8 Nail Colors That Will Make Your Hands Look Tan

If you’ve ever painted your nails white then you’ve probably noticed how tan the color makes your hands look. On the other hand (see what I did there?) if you’ve ever painted your nails white, then you might’ve also noticed how easily and quickly the hue can turn a not-so-cute shade or pale yellow. That’s especially the case for people that use their hands for work (hi, hair colorists and nurses!), and people who spend a lot of time dealing with tanning solutions (AKA spray tan artists and self tan-lovers). (We’ll get to how to block DHA from developing on your nails at a later date.) Well, if you love the look of bronzed hands, but don’t love committing to a bright white nail polish, I’ve rounded up a list of polishes (and press-on nails!) that will make your hands look like you just got back from an Island — even when you’ve been stuck in your cubicle.

OPI My Chihuahua Doesn't Bite Anymore, $11 on Amazon

If you’re someone who loves a good bold nail moment, OPI’s My Chihuahua Doesn’t Bite Anymore reddish-orange hue will complement any skin tone and make it look even tanner.

côte No. 116, $18 on côte

The boldest, brightest shade on our list might possibly make your hands look the tannest. The neon yellow shade will help to highlight any ounce of bronze on your digits to look like you just applied a fresh coat of tanner, even if you haven’t.

Nails Inc. It's Cool To Be Kind, $15 on Sephora

Nails Inc’s violet purple It’s Cool To Be Kind has a high shine finish and is a “10-Free” polish, meaning it’s formulated without toxic chemicals. What’s more is the light hue adds a pretty touch of pastel purple to your fingers that will accentuate your hard-earned tan.

Rave Nailz Fluffy Cloud Nailz, $25 on Rave Nailz

For the long-nail lovers that love to play around with designs and look tan, these light blue and white cloudy glue-on nails by Rave Nailz should be your next go-to. The set comes with 24 nails all in stiletto-shaped nails, and have a matte finish.

SinfulColors CLAWS in Holo Jelly Bling, $6 on Walmart

For less than six bucks, you can cop these almond-shaped pink glittery press-on nails designed by celebrity nail artist Naomi Yasuda in collaboration with Bebe Rexha. The kit comes with 24 nails and a sheet of nail adhesive that you apply directly to each nail bed. The combination of the bright pink shade and metallic glitter will bring a very bronzed-Barbie vibe.

Essie Gel Couture Buttoned & Buffed, $12 on Ulta

For the low maintenance gel-lovers that appreciate a good nude (color that is), you can’t go wrong with Essie’s Buttoned & Buffed. This particular shade is part of their Gel Couture collection and is long-lasting, extra glossy, and an opaque peachy nude. The shade will contrast with your skin’s natural undertones to make the tan on your hands pop even more

SpaRitual Golden Thread, $13 on SpaRitual

Much like those aluminum foil reflectors our ancestors used to reflect sunlight on to their bodies outdoors, gold specks in nail polish will reflect light to make your hands look even tanner (minus the sun damage). SpaRitual’s Golden Thread polish is a 13-Free polish, cruelty-free, vegan, and enriched with nourishing ingredients like argan oil so you’ll feel even better about the gold mani you’re about to give yourself.

KBShimmer In Bare Form, $10 on KBShimmer

KBShimmer’s In Bare Form combines two of the tactics used to make your hands look tanner: it’s a nude and a metallic. The holographic hue has micro-sized glitters to create a subtle yet playful sheen to spice up an otherwise neutral shade.