The summer nail files: Our top ten polish picks

Our style in the summer months has, over the years, become more or less like a uniform: pared-down cotton separates in solids and stripes with easy, slip-on sandals—a.k.a. ensembles that can withstand the sweltering New York humidity. That said, any nod to style is reserved for accessories: jewelry, bags, and, of course, nail polish—the only beauty product immune to summer’s sweat-inducing effects. Since our nails remain one of our only means of summertime creative expression, they are in a constant state of flux, which isn’t a bad thing these days; in the current climate of manicure mania, there are more than enough colors to choose from. With that in mind, we present the ten shades we’ll be playing with all summer long. Happy finger painting! —Fiorella Valdesolo

Think Dark Pink

Tenoverten Polish in Elizabeth

The cool Tribeca nail enclave has, in the brief time it’s been open, already earned a devoted fan base, and its premier line of polishes will likely follow suit. We’re particularly fond of the intensely pigmented fuchsia Elizabeth, named for the hip Nolita street in downtown New York.

$18, www.tenoverten.com

Go Day-Glo

Orly Polish in Glowstick and Melt Your Popsicle

Something about the summer inspires us to incorporate colors into our repertoire that are most certainly never found in nature. And these highlighter marker-inspired lacquers definitely fit the bill. Too unnatural? Just use them as an accent or the tip of a French manicure, instead of an allover shade.

$8.50 each, www.orlybeauty.com

Photo courtesy of tumblr.com

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Lime Time

Essie Nail Polish in Mojito Madness

A light, creamy spearmint shade, this varnish looks as fresh on the nails as the delicious boozy beverage it’s named after does on a hot summer day.

$8, www.essie.com

Va Va Vamp

Eres Nail Lacquer in Damas

A rich brown with hints of red, this polish reminds us of our Chanel Vamp-loving days of the late nineties—in the best way possible. It’s an ideal fingernail hue for those of you whose skin remains on the lighter side of pale all summer long.

$25, at Eres stores.

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A Coral Worth Coveting

YSL Nail Lacquer in Corail Divin

All corals are not created equal, and YSL’s excellent take on the classic color—part of the luxury brand’s impossibly chic new lacquer line (we also love the Bleu Majorelle)—is a testament to this fact. It’s a truly elegant adaptation of the Boca Raton mainstay.

$25, www.yslbeautyus.com

Better Off Red

MAC Nail Lacquer in Shirelle

MAC has a way with true scarlet hues; its Ruby Woo lipstick is already a worldwide favorite and we’re pretty sure this blue-red polish will earn a similar following.

$16, www.maccosmetics.com

Love and Lavender

Priti Polish in Climbing Blueberry

This is a juicy purple shade that, while named after one of summer’s most delicious blue-tinged fruits, is decidedly more grape in appearance.

$12.50, at www.pritinyc.com

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The Nude Review

Nail Pak in Sandy

Talk about multifaceted: This new product finds a way to combine polish, remover pads, and a nail file in one handy bottle. Pretty clever, if you ask us. This light taupe is a great palette cleanser if/when you experience color overload.

$20, www.dualitycosmetics.com

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The Mellowest of Yellows

Avon Nail Enamel in Sunshine

The name pretty much says it all. This creamy canary yellow just makes you feel happy when it’s painted onto nails or toes.

$6, www.avon.com

groovycart.co.uk photo

A Steal of a Teal

Maybelline New York Lacquer in Tenacious Teal

Part of the drugstore giant’s new nail polish line, this pretty jewel-toned hue is actually a near-exact replica of the teal we recently painted our bedroom walls. So clearly, we’re fans.

$3.99, at drugstores –style.com, + photos