Style
35 Nail Polish Colors Every Mani Lover Should Own
As black liner is to a makeup arsenal and an "LBD" is to a functional wardrobe, some nail lacquers are essential to a polish collection. From the wildly bold to the subtle head turners, no collection is complete without the nail polish colors every mani lover should own.
As any nail polish lover knows, there's no such thing as having too many colors. Every hue imaginable has been formulated into a nail lacquer waiting to spice up your fingertips. You can switch from jet black to metallic pink to matte blue at the drop of a hat, even sporting them all in the same week if that's your M.O. But no matter how much your style changes, there are certain shades polish junkies always come back to. Deep hues characterize cold weather seasons, and you can always spot them on any mani lover. Spring and blush shades go hand in hand. And you just can't have summer time without vibrant, tropical hues.
Then there are the year-round staples worth breaking out at any given moment. Of all the gorgeous options on the market, these 35 colors are the reliable stunners that always land a ton of compliments.
1OPI "Big Apple Red"
"Big Apple Red" Classic Nail Lacquer, $10, Amazon
The one shade worth having if nothing else, a true red is a versatile statement maker.
2Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics "Feathered"
"Feathered" Nail Lacquer, $10, Amazon
Perfect for adding teeny designs or coating the entire nail in a blank canvas, pure white works for any time of the year.
4Zoya "Heidi"
"Heidi" Professional Lacquer, $10, Amazon
The ideal shade for vacay season, a bright coral looks so yummy on well groomed nails.
6OPI "Bubble Bath"
"Bubble Bath" Nail Lacquer, $10, Amazon
I'm known by the technicians at my local salon as the girl who loves pointy, sparkly nails, so I'm clearly addicted to festive shades. But the one color I always come back to is this barely there, cult-favorite pink, a shade that looks heavenly on all skin tones.
7CND "Black Pool"
"Black Pool" Vinylux Weekly Polish, $10.50, Amazon
Never be afraid to break out jet black polish at any given time of the year. It's just as classic as a power red.
8Zoya "Kendal"
"Kendal" Professional Lacquer, $10, Amazon
Just as neutral as beige, but not quite as lackluster as grey, greige is an ideal subtle shade.
9Essie "No Place Like Chrome"
"No Place Like Chrome" Nail Enamel, $9, Amazon
Any chrome hue will give your nails plenty of flare, and silver is always the way to go.
10OPI "Suzi - The First Lady Of Nails"
"Suzi - The First Lady Of Nails" Nail Lacquer, $10, Amazon
There's just something about olive green that looks super chic.
11Pacifica "Swamp Thing"
"Swamp Thing" 7 Free Nail Polish, $9, Ulta
Calling all mermaid lovers! An iridescent turquoise with hints of purple and green is an aquatic dream.
12CND "Brass Button"
"Brass Button" Vinylux Weekly Polish, $10.50, Amazon
A holiday season essential, metallic gold is always a bonafide show stopper.
13Zapora "Hot Koko"
"Hot Koko" Nail Lacquer, $14, Zapora
A warm caramel shade is not only perfect for fall, but also a true nude for deeper skin tones.
15OPI "Never A Dulles Moment"
"Never A Dulles Moment" Washington D.C. Nail Lacquer, $10, Amazon
You can never go wrong mustard yellow, a shade that competes with the prettiest summer hues and go-to burnt fall polishes.
16Nails Inc. "Bruton Mews"
"Bruton Mews" Nailkale Nail Polish, $15, Sephora
Finished with a matte top coat, forest green is simply stunning.
17China Glaze "Shocking Pink"
"Shocking Pink" Nail Lacquer With Hardeners, $5, Amazon
A neon pink always captivates.
18Sally Hansen "Wine Not"
"Wine Not" Complete Salon Manicure, $6, Amazon
Just as essential as true red, a cranberry hue is one of those classic lacquers that never fails.
19CND "Untitled Bronze"
"Untitled Bronze" Vinylux Weekly Polish, $10.50, Amazon
So luxe and bold, rose gold just works on so many levels.
20OPI "Is That A Spear In Your Pocket"
"Is That A Spear In Your Pocket" Fiji Nail Lacquer, $10, Ulta
How can you not think of an island getaway with a tropical teal adorning your little pretties?
22Butter London "Toff"
"Toff" Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer, $18, Amazon
Somewhat of a neutral with a twist, dusty mauve looks absolutely gorgeous against any complexion.
23Ruby Wing "Crowd Surf"
"Crowd Surf" Color Changing Polish, $10, Amazon
Having a special effects nail lacquer is a must, so a color-changing polish will do the trick.
24Butter London "HRH"
"HRH" Nail Lacquer, $15, Amazon
The epitome of majesty, royal purple surely turns heads.
25Palate Polish "Black Pepper"
"Black Pepper" Nail Polish, $10, Palate Polish
Gunmetal grey is grungy, edgy, and chic all at the same time.
26Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics "Black Dahlia"
"Black Dahlia" Nail Lacquer, $10, Amazon
Yet another fall staple, blackened red and purple hues always have major appeal.
27Nars "Delos"
"Delos" Nail Polish, $20, Nordstrom
You're guaranteed to stare at your nails incessantly if you include a copper polish in your stash.
28Zoya "Nude Perfector"
"Nude Perfector" Naked Manicure, $10, Amazon
There's no going wrong with your go-to nude, whether your complexion warrants a pale pink or a deep espresso shade.
29Essie "Very Structured"
"Very Structured" Nail Lacquer, $9, essie
Burnt orange will always win, hands down!
30China Glaze "Sun Of A Peach"
"Sun of a Peach" Nail Lacquer With Hardeners, $6, Amazon
Peach is seriously becoming the new millennial pink, so it's a definite must-have.
31Morgan Taylor "P.S. I love You"
"P.S. I Love You" Professional Nail Lacquer, $9, Loxa Beauty
It may be a spring essential, but a soft lilac is always worth painting on your pointers.
32Nars "Pastorale"
"Pastorale" Nail Polish, $20, Nordstrom
A true celebration shade, champagne makes any mani look elegant.
33OPI "Berlin There Done That"
"Berlin There Done That" Infinite Shine Nail Lacquer, $10, Amazon
One of those neutrals that you just can't escape, taupe is a shade you definitely need.
34Zoya "Thandie"
"Thandie" Professional Lacquer, $10, Amazon
Oh so summery and fun is a bright, citrus orange.
35Deborah Lippmann "I Know What Boys Like"
"I Know What Boys Like", $18, Nordstrom
Whether pastel or deep hued, periwinkle is that brilliant cross between blue and violet that your nails cannot live without.
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There's nothing wrong with hoarding as many polishes as you can get your hands on, but before going crazy, consider including these fundamental shades in your stash first. They'll forever do your nails justice.
