As the weather gets warmer, I dislike wearing accessories more and more. I get claustrophobic-ish and cranky when it’s warm out. So I like to compensate with fun nails…and lipstick! But let’s save that for another post.

A great nail color or design is a great way to add a little interest to your look without adding any objects touching your skin.

To start with it’s always good to have some kick ass colors to choose from. So here are 18 of my favorite nail colors of the moment…

Butter London- Big Smoke is a grey-ish smokey blue color with a shimmer finish. It’s not what I call a traditional spring/summer color but I think it’s a really nice option for the ladies who can’t give up their dark colors when the warm weather rolls around.

Julie G-YOU-Niverse is your typical gold-green duochrome shade. I picked this up last week at IMATS NYC, but you can find them at your local rite-aid store (Sorry there’s no link!) The shifting color adds some interest, thats for sure.

Color Club- Wild Cactus is a bright jewel toned green creme. It’s one of my favorite greens this year, which is saying a lot since emerald is the Pantone color of the year and green is EVERYHWERE right now. The color is actually a little more blue-ish in real life, just FYI…oh and the bonus is that it wears REALLY well. Minimal chipping even on my chip prone nails.

Essie- Mint Candy Apple Don’t yell at me! I am totally aware that this was a part of the 2009 winter collection. But c’mon if this doesn’t say spring/summer to you than what does, I ask you! What does?! It’s a pale mint green with a hint of blue, and there’s a reason everyone went crazy looking for it for 3 years and then they brought it back…because it’s awesome.

Essie- Marshmallow Creamy white shade, with a jelly-like semi translucent finish? Sí, por favor. It’s white enough to look kind of mod and cool, but translucent enough that you wont look like you panted your nails with white-out…am I the only one who feels that way when I wear stark white polish?

Essie- Beyond Cozy Also technically a part of one of Essie’s winter collections, but an antique silver works for any season. The finish on this is similar to that of the OPI liquid sands, or the Zoya pixie dusts. It’s glitter that dries matte so it still shimmers without the glassy shine. I think it looks really cool.

OPI -Goldeneye I know I’ve mentioned this shade on here before. It’s the most glittery, metallic gold nail polish I’ve ever had the pleasure of using. It’s the closest to a legit metallic finish I have encountered in a polish. It’s like jewelry for your nails, so perfect for standing in as an accessory in the hot weather.

Nails Inc.- Jermyn Street This odd little neutral hovers somewhere between grey, brown and purple/mauve. You would need a venn diagram to accurately describe it, and I’m too tired to make one, so just look at the picture. Why do I love this color so much? It’s SUCH a perfect toe color for summer! It is neutral enough that it will never clash with any of your sandals or outfits, but it still has enough color that you won’t get that “Corpse Feet” look. If you have pale feet you totally know what I’m talking about.

Color Club - Put A Pin In It Is a Birchbox exclusive color. It’s a pretty rose-gold color with a high-shimmer finish which gives it a semi-metallic appearance. Much like goldeneye, it makes good finger jewelry. My only gripe is that it chips quickly, so if you are looking for something that lasts a little longer I recommend trying Essie - Penny Talk. It’s a little darker but it has the same effect. My bottle ran out, otherwise it would have been right here on the list.

OPI Barefoot in Barcelona Is a nude with just enough warmth to make it summery. Looks great with a tan. Enough said.

China Glaze- Cranberry Splash Even in the spring and summer, I always get an itch to have red nails. This color translates well to the warmer seasons because it’s bright and metallic, so it doesn’t look heavy like some darker reds can. It’s like fresh fruit, with a metallic finish.

Urban Decay- Fishnet Is currently only available on eBay, so I kind of regret even including it (the eBay price linked there is still a good value for the set though) It’s a great summer shade, but I wouldn’t tell you to run out and get it because it chips very quickly. Let’s just call it a source of inspiration for now and I’ll let you know if I find a dupe, deal?

Zoya- Adina Light purple with green duochrome? Yeah exactly.

Julie G- Bikini A neon coral shade with a cream finish. Perfect for spring/summer fingers and toes, and totally cute for a beach vacation. I think the name says it all. Like the other Julie G Polishes you can find it at Rite Aid

Urban Outfitters- Oyster Is a sheer opalescent shade. It can be worn alone if you don’t mind visible nail line, or layered over any number of colors to make them more interesting. Hmmm I bet it looks really cool over “Bikini”

Essie-Merino Cool All these bright colors can get exhausting. When I need something basic but not exactly nude, this is my go-to color. The photo makes it look a little brown-ish, but its really a purple/grey/taupe. The color in the amazon photo is very accurate, so click the link if you want to see what it looks like.

OPI - You’re Such a Budapest At first glance is a pale violet creme, but if you look closely there’s a tiny hint of shimmer. I didn’t even notice it until I put it on, but it adds just a little more interest. And the shade is perfect for spring. Pale purple with just enough grey to save it from being a true pastel.

Julie G- Dance In The Dark I know I’m super annoying putting these on here even though you can’t get them online right now. But this color is insane and my photos do it not justice. It reminds me of a bright blue hot rod, and if that doesn’t say summer I don’t know what does! I can also see this coming in very handy around the fourth of July. VampyVarnish has a much better photo of it HERE if you want to take a look. It really is amazing looking.

WOW that’s a lot of polish! But thats not all. I cooked up three simple nail art designs, that are easy to replicate, using the colors mentioned above. I’m not a nail artist so don’t judge me too harshly. I guess that just means if I can make them look decent, you probably can too.

This one is so easy. Just paint the whole nail with OPI - You’re Such a Budapest and then use a small brush like an eyeliner brush, or a nail art brush to paint Essie- Beyond Cozy on the half moon area of your nail, then top with your favorite top coat.

This is probably the most difficult look of the bunch, but it’s still pretty easy! Start by painting your nails with one coat of Julie G- Bikini and then once it is dry place Nail Striping Tape in various geometric shapes across each nail, making sure to leave some hanging off at the ends so you can grab it easily later.

Paint over the tape with two coats of Essie-Merino Cool. When it’s about half dry, peel the tape up to reveal the neon lines, and top it with your favorite top coat. Done!

Ok this is the easiest one of all. Two coats of Essie- Marshmallow. Wait for it to dry. Take a black sharpie and draw on some stripes. They don’t have to be perfect to give the effect. It’s like an artistic, cartoony take on animal print. Wait about 10 minutes for the sharpie to dry, top coat and voila!

I hope this got you excited for summer nails. I’m gonna go outside and drink an iced coffee now!