Nail Colors That Make You Look More Tan
You know when you put on a certain nail color and suddenly your skin looks approximately three shades tanner?
That is exactly what we're going for here.
The right nail color can create enough contrast against your skin to make it look warmer and more bronzed, even when you haven't been anywhere near a beach.
And some colors are WAY better at doing this than others.
Bright whites, corals, hot pinks and certain shades of blue are especially good when you're feeling a little pale and want to fake that just-got-back-from-vacation look.
So before you automatically reach for the same pale pink you get every single time, these are the nail colors I'd try when you want to look more tan.
Psst-For my absolute FAVORITE nail color that always gets me endless compliments, be sure to check out #15!
1. Bright White
We have to start with white.
If you want your skin to look instantly tanner, a bright white manicure is probably one of the best choices you can make.
The stark white creates a ton of contrast against your skin, which can make your skin look warmer and darker by comparison.
It's also one of those colors that looks just as good on your toes, so keep this one in mind the next time you're getting a pedicure too.
TRY: OPI Alpine Snow
2. Milky White
If stark white isn't really your thing, milky white gives you a similar effect without being quite as bright.
You still get that contrast against your skin, but the sheer, creamy finish is a lot softer.
And since milky nails have been everywhere for the past few years, this is probably the easiest option if you normally stick with neutral nails.
TRY: OPI Funny Bunny
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3. Coral
Coral is SUCH a good nail color when you want your skin to look warmer.
The mix of pink and orange can bring out more golden tones in your skin, especially when you choose a bright coral instead of something muted.
It's also basically impossible for me to look at coral nails without immediately thinking of summer and vacation, so there's that too.
4. Hot Pink
Hot pink is another really good option when you're feeling pale.
It's bright enough to create a lot of contrast against your skin, and certain hot pinks can make your skin look noticeably warmer by comparison.
I'd go for a really saturated pink here instead of anything dusty or muted.
This is also one of my favorite colors for toes during the summer.
5. Bubblegum Pink
If hot pink is a little much for you, bubblegum pink is an easier way to get a similar effect.
It's still bright enough to stand out against your skin but feels a little softer and more wearable.
I especially love this one if you're normally a pale pink nail person and want to branch out without getting anything too crazy.
Just go a few shades brighter than you normally would.
TRY: OPI Mod About You
RELATED: Pink Nail Ideas for Every Mood (and Skill Level)
6. Bright Orange
Okay, orange is definitely not going to be everyone's first choice at the nail salon.
BUT it can be ridiculously good when you're trying to make your skin look more tan.
A really bright orange or tangerine shade can make your skin look warmer and more golden, especially during the summer.
I'd stay away from anything too brown or muted here. The bright versions are what give you that fun contrast.
TRY: Essie Be Them All
7. Tomato Red
If you want something a little more classic, try a warm tomato red.
You still get that bright pop of color, but it feels a lot less intimidating than painting your nails straight-up orange.
The warmer, orangey undertone can also make your skin look more golden.
And if you're someone who gets red nails constantly anyway, this is probably the easiest switch on the entire list.
8. Cobalt Blue
Cobalt blue might be one of my FAVORITE colors for this.
A really saturated blue creates so much contrast against your skin, especially if your skin has warmer or golden undertones.
It also doesn't feel quite as predictable as white, coral or hot pink.
If you're standing at the nail salon staring at the wall of colors and want to get something completely different, try cobalt.
TRY: Essie Butler Please
9. Turquoise
Turquoise is another really good one when you want to fake a little extra color.
That bright blue-green against your skin can make your complexion look warmer by comparison, and it basically screams summer vacation.
It's definitely more of a statement, but I love it for a pedicure if turquoise fingernails feel like a little much.
TRY: OPI NFTease Me
10. Periwinkle
Periwinkle is such a good option if you want something colorful without going super bright.
Since it sits somewhere between blue and purple, it can create a really pretty contrast against warmer skin tones.
I also love this one because it feels a little unexpected.
Everyone gets pink and white during the summer. Periwinkle is way more fun.
11. Lavender
Lavender gives you a similar effect to periwinkle but leans more purple.
I'd go for a brighter lavender rather than one with a ton of gray in it if your main goal is making your skin look warmer.
