Open-toe season is upon us, so it’s time to pull your favorite sandals out of the harsh winter warehouse.
There are already a ton of fun nail polish colors on your fingers and toes this spring. So, we’ve rounded up all the 2026 summer pedicure colors that should be on your shortlist for this warm weather day. Some are predictable classics with a fresh twist, while others are a little unexpected and completely fresh.
So please take this as an official warning. If your hands and feet (especially) aren’t quite ready to show off, now is the time to prep them, groom them, and polish them to perfection for summer. Read about the top nail color trends for summer 2026 and some essential tools to make your nail color truly beautiful. nail Your home mani-pedi.
table of contents:
- A bright and lively classic
- Creamy and dreamy neutral
- Bold pop colors inspired by nature
- DIY mani/pedi essentials
A bright and lively classic
Red polish is always in style, but there are two special shades you’ll be seeing everywhere this spring and summer. Warmer climates call for big, bright reds like cherry or poppy, rather than winter wines or burgundies.
Just like makeup, your skin’s undertone will guide you to the perfect shade of red nail polish. Just like with makeup, it’s not important to match your skin tone and nail color, but it can still help narrow down your options. So Lots of red options. cherryFor example, cool, bluish hues such as: Jinsun’s enthusiasmmeanwhile poppy It’s infused with an almost neon orange color that makes it warmer. step on the accelerator of orly. A poppy pedicure in particular is a great option for warmer weather.
Passionate Jinseung
price: $18 at Jinsun
Ollie from “Hit the Gas”
price: $7.87 (originally $10.50) at Ulta
Earn 4% cash back at Ulta
Creamy and dreamy neutral
Just like red, you can’t go wrong with nude neutrals. One of the hottest ways to bare your toes this summer season is natural You can easily achieve this look with a sheer, so-called milky polish. Probably the most milky white Of these shades — like ILNP coconut cream — Take a little inspiration from “Cloud Dancer,” Pantone’s controversial Color of the Year. But you can also jump on this milky trend by adding a little color. nude and peach pink jelly Polish (like Silk colors rose jelly) is also trending with this milky look, making it more versatile no matter what color or style you wear it with.
These sheer lacquers create a slightly deeper, jelly-like look, especially when your nails have been exposed to the summer sun. But the best part is the buildable opacity. Apply just one or two coats for a milky, jelly-like look, or layer for an opaque look. You can also layer different colored jelly polishes for added interest, or dab different shades all over your nails for a gorgeous finish. watercolor effect!
Coconut cream ILNP
price: $10 on Amazon
silk colored rose jelly
price: $12.50 on Amazon
Bold pop colors inspired by nature
If you’re looking to make a big statement with your fingertips and toes this summer, take a little inspiration from sunny skies, juicy fruit, and the rest of nature around you.
sky blue It’s emerging as one of the most popular pedicure colors for summer 2026, and it’s no surprise since it’s popping up everywhere this year. As predicted by Pinterest. But instead of the icy blue seen in winter, a summer version of the shade has appeared. gucci lucy baby blue — Inspired by lounging by the pool or watching the clouds while sunbathing on the beach.
It may be called matcha, or it may be called that. pistachiobut you can’t deny a soft green nail polish — like Lakur by Londontown’s Lichen — It’s been a while. Sage-like hues appeared all over the Spring/Summer 2026 fashion runways, from Carolina Herrera to Gucci.
If you can’t decide between blue or green, choose somewhere in between.millenial mintA throwback, as seen in Essie’s Mint Candy Apple. Recently, bold, bright colors have become popular again, like many other early ’20s trends.
If you want to feel warmer with brighter colors, we recommend a juicy citrus scent. orange These nails will brighten up your spring and summer days. This orangeade shade ( orange knockout in china glaze) also plays a big role in the Aperol Spritz nail trend. Just layer it shiny gold shine Completes an ode to the quintessential summer aperitif.
716 Lucy Baby Blue Gucci
price: $35 at Sephora
Earn 5% cashback at Sephora
Lacour by Londontown in Richen
price: $16 at London Town
Earn 1% cashback at London Town
mint candy apple essie
price: $10 at Ulta
Earn 4% cash back at Ulta
china glaze orange knockout
price: $8.50 at Macy’s
Earn up to 12% cash back at Macy’s
DIY mani/pedi essentials
Essie on a roll apricot cuticle oil
Soften dry cuticles on fingers and toes with this easy-to-apply, no-mess roll-on cuticle oil. Apricot and jojoba oil instantly hydrates and conditions, absorbing quickly so you can take the next step in your mani/pedi routine.
price: $15 at Alta
Earn 4% cash back at Ulta
DrMode Angle Head Toenail Clipper
you probably already have reliable nail clippers For your nails. However, if you want something a little more specialized for handling toenails, we recommend products with wider jaws to accommodate thicker nails, as well as non-slip handles and angled heads for a more ergonomic clip. It also collects toenail clippings so they don’t fly all over the room.
price: $12.98 on Amazon
Pueen Nail Art Peel Off Cuticle Guard
Even if you’re not a fan of coloring inside the lines (guilty!), this peel-off polish barrier makes it easy to create a manis or pedish. Just brush this on the skin around your nails and leave it on, buff your nails and remove any dirt to reveal a neat and clean manicure or pedicure.
price: $4.98 at Walmart
Earn 1% cashback at Walmart
Foldable foot bath with massage points
For an authentic nail salon experience at home, soften and exfoliate your nails to make them easier to cut. while you are there It was done splurge a little for heat and foam options Instead, we like this foldable basin for easy storage, especially if you’re short on space. There are also many massage nodules on the bottom to relieve foot pain and fatigue.
price: $18.99 (originally $28.98) on Amazon
Dr. Scholl’s Hard Skin Remover Nano Glass Foot File
If your feet have become stiff and cracked due to winter boots and dry air, this foot file will make them soft and smooth again. The textured nano-glass surface gently polishes and exfoliates the skin. It also has a comfortable, soft-touch handle for easy use. Plus, it’s waterproof and rustproof, making it easy to wash off.
price: $8.47 on Amazon
Babyfoot Original Exfoliation Lavender Scented Foot Peel
If your dry, cracked, and stiff winter feet need a little extra attention, prep them with this exfoliating foot peel a week before your pedicure. Just soak your feet in a special gel bag for an hour and watch dead skin cells slough off like a snake, revealing baby-soft skin within 3-7 days.
price: $25 at Alta
Earn 4% cash back at Ulta
ILNP Glass Candy Top Coat
No matter what color nail polish you choose for your manicure or pedicure, be sure to add a super glossy top coat at the end. Even if (and especially) your colored nail polish has a matte finish, it’s a must to achieve the high-gloss nails that are trending this summer. This Glass Candy topcoat will make any polish pop and shine in the sun with ease.
price: $10 on Amazon
The post How to nail a DIY mani-pedi for the most beautiful nail trends of summer 2026 appeared first on RetailMeNot’s The Real Deal.
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