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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.

  • Nail Lacquer in To DIY For

    Tangelo

    Essie Nail Lacquer in To DIY For

    $9 at Ulta Beauty
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  • Nail Polish in XO

    Tangelo

    Mischo Beauty Nail Polish in XO

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  • Xtreme Wear Nail Polish in Sun Kissed

    Tangelo

    Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish in Sun Kissed

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  • Nail Lacquer in Lilacism

    Lavender

    Essie Nail Lacquer in Lilacism

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  • Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Afternoon Delight

    Lavender

    Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Afternoon Delight

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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.


Tangelo

Essie Nail Lacquer in To DIY For

Nail Lacquer in To DIY For
Tangelo

Essie Nail Lacquer in To DIY For

Now 10% Off
$9 at Ulta Beauty
Credit: Ulta

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.

Tangelo

Mischo Beauty Nail Polish in XO

Nail Polish in XO
Tangelo

Mischo Beauty Nail Polish in XO

Credit: Mischo Beauty

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.

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.

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Lavender

Essie Nail Lacquer in Lilacism

Nail Lacquer in Lilacism
Lavender

Essie Nail Lacquer in Lilacism

Credit: Ulta

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

Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Afternoon Delight
Lavender

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Afternoon Delight

Credit: Sephora

Here's a dusty purple select from Lippmann's Gel Lab Pro collection that won't compete with the rest of your beauty look.

Peach

OPI Nail Lacquer in Freedom of Peach

Nail Lacquer in Freedom of Peach
Peach

OPI Nail Lacquer in Freedom of Peach

Credit: OPI

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.

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Peach

Dior Nail Lacquer in Tender

Nail Lacquer in Tender
Peach

Dior Nail Lacquer in Tender

Credit: Dior

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.

Pastel Pink

Essie Nail Lacquer in Sugar Daddy

Nail Lacquer in Sugar Daddy
Pastel Pink

Essie Nail Lacquer in Sugar Daddy

Credit: Target

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.

Pastel Pink

Manucurist Hortencia Pale Pink Nail Polish

Hortencia Pale Pink Nail Polish
Pastel Pink

Manucurist Hortencia Pale Pink Nail Polish

Credit: Amazon

This French-made, vegan polish is 9-free, and has a ballet pink finish that works for just about any skin tone (it also contains a hint of yellow).

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Pastel Pink

OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath

Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath
Pastel Pink

OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath

Credit: Amazon

Another of our favorite pastel pinks of the season, this lacquer from OPI has a buildable formula that makes it easy to customize your final look.

Bright Green

Gucci Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish in Melinda Green

Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish in Melinda Green
Bright Green

Gucci Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish in Melinda Green

Credit: Nordstrom

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.

Bright Green

OPI Nail Lacquer in I'm Sooo Swamped!

Nail Lacquer in I'm Sooo Swamped!
Bright Green

OPI Nail Lacquer in I'm Sooo Swamped!

Credit: Skinstore

Here's another bright green option from OPI beauty lovers are raving about, which has the fun and excitement of summer 2023 written all over it.

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Viva Magenta

Hermès Nail Enamel in Rose Magenta

Nail Enamel in Rose Magenta
Viva Magenta

Hermès Nail Enamel in Rose Magenta

Credit: Bloomingdale's

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.

Viva Magenta

Orly Gorgeous

Gorgeous
Viva Magenta

Orly Gorgeous

Credit: Orly

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.

Brick Red

Dior Nail Lacquer in Rouge

Nail Lacquer in Rouge
Brick Red

Dior Nail Lacquer in Rouge

Credit: Dior

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 told BAZAAR.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

Gel Lab Pro Nail Lacquer in It's Raining Men
Brick Red

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Lacquer in It's Raining Men

Now 50% Off
Credit: Bluemercury

This shade will quite literally be the cherry on top of your summer polish collection.

Brick Red

Tenoverten Nail Polish in Ludlow

Nail Polish in Ludlow
Brick Red

Tenoverten Nail Polish in Ludlow

Credit: Tenoverten

Tenoverten's Ludlow is a cool-toned shade inspired by New York City that will help you stand out from the pack in a sea of red manicures.

Hot Pink

Zoya Nail Lacquer in Lola

Nail Lacquer in Lola
Hot Pink

Zoya Nail Lacquer in Lola

Credit: Ulta

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

73% Plant Power Nail Polish Earth Loves You
Hot Pink

Nails Inc. 73% Plant Power Nail Polish Earth Loves You

Now 30% Off
Credit: Sephora

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.

Hot Pink

Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Camelia

Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Camelia
Hot Pink

Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Camelia

Credit: Macy's

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.

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