The nail colours we’re loving and wearing this summer

We don’t know how it happened, but somehow we made it through 2021 (well, almost). 

With summer well on the way, we soon hope to be kicking back and enjoying the sun’s rays, while bringing in a fresh mindset (and some choice beauty buys to boot) that’ll keep us kicking well into the new year.

After getting the lowdown on the nail trends 2022 has in store, we’re arming ourselves with an artillery of retina-burning, bright coloured nail polish.

So forget the demure pastels of spring because once summer hits we’re unloading the clip – these are the top nail polish hues to snag this summer.

Tomato Reds

Juicy, refreshing and with a tarte punch that’ll set you reeling, this summer’s red is all about an effervescent finish. 

Get deep with pigment if that’s your style, but steer clear of moody-hued blue-reds of old; we’re amplifying the youthful spirit that only a spicy passata red can accomplish.

We recommend:

KALE'D IT NAIL LACQUER in 'Shake Your Pom-egranates' ($14.99 at Raww Cosmetics); OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘A Good Man Darin Is Hard To Find’ ($14.99 at Chemist Warehouse); and Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish in ‘Red-iance’ ($13.99 at Chemist Warehouse).

Neon Forest Green

Nothing says fresh and fun quite like a neon forest green. Take inspiration from Kester Black’s childhood-inspired shade ‘Super Soaker’ and reminisce sweltering afternoons spent cooling down under the sprinkler. Delve into iridescent lime-tinged hues too, if you dare. 

This nail colour trend is all about dabbling in a palette of greens that feel like the natural world took over metropolitan nightlife. A must for balmy summer evenings in the city.

We recommend:

Kester Black Nail Polish in 'Super Soaker' ($26 at Kester Black); Picture Polish Nail Polish in ‘Lime Lite’ ($14.95 at Picture Polish); and Moon Glow UV Nail Polish in ‘Intense Neon’ ($9.95 at smiffy).

Mediterranean Blues

The blue hues of summer are all about refreshing the palette with ocean-inspired colourways at the forefront of our cabin-fever frenzied minds.

If you have the moolah to mosey on over to the Mediterranean, then good for you. But if you’re somewhat financially-challenged and still want to enjoy the soothing azure-toned scenery, then might we suggest a cobalt nail colour or cornflower blue?

We recommend:

Hanami Nail Polish in ‘Ophelia’ ($19.99 at Flora and Fauna); Essie Nail Polish in ‘Mesmerized’ ($12.49 at Chemist Warehouse); and Rimmel 60 Second Nail Polish in ‘Pillow Talk’ ($5.99 at Chemist Warehouse)

Tangerine Dream

We said we were going bright this summer, and damn, we meant it. 

Staying in the same effervescent vein as the red shades aforementioned and the hint of neon in the green nail colours we’ll be toting, orange this summer is looking like a technicolour tangerine dream. Deep but eyeball-burning bright shades will be taking centre stage in our varnish collections.

It’s a little bit Miley Cyrus on an acid trip meets Gucci, but we’re here for every chaotic second of the orange-hued madness and we’d love for you to join us at the table.

We recommend:

Smith & Cult Nail Polish in 'Poppy Papi' ($32 at Adore Beauty); REVOLUTION Neon Nail Paint in ‘Boom Boom’ ($9 at Priceline); and All Kinds Nail Polish in ‘Candy Paint’ ($9.99 at allkinds).

Want some equally bright makeup to match your nails? These are the party season makeup trends you need to know about.

Main image credit: Getty