Best Nail Colors for Tan Skin: The Ultimate Guide

Sharing is caring!

If you’ve just come from the beach and want to really accentuate your sun-kissed glow, you’ll want to look for nail colors for tan skin!

There are several colors that really suit tan skin, and it’s no surprise they are all bright and playful. Sticking to these colors for your next mani will really make that gorgeous tan skin pop!

We’ve rounded up the best colors, as well as some tips on helping your gorgeous manicure last longer.

Best Nail Colors for Tan Skin

To really make your perfect tan pop, consider trying one of these colors for your next mani:

  1. Red – A classic! A classic, true red is ideal for tan skin. Its bright hue will really compliment your tan, and given its popularity for many years, every spa and nail bar is sure to have multiple to choose from.
  2. Orange – If you like the color family of red but want to try something a little different, try a bright orange instead. This color will have a similar effect to classic red, but with a little extra flare! You’ll want to stick with a bright shade of orange, rather than a darker one.
  3. Fuschia – Nothing says summer like a gorgeous shade of fuschia! This vibrant shade of pink will absolutely perfect your gorgeous tan. 
  4. If you want to go in a completely different color direction, try a bright blue instead. A bold and vibrant shade will really accentuate your flawless tan.
  5. Neon Green – The perfect color if you’re feeling adventurous! Neon colors are so popular in the summer, and neon green is sure to make a statement!

Nail Color Ideas for Tan Skin

Now that you know which colors to choose from, it’s time to decide how you’re going to wear them! If you like your manicures to be clean and simple, go classic and choose one color for the whole look. Otherwise, try mixing and matching some of the colors.

For example, red, orange, and fuschia may not be the best combo, but try blue with fuschia or orange, or fuschia and neon green for something really different!

You can also look on Pinterest or ask your nail tech for some nail art inspiration. You can incorporate flowers, polka dots, or glitter.

Nail Colors for Tan Skin
mynailgirlness
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
nailsbycini
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
gelpolish_bar
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
ohmynails_byr
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
nail__yk08
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
clbeautynails
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
candice.hair.and.nails
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
bloomingnails.studioaruba
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
rie_ries_official
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
anngiii.nails
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
ellaelement.shop
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
nailsbyyclo
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
thenailrooom._
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
__luvbeauty__
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
rainbowkittennailsbeauty_
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
opiaustralia
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
nailsbylysa_
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
nailsbysam30
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
klawzbyjackie
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
loots_cindy
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
beautybyraury
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
nailsbysiaaa
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
kosmedic_s.k
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
nailsbyboog
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
nailsalon_beaute_pure
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
ngbeautyx
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
gelsbysharnee
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
nailesxjulie_
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
nailzzbykimm
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
nailinicious
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
bournsidebeauty
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
helena.new.ongles
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
beautyface_ag
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
lafatinacentroestetico
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
sculptednails
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
zindoniqueens
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
mvriellenails
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
nailediteasy
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
estudiotamaratavares
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
glossednailbar
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
var_brebnar
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
_badbiddienailz_
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
sugamama_nailz
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
sonailz_
Nail Colors for Tan Skin
_.alessandrahonorato

Choosing Seasonal Nails for Tan Skin

If you have tan skin during certain seasons, you may want to pick your nail color accordingly. Fortunately, all the colors that suit tan skin look great in different seasons!

Red looks good all year round, though it’s of course an obvious choice for the holidays, but in the summer has that effortlessly chic look as well.

Orange is the perfect color to pick for fall, whereas blue and fuschia are great for summer!

Making Your Manicure Last Longer

Once you have your flawless tan and matching manicure, you’ll want to make sure your nails look perfect for as long as possible! Below are a few tips to make sure your polish stays in good shape.

  • If you are doing your own nails, make sure your nail bed is clean before applying your polish. By pushing your cuticles back, giving your nails a quick buff, and wiping them with polish remover beforehand, you’ll make sure you have the perfect canvas to start with.
  • Another important part of doing at home manicures is having a good base and top coat.
  • The base coat acts as an adhesive for the polish, as well as preventing some colors from staining your nails (reds can be tricky!) And a good top coat will seal in the color, and give it that high gloss finish.
  • Whether you do your nails at home or get them done professionally, it’s important to do what you can after the fact.
  • Wearing rubber gloves while you do dishes, or any type of cleaning where your hands are in and out of water a lot will help protect your polish.
  • If you can, try to avoid using too many oils. If your moisturizer is oil based, or if you like to use coconut oil or vaseline, you may notice your polish start to fade sooner.
  • Try a lighter cream based moisturizer if you can.

Choosing nail colors to accentuate your gorgeous tan will elevate any outfit you wear. Even if you were just lucky enough to get away during the colder months, sticking with a bright color afterwards will certainly keep your spirits lifted!

And following our tips for keeping those nails looking fresh will help you get the most out of your next manicure.

More Nail Color Ideas

Nude Pink Nails: 50+ Ideas You Will Fall in Love With

50+ Gorgeous Wedding Guest Nails We Absolutely Adore

50+ Red French Tip Nails You Need to Try This Month

Red Summer Nails: 60+ Elegant Nail Styles to Try This Year

Stripe Nail Design: 90+ Gorgeous Looks to Rock This Month

40+ Gold Foil Nails You Will Love to Try in 2023

Pink and Yellow Nails: 60+ Stunning Nail Styles to Try in 2023

Mountain Peak Nails: 40+ Pretty Nail Designs for This Trendy Nail Shape

Lindsey Harris
Author
Lindsey is a professional nail artist based in Utah, US. Her specialties are party and occasion nails, she loves to work with glitter and gemstones in her nail studio. She loves sharing her knowledge of the nail industry and curating the latest nail design trends. She is contributing to a number of other industry related magazines.