10 Shades to Swipe on This Summer

These bottles may be little, but there's some big color going on inside. Test out this season's bright hues, cool effects, and glitter, glitter, and more glitter.

By Colleen Moody

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illamasqua and revlon polishes summer 2011
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Glo-Getter

Stop traffic with a day-glo mani. Gamma (left) looks like a bottled up fluorescent glow stick while Tangerine (right) has a subtle sheen that reminds us of our favorite summertime snack.

Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Gamma, $14; sephora.com

Revlon Nail Enamel in Tangerine, $5; drugstores nationwide


See more Illamasqua polish here.
deborah lippman nail polish 2011
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Prom Queen

Inspired by loud, '80s prom dresses, show off this bright coral hue without the embarrassing shoulder pads or bad perm.

Deborah Lippmann in Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, $16; beauty.com


See more coral polish here.
essie summer 2011
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Pop of Pink

This season's pinks are brighter than ever, like this hot hue that reminds us of the ruffles on a flamenco dancer's skirt.

Essie in Super Bossa Nova, $8; drugstores nationwide


See more pink polish here.
borghese and in the mood polish 2011
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Purple Rain

Give that lilac polish a rest and embrace these deep plums instead. Guilty (left) swirls together purple and metallic blues that change with your body temperature while Vigneto's (right) amethyst jewel tone swipes on sheer so you can build your own color base.

In the Mood in Guilty, $8; themoodpolish.com

Borghese Rapido Nail Lacquer in Vigneto, $8; borghesenailcare.com


See more purple polish here.
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Pearly Pinks

This summery light pink shade is perfect for the office, so you won't have to worry about your coworkers whispering about your color of choice.

OPI Play the Peonies, $8.50; opi.com


See more pink polish here.
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Pretty Pastels

This trio of Easter egg pastels will have you itching for some sugary treats. Ice Cream Cake (left) leaves nails cotton candy pink, Mischevious Mint (center) like your favorite chocolate mints, and Little Girl Type (right) your favorite pack of purple Peeps.

$14 each; maccosmetics.com


See more MAC polish here.
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Mellow Yellow

Sunny yellows will have you glowing even through the darkest thunderstorms. Lemon Cream (left) reminds us of the filling in a slice of lemon meringue pie while Mimosa (right) leaves your nails sparkling with champagne-inspired shimmer.

NYC Expert Last Nail Polish in Lemon Cream, $2.00; drugstores nationwide

Chanel Nail Colour in Mimosa, $25; chanel.com


See more yellow polish here.
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Blues Clues

Bright blues like this remind us of our favorite Saturday activity — lounging by the pool.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Model Behavior, $7; drugstores nationwide


See more blue polish here.
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Shiny and New

Polishes are adding a little kick to its colors with some subtle sparkle. Two of our favorites are these magenta pinks that reflect off the sun to give your mani some serious star power.

OPI Nail Lacquer in Be a Dahlia Won't You?, $8.50; opi.com

Zoya Professional Nail Polis in Reva, $8; zoya.com


See more red polish here.
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All That Glitters

Embrace your inner 7-year-old with fun chunks of glitter. Use as a top coat to your favorite polish or as its own glitzy shade.

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear, $2; drugstores nationwide


See more glitter polish here.
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