Summer is coming in hot, but you’ll be looking cool with the best summer nail colors of 2022. Pops of purple, giddy greens, and yawsome yellows (hey, alliteration is hard) will make for a show-stopping statement this season.
We’ve rounded up the top shades for these toasty months, from classic brand like Essie and OPI. We think you’ll like what you see. Even through your sunglasses.
The Best Summer Nail Colors for 2022
1. Essie in Set The Tiki Bar High
Purple is the color of royalty, and this shiny hue from Essie’s Summer 2022 collection says “I’m the queen of the Singapore Slings.” Wait, what do you mean we’re not allowed back here when the bartender takes a bathroom break?
Available on Amazon.
2. OPI in Pink Big
Barbie pinks are having a major trending moment this summer, and this popping pink hue captures the vibe perfectly. To get the full Barbie effect, take it into your salon and ask for some extra long acrylics. Life in plastic really is fantastic!
Available at OPI.
3. Orly in Simply The Zest
Why do they call it “summer Friday’s” in the office if you can’t have a margarita at your desk? While you wait for that blissful afternoon off, rock this shade from Orly. It’s way easier to paint before that tequila hits, anyway.
Available at Ulta.
4. Ava Dean in City Lights
Did you know that AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys has a line of nail polishes? This glittery hue is perfect for capturing some shimmering Y2K vibes. Just remember that if you’re an elder millennial, you’ll be on bed rest for the weekend if you rock your body right too hard.
Available at Ava Dean Beauty.
5. Olive & June in Cherry Crush
This cheeky cherry-themed mashup of hot pink and red is the hot girl shade of the summer. And don’t worry if you still can’t tie the stems of the actual fruit in a knot with your tongue. That seems like a weird way to kiss, anyway.
Available at Target.
6. Butter London in Empire Red
With golden flecks in this smoldering polish, your manicure will be as hot as the seat of your car on an August afternoon. A moment of silence for burned thighs everywhere.
Available at Butter London.
7. Essie in Revenge’s A Beach
Revenge is a dish best served with perfectly polished nails. And it’s shockingly high in protein!
Available on Amazon.
8. Orly in Claim To Fame
Even if having really amazing nails is your only claim to fame, this bright and sunny hue from Orly’s POP! collection will get you tons of attention. And your karaoke rendition of Subway’s “Five Dollar Foot Long” song.
Available at Orly Beauty.
9. OPI in Achievement Unlocked
The only achievement you have to unlock this summer is this perfect light purple mani. Okay, maybe answer an email or two. But draw the line at meetings after 11am.
Available on Amazon.
10. Zoya in Evan
Grab a jar of this Zoya polish when you need a subtle summer color for your nails. It’s perfect for when you have multiple colorful outfits planned for the week. Or when you’re playing extreme hide and go seek in the sand.
Available at Zoya.
11. TEN over TEN in Liberty
Stand out in a sea of American flag bikinis this 4th of July by embodying the Statue of Liberty with a green robe and crown. This nail color is the perfect finishing touch for a look no one could forget.
Available at Target.
12. Emilie Heathe in Billions
Make yourself look like a billion bucks with this non-toxic nail formula. The only concern is that the sun might get a little jealous by how much your nails glitter and shine. It’s like it always needs to be in the center of attention!
Available at Emilie Heathe.
13. Essie in Go Ginza
The purple nail trend is going strong in 2022. We saw it bench pressing 250 last week!
Available at Target.
14. OPI in Bee-hind The Scenes
This nail color is sweeter than honey. And if you file your nails into a nice pointy shape, they’ll sting like a bee, too! Or be useful substitute for toothpicks on a fruit plate.
Available on Amazon.
15. OPI in Trading Paint
We wouldn’t trade this paint for anything. Whether you’re going for sunset vibes, a juicy mango-inspired look, or you just want to look like a cone and stop traffic, this color is perfect for summer 2022.
Available at Target.
When she's not behind the keyboard or holding a microphone in her hands, you can find Leah having deep philosophical conversations with her tiny dog, letting bags of kale go bad in her fridge while she goes out in search of happy-hour priced sushi, and watching so much true crime TV that she's pretty sure she could actually get away with murder at this point. Follow her on Twitter for the jokes and on Instagram for the "aesthetic."
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I love the variety of colors in this set! They are so bright and cheery. It’s great that you included a picture of each nail color because it makes it so much easier to see what they look like.