The 10 Summer Nail Colors Celebrities Are Requesting Most This Season

I’ve found there to be two types of people in this world: those who walk into a nail salon and bend the knee to the great wall of bottles for their color inspiration and those who, well, don’t (aka those of us who know the exact shade or color family we want hours pre–paint job).

Of course, if you’re a celebrity,these types of choices might depend on pressing appointments like premieres, red carpets, events, concert tours, or film projects, but that doesn’t stop us from wondering what summer nail colors celebrities are most excited to wear this season or what shades they’re requesting when they get some time off.

We reached out to three of the most-wanted celebrity nail artists in the industry to find out what summer nail colors their A-list clientele have requested most thus far. Are you the wall-of-polish-type client? You’ll appreciate the celeb-led inspiration. And for all of you premeditators, consider this a summer challenge to stray from your usual hue. Ahead, the 10 most-requested summer nail colors, according to the talented celebrity nail artists. Keep scrolling!

Celebrity clients: Julia Roberts, Kaley Cuoco, Jennifer Lawrence, Halsey, Tyra Banks, Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton, Selma Blair, Constance Wu, Emma Roberts

“Barely there, shimmery nude nails look great on fresh, sun-kissed skin, and it’s a more playful alternative to traditional nude nails. I love Positive Times High Vibe Polish in Moonstone ($18). I just used this polish on Minnie Driver, and she was obsessed.” 

“On the opposite spectrum, we have neon! It is another trend that’s super fun for the summer, whether it’s a pop of neon on an accent nail, a neon French manicure, or a neon negative-space manicure. Orly’s Nail Polish in Glowstick ($12) is a fun fluorescent yellow.”

“Creamy, sand-colored nail colors really standout on tanned skin for summer, but it’s still somewhat of a neutral shade. Oribe The Lacquer High Shine Nail Polish in The Nude ($32) is my go-to.”

Celebrity clients: Ashley Graham, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Elle Fanning, Liu Wen, Joan Smalls, Janelle Monáe, Imaan Hammam, Jasmine Sanders, Lady Gaga

“My clients are asking for bright and bold colors this summer! I’m talking neons on neons,” says Essie celebrity manicurist Mar y Sol. One of her favorites? This vibrant coral pick. 

“I’m also getting a lot of requests for a matte finish on the neons, which is what I like to call the sherbet trend. If you want to try it out for yourself, all five of these colors from one of my go-to brands Essie dry with a demi-matte finish!This one is an electric peach.”

Looking for a summery sub for a basic red? Soul tells us she loves this fiery shade of tangerine aptly called Soles on Fire.

Loving pink for summer? This top pick from Soul is described by Essie as a neon pink with coral undertones. In other words, it’s the perfect antidote if you’re facing major color indecision.

Last but not least, a bold shade of purple! This glowing nail color has been one of Soul’s go-tos and is dramatic (but not stuffy) for the warmer summer months. 

Celebrity clients: Teyana Taylor, Amandla Stenberg, Yara Shahidi, Salma Hayek, Jodie Comer, Solange Knowles, Dove Cameron, Sarah Paulson, Sasha Lane, Laura Harrier

“Not surprisingly, most of my celeb clients love a gorgeous nude tone nail color for summer. I’ve been using my go-to sheer (this one from Essie!) a lot this summer and recently used it on the talent for Who What Wear’s September cover story!”

“OPI’s Nail Polish in Samoan Sand ($10) is my favorite opaque nude, and I’ve been using it on everyone these last couple months. Whether you go more sheer or opaque, both of these natural summer nail colors are universally flattering.” Up next: The 16 Best Nail Colors If You Just Can’t With Long Nails This Summer