The 8 Best Nail Colors for May

In the grand scheme of months and seasons, May serves as a beacon of hope, welcoming us officially out of the tumultuous colder, rainier seasons and into the warmer summer weather. While May is still technically a spring month, most of us see it as the beginning of the best time of year, so it’s only right we plan our May manicures well in advance. If you’re in need of some inspiration for the summer season, check out the best May nail colors for your next manicure.

Our Favorite May Nail Colors

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Kelly Green

“Kelly Green is bold and full of energy, which makes it perfect for May,” says CEO of Nailing Hollywood, Mazz Hanna. “It’s a fresh and lively shade that stands out without feeling too neon. It works well on its own or paired with minimal nail art for a clean but eye catching look.”

Two to try: Holo Taco Green Screen ($12) and Essie Grass Never Greener ($8)

• BUY HOLO TACO – $12
• BUY ESSIE – $8

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Dusty Coral

Another great May nail shade, Hanna explains that “Dusty Coral is a more muted take on the classic bright coral. It’s a great transition shade from spring to summer since it’s vibrant but not too intense. It looks especially good on shorter nails with a glossy finish.”

Two to try: Londontown Lakur Cactus Coral ($16) and Manucurist Paris Peach ($14)

• BUY LONDONTOWN – $16
• BUY MANUCURIST – $14

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Wild Orchid

“Wild Orchid is a fun mix of pink and purple that feels playful but still polished,” Hanna says on this perfect May nail color. “It’s bright enough to make a statement but soft enough to wear every day. A sheer or jelly finish makes it feel even more polished.”

Two to try: Londontown Lakur Portobello Plum ($16) and Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Valentine Fuschia ($35)

• BUY LONDONTOWN – $16
• BUY GUCCI – $35

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Marina Blue

The perfect blue nail shade for your May manicure, “Marina Blue is a rich but bright blue that feels fresh for spring,” Hanna says. “It’s deep enough to be striking but still light enough for warmer weather. It’s a great choice if you want something bold but not overpowering.”

Two to try: Olive & June Can’t Lose ($9) and OPI Y2Slay ($10)

• BUY OLIVE & JUNE – $9
• BUY OPI – $10

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Muted Pastel Yellow

“Muted Pastel Yellow is soft and warm, a more subtle take on sunny yellow,” Hanna says on the butter yellow May nail color. “It brightens up your nails without being too bold, making it an easy way to add a bit of color while keeping things understated.”

Two to try: Manucurist Paris Mimosa ($14) and Essie sunny business ($5)

• BUY MANUCURIST – $14
• BUY ESSIE – $5

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Bubblegum Pink

With everyone from Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dolores Catania to Khloé Kardashian trying out the style in the last few weeks, bubblegum pink nails are shaping up to be the manicure of the warmer months.

Two to try: Manucurist Paris Candy ($14) and OPI Makeout-side ($12)

• BUY MANUCURIST – $14
• BUY OPI – $12

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Sandy Nude

Whether you’re heading to the beach for Memorial Day or just daydreaming about the crashing waves, a sandy nude shade is the perfect low-key color for your May mani.

Two to try: Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Ellen Blush ($35) and OPI Nail Lacquer in Coconuts Over OPI ($12)

• BUY GUCCI – $35
• BUY OPI – $12

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Sheer Shimmer

May is also a big month for celebrations, be it birthdays, weddings or bachelorette trips, so a sheer, shimmery shade for your May nail color is always a safe, on-theme bet.

Two to try: Londontown Lakur Starry Chrome ($16) and Olive & June Frosted Gloss ($9)

• BUY LONDONTOWN – $16
• BUY OLIVE & JUNE – $9