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    1. Beauty
    2. Nails

    Every Stylish Woman I Know Is Wearing a Nude Pedicure for the Summer

    Fool-proof and fashionable.

    Hannah Baxter's avatar
    By Hannah Baxter
    Last updated 14 May 2026 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    two women wearing sandals in brown and silver with nude pedicures
    (Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)
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    Does anyone else freeze up at the nail salon when you're picking a manicure or pedicure color? It feels like the most high stakes decision for anyone who is deeply beauty-obsessed (slowly raises hand), especially in the summer when open-toe sandals are the footwear du jour. It's why I, and pretty much every stylish person I know from coast to coast, tends to reach for a nude nail polish for a fool-proof summer pedicure.

    You've likely seen "princess nails" taking over your TikTok FYP over the last few weeks, aka a barely-there, milky pink shade that leans slightly nude. It's essentially the prettiest, minimal, neutral polish that helps elongate your fingers and keep your hands looking as elegantly royal as possible (hence the name). That's the vibe I'm after with my summer nude pedicure, because sometimes your brain needs a break from perusing the endless nail polish colors at your local salon. Plus, the look will compliment with every summer shoe, every warm weather outfit, and every manicure you want to wear this season.

    Need more convincing that a nude pedicure is the perfect summer nail polish option? Keep scrolling for the 18 most stunning lacquers, from light to deep nude, to shop right now, and prepare for the compliments to roll in.

    a woman's feet with a nude pedicure and black sandals

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)

    Best Light Nude Pedicure Colors

    Rapidry Quick-Dry Lacquer - Quick Sand

    OPI
    Rapidry Quick-Dry Lacquer - Quick Sand
    $10
    SHOP NOW

    A quick dry polish is always a winner for your summer pedicure, and this light sandy shade is just perfection.

    Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish - Buns Up

    Essie
    Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish - Buns Up
    $10
    SHOP NOW

    A hint of pink helps this chic nude polish pop against lighter skin tones.

    Naked Manicure Perfector - Pink

    Zoya
    Naked Manicure Perfector - Pink
    $12
    SHOP NOW

    This color enhancing polish adds a healthy pink glow to any nail color and is gorgeous on any skin tone.

    Ilnp Birthday Suit - Cashmere Pink Holographic Nail Polish, Neutral Nude, Chip Resistant Manicure, Non-Toxic, Vegan, Cruelty Free, 12ml

    ILNP Cosmetics, Inc.
    Ilnp Birthday Suit - Cashmere Pink
    $13
    SHOP NOW

    Don't be afraid to add a little sparkle to your nude pedicure! This holographic polish gives the neutral look a little extra spice for the summer.

    Miracle Gel Nail Polish, Blacks, Whites, & Nudes - Sheer Happiness

    Sally Hansen
    Miracle Gel Nail Polish - Sheer Happiness
    $13
    SHOP NOW

    Extend the life of your at-home pedicure for eight days of chip-free wear with this cult-favorite formula.

    Hermes nude nail polish bottle

    Hermès
    Les Mains Hermès - 03 Rose Coquille
    $66
    SHOP NOW

    For a nude polish that's as pleasing to look at on your toes as it is in the bottle, reach for Hermès.

    Pearlescent

    Manucurist
    Pearlescent
    $14
    SHOP NOW

    Tap into the neutral chrome nail trend with a buff pearlescent shade.

    woman with a medium nude pedicure in sandals close up

    (Image credit: Spotlight)

    Best Medium Nude Pedicure Colors

    Your Nails, But Better - Full (0.5oz)

    Dazzle Dry
    Your Nails, But Better
    $22
    SHOP NOW

    A rich toffee beige that is just begging for a hand full of gold and silver rings.

    Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish - of Corset

    Essie
    Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish - of Corset
    $13
    SHOP NOW

    A sultry buff pink shade is a must for any at-home nail kit, and this long-wear shade will never fail you.

    Demure

    JinSoon
    Demure
    $18
    SHOP NOW

    This gorgeous creamy tan shade is just begging to accompany your favorite summer sandals.

