Summer Collection, $18 each, jinsoon.com

   "The Jin Soon x Flagpole collaboration pretty much epitomizes summer. Polishes meant to match and complement your swimwear? It's the type of preparedness and commitment to a look I aspire to, but never have the energy or foresight to execute. Luckily, these two brands did it for me. I'm feeling the Scuba green shade every day of summer." —Ana Colon, digital fashion editor

2. 

   PHOTO: Courtesy of OPI

   OPI Neon Nail Lacquer in No Faux Yellow, $8,

   "I never actually thought I'd love this color, but it looks great on and I receive so many compliments when I wear it. Even a random bartender stopped me to say how much he loved the color. It sounds weird, but it's a true story. Have to say, I agree." —Khaliha Hawkins, digital administrative assistant

3. 

   PHOTO: Courtesy of Chanel

   Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color in Rose Néon, $28, chanel.com

   "One coat of this happy neon makes me look (and feel) alive. Gloriously, blissfully alive, which is exactly how I intend to be for the next three months soaking up the sun, grilling and chilling, and feasting al fresco with friends. Even if you're a dedicated nude or classic-red girl, I dare you to try it. It's an instant outfit—and mood—brightener, and just fancy enough to make a lady feel all special and splurgy." —Maureen Choi, freelance beauty editor

1. 

   PHOTO: Courtesy of Sinful Colors

   Sinful Colors Polish in Acapella Ella, $1.99, target.com

   "I like pastels pretty much year-round but particularly in summer. When my skin is darker, I go for super pale, almost milky shades so the color pops like a crisp white shirt against my skin tone. I feel like I can't really pull off this pastel blue in the winter—it's just not as appealing without a bit of tan." —Christina Draper, fashion credits editor

2. 

   Tenoverten by Taryn Toomey Trio, $54, tenoverten.com

   "I recently received this trio by Tenoverten x Taryn Toomey—founder of The Class—and it's like every subtle but still awesome shade I could need. There's a peachy pink. There's a tinted greige. There's a muddy, puttylike color that doesn't know if it wants to be purplish or grayish or brownish but it does know that it wants to be on my nails every single day forever (until I swap in one of the other two). They call it Solar Eclipse, and it is my sun and moon and stars right now. It goes on super neatly and really sticks around." —Laura Norton, health contributor

3. 

   PHOTO: Courtesy of Sally Hansen

   Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Kook-a-Mango, $9, amazon.com

   "I tend to stick with pinks and reds, but I love to change up the shade depending on the season. This coral polish definitely comes off as summery, and even though it's a bright hue, it doesn't look drastic against my unfortunately still-pale skin." —Maggie Burch, digital producer

1. 

   PHOTO: Courtesy of Lauren B. Beauty

   Lauren B. Beauty Nail Polish in Santorini Seduction, $18, laurenbbeauty.com

   "Who said deep blues can't be worn in the summer? I'm obsessed with how this rich color complements my skin tone and applies so smoothly. Even better, I don't have to put on many coats to ensure even, nonstreaky coverage. If I'm in a rush, I slap one coat on and go. It still looks flawless." —Blake Newby, beauty assistant

2. 

   PHOTO: Courtesy of Morgan Taylor

   Morgan Taylor Professional Nail Lacquer in Curls and Pearls, $9, loxabeauty.com

   "I love this polish! The name makes me cringe a little bit, but it's worth it for the smooth application and gorgeous sheer pink-beige-plush color. It's the perfect nude with a hint of color for the summer, and looks great with or without a (spray) tan. The entire line dries quick and is super nourishing." —Jessica Radloff, West Coast editor