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The 10 Best Summer Pedicure Colors to Inspire Your Next Vacation
Bookmark these picks for an upcoming nail appointment
Selecting one of the best summer pedicure colors from your local nail salon’s polish wall can be difficult, especially for the most indecisive beauty lovers. And as open-toe shoes become style staples in warmer months, we anticipate a heavy rotation of shades to come.
Shop the Best Summer Pedicure Nail Colors
While bright colors, like cheery corals and baby blues, are seasonal staples, they aren’t the only colors worthy of being on display in your sandals. Nail experts expect other playful shades, like lemon and neon yellows and fushia tones, to make a splash this season, along with more subdued neutrals that go with your favorite footwear. I recommend using the sunny and carefree vibes of the coming months as an excuse to have a bit more fun with your beauty routine.
“Summer toes are going to be walking on both sides of the fence this year,” imPress brand ambassador and celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik tells Bazaar. “From colored and classic French pedis and full-coverage nudes to fun energized brights like magenta, fuchsia, coral orange, and navy.”
If you need more help narrowing down your polish of choice for your next appointment and beyond, we asked professionals for their thoughts on some of the top trending shades. Keep scrolling to check out what nail experts consider some of the best summer pedicure colors to try this season.
Related: The Best Summer 2024 Nail Trends
If this high-shine coral shade makes you want to order a piña colada, you’re not alone. It leaves behind a high-shine, glossy finish and applies via a wide, flat brush that helps you cover more surface area when painting.
“A cheerful and sunny color, bright yellow adds a touch of fun summer vibe to your pedicure,” nail expert and beauty founder Jin Soon Choi says. She also mentions that the shade is a perfect choice for anyone looking to make a nail statement in a subtle but unique way, since it features a lemon-hue with green undertones.
For moments when you're not able to physically make it to the pool, looking down at a dreamy blue pedicure serves as a close second. “A refreshing and vibrant blue pedicure evokes feelings of summer vacation and relaxation,” Choi adds.
Essie Nail Art Studio Special Effects Nail Polish in Separated Starlight
We know it's not the holiday season just yet, but experts say feel free to opt for a gold, silver, or pearlescent shade this summer— glitz and glam isn’t just reserved for winter. This shimmer-flecked polish can be used on its own on natural nails or over a colored polish. Bachik says that adding a sparkly touch to your pedicure shows extra personality.
Orly Nail Lacquer in Hits Different
Few things signify summer months better than a pop of orange-red polish on your fingers and toes. In fact, Choi calls the vibrant shade the “it color” of the season.
Olive & June Long-Lasting Nail Color in Ack, A Shark!
Navy blue is an expert-approved pedicure shade worth diving into this summer. It's a stunning all-over color or worn just on the tips as a colorful French manicure. Plus, this 15-free polish can last up to 10 days—the perfect length of time for a French Rivera getaway.
OPI My Me Era Infinite Shine Collection in Funshine
Commit to the light and bright nail trend with a bold primary shade like this neon yellow from OPI. Its gel-like formula contains a light-reflecting, shimmery finish for a hint of sparkle once it dries down.
Hermès Les Mains Hermes Nail Enamel in 74 Rose Magenta
Why not make it another Barbie-inspired summer with hot pink polish? According to Bachik, magenta is a standout polish shade you should expect to see just about everywhere. Two coats of this Hermès enamel seamlessly delivers a high-impact finish.
Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish in 200 Rosy Quartz
For a barely-there polish look this season, reach for a sheer pink lacquer with a lustrous finish. “Glossy sheers come in a variety of colors, allowing you to find the perfect shade to complement your skin tone while adding a touch of summer glam,” Choi notes.
Fuschia is another bright lacquer color Bachik predicts will be a big hit among nail enthusiasts this season. Use a shade like this one from Deborah Lippmann as the accent color in your next nail art look.
Meet the Experts
- Jin Soon Choi is an editorial manicurist, nail expert, and the founder of JINsoon Spas and JINsoon Nail Lacquer.
- Tom Bachik is a celebrity manicurist, nail expert, and an imPRESS brand ambassador.
How can I best prep my feet for my next pedicure?
No matter which polish shade you decide on, the true key to a flawless pedicure ultimately comes down to nail and foot care. “Wearing open-toe shoes exposes your feet to dust and increases the likelihood of developing calluses, making proper foot care essential for maintaining smooth and healthy skin,” Choi says. That said, before any painting, your treatment should include a nail trim if needed, cuticle cleaning, exfoliation, proper moisturizing, and callus care.
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