If you ask me, mauve is probably one of the most deeply misunderstood colors just in life, but especially so as it pertains to nail polish. Like puce (which is actually a dark purple-brown-red situation), glaucous (a powdery blue-gray), wenge (an earthy wooden brown), and plenty more, mauve really gets the short end of the stick where potential is concerned, and it sounds a lots less divine than it actually is. Maybe because it sounds like moth? (Honestly, I have no idea, but I don't think I'm alone here, right?) It just doesn't roll off the tongue or sound quite as exotic as other beloved hues like turquoise, lilac, or magenta.
Technically speaking, "mauve" is categorized as a pale shade of purple named after the mallow flower. Many people assume it's more dishwatery and gray than it actually is, and up until recently, it hasn't been a super-popular pick on the nail spectrum. However, I've noticed more and more nail polish brands launching iterations of the "sickly" shade, and it's inarguably gaining momentum as far as trending colors go. Of course, like all colors, there's a spectrum within the mauve family, and some will be more flattering than others depending on your skin tone and typical shade MO.
We like to be ahead of the crowd here at WWW, so below, you'll find our handpicked selection of mauve nail colors sure to suit every palette. Keep scrolling! You'll definitely want to snatch up two or three.
Meet Moxie—a muted, pinky-mauve nail color from JinSoon that's subtle, neutral, and effortlessly glamorous.
Classic mauve with a twist. This Iceland-inspired shade from OPI has a subtle flash of shimmer.
Perfect for when you want a 10/10 manicure in under 10 minutes, this fast-drying shade of mauve is the ultimate antidote.
We obsess over Smith Cult's nail formulas over and over again because not only are the colors stunning (like this exemplary shade of mauve), but the finish is also so dang opaque and glossy. One or two coats does the trick!
This shade of mauve from the nontoxic nail brand Sundays is so popular that it's currently sold out and back-ordered until February 10 of this year. However, the buzz is legit, so we highly recommend you add it to your cart anyway for future shipment.
Mirage by Chanel is one of our all-time favorite nail colors, and while it veers slightly more pink than purple, it's still a mainstay within our collection of mauve nail polish.
Brand-new from Zoya, this airier iteration (called Cami) is described by the brand as a "pale mauve taupe cream."
The ultimate mauve anchor featuring the glossiest high-shine finish.
A holographic melding of purple and magenta sparkles takes this mauve nail color to the next level.
Flora 1761 is the clean, lesser-known polish brand you absolutely need on your radar. It's a cult favorite among beauty editors, and this mauve example epitomizes the line's beauty.
I honestly get frenetic whenever I enter Base Coat's polish shop. The formulas are just about as nontoxic as you can get (10-free), and the colors are just so, so good. I literally want every bottle, but while we're on the topic of mauve … This juicy color currently has my eye.
This creamy color is, according to Orly, another version of mauve. (It's especially flattering for anyone with warmer undertones who still wants to test-drive the mauve trend.)
This shade of mauve is definitely more on the pink side, but it's a great, on-trend alternative for the peeps out there who just can't with purple.
The name doesn't lie—Butter London's Patent Shine 10X line truly sets the bar in the shine arena.
A prismatic, fast-drying, and pearly pink mauve, Sally Hansen's formula called Glow Getter rounds out our list of the best mauve nail colors money can buy.
Up next, 9 Pretty Valentine's Day Manicure Ideas That Aren't Cheesy
-
No Nail Polish Remover? No Problem—Manicurists Share the Best Tips (and What Not to Do)This intel is vital.
-
Megan Fox's "Deep Red Jelly" Manicure Is the Coolest Way to Wear Holiday NailsEdgy and untraditional.
-
I Never Thought I'd Try Acrylic Nails, But This Manicurist Guide Has Me 100% ConvincedNow you know.
-
J.Lo Wore the Crystal-Inspired Manicure Set to Replace Your Favorite Nude This WinterBRB, booking a salon appointment.
-
I'm a Pro at Spotting Nail Trends Before They Take Off—5 I Know Will Dominate Well Into 2025An expert backed me up.
-
Sorry, French Tips—This Is the Chic and Very Cute Nail Trend I'll Be Wearing Throughout DecemberAn Insta-worthy manicure.
-
Exclusive: Cynthia Erivo Shares the "Little Details" That Make Her Wicked-Inspired Nails Really Sing"I love to think of Elphaba as someone who really takes care of herself."
-
I Quit Gel Nails After Discovering This $13 Product Keeps My At-Home Manis Chip-Free for 2 WeeksI'm never looking back.