The cooler purple against your skin can create that extra contrast you're looking for without going anywhere near neon territory.
Plus, lavender nails are just really pretty.
TRY: Essie Lilacism
12. Lime Green
Hear me out.
Lime green can make you look SO tan.
It's obviously not subtle, but the crazy-bright color creates a ton of contrast against your skin.
This is exactly the kind of nail color I'd get before a beach vacation when I'm still extremely pale and would like to pretend otherwise.
And if an entire lime green manicure feels like a lot, you could always do lime French tips or use it as an accent color.
TRY: ORLY So Fly
13. Butter Yellow
If lime green is approximately 700 miles outside of your comfort zone, butter yellow is much easier.
It's softer and more wearable but can still make your skin look warmer, especially if you choose a yellow with a little warmth to it.
This is also such a fun option if you're tired of getting pink every summer but aren't quite ready to walk into the salon and request neon orange.
TRY: OPI Sunny Bunny
14. Neon Yellow
Neon yellow is NOT for the neutral nail girlies, but if the assignment is to make yourself look tanner, it understood the assignment.
That super-bright yellow creates a ridiculous amount of contrast against your skin.
I especially love this one for vacation when you can get away with a nail color that's way brighter than anything you'd normally choose.
And honestly, neon yellow toes peeking out of a pair of sandals can be really fun.
TRY: China Glaze Celtic Sun
15. Bubble Bath with Chrome
Okay, I'm ending with my personal favorite because this is basically my go-to manicure at this point.
I get OPI Bubble Bath with chrome over it, and I swear this is one of my most complimented nail colors EVER.
Bubble Bath gives you that sheer pinky-nude base, and the chrome adds a really pretty glazed finish without making the manicure feel over-the-top.
It's also such a good option when you're pale because the light, slightly pink base gives you some contrast without being as stark as bright white.
If you're someone who normally gets neutral nails and can't see yourself walking around with neon yellow or turquoise, GET THIS.
ASK FOR: OPI Bubble Bath with chrome powder over the entire nail
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What Nail Color Makes You Look the Most Tan?
If I had to choose ONE, I'd probably go with bright white.
There's a reason people constantly get white nails before vacation. The contrast can make even pretty pale skin look noticeably more tan.
Hot pink, coral, cobalt blue and turquoise would be my next choices if you want something with more color.
But your undertone definitely matters here.
A color that makes one person's skin look warm and golden might make someone else look completely washed out, so there isn't one nail polish shade that's magically going to work on everyone.
Best Nail Colors to Get Before a Vacation
This is honestly when I'd have the most fun with these colors.
You're probably getting your nails done before you leave anyway, and if you're currently pale from sitting inside all winter, you might as well pick a color that gives you a head start.
Bright white, coral, hot pink, turquoise and cobalt blue would all be at the top of my list.
And vacation is the perfect excuse to pick the color you'd normally talk yourself out of at the nail salon.
Get the ridiculously bright pink.
What Nail Colors Make Your Feet Look More Tan?
All of these tricks work for pedicures too, and honestly, I think some of the brighter colors look even better on toes.
Bright white is probably my first choice if you want your feet to look more tan, followed by hot pink, coral and turquoise.
A bright pedicure also looks SO good with neutral sandals during the summer.
So if cobalt blue fingernails aren't happening for you, put it on your toes instead.
What Nail Colors Should You Avoid If You Want to Look Tanner?
I wouldn't say there are any colors you absolutely can't wear.
But if your entire goal is making pale skin look warmer, some really muted shades aren't going to give you nearly as much contrast.
Certain gray-beiges, muddy taupes and colors that are extremely close to your actual skin tone can sometimes make your skin look more washed out instead.
They're just probably not the ones I'd reach for when the assignment is MAKE ME LOOK TAN.
You definitely don't need a spray tan or a week at the beach to make your skin look a little more bronzed.
Sometimes changing your nail color is enough to create that extra contrast.
Start with bright white if you want the biggest difference, or go for coral, hot pink, cobalt blue or turquoise if you want something more fun.
And if you're currently pale and standing at the nail salon debating whether the ridiculously bright color is too much?
Get it.
Loved these nail color ideas? Make sure you save one of the images below to Pinterest so you can pull it up quickly next time you’re panicking about what color to get at the nail salon!
