40 Nail Polish Colors Every Girl Should Know (and Try!)

There’s something powerful about perfectly polished nails. Whether you love a classic red, a subtle nude, or something bold like cobalt or chartreuse, nail color speaks louder than you think. It can elevate your look, boost your mood, and show off your personality—all in one swipe. In this guide, we’re breaking down 40 of the most iconic and standard nail polish shades every beauty lover should know. Consider this your ultimate color reference for salon trips, DIY manis, or seasonal inspiration.

1. Classic Red

Bold, fierce, and always on trend—classic red nails are a timeless beauty staple. This shade exudes confidence and works for everything from formal events to everyday glam. You can go cherry red for a brighter vibe or deeper crimson for something sultry. Either way, red nails never go unnoticed. It’s a must-have for every nail polish collection.

2. Baby Pink

Soft and feminine, baby pink is the definition of elegance. It’s a favorite for weddings, brunch dates, and everything dainty in between. This shade gives off a fresh, clean vibe while still adding that little touch of color. Baby pink complements all skin tones and is perfect for short nails or long, almond-shaped ones. You’ll always feel put-together with this one.

3. Nude Beige

If you’re after that “barely-there but still polished” look, nude beige nails are the go-to. The beauty of nude polish is that it blends seamlessly with your skin tone while elongating the fingers. It’s chic, minimal, and works for every occasion imaginable—from job interviews to weekend getaways. Everyone needs a staple nude in their stash.

4. Deep Burgundy

Rich and mysterious, burgundy is like red’s moody cousin. This wine-toned polish is perfect for fall and winter, adding depth and sophistication to your overall vibe. It pairs beautifully with gold jewelry and cozy knits. Whether matte or glossy, burgundy always delivers drama in the best way.

5. Jet Blac

Edgy, sleek, and fashion-forward—jet black nails make a bold statement. Contrary to what some might think, black polish isn’t just for alternative styles. When worn with a glossy topcoat or paired with a sharp square nail, it looks incredibly chic. It’s the color of confidence, minimalism, and mystery all rolled into one.

6. Soft White

White nails are the epitome of clean beauty. They offer a bright, modern finish that stands out while still being neutral. From milky whites to opaque snowy tones, this color works especially well in the summer months or when you want your tan to pop. Add a glossy finish for extra shine, or keep it matte for something trendy and cool.

7. Coral Peach

Coral is that happy color that instantly makes your nails look fresh and summer-ready. It’s a mix between pink and orange, giving you a warm, beachy vibe. Whether you’re on vacation or just need a boost of sunshine, coral is an energizing shade that suits all nail lengths and skin tones.

8. Cool Gray

Understated but stylish, cool gray nails are like the neutral sweater of your wardrobe—they go with everything. This shade is versatile and modern, especially for minimal or monochrome lovers. Pair it with silver accents for an icy, futuristic vibe, or keep it soft and natural. It’s perfect for every season.

9. Mauve

Mauve nails offer a muted, grown-up version of pink and purple combined. This dusty tone is timeless and flattering, often chosen for office wear or elegant dinners. It’s soft enough to be subtle but distinct enough to get compliments. Mauve adds a touch of femininity and grace without being too sweet.

10. Navy Blue

Navy nails bring an unexpected sophistication to your fingertips. It’s darker than your usual blues, almost black in low light, but still clearly blue. This rich shade feels classy and looks especially beautiful in fall or winter. It works for every nail shape—from square tips to coffin nails—and makes a strong yet refined statement.

11. Blush Pink

Blush pink is a soft, romantic shade that’s universally flattering and feminine without being overpowering. It adds a hint of warmth to your nails and feels effortlessly graceful. This shade is perfect for weddings, work settings, or even casual weekends when you want your hands to look polished and delicate. It gives that clean-girl aesthetic with a touch of color and goes beautifully with rose gold accessories or nude makeup looks.

12. Chocolate Brow

Warm, cozy, and surprisingly chic, chocolate brown nails are ideal for fall and winter. The deep, earthy tone brings richness and sophistication to your look. It complements all skin tones and pairs well with neutral outfits, especially beige, cream, or olive tones. Whether matte or glossy, chocolate nails feel grounded and stylish, adding a trendy twist to darker shades.

