The 18 Most Popular Colors for Nails

Manicures can be more than just a way to show off your colorful fingers. Manicures are more than just a way to express yourself, take care of your nails, and bring joy.

It can be difficult to choose a shade from the many options available at your local beauty-supply store or drugstore. There are hundreds of shades to choose from, as well as many finish options such rich cremes, glitters and statement mattes.

It all boils down to what makes you happy right now and what will make you feel the most content with your life for the next few weeks. If you aren’t sure which color you should try and don’t know where to start, we have compiled a list of the top nail colors with options from drugstores, prestige brands, and indie brands. This guide was curated by top editorial nail artists like Rita Remark and Mar y Sol Inzerillo.

We have you covered, whether you are looking for blackest blacks like Essie’s Licorice, or summer nail colors such as a bright pink neon. Continue reading to discover your favorite shade.

Jet Black

It doesn’t matter what season it might be — Essie’s Licorice is good for all. Remark, who works for the brand, agrees. «This is my go to black: pure, undiluted and densely pigmented.»

Cherry Red

Chanel Le Vernis’s Pirate in cherry red is sophisticated and striking. Mazz Hanna, a nail polish brand owner and manicurist in Los Angeles, says that this color is often requested by celebrities.

Olive Green

Anna Miles, a New York City manicurist, is a huge fan of Jin Soon’s Green Clay and its olive tones. It’s an unexpected neutral, it can be used with almost everything but it is not your usual beige.

Fine wine

Inzerillo’s choice for the sultry deep-red manicure is Inspire Bridezilla and Defy. It makes nails look shiny and healthy, and goes well with a glass of your favorite Merlot.

Coffee Beige

Mimi D, a Los Angeles-based manicurist, loves Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Polish Instant Coffee. It’s like an iced coffee for your nails. It comes in a quick drying formula that gives you serious pigment with each swipe.

Pure White

We are glad that we weren’t among the many teens who used Wite-Out to paint their nails. Essie’s Blanc is a great alternative. Betina Goldstein, manicurist, says that Essie’s Blanc is the best choice for opaque and highly pigmented whites.

Hot Red

Savannah Walker isn’t a fan of traditional nail polish anymore. Her intricate masterpieces require gel or other professional materials. However, she still loves OPI Nail Lacquer Cajun Shrimp. Walker refers to it as «hot red», which is a bit more coral than true cherry shades, making it a brighter but less predictable choice.

Forest Green

Are you looking for a dark green that is truly dark? «Paintbox Like Wild» actually reads green far away — «some greens read too brightly or black,» Julie Kandalec (a New York City nail artist) says. This hue will be envied by everyone, near and far.

Blackest Black

Black nail polish is something we like as much as a nude, light pink, or red. This is a great classic, especially if you are feeling glimmery and gothic. Mimi D’s favorite? Orly and Kwame Onwuachi, a James Beard Award-winning chef, created Chef’s kiss. We suspect that black is his favorite nail color, and you will too with this formula.

Lilac

Miles said that «Lilac can mean different things to different people.» It is a balanced mix of blue and red. Jin Soon’s Ube is her favorite, as it doesn’t skew too much pink or too blue. It’s somewhere in between.

Chocolate Brown

This rich brown color will make your sweet tooth crave dessert. Inzerillo says that Zoya Louise, a creamy chocolate shade, is perfect for darker skin tones.

Beige Pink

Beige-pink nail polish is suitable for all occasions. Essie Nail Enamel Topless and Barefoot has been a favourite at weddings, Fashion Week and red carpet events. Elle Gerstein, a New York-based manicurist, cites this color in her celebrity favorites. She notes that Blake Lively uses it as his «go-to nail color.»

Amethyst

Violet nail polish colors are both elegant and friendly. LeChat Dares to Wear Lacquer Violet Fizz is a jewel-tone violet that Gerstein says is one of Emilia Clarke’s favorite nail colors.

Punch Pink

Pear Nova’s Pink Collar Crime polish is a great punchy pink that you can add to your collection. Mimi D likes this nail polish. She notes that it comes in classic and gel formulas. You can choose which one you prefer.

Mauve Nude

Miles’s choice for a nude Modern Love, a mauve-y confection from Deborah Lippmann. It looks great on all skin types. This one is for you if you love shiny nails. The gel-like effect gives it a glossy look without the use of a UV lamp.

Iridescent Rainbow

A layer of iridescent nail varnish instantly gives your manicure dimension. Miss Pop, a New York City-based nail technician, suggests applying one coat of Zoya Professional Lacquer, Leia, before adding a top coat.

Blackberry

Numerous nail professionals love Blackberry, especially Chanel Le Vernis In Vamp. Its smoky, red color has won a Best of Beauty Award and gained a loyal following. Gerstein claims she can recall a time when the nail polish was sold out and went on eBay for hundreds of dollars.

Vampy Brown

Dark browns, almost black in color, add mystery to your manicure. This is the Essie Nail Polish in Wicked. Gerstein stated that it was created from demand for dark, almost black shades of Chanel Le Vernis in Vamp.