1. Nude is a big spring fashion trend, and this Chanel Inattendu Nail Polish ($23) is one of their three new spring nail colors. It’s nude with a slight peachy tint that will complement any summer dress.

2. If you’re the noncommittal type, get in on the purple trend with this Nars Purple Rain Nail Polish ($16) without going overboard.

3. At the Oscars, lilac was king, and this OPI Nail Polish Done Out in Deco ($8) is a pretty pastel option that will soften up your look.

4. Mushrooom-greige-taupe is still on everyone’s radar, and Essie’s  Mink Muffs ($8) nail polish is more affordable than Chanel.

5. Turquoise is Pantone’s 2010 color of the year, and while we usually like the color for jewelry, we are not opposed to trying out this Pop Beauty Nail Glam Turquoise Nail Polish ($14).

See more posts about nail polish, then check our roundup of the best heavy moisturizers and the best eyeliners.

The newest nail color trend has arrived: a purple-mushroom-taupe color we spotted at Chanel. Not only was it all over the spring runways, but it was spotted at the Golden Globes (ahem, Sandra Bullock), too. It sounds weird, but somehow, it works with my winter-pale skin. It’s a totally natural look that stands out from the classic red, back again purply black or the simple nude and always draws a compliment.

OPI Over the Taupe ($5.25) has a warm caramel hint, which is good for warmer skin tones.

Deborah Lippman nail polish ($16) is always on trend (she is the hand expert, after all) so we love this khaki shade for spring.

Classic Nicole Cosmopoli-TAN ($8) shimmers softly, making it universally flattering.

If you’re not ready to embrace the taupe trend completely, we recommend dabbling in this pinky-tan nail polish by Spa Ritual ($10). It gets major bonus points for being vegan-friendly.

See more nail colors to try, plus get instant gratification with a brand new tube of the best mascara, and see if a $15 nail lacquer is worth the splurge.

ModelCo Skin Drink Airbrush Moisturizer
ModelCo Lip Lights in Indian Summer
Kiss Manicure Salon Kit
Kiss Pedicure Salon Kit
Kiss Everlasting French Nails
Kiss Everlasting French Toenails
Dashing Diva Polish in Summer Fling

Why: These beauty accessories will keep you hydrated, glossy, and perfectly pedicured for the rest of the summer.

We’re particularly fond of the lip gloss, which has a built-in mirror and lights so you can touch up anywhere, and the manicure kit, because it’s exceedingly packable for vacations (if you’re checking your bags).

How: In honor of the fabulous nail products in this prize, we want to know what nail color you’re wearing right now. Pale pink? Bright blue? French? Comment below to enter.

1. Post a comment about what polish color you’re wearing this summer.

2. You must supply us with a valid email address and sign up for the SheFinds newsletter.

3. The contest starts now and entries must be date stamped by our
server no later than Friday, August 7th, 2009 at 11:59 AM Eastern Time to be eligible.

4. One winner will be selected during a random drawing and will be
announced in the August 11th SheFinds newsletter. The winner must reply via email as instructed in the newsletter to claim the prize.

5. No prize substitutions.

6. You must be 18 years old or older to enter and a resident of the USA.

7. No purchase necessary.

8. Void where prohibited.

9. Click here for the full rules.

Why: OPI Matte is a collection of six matte versions of their most popular colors (Alpine Snow and Lincoln Park After Dark among them). I especially dig Russian Navy, a moody navy blue. Because the lacquer dries almost on contact, I find myself painting on coats as quickly as possible. The result: a blue-black mani that looks punkish-cool.

FYI: Because I can’t apply a glossy top coat to seal in the color (that would be defeating the purpose), the polish job chips within a few days. Best used for one night’s wear.

Get Yours: amazon.com

If bright is more your thing when it comes to nails, try out some neon or blue and get noticed right away.

What: Sephora Easy French Manicure Duo ($8)

Why: I travel for work. A lot. That means a weekly mani pedi appointment is out of the question. But I’m not complaining because even in the most cramped hotel room, I’ve mastered the D.I.Y. version thanks to the Sephora Manicure Duo. It’s convenient, easy to use, and TSA approved, which means this tiny bottle will never leave my overnight bag.

And to fix up mistakes, take along polish remover pads from e.l.f. ($1) – also quite travel-friendly.

Get Yours: sephora.com

For the best summer beauty products, shop our guides to waterproof makeup, self-tanners, and hair removal.

While some of us liked bright orange, a hot pink is always safe bet.  Girly but assertive, it’s an eye-catching color that’s a classic in its own right.

If neon nails are old hat to you, maybe it’s time to consider Japanese nail art in all its various forms.  It may sound like a look solely meant for Gwen Stefani on tour, but summer’s the time to try outlandish things.. so go for it.

There’s definitely such a thing as too much blue, so keep your nails filed short and squared off. Complete the clean look with a pretty, professional navy like Chanel’s iconic Blue Satin ($50) or Cover Girl’s Boundless Color in Blue You ($3.50).

Tip 2: Don’t shy away from opaque color.

Traditionally, blue polishes have been heavy on the silver sparkles. If glittery polish brings back memories of junior high, opt for a more grown-up blue sans sparkle like OPI’s Dating a Royal ($2.30) or Essie’s Shelter Island ($8).

Tip 3: Think outside the typical spectrum.

If you’re looking to go for the completely unexpected, look for blues that aren’t necessarily found in nature, like Orly’s Cashmere Cardigan ($3) or dusky denim 2NITE from China Glaze ($3).

What: Dermelect Anti-Aging Nail Treatments, $16-$18

Why: When I first heard about Dermelect ’s new line of anti-aging nail treatments, I thought, “Oh wonderful. Another body part to age-obsess about.” Then I thought, “Wait—our nails age?” Prior to learning of these treatments, I never really focused my anti-aging efforts toward my nails.

I am now. As we age, keratin diminishes in our nails, which lessens the nail bed’s strength and moisture. Touted as the first nail treatments to stymie aging, Dermelect’s High-Maintenance Instant Nail Thickener , Launchpad Nail Strengthener and Makeover Ridge Filler all help restore lost keratin proteins in nails, in turn slowing the aging process.

I’m personally digging High-Maintenance , which purports to instantly thicken my nails by up to 50%. I can’t tell if that’s the case, but my naturally weak nails feel stronger and harder than ever. I’ll report back in 20 years to let you know how fit-as-a-fiddle my nail beds are.

Get Yours: skinstore.com

What: Essie Mademoiselle #384, $5

Why: Several of my friends believe manicures are a weekly necessity. For me, they’re more of a bi-monthly luxury. And that means in between pampering times, I’m my own manicurist. My summer secret is Essie’s Mademoiselle #384, a sheer pink polish that is chip-resistant and always goes with everything. It makes your nails look clean without being prissy, and the hint of pink is just a little better than clear polish.

And when it does chip, the color is so sheer, you won’t need to hide your nails under your office desk until that next manicure appointment.

Get Yours: amazon.com

Mattése makes a line of blinding shades for those who are not kidding around. Our editor Bryn tried out the orange Explosive hue, but we also think Caution would look great with a summer LBD ($5 each).

If you’re not quite ready to revisit your electric youth, OPI makes a line of toned down brights. Two we like: Atomic Orange and That’s Berry Daring ($8.50 each).

Be sure to check out a tamer manicure option if that’s more your speed, find a little help with summer beauty, and score some cool new jewelry to go with your new nails.