Nail Polish Colours For Summer

Confused about which nail polish colours are perfect for summer? From monochrome to pastels, almost anything matches a (faux) summer-glow, and neatly groomed nails. All you need is a fresh base coat, and you can easily create the foundation for any shade this summer.

White

Who said that white is only a winter colour? White nails perfectly compliment a darker skin tone, and can match almost any outfit. Apply two coats for an opaque colour which won’t look streaky, and make sure to wait until each layer has dried completely before using a top coat.

Nars Opaque Nail Polish in Ecume, $19

Pink

Wear a baby-pink shade all summer long and your nails will surely thank you! A colour like this is perfect on every skin tone, and isn’t a nightmare to touch-up if it does crack. Simply fill in the gaps with soft brush strokes, and set with a subtle top coat for extra shine.

OPI Mod About You, $19.95

Grey/Green

Even if you you’re not the biggest fan of too much colour on your nails, you can get away with this grey/green combination (at least on your toes). Just one coat will give you a subdued colour, and it’s enough to last without chipping off straight away.

Essie Maximillian Strasse Her, $16.95

Dark brown

If black nails are something you just can’t jump on board with, try a dark brown colour instead. They’re easier to apply (and remove), and won’t leave your nail beds with a dark black residue either. Just two coats is enough to give you that extra shine, without waiting hours for your nails to dry.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Bittersweet, $14.95

Coral

Nothing beats a soft coral shade in the summer-time! Another colour which suits every skin tone is a fun coral shade which is really easy to apply. Simply coat your nails, and apply a glossy shade over the top for that wet-look.

Maybelline New York Super Stay 7 Day Gel Nail Colour in Hot Salsa, $7.95

Beige

Create a ‘your nails but better’ look with a beige-coloured nail polish for the summer. Shades like this are really easy to apply, (even for those who find painting their own nails a complete bore). The touch-ups are really simple, and the colour should last you a full week before cracking.

OPI Samoan Sand, $19.95

Orange-red

If a bright red nail polish is out of the question, try a toned-down version instead. An orange-red shade is ideal for women with a yellow based skin tone, and looks amazing when paired with a holiday tan. If you do find yourself in a bit of a mess, simply take a cotton bud and dip it into nail polish remover to get rid of any excess colour on your skin.