Top 8 Summer Pedicure Shades

LEMON

Yellow toenails: Sounds gross, right? Think again—done right, this shade looks great on everyone. "It's all about picking the right yellow," says manicurist Elle, who works with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and the Victoria's Secret Angels. Women with pale complexions should choose a color with warm undertones, like L'Oréal Paris Nail Color in Tweet Me, to complement the pink in their skin. Cooler yellows, likeRevlon Scented Parfume Nail Enamel in Lemon Meringue (yes, it smells like lemon dessert), look pretty with medium skin. And a bold opaque shade, like Thakoon for Nars Nail Polish in Amchoor, won't fade out on dark complexions.

AQUA

Forget moody navy and indigo. Aqua is as versatile as any other pastel. Skip the glitter and go for a matte polish, like Sonia Kashuk Nail Colour in Making Waves, which wears best on fair skin. "Heavy pigments look really vibrant," Elle says. A true blue, like Orly Nail Lacquer in Skinny Dip, is great for medium skin—it doesn't have green undertones. And a lighter color, like Butter London in Slapper, really stands out against dark skin.

PETAL PINK


This purply pink is the most fashion-forward of the bunch. "It goes great with the floral trends in clothing that are out right now," Elle says. Zoya Professional Lacquer in Shelby might be a pastel, but the opacity helps it pop against pale skin. The coral undertones in Topshop Nails in Daydream look amazing on medium skin tones. And those with dark skin will loveSally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Bubblegum Pink.


RED-ORANGE

We know, we know—red polish seems so wintry. Until you try one with juicy orange tones. "This is your go-to summer red," Elle says. The multidimensional Dolce & Gabbana The Nail Lacquer in Fire picks up pink tones in skin, making it ideal for paler complexions. L'Oréal Paris Nail Color in Caught Red-Handed, which is a bit cooler, contrasts well with medium skin. And the boldTom Ford Nail Lacquer in Ginger Fire is a classic orange, perfect for dark skin.

ELECTRIC PURPLE

Toes are one place you can go nuts at any age, says Elle, who loves this loud purple for summer. Women with dark or medium skin look best in brighter neon shades, likeIllamasqua Nail Varnish in Stance or Pixi Nail Colour in Very Violet. Those with lighter skin tones should opt for something darker, likeButter London 3 Free Nail Lacquer Vernis in HRH, to create a stronger contrast. Just don't paint it on your fingernails, too. "With bold colors, it's better to complement than match," Elle says.



BRONZE


Warm, sexy, glint-y: Bronze is the best new metallic. Choose one with rose flecks in it, like Priti NYC Polish in Bill Bronze Orchid, if you have fair skin (the color will look healthier). Medium skin tones can handle a bolder metallic, like Maybelline New York Color Show Nail Lacquer Vernis in Bold Gold, which has both gold and silver flecks in it. And bronzy brown shades, likeOPI Nail Lacquer in Brisbane Bronze, look gorgeous on dark skin. Just be sure to scrub your nails and use a basecoat before applying. Otherwise the nail polish won't lie flat, says Elle.


ORANGE SHERBERT


We'll be honest. This creamy orange shade isn't for fair skin. "It will look sickly on fair skin," says Elle, who recommends that people with lighter complexions choose a richer, deeper orange. But on medium and dark skin tones, the pastel color looks gorgeous. Essie in Fear or Desire has peach in it, which warms up medium skin tones, while China Glaze Nail Lacquer With Hardener in Orange You Hot is a superbright shade that dazzles on dark skin.


BARBIE PINK

When it comes to this girlie trend, one polish dominates. "Deborah Lippmann in I Kissed a Girl is the most perfect pink shade I've ever seen," says Elle. It's not too warm or too cool, making it great for all skin tones. And it definitely makes a fun statement for summer—whether you leave the Dream House or not.