For as much as I love a sassy mani with bright colors (lemon drop yellow, anyone?) or a fruit-inspired design, especially in the summer, I know that the classics cannot be ignored. After all, who doesn't want to elongate their hands and feel confident that their latest summer manicure will compliment all those warm weather outfits? It's the reason I always keep a neutral nail polish stocked in my beauty cabinet at home, and plenty of nude manicure inspiration photos saved on my phone.
Truthfully, when the temperatures are blazing hot outside, all I want to do is enjoy the air conditioning in a comfortable massage chair and allow a lovely technician to shape, buff, and paint my nails with a gorgeous neutral shade. These colors are easy, timeless, and I never experience polish regret when I walk out the door. Bonus? A neutral nail also makes everything you wear look so chic and expensive.
If you want to make your next manicure appointment even easier, whether at the salon or during a little self-care moment at home, keep scrolling for my 20 favorite neutral nail polishes on the market right now.
Best Warm Neutral Nail Polishes
A warm neutral nail polish looks stunning when paired with a summer glow.
Glossy and oh-so-chic, this warm neutral shade is a must for any polish collection.
If you're an impatient nail painter like me, this quick dry formula is a must.
Like the perfect ratio of milk to espresso, this neutral polish is just delicious.
A golden buff shade that is ideal for summer weather.
Pinky beige is always a good idea when it comes to your next manicure.
Best Cool Neutral Nail Polishes
Whether you're complimenting your natural undertones or adding a bit of contrast, you can't go wrong with a cool neutral polish.
Neutrals don't have to be basic when you add a bit of shimmer.
Keep your summer tan going with this stunning nail polish shade.
The sheer finish of this cool beige shade is so stunning.
Behold, the perfect dusty mauve polish to grace your fingers and toes.
Cool, creamy color with the long-lasting power of gels? Sign me up.
Best Pale Neutral Polishes
A perennial classic, a pale neutral polish is always a good idea.
Barely there but with a big impact, this naked neutral polish is so dreamy.
Leave it to Chanel to design the prettiest pale neutral polish.
This nourishing pale pink polish is just begging to grace your fingers and toes this season.
Add a touch of metallic to your neutral nails and you'll be drowning in compliments in no time.
Don't forget a chic off-white shade while you're searching for the perfect neutral nail polish.
Best Dark Neutral Polishes
Add some drama to your summer beauty aesthetic with a dark neutral manicure.
Who wouldn't want to wear this deep mauve shade year-round?
Say hello to your new favorite deep taupe polish.
A hint of shimmer takes this gorgeous neutral shade to the next level.
A rich deep brown polish is so pretty and luxe, no matter the season.
The quintessential cool girl neutral, black nail polish is always in style.
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.
