15 Best Summer Nail Colors Of 2024 To Try For Gorgeous Nails

Paint your nails with these vibrant shades and let your nails do the talking.

Reviewed by Simone de Vlaming, Beauty Expert Simone de Vlaming Simone de VlamingBeauty Expert facebook_icontwitter_iconlinkedin_iconyoutube_icon
Written by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijani Roy Chowdhury MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Edited by Rajeshwari Das, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Rajeshwari Das MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Srijita De, MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijita De MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Last Updated on
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Summers are all about flashy floral dresses, beach getaways, pretty sandals, and camping. And if you have the best summer nail colors in your collection, no one can stop you from acing your manicure game. Whether you love long nail extensions or nicely filed short nails, you need some vibrant colors to fit them with the summer mood. This is the right time to try those saved nail artist-inspired designs from Pinterest. These lacquers are now available in gel paints and neon colors enhanced with jewelry and other patterns.

These warmer months are the best time to flaunt some shades of oceans or loud and quirky colors that catch the eyes. Of course, classic nudes can also be an ideal choice for summer nail art, as they are always on point and complement every outfit you wear. But if you are a wild heart, try the neon shades that will reflect your fearlessness.

So, ditch your regular nail colors this summer and try the summer shades mentioned in our list of the 15 best nail shades. All these polishes have earned positive reviews from customers, proving that they are high-quality. Want to know more? Swipe up!

Top PicksCheck Price
Best For Day Events:Essie Nail Lacquer- Mint Candy Apple
Price on Amazon
Best Long-Lasting:OPI Nail Lacquer- Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet
Price on Amazon
Best Shine:Essie Nail Color Polish- Limited Addiction
Price on Amazon
Best Chip-Resistant:OPI Nail Lacquer- Strawberry Margarita
Price on Amazon
Best Coverage:Smith & Cult Nail Polish Neutrals- Stockholm Syndrome
Price on Amazon
Best Vegan:Cote Toxin Free Nail Polish- No.5 Natural Nude
Price on Amazon
Best Non-Thickening Formula:China Glaze Nail Lacquer- Highlight Of My Summer
Price on Amazon
Best Glossy Finish:Essie Nail Polish Glossy Shine Finish- Marshmallow
Price on Amazon
Best Fragrance-Free:Perfect Summer Gel Nail Color Set
Price on Amazon
Best Non-Toxic:Butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer- Trout Pout
Price on Amazon

15 Best Summer Nail Paints Of 2024

1. Best For Day Events:Essie Nail Lacquer- Mint Candy Apple

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4.4
Essie Nail Lacquer Vernis Image: Essie
Now 31% Off

Amp up the style game this summer with this fruity and minty pastel shade! This Minty Candy Apple nail paint looks refreshing and is a perfect shade for a day party. Flawless coverage and long-lasting color is what you are looking to flaunt this summer season.

Color: 30 mint candy apple | Product Dimensions: 1.14 x 1.14 x 2.7 inches | Weight: 1.59 Ounces

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Good coverage
  • Suitable for day outings

Cons

  • Runny consistency
protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply Essie Nail Care, Apricot Cuticle Oil, and then apply essie Strong Start Nail Strengthening Base Coat followed by the nail lacquer and a matte or shiny top coat.

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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 6,347 reviews claiming its efficacy.

Product Link:

2. Best Long-Lasting:OPI Nail Lacquer- Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet

OPI Nail Lacquer- Exotic Birds

What better way to express your love for summers than with this classic shade of sunshine yellow? Shiny and bright, this yellow nail polish by OPI Nail Lacquer is the only crowning glory your nails deserve this season. Sport this tropical summer nail color, flaunt it, and sizzle!

Color: Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet | Product Dimensions: 1.35 x 1.35 x 3.25 inches | Weight: 2.12 Ounces

Pros

  • Superior shine
  • Chip-resistant with up to 7 days wear time
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • The paint is thick and difficult to apply

3. Best Shine:Essie Nail Color Polish- Limited Addiction

In the world of ‘old is gold,’ classic red is the diamond. Never off the trend chart, this stunning color will add drama to your evening and intensity to your #OOTD. Go on and let your circle feel the heat with this hot summer nail color from Essie Nail Color Polish!

Pros

  • Free from DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde
  • Shiny and durable
  • Provides complete coverage

Cons

  • The paint is thin
  • It chips off easily
Essie Nail Lacquer- Mint Candy Apple
Best For Day Events
OPI Nail Lacquer- Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet
Best Long-Lasting
Essie Nail Color Polish- Limited Addiction
Best Shine
Color 30 mint candy apple Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet
Dimensions 1.14 x 1.14 x 2.7 inches 1.35 x 1.35 x 3.25 inches 1.35 x 1.35 x 3.25 inches
Weight 1.59 Ounces 2.12 Ounces 2.12 Ounces
Rating
Reviews6,34750833
Price$6.94$10.79$12.95
Buy NowBuy NowBuy Now

4. Best Chip-Resistant:OPI Nail Lacquer- Strawberry Margarita

OPI Nail Lacquer- Strawberry Margarita

It’s officially margarita season – in the glass and on the nails too! Gear up ladies, this neon color Strawberry Margarita nail paint is all you need to garner some wows, while you sip on your cocktail and enjoy your summer brunch. Sport this summer-appropriate bright shade and flaunt a statement-making look! Simone de Vlaming, a beauty expert advises, “If you want to let your nails speak for themselves with some extra glow, add a chrome powder on top of your favorite nail polish shade!”

