Like our wardrobes, it’s time for our nails to emerge from hibernation. After over a year of naked nails and less-than-stellar DIY designs (hey, we did our best), nail salons are now safely back open, and it’s officially time to have a little fun with our manicures again. And from throwback 2000s-inspired colors to suddenly chic cow-print nail art, seemingly nothing is off-limits. But if you’re anything like me—that is, still reusing the same press-on kit you impulse-bought last summer—you may want to brush up on the shades that are trending right now, just in case.
I slid into the DMs of 12 editors, designers, and other in-the-know people I keep up with in the fashion industry to find out the exact nail polish shades gracing their fingertips right now. What I Iearned: They’re wearing summery brights, classic neutrals, and more than a few different shades of lilac. Keep scrolling to see what they're loving, and to find your new go-to color.
Jenn Barthole, Senior Fashion Editor, Shape and Sweet July: "This shade is the perfect pink-lavender combo that speaks to my personal style, which I would describe as classic meets Sporty Spice.""It makes me feel polished, but the cool tone of the pink, mixed with an almond nail shape feels modern," says Barthole.Alexa Buckley, Co-Founder of Margaux: "To me, this is the perfect shade of sheer. It feels natural, effortless, and lasts a lifetime."Katie Sturino, Founder of Megababe and Body Acceptance Advocate: "My mani look is all about my current mood! I’m really feeling the power of Megababe Blue. It’s a cool shade but really pops!"Madison Guest, Celebrity Stylist: "Because I’m constantly working with my hands, I prefer to keep my nails short. So in the summer, my go-to is Essie 'Clambake.' It’s an orangey-red that goes with any outfit, and pops against a summer tan. When I’m on vacation and can let my nails grow, I have a little fun with nail art and have loved the 'negative space' manicures."Rolanda Evelyn, Product Marketing and Customer Strategy Manager at Rent the Runway: "I'm loving putting a colorful twist on the classic french manicure. So Essie's Sugar Daddy has been my go-to for my base, and then I top it off with a punch of color.""It's summertime in N.Y.C.—a little color never hurts anyone!" adds Evelyn.Sarah Pierson, Co-Founder of Margaux: "I like a natural look—especially for a manicure—and this wearable polish does double duty, with the look of a sheer and the benefits of good-for-your-nails vitamins."Elana Fishman, Style Editor, PageSix: "After the long, sad slog that was 2020—and now that summer’s finally arrived—there’s never been a better time to treat yourself to a bright, happy mani.""I’ve been reaching for Morgan Taylor’s holographic glitter polishes lately, which are basically a smile in a bottle."Lauren Chan, Founder and CEO of Henning, Model, and Size-Inclusive Fashion Advocate: "It's sheer enough to be easy to work with (i.e. if you get it on your cuticle/skin or miss a spot, it's not the end of the world), but it's opaque enough to be noticeable and make me look a little more pulled-together. Win, win!"Rosa Heyman, Deputy Editor, Cosmopolitan: “I’m always wearing some shade of red nail polish, and this ruby hue feels especially perfect for this sweaty, vaxxed, flirty summer.""Also important: the name is the closest I’ve gotten to international travel in a w-h-i-l-e," says Heyman.Mekita Rivas, Senior Fashion Writer, Bustle: "My current manicure is actually the first Paintbox manicure that I got while attending a press event in NYC. I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to my nails. I typically do regular polish (no gel) in a classic white-nude or ballet pink shade (Be There In A Prosecco and Stop It I'm Blushing! by OPI are my go-to's). I never do designs or embellishments, so this was a departure for me!""After this last year, I thought, 'Why not go for the drama?' I love the playful pink vibes with the coordinating pops of pink and gold bling. This mani is truly unlike anything I've ever done before—it's a good reminder to step outside your comfort zone every now and then!" says Rivas.Meriam Ahari, Digital Content Editor, Harrod’s: "I love Black Onyx by OPI because the shade is a true, deep, saturated black with a shiny finish.""For years, I’ve only worn black on my nails. I think it looks chic, classy and clean (that is, when they’re not chipped, so I only wear gel polish)," says Ahari.Anna Moeslein, Deputy Editor, Glamour: "I've been loving holographic nail polishes this summer. They change color in the sunlight—so now that we're back out in the world, it means I have even more opportunities to enjoy the transformation."In addition to shape-shifting from purple to green to gold, this polish is also vegan and cruelty-free.
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