Whether you’re getting an at-home tan or just returning from a beach vacation, choosing nail polish shades that enhance your sun-kissed glow is key to maintaining it. Numerous shades will look perfect no matter your skin tone!

Warm-toned polishes like coral and peach work best with tanned skin; for those with cooler undertones, try opting for light pastel or even shimmery metallic options.

Vibrant Coral

When selecting the ideal nail polish shade, numerous colors will look lovely against all skin tones. However, certain tones work especially well on certain skin tones; for instance, if you have tanned skin, it would be wise to opt for warm-toned colors like coral, peach, or bronze to bring out its glow on your nails and complete the look.

Butter London Glazen Nail Lacquer in The Floor Is Guava is an eye-catching coral hue that highlights your tan. With a chili spice finish, this vibrant coral shade will liven up any look.

Medium skin tones should opt for pastel shades that complement summer perfectly, such as Essie’s Sunday Funday in bright orange coral or Zoya’s Baguette Me Not in beautiful lilac that pairs perfectly with any skin tone tan.

If you have olive or dark skin, an earthy hue will complement its natural hue beautifully. A wide range of choices might work, from sandy brown to deep navy blue.

Warm Terracotta

If you enjoy the earthy tones of autumn and winter but aren’t willing to experiment with something bolder like pinks, yellows, or purples, why not consider switching up your hue for one with more warmth, like a warm terracotta hue? This dusty orange shade has recently become popular in fashion and interiors and won’t quickly go out of style as other trendy colors may.

Terracotta nails make an eye-catching statement against warm skin tones, with even those with fair skin being able to pull off various shades of terracotta polish shades. Medium and olive skin tones may prefer shimmery creme shades such as Essie’s Sunday Funday ($4) or Baguette Me Not ($9). In contrast, mod pastel lilac options such as Zoya Marley or Lavis Dip Systems Yank My Doodle ($18) would also work nicely.

Burgundy is an ideal color choice to complement dark skin tones, while deep purple will make your nails stand out and add an air of luxury to your ensemble.

Rich Burgundy

If you like red nails but want something different to make your tan stand out, try switching it up by opting for rich burgundy hues instead. Burgundy nails can add depth and character during fall and winter but also work great when worn when your complexion has an extra boost from sun-kissed skin.

If your tan is medium to dark, warm-toned nail polish colors such as coral, peach, and bronze work best to complement its beauty. Earthy tones like terracotta or burnt orange also complement this style well and add a natural finish that complements it well.

Light pastels and neons can look fabulous against tanned skin, especially if you want something to complement the mango Mai Tais on your next vacation. Lilac is an example of such a hue – its fresh, fun shades make it the ideal summer hue – while still looking fantastic with your tan! With two easy coats, you can achieve long-term coverage of this hue for an eye-catching manicure.

Deep Plum

Nail colors that accentuate tanned skin can do more than make nails look attractive—they can add depth and dimension. With such an array of hues available today, it may be challenging to select those best suited to enhancing a tan. When choosing the ideal hues for tanned skin tones, the key lies in finding ones that contrast rather than match existing skin tones.

If you have medium to dark skin that tans well in the sun, try opting for deep burgundy shades like Cote’s No. 50 Nail Lacquer ($18) or Gelous Colors GC059 – Dusty Rose ($13). Alternatively, for an added pop of color, try Static Nails Cabana Boy ($15) or Essie Soul Surfing ($12).

Bright orange and yellow colors look stunning on tanned skin tones, too. For cool-toned complexions, coral shades such as Static Nails Dandelion Yellow ($15), classic red shades such as Essie’s Forever Yummy ($9), or muted gold metallic polish like Zoya Foster ($12) will stand out beautifully against olive complexions.

Metallic Gold

Gold and metallic shades add an element of luxury to any manicure, so opt for warm golden hues like Gelous Colors’ IS07 Tropical Sunset or SP18 Oh Shiela to accentuate your sun-kissed tan and bring it out.

Earthy tones like browns and coppers pair beautifully with tanned skin. Consider opting for earthy shades like dark chocolate brown or rich copper for an alluring, sophisticated, stylish look that perfectly complements your natural warmth.

Lighter pinks and purples also beautifully complement tanned skin, providing your nails with a gorgeous contrast that highlights your radiance. Try pastel pink shades like Her December by Debora Lippmann for delicate day-to-night color or deep violet tones like Zoya Naught’s Not Nice for an audacious yet subtle neutral nail look.

Lilac nail polish will complement any bronzed glow beautifully. In contrast, its cool undertones complement darker skin tones for an attractive and healthy-looking finish that perfectly matches the melanin in your body.

Bright Teal

Bright nail colors work beautifully with tanned skin tones, accentuating its hues and bringing out its bronzed glow. Try shades like seashell pink or cool blue-leaning green for an eye-catching and vibrant look.

Neon nails may be trendy, but they may not be ideal for amplifying your tan. Their bright hues may stand out against your skin tone and may wash out its natural hue altogether. If you want a pop of color on your fingertips, opt for light pastel hues that highlight your tan’s warmth instead.

Essie’s Mint Cream ($15) will bring out your tan while giving your nails an airy and fresh appearance. Other light pastel options for tanned skin include baby blue or lilac shades.

Nude with Warm Undertones

Neutral shades such as beiges and taupes create a timeless yet subtle aesthetic, perfectly complementing your tan. Earthy tones such as terracotta, burnt orange, and golden yellow mimic the sun-kissed landscape, bringing out your tan while adding warmth to your overall appearance.

Alternately, for a more sophisticated touch, try using a light peach shade that’s delicate and feminine for a more sophisticated look. Warm-toned nude colors like this one naturally complement tanned skin while giving your nails some added radiance and shine.

Julie Kandalec, celebrity manicurist and cofounder of Essie, recommends bold hues that will highlight your tan. She recommends Cote’s Dandelion Yellow ($18) for maximum impact, which can help transform any complexion.

If you prefer subtler hues, she recommends pastel shades such as Butter London’s English Lavender and Essie’s Baguette Me, which are not flattering for any skin tone and occasion. They will give a fresh and youthful vibe that is perfect for everyday events.

Electric Blue

Be it your at-home spray tan or a day at the beach, a good manicure can add the finishing touch to your glow. But choosing your color wisely can make or break your overall look; for an elegant and sophisticated aesthetic, try selecting nudes or pearlescent tones, while for something bolder, consider coral, bronze, or periwinkle blue hues as vibrant pops of color!

Leah Yari, the cofounder of nail brand Cote, suggests bold colors such as Dandelion Yellow ($18), which she describes as the color of “bottled sunshine.” Essie celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec used holographic pink nail polish on Oscar winner Viola Davis when she won for Fences; Julie prefers muted lilacs or mocha nudes like Cote Mink Muffs.

Light pastel and neon shades complement tans well, so be sure to give these hues a try. Just pair them with a top coat to maintain long-term manicure success.