Get all the best nail colors for a beach vacation, from nail polishes to press-ons, and pinks to reds and purples. These are tried and tested shades that make the bold and bright statement you love to showcase in the sand.
I am an ambassador for the nail care brand Olive & June and test nearly all their colors, and I wrote this post after seeing some real trends in the shades that were trusted go-tos for the beach.
But, before I share the absolute best nail color for a beach vacation, I want to first let you know a quick bit about Olive & June — they are a USA-based, woman-owned nail care brand dedicated to perfecting the at-home manicure and pedicure with high quality, long-lasting products that mimic the nail salon at a fraction of the price.
I became a super fan during the Coronavirus pandemic and never turned back! Every Friday night at 5 p.m., I grab a glass of wine, an audiobook, and all my nail tools for an hour of the most perfect self-care.
You too can have a lot of fun with these nail shades when you are heading to the beach PLUS have a mani-pedi that holds up to the sand and waves.
Related posts: For more information about Olive & June, read my reviews of their manicure system, pedicure system, and press-on system, and remember to use code OJJULIANNEB20 to get 20% off any system.
Best Nail Color for Beach Vacation: Long-Lasting Polish
Below is a quick list of the best nail color for a beach vacation, followed by details about what’s great about each one.
The beach is definitely the place to be bold and bright, so you will find a lot of shades with intense tones and high gloss here. Since both your hands and feet will be on display on the sand, I have also focused on shades that work well with a variety of skin tones and wardrobe styles, like really versatile pinks and reds.
bubblegum pink
peachy-pink coral
strawberry pink
tropical pink
spicy orange-red
juicy watermelon red
bold magenta
glowing lavender
glowing soft magenta
Bubblegum Pink (“Pen Pal”)
Pen Pal is a bubblegum pink that made me squeal with delight when it was released as a limited edition item in Summer 2022. I would describe it as a standout salmon shade, for those who want to make a statement on the beach but prefer lighter colors on their nails.
Peachy-Pink Coral (“Stinson Sunset”)
Stinson Sunset is a peachy-pink coral that was created by the mega blogger (and manicure enthusiast) Emily from Cupcakes & Cashmere. I was so excited when it was released because it really filled a void for Summer nail polish colors that were lighter in color overall yet still really bold and bright in saturation. It remains a favorite!
Strawberry Pink (“Hot Strawberry”)
Hot Strawberry (also available in press ons) is a supercharged strawberry pink for all the pink lovers out there. It just perfectly takes the truest shade of pink to the next level to really make a statement while you are swimming and sunbathing.
Tropical Pink (“Hibiscus”)
Hibiscus is a tropical pink that also stands out on a beach vacation, and can be paired with both warmer and cooler style throughout your trip. It’s another classic go-to I rely on for that bold and bright look on the sand.
Spicy Orange Red (“Lava”)
Lava (also available in press ons) is a spicy orange-red that’s probably the most classic of all Summer nail colors. If you are EVER going to wear a really orange-y red, the beach is the best place to do so. It’s like the boldest and brightest, deepest sunshine on your nails.
Juicy Watermelon Red (“Field Day”)
Field Day (also available in press ons) is a juicy watermelon red nail polish that really and truly looks like a watermelon. (I just love to take advantage of this by creating watermelon nail art with it.)
It’s a new favorite, released as a limited edition bright Summer nail shade in Summer 2022 (but I am hoping it will stick around longer). You simply can’t go wrong with this one for a warmer red that’s neither too red nor too pink, and feels just like a beach picnic on your nails.
Bold Magenta (“Wild Orchid”)
Wild Orchid is a bold magenta I rely on year after year for that classic beachy nail look. It’s one you can just grab without thinking too hard because it stands out yet matches so many styles well. I can’t tell you how often I reach for it as a beach vacation nail color.
Glowing Lavender (“Cockatoo”)
Cockatoo (also available in press ons) is a glowing lavender for those who want to show off their mani-pedi at the beach, but also maintain a somewhat neutral vibe. It also contrasts a tanned or darker skin tone nicely. And I especially love it with the popular iridescent shade Pink Goldfish as a topper.
Glowing Soft Magenta (“Jam, Please”)
Jam, Please is a glowing soft magenta. When it was first released as a Spring nail color in 2022, it became a quick favorite and one of my favorite shades I had used in a LONG time.
Why? It’s just perfectly bright and purple-y, and it works really well on both fingers and toes. This versatility makes it an excellent nail color with more blue undertones for a cool-toned beach vacation look.
Shopping Tip: While you can buy the nail polish of your choice separately for $9 each, you can get 20% off with my code OJJULIANNEB20 when you purchase any Olive & June system.
Best Nail Color for Beach Vacation: Quick Dry Polish
In a rush? Olive & June’s quick dry polish dries in literally one minute (but note, it’s best for short-term wear). Below is a quick list of the best nail color for a beach vacation, followed by details about what’s great about each one.
From left to right:
- Taffy: hot pink
- Royal: regal purple
- Pomodoro: pinky red
- Melon: cantaloupe orange
- Parakeet: electric turquoise
- Lollipop: cherry red
My favorites here are Pomodoro and Lollipop because they are such basic bright Summer nail colors everyone should have.
Conclusion
Now you know the best nail color for a beach vacation. Have a blast in the sand and surf!
