Guide to the Hottest Colors for Nails This Summer

We have all been there. You are standing in front of what seems to be endless rows of nail polish wondering which color suits you best. Now summer is quickly approaching and whether you are heading to a barbecue or the beach you are going to want your fingernails and toenails looking their best. The guide below tells you what the hottest nail colors are for Summer 2007.

Some of the hottest colors say "come on over to the dark side!" Others know you have a passion for pastels. Either way you can be right in style with the hot new nail polish offerings for summer.

Winter has finally gone away and with it went the dreary look of black nail polish. Don't fear though, if you like dark colors try Revlon's "Blacker Lacquer" line of polishes. These pearlized enamels come in lusty sounding colors like "Talk Dirty", "Midnight Affair" and "Purple Passion".

If none of those colors tickle your fancy enough for you to want them tickling your toes, then check out the "Deliciously Dark" colors from OPI. They are offering up darkly decadent colors such as "Espresso Your Style" and "Lincoln Park After Dark." You will be bold and daring in these darker colors.

Metallics will be in full shine this summer. Silver is being called the "new black" by some fashionistas. The Designer Series colors by OPI are infused with diamond dust to give nails an alluring shimmer. The colors are very feminine shades of pink, blue and lavender, for glitz with a girly hue.

If you prefer pastels you will want to look into the "Australia Collection" from OPI. They are offering pale pink beauties such as "Fair Dinkum Pinkum", while Revlon has a line of flirty colors with sexy names like "Lilac Lingerie". These are sheer colors that will leave nails glowing.

If you are not feeling light, then maybe you are feeling bright. Fiery colors are also hot this spring. OPI's "Australia Collection" contains a fabulous dark red color called "Kangarooby" and a sizzling orange, which is aptly named "Tasmanian Devil Made Me Do It."

You know about the trends now, but you are still wondering which color is right for you. Hold the nail polish bottle against a white piece of paper. You should be able to tell if it is blue-based or yellow-based. Blue tones work best with fair skin while darker skin tones are better complemented by yellow-based colors.

To make sure your nails look freshly painted for days, here are a few tips. Polish can yellow in the sun, so be sure to apply a topcoat with a UV protectant and always use a good base coat and topcoat to keep nail polish long lasting.

Whether you decide on a smoldering dark color, a perky pale, sparkly metallic or an eye-popping bright, you know your nails will be at their fashionable best.