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The top trending nail colours to wear this summer

It’s time to ditch your pale pink shade for now

By Erin Docherty

Beauty Crew Beauty Writer / November 19 2019

While we love a good slick of the trusty pale pink essie Ballet Slippers on our digits just as much as the next person (including Queen Elizabeth herself), sometimes you need to spice it up a bit. And there’s no better time to do it than summer – there are way too many gorgeous shades on the market for you to get the same old same old.

In need of some fresh inspo? We asked National Trainer of Mavala Tracey Winder the question: what summer nail colours will be the most popular this season? And trust us when we say, the colours coming into focus are fresher than ever.

According to Winder, this season we’ll be seeing warm tones and new takes on neutrals. “This summer is all about nature-inspired nails, with warm sunbeam tones awash on the catwalk this season, from sand to tan, cream, clay and coffee browns, as well as coral orange,” says Winder.

Interestingly, dark and moody nail polish colours will also be working their way into our summer manicure wardrobe. “Don’t be afraid of using dark shades,” Winder says. While traditionally reserved for the cooler months, she says we’ll be seeing them pop up this summer.

Want to get in on these trending hues? Here are the nail polish colours you need to add to your collection ASAP.

Coffee brown

It’s time for a coffee break! Among the bright hues, shades of brown are making a statement. Shiny leather and pale brown suede are the new ‘It’ neutrals. We think full-coverage warm neutrals (like a minimalist latte colour) looks clean, simple and elegant. Try the new nude colour trend for yourself with OPI Nail Lacquer Nail Polish in Ice-Bergers Fries.

Coral

Even if coral wasn’t named the 2019 Pantone Color of The Year, there’s still a good chance you’d be wearing it. What’s a summer nail polish gallery without coral, anyway?! Warm, peachy pink with rusty-red undertones, pretty coral shades are hands-down everyone’s first mani choice for the summer. It’s just perfect for beach season in every way, and has a knack for making you looked more tanned than you actually are. Too many goodies to choose from? We have the exact bottle for you: Dior Vernis – Summer Look Limited Edition in 431 POW.

Sand

As the trendy brown hues prove, summer doesn’t have to be all about colour. It can also be a time to get back to basics, and a good beige staple should not be underestimated. Opt for a soft sandy colour like essie Nail Polish in Sand Tropez – it looks chic, subtle and to-the-point. The best thing about a neutral nail polish? If (okay, when) it starts to chip, it won’t be super noticeable.

Desert clay

Inspired by natural elements and the desert’s dusky hues, earthy, clay-inspired nail polish colours are a total vibe this season - seriously, this colour is going to be everywhere. Get in on the trend and try this warm tan shade, Ghost Ranch from J.Hannah Nail Polish. We’re VERY into it.

Deep chocolate brown

A moody dark nail polish is the unexpected summer nail polish trend no one saw coming – and you’re going to love it. Instead of a typical burgundy or plum, why not opt for a deep chocolate brown tone. Winder says that when it comes to darker nail polishes, Mavala Solaris 2019 Nail Polish Collection in Cacao is a winning shade this season. Anyone else feeling like brown hues are ruling the show?!

Now you’ve narrowed down your nail polish colour, how about your nail shape? Check out some of the most popular nail shapes you need to try. And if your gel nail addiction is getting a little out of hand, the hosts of Get Lippy have just the solutions. Hit play on the ep below to find out their quick fix to rehabilitate your post-gel manicure nails.

What’s your go-to nail shade? Share your favourite nail polish with us in the comment section below.

Main image credit: @sofiarichie

Erin Docherty

Erin Docherty is a Beauty Writer for BEAUTYcrew, Beauty Editor for Women's Health magazine and a Grooming Writer for Men's Health magazine. She has a keen interest in cosmeceutical skin care and is currently working on minimising her 9-step skin care routine – because ain’t nobody got time for that. When she’s not writing about the latest beauty news, or applying copious amounts of serum, you can find her spending all her money in Sephora.