The Best Summer 2023 Nail Colors to Wear All Season

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Summer is finally within reach, and we can't help but feel delighted at the thought of picnics in the park and rooftop parties. Summer is all about vibrancy and growth, and our nails should reflect that too. To give us the inside scoop on what's trending this season, we reached out to some of our favorite nail experts: San Sung Kim, Queenie Nguyen, and Deborah Lippmann. From laid-back beachy vibes to over-the-top glam, they have the lowdown on the 10 best summer nail colors that will make your nails pop until the first leaf falls.

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.

Nail Lacquer in To DIY For

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.

Nail Polish in XO

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.

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.

Nail Lacquer in Lilacism

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.”

Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Afternoon Delight

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

Nail Lacquer in Freedom of Peach

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.

Nail Lacquer in Tender

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.

Nail Lacquer in Sugar Daddy

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.

Hortencia Pale Pink Nail Polish

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).

Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath

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.

Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish in Melinda Green

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.

Nail Lacquer in I'm Sooo Swamped!

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.

Nail Enamel in Rose Magenta

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.

Gorgeous

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.

Nail Lacquer in Rouge

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.

Gel Lab Pro Nail Lacquer in It's Raining Men

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

Nail Polish in Ludlow

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.

Nail Lacquer in Lola

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?”

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.

Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Camelia

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.

Color Foil Nail Polish in Steel a Kiss

When it comes to metallics, silver is consistently a choice hue among the fashion set, and this season its popularity is being translated in nail form. The sterling hue has been making waves all over Instagram feeds, and it's not hard to see why. Plus, as Kim advises, “Silver polish is the perfect color to wear on your nails to match your favorite jewelry.”

Nail Polish in Mr. M

Your spirit fingers will be even more effective this summer once they're painted with this dazzling silver polish from Emilie Heathe.

Breathable Nail Polish in Au Naturel

For a natural-looking manicure that's the perfect base for the lip gloss nails trend, Nguyen recommends opting for a soft and clean sheer pink or nude shade, like this one from Nailberry.

Nail Lacquer in Ballet Slippers

Essie's Ballet Slippers is said to be a favorite among royals, and is also the perfect base for a regular or French manicure in any month.

CHM Nail Polish

If you prefer doing your nails at home, here's a sheer tan shade from Olive and June with a gel-like finish that's so neutral, it's practically mistake-proof.

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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