Color: Strawberry Margarita | Product Dimensions: 1.3 x 1.05 x 3.25 inches | Weight: 0.53 Ounces

Pros

  • Lasts for up to 7 days
  • Easily removable
  • Chip-resistant

Cons

  • The paint is sticky

5. Best Coverage:Smith & Cult Nail Polish Neutrals- Stockholm Syndrome

Smith & Cult Nail Polish

Amidst the refreshing tides of spring, exude mystery with this Smith & Cult Stockholm Syndrome nail color. Dark, edgy, and sure to make your nails stand out, then this pretty summer nail color is yours to flaunt. Packaged in a premium bottle, it promises long-lasting, shiny, and smooth coverage for a long time.

Color: Stockholm Syndrome | Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 1.66 x 1.66 inches | Weight: 4.52 Ounces.

Pros

  • Ultra-adherent base coat
  • Long-lasting shine and smoothness

Cons

  • It is not chip-resistant

6. Best Vegan:Cote Toxin Free Nail Polish- No.5 Natural Nude

Cote Toxin Free Nail Polish

Are you looking for a subtle shade to enhance your manicure for the upcoming brunch party? After all, less is always more! Look no further as we bring to you the Cote Toxin Free Nail Polish No.5 Natural Nude. It is the perfect shade of nude to flaunt on your French manicure. This summer nail color is free from toxins, which means you can apply coat after coat without worrying about damaging your nails. It is also free of animal testing and is vegan, ensuring a guilt-free experience.

Color: No

Pros

  • Free from cruelty and toxins
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Shiny and smooth

Cons

  • Does not dry quickly
  • Thick consistency

7. Best Non-Thickening Formula:China Glaze Nail Lacquer- Highlight Of My Summer

China Glaze Nail Lacquer

Make your nail polish the highlight of this summer! This turquoise green shade is a popular choice of summer nail paint with the right vibe for the season. Its rich and bright coat will make your nails look trendier. Featuring a non-thickening and non-chipping formula, China Glaze Nail Lacquer is the brand to pocket this season.

Color: Transparent | Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.75 inches | Weight: 0.48 Ounces

Pros

  • Non-thickening formula
  • Chip-resistant

Cons

  • The coat turns brittle in a few days
  • Reapplication required for long-lasting result
protip_icon Pro Tip
The easiest way to fix liquid-y nail polish is to expose it to the air so that it thickens up and the application becomes easy.

8. Best Glossy Finish:Essie Nail Polish Glossy Shine Finish- Marshmallow

Essie Nail Polish Glossy Shine Finish

Marshmallow, yes, please! Call it sweet if you like, but this French manicure pearl-white nail polish is taking the ‘soft look’ to a whole new level. Truly a sight for sore eyes, give those manicured nails a trendy uplift with Essie Nail Polish in the shade Marshmallow. It is also the perfect base color to create nail designs. Many reviewers feel that this gorgeous summer nail color is sure to make a lasting impression. It is remarkably durable, trend-setting, and long-lasting.

Color: 08 marshmallow | Product Dimensions: 1.14 x 1.14 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 1.87 Ounces

Pros

  • Highly durable
  • Smooth and glossy
  • Easy-glide for hassle-free application
  • Chip-resistant up to 7 days

Cons

  • It does not dry quickly
  • Contains alcohol

9. Best Fragrance-Free:Perfect Summer Gel Nail Color Set

Perfect Summer Gel Nail Color Set

This set of Nail Gels from Perfect Summer is going to leave you spoilt for choices. Available in a pack of 6, we’ve got your summer nail #goals sorted! Featuring deep and warm shades of red, there’s one for every mood and party. Long-lasting with no-chip or no-peel guarantee, you can enjoy these coats up to 14 days post-cure under UV lamp (2-3 mins) or LED light (30-60 secs).

Color: Fall Winter Series 02

Pros

  • No chipping or peeling
  • Lasts up to 14 days
  • Non-toxic
  • Fragrance-free
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Runny consistency
  • Requires multiple coats to last long

10. Best Non-Toxic:Butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer- Trout Pout

Butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer

When in doubt, always choose a pastel shade- pink. This bright, peppy, and vibrant summer shade is the nudge you need to break free from the daily rut. With a highly-pigmented formula that makes this cute summer nail color last long, it is an absolute must-have this season. Infused with essential vitamins, it helps strengthen nails. This gorgeous shade is sure to bring a smile on your face and a spring in your step!

Product Dimensions: 0.75 x 1.5 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 2.01 Ounces.

