After months of opting for variations of gray, black, and chocolate hues, choosing a neutral nail polish color for summer can be such a refreshing change — and one that's just as trendy as the day glow colors popping up on your newsfeed. Neon nails are still very much A Thing™, but if subtlety is more of your vibe, then the soft pink, linen, and — yes — white polish choices are just as trendy.
For your nail color to look its best, repairing your winter nail damage is essential. “Start the warm seasons with nutrient-rich fortifying formulas to breathe life back into brittle winter nails,” Gina Viviano, a celebrity manicurist who works with Amy Schumer, Oprah Winfrey, and Reese Witherspoon, tells TZR. Without reviving your nails first, any shade will seem dull.
Then when it comes to picking your neutral, be aware that light shades sometimes tend to oxidize, Elle, a celebrity nail artist. This could be for a varity of reasons, including the non-use of a topcoat or your bottle being open in between uses. Consciously choosing your color is a helpful way to avoid a redo mani. "If you're fair, stay cool by using sheer pinks or a bit of shimmer in your chosen shade," according to the pro who works with Blake Lively and Katie Holmes. "If you have a medium skin tone, try peachier or beige warmer tones. And for darker tones, you can use opaque variations of peach and beige, as those tend to pop on skin."
No matter which shade you decide on, though, a strong topcoat is of utmost importance at any time of the year, according to Kylie Kwok, a celebrity nail artist. "And moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!" she adds. "Even though it’s humid, your hands are the first to dry up."
Ahead, see sheer pinks, barely-there nudes, and a few coral tones that are soft — but still make a statement.
