Best Neon Nail Polishes

by Victoria Stanell

Published Feb 24, 2012

Welcome to the rainbow revolution! It looks like the neon trend is here to stay throughout the warmer months, and it’s no surprise that many beauty brands have launched vibrant, eye-popping lacquers for spring. Take a look at our favorite high-voltage polishes for your next manicure, and let your fingertips feel the energy.

Vivid coral reds and pinks look amazing on virtually every skin tone. When paired with nude makeup and sleek hair, rosy brights add a jolt of energy to a classic manicure. We love these fuchsia-tinted reds from Pixi, Laura Mercier, and OPI.

Beautylish recommends:
Pixi Nail Polish in Vivid Coral

Beautylish recommends:
Laura Mercier Nail Lacquer in Sizzle

Beautylish recommends:
OPI Nail Polish in Red Lights Ahead...Where?

If you haven’t heard the news already, tangerine is one of the year’s hottest shades! We’re completely smitten with the bright and cheery hue, and this flattering favorite is a surefire way to make a statement manicure in one swipe.

Beautylish recommends:
Le Métier de Beauté Nail Lacquer in Not So Safe Orange

Beautylish recommends:
Essie Nail Polish in It's Obvious

Beautylish recommends:
American Apparel Neon Nail Polish in Neon Coral

The sunny hue gained huge popularity last spring, but yellow nail polish continues to shine strong this season. Try these opaque formulas for fluorescent fingertips.

Beautylish recommends:
Pure Ice Nail Polish in Yellow Polka

Beautylish recommends:
L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail in Tweet Me 101

Beautylish recommends:
China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Sunshine Pop

While muted, multi-tonal greens were a hit for fall and winter, spring is lightening up the verdant hue to tints of chartreuse and grass tones. Pair these acid colors with a sheer neon lip for a chic, in-the-garden look.

Beautylish recommends:
MAC Nail Lacquer in Al Fredo

Beautylish recommends:
Pop Beauty Nail Glam in Radioactive

Beautylish recommends:
Sephora by OPI Nail Colour in It's Totally Karma

We’ve been obsessed with nautical brights ever since we spotted a bold blue manicure on Beyoncé—in honor of her newborn baby girl, Blue Ivy. But which sapphire shade did the star actually sport? That would be Nails Inc.’s Baker Street, out in March. If you can’t wait that long for your blue fix, try these other marine must-haves.

Beautylish recommends:
Deborah Lippmann Nail Color in On The Beach

Beautylish recommends:
Butter London 3 Free Lacquer in Slapper

Beautylish recommends:
Nails Inc. Nail Varnish in Baker Street