Finding the right nail polish color combination could be as involved and time-consuming as finding a mate. While the pair should complement one another, you want to avoid choosing something too similar because that could get pretty dull, pretty fast. That equation gets even tougher when you're headed somewhere special for the weekend.
So, we saved you the effort of sifting through your nail polish stash by mapping out eight creative matches for a variety of summertime situations. Discover some of your favorite new ways to mix and match colors below, then follow SELF on Pinterest for more ideas and pin along with us!
Bright colors on both hands and toes look even better with a tan, fun sandals and a vibrant bikini. "Bold hues are always embraced in the summertime, because they tend to universally pop against the skin, enhancing the look of a tan," says celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann. We like the idea of choosing two bold hues in the same color family, like hot pink on your fingers and a candy apple red for your toes to put a fun twist on the matchy-matchy approach.
While the Dolce & Gabbana color is no longer available, you can get a similar vibe with Dolce & Gabbana Nail Lacquer in Cosmopolitan ($26); for a similar hot pink shade, try Revlon Parfumerie Nail Polish in African Tea Rose ($5).
Original pin by Camille from camillestyles.com
For your next Fourth of July barbecue, consider giving your nails a patriotic spin with white and blue—it makes a statement, yet is subtle enough to wear long after the holiday's over. An opaque, stark white polish on your fingertips gives off the illusion of an instant tan, while navy on your feet won't clash with most shoes.
Mischo Beauty Luxury Nail Lacquer in Coco ($18); while the navy polish is no longer available, try MAC Wash & Dry Studio Nail Lacquer in Monday Blues ($14)
Original pin by Camille from camillestyles.com
"Jewel-toned nail polishes are usually reserved for cold, winter days, but it actually adds a surprisingly carefree vibe to your look when you wear it in the summer," says Dineh Mohajer, co-founder of Smith & Cult. For your next concert, try a vampy dark purple on your nails, which works whether you're grooving to Lorde or dancing to Ellie Goulding. Then, add a soft, baby blue shade on your toes to give your look a feminine twist.
Butter London Nail Lacquer in Marrow ($15); Smith & Cult Nail Lacquer in Cut the Mullet ($18)
Original pin by Lisa Dakan from vogue.com
Even though it's a special occasion, you don't need to pick a nail polish color that you're only going to wear once (unlike, perhaps, your bridesmaid dress). A muted silver on your toes looks chic, but doesn't distract. "Gray is becoming the new nude this summer," says Mohajer. A swipe of icy blue shade on your fingers feels more modern than a traditional pink—and looks amazing against a pastel bouquet.
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Lacquer Crème in Gryphon ($10); Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Blue Orchid ($18)
Original pin by Camille from camillestyles.com
Whether your office is conservative or creative, a subtle nude mani is appropriate for any work environment and looks equally chic through the weekend. "If you are going for a surefire nail look that will suit any outfit, nudes go with everything ," says Lippmann. Then, show off an eye-catching bright on your toes when you switch into cute sandals for your commute home or before you head out to happy hour.
Essie Nail Polish in Sand Tropez ($9); Essie Nail Polish in Braziliant ($9)
Original pin by Coral from in-credible.tumblr.com
This girly pairing reads both sweet and sexy. A light beige-pink on your toes feels feminine, plus, it's totally on trend: "While neutrals are usually considered the go-to for manicures, this summer we are also seeing them crop up regularly on the toes," says Lippmann. An oxblood mani is a fresh update to classic red—amp your beauty look up one step further with a matching dark lipstick .
Nars Nail Polish in Chinatown ($20); for a similar JINsoon shade, try JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Muse ($18)
Original pin by Camille from camillestyles.com
"Summer is generally about having fun," says Greg Salo, co-founder of Caption Polish. "And a tropical vacation is the perfect opportunity to take your beauty look out of your normal comfort zone"—for instance, with a muted mint green mani and hot pink pedi. The unexpected combo works since one coat of the light green shade is sheer enough to act as a neutral, yet still offers a pop of color.
For a similar mint green shade, try Caption Polish in Do I Look Like an ATM ($12); for a similar hot pink color, try Marc Jacobs Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer in 116 Shocking ($18)
Original pin by Janet Huang from junctioneleven.com
Your first meeting with your significant other's parents isn't the best time to take any beauty risks. Stick with tried-and-true classics like a preppy pastel lavender on your fingertips and light blue on the toes. "Different variations of periwinkle tend to look universally flattering on many skin tones," says celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards.
Essie Nail Polish in Rock the Boat ($9); Essie Nail Polish in Nice is Nice ($9)
Original pin by Anbenna from anbenna.tumblr.com
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