The Best Nail Polish Colors of All Time
The best red. The best nude. The best yellow. (You heard us--yellow.)
We don’t know about you, but we’re creatures of habit. Meaning, once we find a nail polish we like, we stick with it until exhaustion. In the spirit of picking favorites, here are our top nail polishes in just about every wearable, adult-appropriate shade.
The Classic Fire-Engine Red
Revlon Red was created way back in the ’30s (chances are it’s the same shade your grandma used to wear), and it still remains a best seller. It also happens to cost less than $5.
Revlon “Revlon Red” ($4.50)
The Flattering Orangey-Red
Don’t be alarmed. You can actually wear this bright, sophisticated orange due to its red (as opposed to yellow) undertones.
Tenoverten “Hudson” ($18)
The Shimmery Bronze
Copper brown infused with gold flecks--we like to think of this shade as glitter's chic older sister.
NARS “Delos” ($20)
The Perfect Pinky White
The exact same hue as Essie?s popular ?Ballet Slippers,? but guaranteed to last for 14 days.
CND ?Romantique? ($10)
The “Looks Great With a Tan” Coral
Our summertime staple. We keep this polish at the ready for the first day it’s acceptable to wear sandals.
Essie “Tarte Deco” ($8.50)
The Trendy Greige
To go along with your groufit (as in your “all-grey outfit”).
The Streak-Proof Off-White
The key to wearing white polish? Keep your nails short and opt for a creamy, off-white shade.
Jin Soon “Doux” ($18)
The Grown-up Hot Pink
Two birds, one stone: This five-free polish (no formaldehyde, no toluene, no DBP, no camphor and no formaldehyde resin) is also the most work-ready shade of bubblegum we’ve ever seen.
The Yellow You Can Actually Wear
Yellow nails are tricky. Go too bold and you’ll look like a tween. Go too light and you’ll look like you’re seriously ill. Dior’s limited-edition “Sunwashed” is the exception--a neutral, daffodil-esque shade that’s packed with shine.
Dior “Sunwashed” ($27)
The Work-Appropriate Teal
Proving that Mediterranean blue works even in corporate environments.
Burberry “Teal Blue 427” ($22)
The Un-Goth Indigo
A “one coat wonder” that lets you embrace your inner Elvira without actually wearing black nail polish.
The Surprisingly Wearable Purple
Lavender nails should be reserved for your niece on Easter Sunday. Instead, stick to this rich purple tone, which is decidedly mature and looks great year-round (i.e., it?s not too dark).
The Non-Color Color
The minimalist trend has carried over to your digits. This Kool-Aid-looking polish is applied to bare nails (no base coat necessary) and delivers an effortless pink sheen.
Dior “Nail Glow” ($25)