5 Nail Colors That Make You Look Tan

Getting a deep, even tan is tricky. Not only are there tan lines and sunburns to contend with, but there's also the question of whether safe sun tanning is even possible. Your fun in the sun should feature plenty of sunscreen, at the very least — so how can you make the most of that gradual, careful tan without overdoing it? Wouldn't it be nice if you could emphasize even the most meager tan to get the most out of that bronzed look?

Enter your next manicure. With a little help from color theory, you can leverage your nail polish to help set off those swathes of golden skin. And don't forget your tootsies — to enrich the tan on your legs, you should also explore pedicure ideas for sandal-ready toenails. But from manicure to pedicure, which polishes will really help your tan shine?

When it comes to nail colors, the first and most fundamental rule to enhancing your tan is to choose colors with warm undertones. Even if your skin naturally features cool or neutral undertones, chilly colors like blues or purples will only detract from the toastiness of your summer glow. Instead, consider shades that lean into the warmth of your tan with sunny undertones of their own.

Luxurious metallic manicures in tones of gold and bronze — or even trendy cowboy copper nails — are surefire winners to enhance your tan. Not only do these colors play up the earthy, golden tint of your skin, but their light-catching shimmer also adds an extra oomph to your overall glow. You can even throw on a few matching accessories to double down on the opulent look of metallics against your tan.

Think pastels are only for springtime? Think again. These soft, gentle shades can look oh-so-sweet against a tempting tan, like the relief of ice cream on a hot day. Powdery and unsaturated, pastels offer an unexpected contrast to the nutty warmth of tanned skin, making your tan appear deeper and more saturated.

If you like to keep your manicure classic with shades of pink or red, do your tan a favor by opting for orange-leaning hues. The warm, orangey undertone of colors like coral or salmon will naturally pick up the sun-kissed tone of your skin. And you've still got options for the finish — a vivid, saturated coral will evoke bright summer styles, while a softer coral hue will complement your tan with a more bohemian vibe.

The screaming vibrancy of neon can wash out pale skin tones, but a hint of summer tan is the perfect pairing for these eye-searing nail polishes. Luminescent colors like lime green, highlighter yellow, vivid tangerine, or radiant magenta absolutely pop against tanned skin, making it look darker and lusher against their brightness.

Sometimes, the stark contrast of a clean white mani is all you need to show off your tan to its fullest. But not any white will do — as with our other tan-friendly shades, look for a polish with warm undertones. A cool, icy white will fight with the richness of your tan, so go for a creamier color with hints of pink or beige.