    Le Vernis

    Chanel
    Le Vernis - 113 - FAUSSAIRE
    $33
    SHOP NOW

    The only thing that could make this beige polish better is a pair of Chanel sandals to go with it. You deserve it.

    nude nail polish bottle with a black cap

    Deborah Lippmann
    Gel Lab Pro Nail Color - Feeling Myself
    $20
    SHOP NOW

    Deborah Lippmann is a master of nudes and this sultry tan shade is one of the best in her polish collection.

    gucci nude nail polish

    Gucci
    Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish - 212 Annabel Rose
    $35
    SHOP NOW

    For a true neutral medium nude, this formula has your summer pedicure covered.

    Manucurist - Green Bois De Rose Nail Polish - Dusty Rose Nail Polish - 9-Free, Vegan and Plant-Based -Manicure - Made in France - 0.5 Fl Oz

    Manucurist
    Manucurist Dusty Rose Nail Polish
    $14
    SHOP NOW

    Look for a dusty rose shade for a medium nude option with slightly more pink tones. This non-toxic formula is a fashion girl favorite.

    deep nude pedicure foot with a black sandal

    (Image credit: Spotlight)

    Best Deep Nude Pedicure Colors

    Opi Nail Lacquer Material Gowrl | Opaque Dark Brown Crème Chip Resistant Nail Polish Your Way Collection

    OPI
    Nail Lacquer - Material Gowrl
    $12
    SHOP NOW

    A deep, dark nude with warm undertones that will offset your summer tan beautifully.

    dior nude nail polish

    Dior
    Dior Vernis - 449 Dansante
    $32
    SHOP NOW

    A flushed deep nude shade is so stunning for your summer pedicure.

    Nail Color

    Londontown
    Nail Color
    $16
    SHOP NOW

    Your toes deserve a hint of shimmer with your nude pedicure this season.

    786 Cosmetics Breathable Nail Polish - Award-Winning Halal, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, 21-Free, Fast-Drying (dubrovnik)

    786
    786 Cosmetics Breathable Nail Polish - Dubrovnik
    $14
    SHOP NOW

    This is the perfect rich nude with warm undertones to compliment your summer glow.

    Olive & June Gel Nail Polish, Shacket, 0.46 Fl Oz

    Olive & June
    Gel Nail Polish - Shacket
    $10
    SHOP NOW

    Skip the salon and DIY you gel pedicure at home with the gorgeous nude polish.

    a brown bottle of nail polish

    Nails, Inc. Nude
    Caught in the Nude Nail Polish - Tulum Beach
    $9
    SHOP NOW

    Pretend you've escaped on a tropical vacation with two coats of this rich nude polish on your fingers and toes.

    Static Nails Liquid Glass Lacquer, Longer Lasting 8+ Free Treatment Nail Polish (greens) (rob the Bank) - Quick Dry Finger Nail Polish - Diy Nail Art Salon - Gift for Women

    Static Nails
    Liquid Glass Lacquer - Rob the Bank
    $16
    SHOP NOW

    For a high shine nude mani that's perfect for deep skin tones, this quick dry formula has you covered.

    Why Trust Marie Claire

    For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Hannah Baxter
    Hannah Baxter
    Social Links Navigation
    Beauty Director

    Hannah Baxter is the Beauty Director at Marie Claire. She has previously held roles at The Zoe Report, Coveteur, and Bust Magazine, covering beauty, wellness, fashion, and lifestyle. She authors the Marie Claire newsletter Face Forward. Her writing has appeared in Harper's Bazaar, Allure, The Cut, Elle, InStyle, Glamour, Air Mail, Vogue, Architectural Digest, Byrdie, Nylon and more.

    She is also the founder of Anxiety Beer, a weekly newsletter about the intersection of culture and mental health. In her spare time you can catch her reading too many overdue library books, thrifting, or hanging with her hairless cat, Norman. You can find her on Instagram and TikTok @hannahbaxward.

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