It’s funny how the weather changes our color preferences. For five months out of the year, we’re perfectly satisfied with wearing black from head to toe — jet-black ankle boots and dark, raw-hem denim never go out of style. Then it’s 80 degrees and sunny, and all we want are floral prints and magenta tones in our closet.
Our nail polish picks also tend to take a turn for the brighter once July rolls around, — especially during this strange summer of quarantine when we’re all in need of a pick-me-up. So, ahead, we’ve rounded up the best bright polishes, according to seasoned nail pros. These shades won’t leave you with a streaky finish and will have every fellow Trader-Joe’s shopper commenting, “Wow, that’s bright.” From cherry-red to fluorescent purple, you’ll find your new favorite summer mani color in the guide, ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Bright White
You’re wearing a white slip dress, white-rimmed sunglasses, and you want a mani-pedi to match. This creamy pearl shade — created by Black-owned nail brand, Mischo Beauty — is crisp, bright, and has just the right amount of iridescence.
Mischo A Beautiful Life, $, available at Mischo
Bright Orange
Neon orange reads surprisingly chic on fingernails, especially under the sunshine. If you’re looking for the newest of the new, grab this blazing shade from Essie’s summer 2020 collection, inspired by the vibrant city of Marrakech, Morocco.
Essie souq up the sun, $, available at Essie
Bright Pink
Think of this raspberry pink as your fancy-occasion nail polish. Whether it’s a Zoom baby shower or you just feel like putting on a dress, a single coat of Chanel Camélia will deliver professional-quality pigment and shine — until your next salon appointment.
Chanel Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour, $, available at Nordstrom
Bright Purple
Consider this shade an upgrade from the soft whispering lavender you’ve worn on repeat all spring. It’s equal parts happy and posh — and how we hope to feel from now to August.
Olive & June Bold & Unshaken, $, available at Olive & June
Bright Red
The best summer red you can snag off the shelves of your local Target (or online) is this best-selling Tenoverten polish in Ludlow. Brand founder Nadine Abramcyk tells us it’s a classic candy-apple red that flatters every skin tone.
Tenoverten tenoverten Nail Polish in Ludlow, $, available at Target
Bright Yellow
Nail pro and OPI education manager Sigourney Nuñez says this shade — named Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants — delivers a non-streaky sunburst manicure that’s especially gorgeous against medium and dark skin tones.
OPI OPI Nail Lacquer in Sun Sea and Sand In My Pants, $, available at Amazon
Bright Blue
We’re calling this shade Blue Crush. Celebrity manicurist Skyy Hadley loves both the vibrant, icy blue tone and the extreme long-wearing formula that won’t chip for a solid two weeks.
Sally Hansen Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Babe Blue, $, available at Walmart
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
9 Blue Nail Polishes To Dive Into This Summer
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