Our Top 10 Lists help shoppers quickly and easily find what they need. Using an intense review and approval process (which you can learn more about here), we break down the best products according to what consumers most commonly search for and want.
THE BEST NAIL POLISHES TO BUY FOR SPRING AND SUMMER
Summer is fast approaching, and as the weather warms up, your manicures (and pedicures) should too. As lovely as your go-to nude hue must be, there are far too many pretty shades on the market right now to stick with the usual. In fact, our algorithm has been keeping a close eye on the most popular nail trends and colors as of late, and we have a feeling that once you see them, you're going to feel the same way. Ahead, we've rounded up an edit of the Top 10 nail colors of the season so that no matter where your summer plans take you, your nails will make a bold statement. From classics like bright white and fiery red to adventurous options like seafoam green and lemon yellow, we're bringing you all that and more in the list below.
Our Method For Finding The Best Summer Nail Polishes
Summer 2021 has a ton of gorgeous nail polish options to offer. To narrow down the selection, we enlisted the help of our data-driven algorithm. Our algorithm factors in rave reviews, editorial mentions, and social media buzz to churn out data-vetted recommendations you can trust. Ahead, discover the Top 10 nail polishes of the summer season and shop your favorites.
Next up, shop the 10 Best At-Home Dip Powder Nail Kits for more top-rated mani finds. Opening image: opi.com
May 7, 2021
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Essie Nail Polish In Tangerine Tease
SUNSET ORANGE
WHY YOU NEED IT: This creamsicle-inspired shade will only be here for a season, so act quickly. Released as part of Essie's Summer 2021 collection, the limited-edition polish boasts super opaque color and a glossy finish that will fool anyone into thinking you paid for a professional manicure.
THINGS TO KNOW: Essie's easy-glide brush ensures professional precision and full-coverage application on every nail.
OPI Nail Lacquer In Alpine Snow
BRIGHT WHITE
LOVED FOR: Waiting for nail polish to dry is almost as boring as watching grass grow. Fortunately, this snow-white shade cuts down on drying time and provides up to seven days of wear—no touch-ups required.
USER REVIEW: "OPI Alpine Snow is the best white polish out there. It covers well with two thin coats and has good staying power. It's a clean, bright white and makes my fair skin look more tan than it is. This will be a forever staple in my nail polish collection."
OPI Nail Lacquer In It's A Boy!
BARELY-THERE BLUE
WHY YOU NEED IT: Is it just us, or does this blue polish look just like cotton candy? With a full-coverage, quick-drying formula, this muted shade boasts chip-free seven-day wear that long outlasts the average mani.
BEAUTY TIP: Give your mani some extra staying power and an ultra-glossy finish with OPI's Top Coat.
Essie Nail Polish In Free To Roam
BUBBLEGUM PINK
WHY YOU NEED IT: Bubblegum pink has been popping up everywhere this season, and this sweet shade fits right in with the trend. It delivers flawless, high-shine coverage for a long-lasting at-home manicure.
WHO IT'S FOR: This pastel pink polish features a white base and blue undertones that are sure to stand out against neutral or cool skin undertones.
Essie Nail Polish In You Do Blue
SHIMMERY SKY BLUE
LOVED FOR: A hint of shimmer gives this periwinkle blue nail polish the most subtle iridescent look. With hints of violet, the color truly captures the beauty of dusk in a bottle.
RAVE REVIEW: "This is my new FAVORITE nail polish! I stopped buying nail polish years ago because I could NEVER find ones that lasted more than a day without chipping! It seemed like a waste of time and money. Not only are the colors beautiful, but I’ve been able to keep the same polish on for at LEAST four days without ANY chipping, and I get my hands dirty when I work! Loving it. Already purchased more."
OPI Nail Lacquer Infinite Shine 2 Nail Polish In Sun, Sea, And Sand In My Pants
LEMON YELLOW
WHAT IT DOES: OPI's Infinite Shine 2 nail polishes deliver a glossy finish and last up to 11 days. The best part? Application and removal are a breeze.
WHERE TO WEAR: This bold yellow shade has us looking forward to all of the sun-soaked days ahead. Formulated to deliver gel-like wear, it can totally handle water and sand and is perfect for a beach getaway.
OPI Nail Lacquer In Do You Lilac It?
PALE PURPLE
WHY YOU NEED IT: Inspired by lilacs, this purple shade is equal parts playful and sophisticated. Formulated to deliver full-coverage application, glossy shine, and long-lasting durability, it's a must-have for summer 2021.
THINGS TO KNOW: This soft purple shade complements warm and cool undertones alike.
Essie Nail Polish In Limo-Scene
CLASSIC NUDE
WHY YOU NEED IT: Formulated to deliver outstanding durability, this chip-resistant formula boasts long-lasting wear and a versatile nude shade that will play nicely with any outfit or occasion.
USER REVIEW: "My manicurist used this on my nails over a week ago, and it’s still looking perfect—no streaking or uneven color. If you’re skilled at applying polish, it always looks good, and you never get streakiness. The color is perfect for spring and summer, and I’m thinking of doing the toes now with the same color."
Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color In Mint Sorbet
SEAFOAM GREEN
WHAT IT DOES: Inspired by mint sorbet, this opaque, creamy formula delivers a micro-shine complex and reflective brilliance.
USER REVIEW: "This polish is nice and opaque. It's easy to apply, and it lasts a long time, too. I had to take it off my nails after eight days or so because my fingernails grow quickly, but I kept it on my toenails, and it didn't start to chip for more than two weeks! I got a lot of compliments on the color."
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour In Arancio Vibrante
SIZZLING RED
WHY YOU NEED IT: This formula is undenaibly a splurge, but trust us—it's worth it. Formulated to deliver the most vibrant color, long-wearing application, and ultimate shine, it's a must-have for summer.
LOVED FOR: Reviewers say this shade is so opaque, it only takes one coat to achieve a gorgeous, glossy look.
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