13. Mint Green

Mint green is playful, refreshing, and full of personality. It instantly brightens up your look and feels especially fitting in spring and summer. The cool, pastel tone brings a youthful vibe to any manicure, whether you wear it alone or with fun nail art. Mint is a great option when you want something unique without going too bold.

14. Taupe

Taupe is a sophisticated neutral that lands between gray and brown, making it incredibly versatile. It works beautifully as an everyday polish and adds elegance to your hands without drawing too much attention. Taupe nails are especially popular for office settings or minimalist aesthetics. Pair it with gold rings or beige outfits for a monochrome, put-together look.

15. Lavender

Light purple lovers, this one’s for you. Lavender nails are soft, dreamy, and perfect for springtime vibes. This pastel shade offers a feminine, airy feel that still feels modern and fresh. Whether you wear it matte or shiny, lavender adds a calming, clean energy to your overall look. It’s sweet but never boring.

16. Emerald Green

Emerald is bold, regal, and rich—perfect for when you want to add a statement color to your manicure. This jewel tone looks especially striking during the holiday season or paired with gold details. Emerald nails feel luxurious and powerful, making them ideal for events or nights out. It’s one of those colors that make your hands look instantly elevated.

17. Peach

Peach nails offer a warm, soft look that combines the best of orange and pink. It’s cheerful and flattering, especially on warm or medium skin tones. Peach brings a light, playful energy to your hands, perfect for sunny weather or a casual day out. You can also layer it with shimmer or gloss for a dewy, radiant effect.

18. Sky Blue

Sky blue gives your nails that light, whimsical touch—like a breath of fresh air. It’s a favorite for spring and summer, offering a cool and calming vibe. Whether paired with white outfits or floral dresses, sky blue feels like a dreamy escape. It’s especially cute on short, rounded nails or as part of pastel-themed nail art.

Read more about 12 Unexpected Holiday Nail Ideas That Aren’t Red

19. Bronz

Bronze nails bring a warm metallic glow to your fingertips. It’s glamorous without being too flashy and offers a more grounded, earthy take on gold. The reflective shimmer gives it an almost molten finish, perfect for festive seasons or a night out. Bronze works beautifully on all nail shapes and especially shines on darker skin tones.

20. Teal

A mix between green and blue, teal is vibrant, cool-toned, and full of energy. It’s a great alternative to classic navy or turquoise when you want a little more drama. Teal nails pop beautifully against both light and deep skin tones, and they’re ideal for summer vacations or tropical nail art. You can wear it matte for a muted vibe or glossy for bold impact.

21. Pastel Yellow

Sunshine in a bottle—pastel yellow nails are fun, bright, and totally feel-good. This shade screams summer and brings instant joy to your look. It’s playful but soft enough to stay wearable, even in simple styles. Pair pastel yellow with floral nail art or white accents for an extra sweet manicure. It’s like a mood boost for your hands.

22. Metallic Silver

Metallic silver is futuristic, edgy, and ultra-cool. It adds a mirror-like finish to your nails that looks stunning with chrome or space-inspired outfits. This polish works well with black or dark gray clothing and is often chosen for New Year’s Eve parties or glam nights out. Silver gives your hands an icy, clean sparkle that always grabs attention.

23. Rose Gold

Rose gold combines the soft femininity of pink with the luxury of gold, making it a go-to for chic, glam nails. It’s flattering on every skin tone and brings just the right amount of shimmer to your manicure. Use it for full coverage or as an accent shade with nude or blush tones. It’s romantic, trendy, and beautifully versatile.

24. Plum

Plum is rich, moody, and deep—perfect for the colder seasons. It adds a mysterious touch to your hands and feels more grown-up than your typical purples. Plum nails are especially elegant in matte finishes or paired with gold detailing. It’s a great choice for when you want to be bold without going full black or burgundy.

25. Cream Nude

Lighter than beige, cream nude nails are perfect for that soft, fresh look. This off-white neutral feels clean, polished, and elevated. It’s ideal for brides, minimalists, or anyone wanting a chic manicure that goes with everything. Cream nude also works as a base for French tips or floral designs.

