A pretty shade of nail polish can make all the difference.

• Wearing a pretty shade of nail polish can help you feel put-together and cared-for.
• Classic hues like pink and red are always a hit, but more daring options like blue and purple also work in certain shades.
• Shop 20 pretty polishes.

When you wear a polish that you love, every time you peek down at your hands, you’ll end up with a smile. While any color can look marvelous, there are a handful of shades that will always ring as “pretty.” Think classic hues like pinks, whites, and reds. And in the right shade, more daring choices like purple, blue, and yellow also make the cut.

“Wearing a pretty nail color can make you feel confident and empowered, which promotes positivity,” says manicurist and Nailing Hollywood CEO Mazz Hanna. “Having freshly manicured nails adds an extra touch of beauty and elegance to your overall look.”

To ensure you have colors you fall head over heels for, we’ve rounded up 20 pretty nail colors here. Reach for them whenever you need a mood boost or just a polish change.

Meet the expert

• Mazz Hanna is a manicurist and the CEO of talent agency Nailing Hollywood.
• Fleury Rose is a celebrity nail artist in New York City and New Jersey.

Beloved

Dazzle Dry

$22 at Dazzledry.com

I have been reaching for this iridescent hot pink non-stop since I got it. It’s become my go-to pedicure color no matter the season.

Cherry Mocha

DND

$17 at Amazon

Cherry Mocha is one of those polishes I can’t help but reach for the second that temperatures drop below 60°F. It’s a burgundy with brown undertones that’s fab on its own, but also pairs beautifully with loads of colors for designs. This set includes a traditional polish and a gel.

Mimosa

Manucurist

$14 at Manucurist.com

Hanna is a big fan of Mimosa, the perfect creamy yellow. It’s bright and light, giving serious sunshine-in-a-bottle vibes.

Glazing Over Duo

Nails. INC

$15 at Nailsinc.com

“For me, pretty nail colors are very feminine, like shades of pink, purple, and glitter,” says celebrity nail artist Fleury Rose. She loves this set, as it combines her faves into one.

999 Rouge

Dior

“A pretty nail color that is well coordinated with your outfit can add a pop of color and personality to your overall look,” says Hanna. “For example, opting for a red nail with a more neutral colored outfit can add an eye-catching pop of color that still looks elegant and polished.”

$34 at Dior.com

Matter of Fiction

Essie

$13 at Ulta

This is another polish that Rose adores. “I love to feel girly and cute,” she says, so a baby pink is the way to go.

Aster Family

Apres

$15 at Apresnail.com

This bright purple has a hint of pink in it — making the color electric.

Spring Fling

Essie

$10 at Essie.com

This coral-y pink polish is infused with finely milled champagne shimmer, giving it an ethereal, iridescent finish.

Unapologetic Icon

Essie

$10 at Essie.com

A crisp white polish is a classic and simple way to breathe life into your manicure.

Macaron

Lights Lacquer

$11 at Lightslacquer.com

This pretty pale pink is a creamy, jelly polish—crelly, if you will. So while it has a touch of white for a milky finish, it’s also sheer.

Violet Byzantin

Hermes

$57 at Hermes.com

This purple polish from Hermès is deep and mysterious. But thanks to its warm red undertones, the color remains inviting.

Alluring Charm

Dazzle Dry

$22 at Dazzledry.com

Hanna loves this pretty milky pastel pink. It’s a shade that’s so pale it nearly reads white. It’s perfect for a touch of color.

Fairy Winkle

Apres

$15 at Apresnail.com

Fairy Winkle is the perfect whimsical shade of blue. It’s a pretty periwinkle pastel that stuns on its own or sings in a nail art look.

Banana Split

Lights Lacquer

$11 at Lightslacquer.com

If you want a super light and creamy yellow polish, Banana Split from Lights Lacquer is the way to go.

Creekside

CND

$16 at Beyondpolish.com

Creekside is a blue shade I always love. It’s light and airy, reminding me of a clear-skied day.

Baroque

Olive & June

$8 at Oliveandjune.com

Give your nails a wash of shimmery color with Baroque. It’s a sheer, pink iridescent polish that gives a chrome-like effect.

Victoire

Dior

$32 at Dior.com

For a red that’s not super intense, go for this cranberry shade from Dior. It’s rich and bold without being loud.

Sweet Sixteen

Apres

$15 at Apresnail.com

Living up to its name, Sweet Sixteen is a super glittery pink polish. It’s fun, bold, and super girly.

BRILL-ant

Londontown

$16 at Londontownusa.com

Get a gorgeous reflective look with BRILL-ant. It gives each nail a stunning purple metallic finish with just a few swipes of polish.

Popeline

Dior

$32 at Dior.com

Popeline is a juicy, bright pink polish that features blue shimmer for a look with some subtle dimension.