Nail polish trends come and go, but some shades stand the test of time and remain popular year after year. So what are the most popular nail colors right now in 2023? Here’s a look at the top trending nail polish colors that are dominating the runway, red carpets, and Instagram feeds.
Neutral Nudes
A classic neutral nude nail will never go out of style. These versatile, natural-looking shades complement any outfit and every skin tone. Some of the most popular neutral nudes right now include:
– Camel and tan shades like Essie Sand Tropez, OPI Funny Bunny, and Zoya Rue
– Muted pinks and rosy nudes such as OPI Bubble Bath, Essie Ballet Slippers, and Dior 999
– Sheer, ‘my nails but better’ colors like OPI Lost My Bikini in Molokini and Essie Mademoiselle
– Subtle greige tones like Zoya Hazel and OPI Suzi Loves Cowboy
– Soft mauves and lilacs including OPI Dulce de Leche and Essie Ladylike
These polished, neutral nudes work for any occasion and every season. They are versatile enough to wear alone or serve as the perfect base color for nail art and designs.
Pops of Color
While nudes may be classic, pops of color are also hugely popular right now. Bold, vivid shades make a statement and show off your fun, fashionable style. Some of the top colors making waves in 2023 include:
| Color | Examples |
|---|---|
| Bright red | Essie Size Matters, OPI Big Apple Red |
| Coral | Essie Tart Deco, OPI Hawaiian Orchid |
| Hot pink | Essie Pink-a-Boo, OPI Shorts Story |
| Electric blue | Essie Aruba Blue, OPI Ink |
| Lime green | Essie Mint Candy Apple, OPI Who You Calling Bossy? |
| Orange | Essie Meet Me At Sunset, OPI Got the Blues for Red |
| Purple | Essie Play Date, Zoya Katherine |
These playful brights add a fun pop of color to any manicure. They look especially chic on short nails like vibrant French tips. Feel free to mix and match complementary shades too for a colorblocked nail art mani.
Metallic Shimmers
Metallic nails are having a major moment right now. Shimmery chromes, foils, and glitters catch the light beautifully and make your mani mesmerizing. Some of the trendiest metallics include:
– Rose gold, copper, and bronze shades like OPI Liquid Sand in Solstice Bronze and Essie Penny Talk
– Iridescent multichromes like ILNP Birefringence and Starrily Mood Ring
– Holographic polishes such as Holo Taco Scattered Holo Taco and China Glaze Fairy Dust
– Mirror-like foils and metallics like OPI Liquid Sand Get Your Number and Essie Mirror Metallics
– Glitter bomb shades like Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear in Disco Ball
These glamorous metallics and shimmers make a flashy statement. Use them on their own or as glittery, galactic toppers over other shades. They look especially chic as accent nails in a neutral or pastel mani.
Moody Darks
At the other end of the spectrum, moody dark nail polish shades are also having a renaissance. These rich, saturated shades make your mani look modern and edgy with minimal effort. Some of the top moody dark colors include:
– Classic black like OPI Black Onyx
– Deep forest greens such as Zoya Harley
– Dark eggplants and plums like OPI Suzi – The First Lady of Nails
– Navy blue tones including Essie Butler Please
– Blood red vampy shades like Essie Wicked
– Charcoal and smokey greys like OPI My Dogsled is a Hybrid
Pair these dramatic moody darks with minimal makeup for a bold, gothic look. A burgundy or deep green mani also pops against fall sweaters. Go bold with these shades on all nails or use them to accent a lighter manicure.
Pastels
On the lighter end of the spectrum, dreamy pastels are trending for 2023. These soft, romantic shades are perfect for spring and summer. Popular pastel nail polish colors now include:
| Color | Examples |
|---|---|
| Mint green | OPI Sea? You Around!, Essie Mint Candy Apple |
| Lavender | Essie Bouquet List, OPI Lavendurable |
| Baby blue | Essie Bikini So Teeny, OPI Fly |
| Blush pink | Essie Ballet Slippers, OPI Bubble Bath |
| Butter yellow | Essie Marshmallow, OPI Good Glowing |
Pastels work beautifully on short nails and almond shapes. Try a sheer wash of color on all nails or use pastels to accent other shades. For extra dimension, layer glittery or iridescent toppers over pastel cremes.
French Manicures
The classic French manicure has evolved way beyond just white tips. Negative space French manis with bare nails and colorful tips are hugely popular. Some fresh twists on French manis include:
– Rainbow tips
– Contrasting bright colors like yellow tips on black nails
– Metallic tips, like silver on navy blue
– Mismatched colors on each nail
– Cow print or checkered patterns instead of solid tips
– Abstract shapes and squiggles instead of straight tips
Have fun and get creative with the traditional French mani. Match your tips to your outfit or go for something bold and unexpected.
Nail Art Accents
Finally, nail art is trending more than ever in 2023. Small touches like geometric shapes, stripes, flowers, or stickers elevate a simple mani into a work of art. Some popular nail art techniques right now include:
– Minimalist shapes, like small triangles or circles
– Line designs, including vertical, horizontal, or diagonal stripes
– Nature motifs like flowers, leaves, and butterflies
– Abstract squiggles and swirls
– Tiny pearl beads or rhinestone embellishments
– Gold, rose gold, or silver foil
Keep accent nails simple with one or two small nail art details. You can also do full-on nail art on multiple nails. Either way, these creative touches make your mani Instagram-worthy.
Conclusion
Nail art trends may come and go, but some perennial polish shades remain popular year after year. In 2023, the top colors include neutral nudes, bright pops of color, metallic shimmers, moody darks, soft pastels, creative French manis, and nail art accents.
Use these on-trend shades alone or mix and match for endless possibilities. Have fun and express yourself with the hottest nail colors and designs. Experiment with new trends or stick with your classic favorites. However you paint them, let your nails make a stylish statement this year!