26. Indigo

Indigo is a deep blue with hints of violet—intense, luxurious, and totally captivating. This dramatic polish is ideal for fall nights or formal events where you want your nails to look bold but not too loud. Indigo gives you a refined pop of color, especially when worn with silver jewelry or a matte topcoat.

27. Dusty Rose

Dusty rose is a muted pink with a slight gray undertone that adds elegance to any look. It’s soft and feminine but carries a sense of maturity and subtle drama. Perfect for weddings, romantic dates, or office wear, dusty rose works on all nail lengths and pairs well with rose gold accents. It’s a staple for year-round beauty.

28. Terracotta

Terracotta nails give off earthy, grounded energy with a modern twist. This clay-inspired hue is warm and cozy, making it a fall favorite. It looks especially stylish on short, square nails or paired with matte topcoats. Terracotta is perfect for anyone wanting something different yet wearable.

29. Bright Fuchsia

Fuchsia is a vibrant blend of pink and purple, bold enough to command attention yet still ultra-glam. It’s perfect for summer, parties, or moments when you want your nails to stand out. Fuchsia works well on both long stiletto nails and shorter natural nails. This color says playful, fun, and fierce all at once.

30. Olive Green

Olive green is unique, trendy, and super flattering—especially in the cooler months. It’s subtle enough to be considered a neutral but distinct enough to make a statement. Pair olive with gold jewelry or nail art for an earthy glam aesthetic. It’s a fashion-forward choice for those who love tones outside the classic palette.

31. Charcoal Gray

Darker than silver but lighter than black, charcoal gray gives your nails a sleek, urban feel. It’s great for cooler seasons or when you want something modern but not too dramatic. This shade looks especially striking on almond or coffin nails with a high-shine finish. Charcoal is a grown-up twist on your everyday dark nails.

32. Gold Glitter

Glittery gold nails are festive, flashy, and full of fun. Whether you go all-in or just use it as an accent, gold glitter instantly adds sparkle and glam. It’s a holiday classic and a party essential. This polish pairs well with red, burgundy, or nude tones and shines best under twinkling lights.

33. Neon Orange

Neon orange is loud, wild, and unapologetically fun. This vibrant shade is for the bold and the brave—it’s like summer vacation in a polish. It looks especially great on tanned skin and short nails. Neon orange gives off tropical, energetic vibes, making it a must-try for festivals or beach getaways.

34. Champagne

Champagne is a neutral with a touch of shimmer—perfect for elegant, subtle glam. It adds a soft glow without being too flashy and works beautifully on any nail length. Champagne nails are perfect for weddings, bridal showers, or date nights when you want something romantic and refined.

35. Bright Yellow

This sunny shade brings pure joy to your nails. Bright yellow nails are bold, fun, and full of personality. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it makes a serious statement. Pair it with white outfits or floral dresses to really make the color pop. It’s ideal for summer vibes and cheerful moods.

36. Soft Lilac

Lilac is light, pastel, and effortlessly dreamy. Softer than lavender, it feels delicate and refreshing, making it a favorite for spring. Lilac nails are chic yet calming, perfect for casual brunches, garden parties, or laid-back glam. This shade pairs well with floral nail art or white tips.

37. Gunmetal

Gunmetal is a dark metallic shade that feels edgy and sophisticated at the same time. It’s not quite black, not quite silver—just the right mix of both. Gunmetal nails work perfectly with rocker-chic outfits or minimalist fashion. Add a glossy topcoat to enhance its steely finish.

38. Cobalt Blue

Bright, bold, and electric—cobalt blue nails demand attention. This high-energy color is perfect for summer, music festivals, or a bold style statement. It pairs well with graphic nail art or crisp white lines for contrast. Cobalt is vibrant and fearless, exactly how we like our nails sometimes.

39. Flamingo Pink

Not quite hot pink, not quite coral—flamingo pink is its own shade of fabulous. It’s tropical, fun, and works beautifully with both light and dark skin tones. This punchy color feels flirty and modern, perfect for vacations, pool parties, or girls’ night out.

40. Periwinkle

Periwinkle is a soft mix of lavender and light blue—cool, airy, and subtly whimsical. It’s unique without being too loud and adds a magical touch to your manicure. Periwinkle nails are ideal for spring and transition seasons, bringing a calming charm to your hands that’s always refreshing.