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The Best Summer 2023 Nail Colors to Wear All Season
Bookmark these top polish shades for warmer weather.
By Iman Balagam
Now that warmer weather is finally here, we can't help but think about our upcoming plans for the season. One recurring thought in particular? Coordinating some of the best summer 2023 nail colors with our bags, dresses, cut-offs, and more. If you—like us—spend at least 30 minutes figuring out which new polish shade to try, fear not. For an inside scoop on what's trending next season, we sought the advice of a few experts in the know, including celebrity and editorial nail artists San Sung Kim, Queenie Nguyen, and Deborah Lippmann.
From vibrant shades of pink and green to more subtle, neutral staples, we've narrowed down some of the top shades nail enthusiasts are loving for the next few months—and as an added bonus, some picks even work all year-round. To help save you time during your next salon visit, we've rounded up the best summer 2023 nail colors for your most stylish manicures and pedicures yet.
Expect to see a lot of the robust orange, Tangelo, as it was a popular pick in Pantone’s SS23 New York Fashion Week color palette. “Tangelo is a refreshing choice for the warmer months this year,” Kim tells BAZAAR.com.
A slightly more subdued take on this trend's vibrant orange-y tone, Mischo Beauty's XO is ideal for the person just looking to dip their toe into the style.
Tangelo
Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish in Sun Kissed
Tangelo
Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish in Sun Kissed
BAZAAR editors are fans of this budget-friendly Tangelo option from Sally Hansen, since it features a chip-resistant, long-lasting formula with a glossy finish.
You can probably thank Taylor Swift's hit song for this next rising polish trend. Lavender not works for viral pop lyrics, but the shade is also ideal to wear on your nails as the weather heats up. “Pastels are always trending in the summer, but we will see more soft purples on people’s nails," says Lippmann. "It’s a bright and sunny shade perfect for this summer.”
Lavender
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Afternoon Delight
Lavender
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Afternoon Delight
For a sun-kissed look that's perfect for tan and glow season, Nguyen suggests trying out a peach manicure. And if you're feeling up for it, we also recommend adding on some nail art for an extra touch of seasonal whimsy.
If you're a fan of wearing orange lipstick or blush in warmer months, consider trying out Dior's Nail Lacquer in the shade Tender for a monochromatic look.
If you're looking for a no-fuss mani and pedi that works with just about anything, pastel pink may become your new favorite shade for vacation. “Pastel pink is a neutral color that can blend in with many summer outfits and it can be worn as a fully opaque color or as a sheer jelly tint depending on the client’s mood,” Kim adds.
Nguyen predicts that green will continue to be a popular color into the summer season—and we're here for it. A bright green shade, like this one from Gucci, is the perfect way to add a playful pop of color to your next look.
Viva Magenta is Pantone's famed color of 2023 (even spotted on the runways of Prabal Gurung and Del Core) which is why it's no surprise that artists predict it's also set to make a big splash in beauty this summer.
The name of this polish says it all: Not only is its fuchsia and blue duo chrome shimmer absolutely stunning, but we're betting you'll get tons of questions about what color you're wearing.
Red is more popular than ever right now, which is why it's no surprise Nguyen counts the color as another nail staple for summer.
"Red manicures never go out of style because they're striking yet classic shades that are associated with passion and love," celebrity artist Jin Soon Choi previously toldBAZAAR.com. Just like a classic red lip, this timeless shade from Dior is super versatile, making it an essential part of any seasonal polish rotation.
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Brick Red
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Lacquer in It's Raining Men
Brick Red
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Lacquer in It's Raining Men
The summer season is the perfect time to experiment with bold pops of color, especially when the shade is highlighter pink. “With the Barbie moving coming out this summer, we will definitely be seeing bright pink everywhere," Lippmann explains. "Who doesn’t love the pop of color?”
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Hot Pink
Nails Inc. 73% Plant Power Nail Polish Earth Loves You
Hot Pink
Nails Inc. 73% Plant Power Nail Polish Earth Loves You
For a plant-powered, high-shine formula that still provides plenty of hot pink vibrancy, we recommend this long-wear polish from Nails Inc. In addition to being 21-Free, its packaging is also completely eco-friendly.
There's something about the cheery tone of this hot pink nail polish that delivers instant joy: Just imagine how you'll feel seeing it peek out from under the sand at the beach.