It’s the battle of the orange nail lacquers! While other summers may have been all about the reds and corals, I say it is due time to give the Sunkist nail some credit. Not too girly (ahem, pink), not as intense or obvious as red, and far quirkier than coral, orange is an unexpected manicure choice that sets off a tan like none other. Announcing you have both verve and a sense of humor, consider it your go-to vacation shade.
“Lara’s Theme,” ($16) created by nail guru Deborah Lippman along with gap-toothed supermodel Lara Stone, is vibrant and punchy, yet subdued enough not to jump out and yell. On the other hand, Essie‘s “Bright Tights,” ($3.50 from $8) originally of fluorescent fame a few years back, is a cool tangerine that’s as hot as it gets – I seriously think it might glow in the dark. “Gamma” by Ilamsqua, the British brand famous for their highly pigmented colors, has gotten similar feedback: an orange not for the shy of shade. While Lippman Collection’s is the tamest, none of these are for the faint of heart. Add a white dress – or bikini – and you’re the queen of high summer.