From Essie to Chanel: 8 Perfect-for-Summer Nail Colors You'll Regret Not Buying

I'm just a girl who loves summer—beach days, road trips, and late-night dinners included. I also love the beauty aesthetic of summer. Think sun-kissed skin and salty hair punctuated by bright makeup and nail colors. Baby-pink blush ? Yes. Bold lipstick ? Sure. Colorful nail polish? Most definitely.

The latter is what I'm most excited about. I spent all fall and winter wearing either soft neutrals or dark and intense shades of nail polish . Come spring, I switched to powdery pastels . Now that it's finally summer, I'm yearning for the brightest possible shades I can find. I'm talking about bold marine blue, sun-kissed gold, palm leaf green, and sunburnt peach (among others). You know, the perfect-for-summer nail colors that elevate my mood and accentuate the warm-weather vibes. Ahead, see the eight nail colors I'm wearing on repeat.

Bold Marine Blue

essie Nail Polish in Butler Please

To me, bold marine blue is a classic summer nail color. It's playful yet sophisticated, and it reminds me of diving into cool water on a hot day . I'll never stop wearing it, especially not this iconic cobalt blue color from Essie.

Other Options I Love

Manucurist Ultramarine

This nail polish is so highly pigmented that it should win an award.

Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail polish in Bleu Électrique

This Hermès shade is limited-editon, so get it while you can.

Sun-Kissed Gold

J. Hannah Nail Polish in Relic

I was never a gold-nail-polish girl until a couple of years ago. I had the chance to use J. Hannah's Nail Polish in Relic, and as any good beauty editor would do, I painted it on with an open mind. Much to my surprise, I loved it. The color is unexpected compared to neutral hues, yet it's subtler than other summertime shades—the perfect balance . It complements sun-kissed skin so well.

Other Options I Love

Dior Vernis in Lemon Glow

The name of this shade is Lemon Glow. It's giving Amalfi Coast vibes, and I love it.

ADDICTION TOKYO Moroccan Dream the Nail Polish in Sunlit Sands

Another shimmering shade of gold, this one is called Sunlit Sands. It's stunning.

Palm Leaf Green

JINsoon Nail Polish Palma

I know what you're thinking. Rich shades of green don't feel all that summery. I used to think the same, but I've seen the error in my ways. It all started with this Jinsoon Nail Polish in Palma. The name struck me to the point where I saw the color in a totally different light. I imagined broad palm fronds covered in dew drops, fresh tropical air, and damp, earthy soil . Ever since I've been wearing it consistently throughout the summer. It's like a tropical vacation in a bottle.

Other Options I Love

Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Melinda Green

Slightly lighter than Jinsoon's Palma, I think this verdant shade is eye-catching.

essie Nail Polish in Off Tropic

Another rich tropical green color I love, this one is only $9 a bottle.

Electric Blue

LeChat Dare to Wear Nail Polish in Moon River

I gotta be honest. Bright, blazing, electric blue is my favorite nail color to wear in the summer . Yep, out of all the colors and options, this is the one I reach for the most. I love how striking it looks. It's the ultimate summer statement-maker.

Other Options I Love

essie Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Color in Word on the Street

I mean, just look at how striking this shade is. I'm obsessed.

LeChat Dare to Wear Nail Polish in Blue-tiful Smile

Here's another LeChat nail polish. The brand makes the best blue shades.

Sunburnt Peach

Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Peggy Sunburn

I love classic peach tones, but this summer, I'm craving something a little different—ripe, sunburnt peach. it's a little darker and a little richer than its classic counterpart. Consider it the modern way to wear peach nail polish .

Dior Vernis in Icone

Dior's dark peach nail polish is undeniably pretty.

ILNP Cosmetics, Inc. Holographic Nail Polish in Citrus Punch

For an extra kick of holographic shimmer, opt for this one.

Fiery Red

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Polish in Incendiare

Even though I love an unexpected nail color, I'm not above classic colors like orange-red. This shade never misses. It's bold, vibrant, and fiery, just like summer itself .

Other Options I Love

OPI Opi Nail Lacquer in Cajun Shrimp

This OPI shade is iconic. I never head into the summer months without it.

butter LONDON Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer Polish in Come to Bed

Slightly darker yet just as fiery is this Butter London pick that I love.

South-of-France Lavender

Nailberry Nail Lacquer in Lavender Fields

Some people might think this is more of a springtime nail color, but I disagree. I associate this shade with the famous lavender fields of Provence, the purple-hued plants swaying under the heat of the sun . I also think about lilac bushes swaying in the summer breeze. It's so soft and pretty.

Other Options I Love

LONDONTOWN Lakur Nail Polish Golden Hour, Honey Lavender

This nail polish has a soft, shimmering quality that I love.

CHANEL Le Vernis Nail Polish in Immortelle

Chanel's lavender nail color is soft and muted with gray undertones.

Summer Sky Blue

Olive & June Nail Polish in Honest & True

Can you tell I love blue nail polish? I might be partial, but hear me out! Sky blue feels fresh and free, like the expansive summer sky . That's why I reach for it whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. The soothing effect lifts my mood and makes me feel less burdened by work, obligations, and to-do lists.

Other Options I Love

Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Lucy Baby Blue

This shade, called Lucy Baby Blue, is one of my all-time favorites.

Zoya Nail Polish in Blu

This Zoya nail polish looks so airy and ethereal.

5 More Perfect-for-Summer Nail Products

Revlon Manicure Essentials Kit

A nail tool set is a must.

Dashing Diva Glaze Solid Color Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips in Coral Crush

These semi-cured gel nail strips last up to 14 days.

Dashing Diva Glaze Solid Color Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips in Royal Blue

Here's that deep marine blue color I love.

SCRATCH Freshly Picked Nail Wraps

These nail wraps are like effortless at-home nail art.

Le Mini Macaron 1-Step Diy Glossy Gel Manicure Kit

This at-home gel manicure kit is so cute.