No greater indecision exists in this world than the moment you're standing in front of a wall of nail polish [1] at the salon, hopelessly waiting for the on-trend colour [2] that will embody your mood for the next four to seven days to choir-sing your name. Now, you could: A) Let this agonizing song and dance play out from now until the end of time, or B) Take matters into your own hands and nail every manicure you get this year [3].
The first step is to try to think about it all a little less. "I anticipate the overarching theme for 2020 will be about having more fun with your nails, represented not only by colour, but by effect and finish," said NYC-based manicurist and founder of her eponymous brand Jin Soon Choi [4]. "Traditional pastels will morph into cool, bright 'punch' colours [5], and you will see simple yet strong designs in 2020."
Whether you're after poppy shades that reach highlight fluorescent levels or one step above what you'd get from your average neutral, this year's nail colour trends [6] will not disappoint. Ahead, Choi breaks down the most fail-proof polishes to buy — so you can redirect your stress to trying to pay without smudging your nails in your purse like the rest of us.
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Chill Neutrals
You don't always have to go-go-go at the start of every new year. In fact, sometimes the best things come when you shift things into neutral — especially with nail polish. "Whereas in 2019 we embraced sheer nudes, I anticipate opaque creamy neutrals will be among the top nail trends in 2020 because of their elegantly stylish yet cool, modern vibe," Choi said. "You can also add a fun spin on neutral looks such as nude in matte finish, ombré, or on its own to complement your skin tone."
Some of our favourites on our radar right now? Shades of beige, off-white [7], and grey.
Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Mannequin Moves [8] ($18)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Chill Neutrals
OPI Nail Lacquer Dancing Keeps Me on My Toes [9] ($11)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Chill Neutrals
Jin Soon Nail Lacquer in Moxie [10] ($18)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Chill Neutrals
Dear Sundays Nail Polish No. 32 [11] ($18)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Chill Neutrals
Essie Nail Colour Polish in The Wilde Nude [12] ($8)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Retro Brights
According to Choi — and the 2020 runways, Instagram, and the Pinterest board of everyone who still has one — the future of nail polish is looking bright. "Apply '80s-hip, bright shades on all of your fingers or use various bold colours on different fingers [13]. The ideal retro brights this year are hot orange, yellow, purple, pink, blue, and turquoise."
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Fuchsia Fever [14] ($10)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Retro Brights
JINsoon Colour Field Collection Nail Lacquer in Pop Orange [15] ($18)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Retro Brights
Zoya Nail Lacquer in Saint [16] ($9)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Retro Brights
Essie Nail Polish in Sweet Supply [17] ($9)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Retro Brights
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Va Va Violet [18] ($5)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Fashion Classics
It's the same reason Taylor Swift [19] always goes back to her signature red lip and cat eye: some polish hues have that classic thing that you (aka we) like. "Much like Pantone's colour of the year — Classic Blue — fashion cult-classic nail polish shades like blues, reds, and blacks are in for 2020," Choi said.
JINsoon Nail Polish [20] ($18)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Fashion Classics
H&M Nail Polish in Neo Noir [21] ($6)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Fashion Classics
Olive & June Nail Polish in SC [22] ($8)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Fashion Classics
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Bleu Trompeur [23] ($28)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Subdued Pastels
Pastels year-round? Might as well get used to it, people. The biggest difference for 2020 is in the base, which veers a little more powdery and less in-your-face. "These muted pastels are gaining popularity for their ability to work well on people of all ages and skin tones," Choi said. "It's a more unique take on traditional pastels."
Look for blues, peach tones, and — if you're feeling bold — yellows.
Deborah Lippmann Nail Colour in Blue Orchid [24] ($18)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Subdued Pastels
China Glaze Nail Polish in Lemon Fizz [25] ($7)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Subdued Pastels
Essie Nail Polish in Go Ginza [26] ($7, originally $9)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Subdued Pastels
Morgan Taylor The Colour of Petals Professional Nail Lacquer in Young, Wild, & Freesia [27] ($10)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Subdued Pastels
Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Exit the Void [28] ($18)