20 Best Summer 2018 Nail Polish Color Trends
Sandal season is fully upon us, and with your fingers and toes on full display until further notice (see you never, boots and gloves), why not show them off with some fun summer nail colors?
One of the best aspects of summertime beauty (second only to letting your hair air-dry on a daily basis) is letting your creativity run wild when it comes to fun nail polish shades — and this year's latest have us tempted to try them all before Labor Day.
While bright pinks, oranges, and corals are always on-trend for the warmer months, some of this year's chicest options have an entirely different vibe altogether. "This season we're seeing a lot of blues, light grays and light pinks," Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa manicurist Manana Shenanglia tells Teen Vogue. "Sheer pink colors are also very trendy."
Between beach days and far-flung vacations, it's also important to make sure you're doing everything you can to make your mani last as long as possible. The easiest way to achieve exactly that? "Use a gel top coat!" Manana says, who name-checks The Gel Genius Top Coat by Londontown as a go-to. "This will extend the life and shine of the polish and prevent chips and fades. You can also reapply this product at signs of wear."
Scroll through for 20 of our favorite summer nail polish colors — from light pink to sunshine yellow to holographic purple — all of which will be sure to make your summer 2018 nail selfies ("nailfies"?) absolutely pop on your feed.
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Courtesy of Brand1/20A pop of periwinkle
Cool tones aren't just reserved for cool months. Dip your toes into a purple-y blue like this one for a periwinkle pedicure that will add a fun pop to even the most boring pair of flip flops.
Shop Now: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in A Wink And A Smile, $20, available at Sephora
Courtesy of Brand2/20A sandy shade
Take a page out of Meghan Markle's book and stick with something neutral on your nails — like this beach chic shade from TenOverTen.
Shop Now: tenoverten Canal, $18, available at Tenoverten
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Courtesy of Brand3/20A sheer pink
While summer manis may typically be all about the brights, a petal pastel can pack just as much of a punch.
Shop Now: Givenchy Le Vernis in Light Pink Perfecto, $24, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Courtesy of Brand4/20Glittery blue
Mermaid hair and makeup are already a thing — why not add nails to the list of under-the-sea beauty trends?
Shop Now: Zoya Nail Polish in Saldana, $10, available at Amazon
Courtesy of Brand5/20Poppy orange
Say "no more" to neutrals, and get loud with a bright shade that toes (... no pun intended) the line between red and orange.
Shop Now: Marc Jacobs Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer, $18, available at Sephora
Courtesy of Brand6/20Tropical teal
Matching your nails to the backdrop of all your summer Instagram photos is always a good idea.
Shop Now: Jinsoon nail polish in Scuba, $18, available at Jinsoon
Courtesy of Brand7/20Pastel purple
While it isn't exactly a "neutral," an orchid-inspired shade will go with every piece in your summer wardrobe.
Shop Now: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in Wild Orchid, $20, available at Sephora
Courtesy of Brand8/20Bold blue
Look no further for Fourth of July manicure inspiration, care of this bright maritime blue.
__Shop Now:__Defy & Inspire Nail Lacquer in Ship Happens, $7.49, available at Target
Courtesy of Brand9/20Creamy Orange
Consider this color the manicure equivalent of eating a creamsicle at the beach, with just a littttttle shimmer added in for good measure. What could be more summer-y than that?
Shop Now: Essie nail polish in Out of the Jukebox, $9, available at Essie
Courtesy of Brand10/20An eye-catching combo
Can't decide between pink and red? Try 'em both at once. "Have fun pairing these two warm colors together. stripes and dots of the complimentary hues are playful easy to do, or try an eye-catching, non-traditional french manicure," says côte co-founder Mary Lennon of this fun set.
Shop Now: Cote Desert Duo, $30, available at Côte
Courtesy of Brand11/20Rose gold
"Neutral glitter" may sound like an oxymoron, but choosing a cream or taupe with just a hint of shimmer — aka rose gold — will give your fingers and toes a little extra glitz without being over the top.
*Shop Now: Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in Ceremony of Secrets, $18, available at Smith and cult
Courtesy of Brand12/20Sky blue
Ocean-inspired shades will turn any seaside manicure selfie into a work of art.
Shop Now: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in Baby Blue Eyes, $20, available at Sephora
Courtesy of Brand13/20Shimmery red
Give your usual red a summer update with some subtle sparkle
Shop Now: Zoya Nail Polish in Marigold, $10, available on Amazon
Courtesy of Brand14/20A holographic hue
Bring the holographic trend to your nails for an out-of-this world mani that looks like an optical illusion. Try it on an accent nail, or give yourself a full set of futuristic fingers.
Shop Now: Nails Inc Holler-Graphic Nail Polish in Get Out of My Space, $11, available at Sephora
15/20White hot
Who said summer whites only apply to clothes? Stand out this season with a glossy, bright mani that makes a simple — but striking – statement. (Bonus points: It'll match with literally any outfit.)
Shop Now: Caption Nail Lacquer in Heaven Help Me, $10, available at Amazon
Courtesy of Brand16/20Sunshine Yellow
Looking for summer in a bottle? Look no further than this true, sunshine yellow.
Shop Now: OPI Pop Culture Hate to Burst Your Bubble Nail Lacquer, $10.49, available at Sally Beauty Supply
Courtesy of Brand17/20Very berry
If bright and light pinks aren't quite your style, try a deep, purple-infused hue instead.
Shop Now: Givenchy Le Vernis in Framboise Velours, $25, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Courtesy of Brand18/20Iridescent lilac
Smack in the middle of the purple and pink spectrum, this glimmering shade is perfect for when you just can't pick. It's basically highlighter, but for your nails, and the subtle shimmer will look really, really pretty reflecting the summer sun.
Shop Now: Londontown Nail Polish in Briolette, $16, available at Londontown
J.GIRAL19/20Grassy green
Coat your nails with a grassy shade that is outdoorsy in the most unexpected way. Add white stripes or spots for an added element of summer-y dimension.
Shop Now: Chanel Le Vernis Longue Tenue in Legerete, $28, available at Nordstrom
20/20Bright Pink
Summer is best possible excuse for painting your nails in the brightest pink polish you can find. Try this bold fuchsia for an instantly mood-boosting mani.
Shop Now: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Red-y, Set Run, $13.96, available at Target
