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
Other Options I Love
Sun-Kissed Gold
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.
Editor Kaitlyn McLintock wearing J. Hannah Nail Polish in Relic
Other Options I Love
Palm Leaf Green
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
Electric Blue
Editor Kaitlyn McLintock wearing LeChat Nail Polish in Moon River
Other Options I Love
Sunburnt Peach
Fiery Red
Editor Kaitlyn McLintock wearing Chanel Nail Polish in Incendiare
Other Options I Love
South-of-France Lavender
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
Summer Sky Blue
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.
Editor Kaitlyn McLintock wearing Olive June Nail Polish in Honest True
Other Options I Love
5 More Perfect-for-Summer Nail Products

Kaitlyn McLintock is a Beauty Editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She has 10 years of experience in the editorial industry, having previously written for other industry-leading publications, like Byrdie, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, and others. She covers all things beauty and wellness-related, but she has a special passion for creating skincare content (whether that's writing about an innovative in-office treatment, researching the benefits of a certain ingredient, or testing Wholesale Replica Bag and greatest at-home skin device). Having lived in Los Angeles, California, and Austin, Texas, she has since relocated back to her home state, Michigan. When she's not writing, researching, or testing beauty products, she's working through an ever-growing book collection or swimming in the Great Lakes.
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