Pros

  • Lasts up to 10 days
  • Shock-resisting polymer technology assures limitless shine
  • Non-toxic
  • Highly pigmented formula
  • Offers great coverage
  • Gel-like quality

Cons

  • It has a thick consistency

11. Best Hydrating:Orly Breathable Nail Color- Staycation

Orly Breathable Nail Color- Staycation

On those beach getaways, feel one with the sand and surf! Make a style statement without being loud or flashy with this sheer cream-colored lacquer. Ideal for French tips or use it to get full coverage, fewer things feel better than painting your nails in the shade Staycation from Orly Breathable Nail Color. The polish is expertly crafted with advanced oxygen technology that keeps your nails nourished.

Color: Staycation | Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 1.2 x 3.2 inches | Weight: 1.6 Ounces

Pros

  • Glossy and rich color pay-off
  • Hydrating with oils and vitamins
  • Non-toxic nail polish
  • Dries quickly

Cons

  • It’s thin and almost transparent

12. Best Elegant Shade:Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish- A Fine Romance

Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish

This elegant shade is going to make you fall in love with your nails! A Fine Romance by Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish is like Cupid striking your heart with a blushing radiance. Formulated with several active ingredients, this gel nail paint is sure to garner compliments, day after day. So get summer-ready and flaunt your nails!

Color: A Fine Romance - sheer milky base with pink shimmer | Product Dimensions: 1.25 x 1.25 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 1.59 Ounces.

Pros

  • Gel-based nail paint
  • 10 active ingredients that promote healthier nails

Cons

  • Expensive

13. Best Shimmery Finish:Color Club Nail Lacquer Halo Hues- Cloud Nine

Color Club Nail Lacquer Halo Hues

Who does not love a little bit of shimmer and shine? Dazzling and rebellious, and unabashedly so, this metallic shade beckons summertime like no other. Break the rules, go loud, and let your nails be your jewel for your summer evening galas. With all eyes on you, watch your squad go gaga over this pretty summer nail color!

Color: White,Brown

Pros

  • Non-toxic
  • Lost-lasting
  • Easy to apply
  • Gel-based nail color

Cons

  • Not easy to remove

14.Best For All Skin Tones:Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Color

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Color

Sally Hansen called this nail gel line a miracle, and we can’t agree more! Turning boring nails into a work of art, this turquoise gel polish is perfect for celebrating the beginning of summer. Suitable for all skin colors, it’s no surprise if you end up starting a trend with this exquisite-summer nail color. Many reviewers have testified that this polish is easy to apply. It does not require a UV lamp for curing and it can last for up to 14 days!

Color: B Girl | Product Dimensions: 1.38 x 1.38 x 3.13 inches | Weight: 0.38 Ounces

Pros

  • No UV lamp needed
  • Easy to apply and easy-glide
  • Stronger chip-resistance
  • Lasts up to 14 days

Cons

  • Almost transparent
  • Requires several retouches to last longer

15.Best Iconic Shade:NARS Cosmetics Endless Night, Purple Nail Polish

NARS Cosmetics Endless Night

Fashionable and flawless, this nail paint is like summer packed in a bottle for you! Featuring unique shades with a fruity twist, your summer nail color for 2024 can’t get fancier than this. Free from harmful chemicals like toluene and DBP, this nail paint from the celebrity-endorsed brand is curated to last long.

Color: Chinatown

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • No chipping and peeling for days
  • UV protection that prevents discoloration
  • Free from toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde

Cons

  • It is runny
  • Requires several coats for a great color pay-off
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

The Bottom Line

Vibrant nail colors can elevate your fashion game and make you vacation-ready in summer! If you are enthusiastic about fun, flirty manicures, you can look out for nail paints that provide seamless coverage and perfectly blend with your flawless summer attires. The Essie Nail Lacquer- Mint Candy Apple is a great choice for those who love subtle colors with a shimmery finish, while the OPI Nail Lacquer- Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet is an excellent pick for those who love bold nail colors. However, if you are someone who is looking for a perfect everyday wear option, try the Cote Toxin Free Nail Polish- No.5 Natural Nude. These listed nail colors are long-lasting, shiny, and durable. One can also try coral, lavender, peach, ocean blue, hot pink, sky blue, and other such light colors to sport a beach-inspired look! Opt for expert-recommended nail polishes that are free of toxins and harmful chemicals to avoid allergies. However, you should steer clear of nail paints that have a runny consistency or chip off easily after application. Read product reviews before buying a polish. Test the polish first on one nail to check for allergic reactions.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Srijani Roy Chowdhury, the author of this article, is a makeup enthusiast who loves to keep up with the latest trends in the beauty industry. Her strong knowledge of nail color brands helps her provide a well-researched article on the best summer nail colors for your gorgeous nails. These nail colors are long-lasting, highly pigmented, and provide full coverage.


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Simone de Vlaming
Simone de VlamingBeauty Expert
Simone de Vlaming is a beauty expert and founder of Beautymone.com. She specializes in makeup, skin care, fragrances, and nails. Simone decided to start a beauty blog during her graduation to find an outlet for her passion.

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Rajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.

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