Summer means warmer temps, cutoffs, miniskirts and switching up your nail polish colors. Hey, we can all use a little colorful distraction from time to time. Lucky for us, the summer nail polish shades this year are pretty spectacular.
There are your seasonal staples, like pink, orange, purple and green, but with new distinctive personalities. From combining hues to make a statement to incorporating a touch of shimmer, these shades will make you glad summer is on the horizon. Don’t be afraid to embrace neutrals, though. Think creamy hues or a polished putty. They will go with any summer outfit in your warm weather repertoire. We’ll leave it up to you if you also want to wear these colors on your toes. (If you’re looking for something different, we’ve got your pedicure covered.)
And don’t be afraid to mix things up. Mismatched nails are still popular and there’s always room for negative space nail art. Or you can simply paint polish on only a few fingers for a more minimalist take.
Ready to trade in your current stockpile for fresh hues? We thought so. Here are the 18 hottest summer nail polish colors to add to your seasonal sartorial strategy.
Summer 2022 Nail Polishes
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #1
MiniLuxe Pure Polish in Fresh, $20 at MiniLuxe
Light denim done right.
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #2
Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Plastic Beach, $18 at Smith & Cult
A guava pink that’s made for summer.
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #3
Paintbox Nail Lacquer in Like Electric, $22 at Paintbox
Like this totally takes us back to the 80s.
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #4
Dear Sundays Nail Polish in No.29, $18 at Dear Sundays
This dusty lavender boasts both blue and gray undertones.
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #5
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in Rock Me Baby, $20 at Deborah Lippmann
Because we like our papaya with a kiss of coral shimmer.
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #6
JINsoon Nail Polish in Georgette, $18 at JINsoon
The brand’s creamy shade almost reads as an extremely pale yellow.
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #7
Base Coat Nail Polish in Fresh Squeezed, $20 at Base Coat
Base Coat’s juicy neon orange is designed to stand out.
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #8
Static Nails Liquid Glass Lacquer in Sky Wash, $16 at Static Nails
Periwinkle simply screams summer.
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #9
Tenoverten Nail Polish in Lenox, $12 at Tenoverten
Neutrals are always in style, especially when it comes to this perfect putty hue.
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #10
Nails Inc Metallic Nail Polish in That Tan Life, $15 at Nails Inc
Liquid gold.
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #11
Zoya Nail Polish in Aphrodite, $12 at Zoya
Who says you can’t rock red during the warmer months?
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #12
CND Shellac Gel Polish in Artisan Bazaar, $14.99 at Beyond Polish
This purple is guaranteed to put you in a good mood.
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #13
Emilie Heathe Nail Artist Polish in Half & Half, $28 at Emilie Heathe
Emilie Heathe’s milky shade goes with literally everything.
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #14
OPI Nail Lacquer in Teal the Cows Come Home, $8.50 at Beyond Polish
A terrific shimmering teal that reminds us of an ocean.
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #15
Essie Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish in All Things Ooo, $9 at Ulta Beauty
This peachy shade is pastel at its finest.
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #16
Pear Nova Classic Lacquer in One Piece Wonder, $13.50 at Pear Nova
Pear Nova calls it a bright chartreuse creme, but we think it’s more on the grassy side.
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #17
Ella+Mila Nail Polish in Macaruin My Diet, $10.50 at Ella+Mila
Ella+Mila’s dark pastel is a mix of purple and pink.
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Summer 2022 Nail Polishes #18
Orly Nail Polish in Ray of Sunshine, $12 at Orly
The brand’s jelly shade is pretty aptly named.
