Marie Kondo achieves it by tidying up. Elle Woods gets hers in Brooke's Butt-Buster workout. Sometimes, learning what makes you happy means looking around — even if you're holed up in a tiny apartment with a dwindling list of TV shows to watch. For beauty enthusiasts, adding a punch of colour to your everyday — with, say, your nail polish [1] — can be a quick way to spark joy.
First, from a logical standpoint: "One of the reasons a fun manicure [2] or nail polish [3] can really boost your mood is because it's one of the things we see the most throughout the day," said Sigourney Nunez [4], manicurist and OPI's education manager. "Your nails and hands are always in view."
"In these unique times of quarantine, I would choose a colour that makes me feel like I'm anywhere else other than my apartment."
There's also psychological proof that certain shades can provide a sense of optimism, calm, or relaxation. Surrounding yourself with warmer tones, for example, can make you feel safe and uplifted; cooler hues can help put you at ease. They key is to consider the mood you're hoping to strike. "In these unique times of quarantine, I would choose a colour [5] that makes me feel like I'm anywhere else other than my apartment," said Lisa Logan [6], celebrity nail artist and ambassador for Nails.Inc.
Ahead, we're breaking down the eight nail polish colours that can convince your brain to think happier thoughts. And if that doesn't work, you can always try them all together: "Using rainbow colours in your manicure [7] is a simple way to inspire joy and happiness," said Nunez. (What, like it's hard?)
Mood-Boosting Hue: Yellow Nail Polish
Yellow — particularly a soft-meets-sunny blend of the colour and orange — is the perfect dose of happy that's more than a "niche, one-season trend," said Rita Remark [8], manicurist and global lead educator for Essie. "I love that this shade is trending because it means yellow is now a nail colour [9] that has staying power. It's more approachable and less of a risk. A colour that previously felt polarizing and controversial among nail enthusiasts now boasts variations of hue and more options for those of us trying to find the perfect complement to our skin tone."
Essie Nail Polish in Check Your Baggage [10] ($9)
Sinful Colours Professional Nail Polish in Shoot & Swishhh [11] ($2)
Nails Inc. Nail Polish in Living Your Best Life [12] ($11)
Mood-Boosting Hue: Blue Nail Polish
When you can't get outside every afternoon to observe the blue skies on your own? Reach for a polish to give you that same sunny feeling. "I love a cool pastel look to remind you of spring, even if you're indoors," said Logan. This cool-toned colour in particular can be especially effective in promoting rest and relaxation, bringing out your best ideas and intuitive thinking.
Zoya Nail Lacquer in Saint [13] ($9)
OPI Infinite Shine Gel Lacquer - 0.5 fl oz [14] ($9)
2020 Nail Colour Trend: Subdued Pastels
Deborah Lippmann Nail Colour in Blue Orchid [15] ($18)
Mood-Boosting Hue: Pink Nail Polish
Research has proven time and again pink's psychological impact on people for years (the colour has even been used in prison cells [16], as it's been shown to calm angry inmates within 10 minutes). Beyond its ability to calm the mind, it can also spark a sense of joy in uneasy times — making it the perfect hue for your fingernails right now.
tenoverten Nail Polish in Jane [17] ($12)
Essie Nail Polish in Fiji [18] ($9)
ORLY Breathable Treatment + Colour Nail Polish in Kiss Me, I'm Kind [19] ($8)
Mood-Boosting Hue: Gray Nail Polish
The "grey space" nail trend is a form of self-care in and of itself. "Grays are making a mark because they're a contemporary colour but also cosy, soothing, and serene," said Essie celebrity manicurist Michelle Saunders [20]. "Gray signifies balance and serenity, and I think sometimes we forget how it feels to be still and neutral. Manicures are part of self-care and the perfect time to find a bit of peace; by choosing the 'grey space' theme we can give ourselves a gentle reminder of this."
Butter London Glazen Nail Lacquer Collection in Prism [21] ($10)
Sephora Collection Colour Hit Mini Nail Polish in Winter Spirit Crème [22] ($5)
Essie Serene Slate Nail Lacquer Collection in Press Pause [23] ($9)
Mood-Boosting Hue: Orange Nail Polish
Right there next to yellow on the colour wheel, orange is a warm nail polish hue [24] that can boost your energy and optimism. "From poppy red to vivid peach, orange undertones signal that [warm weather] is here," said Eleanor Langston [25], chief creative officer of Paintbox in New York City. "Corals, peaches, and salmon shades are the modern version of millennial pink and are ultraflattering on all skin tones."
& Other Stories Nail Polish in Tropical Cabana [26] ($7)
Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in Sun Kissed [27] ($3)
Nails In. Nail Polish in Bright Ambition [28] ($11)
Mood-Boosting Hue: Green Nail Polish
Psychologically speaking, green so strongly symbolizes nature that it's no wonder painting it on your nails can bring a sense of calm and tranquility. If you're itching to feel connected to the outside world — and who isn't during a time of self-isolation and social distancing? — a swipe of green nail polish can bring that feeling to your home at a time you need it most.
Nails Inc. Nail Polish in Woke Dreams [29] ($15)
Essie Nail Polish in On The Roadie [30] ($7)
OPI Nail Lacquer in Verde Nice to Meet You [31] ($11)
Mood-Boosting Hue: Purple Nail Polish
Any shade of purple — from lilac and amethyst to lavender — can help spark creativity, which makes this the perfect nail polish colour to swipe on if you need a dose of creativity or are experiencing a case of writer's block.
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Va Va Violet [32] ($5)
Nails Inc. Gel Nail Polish [33] ($15)
Essie Nail Polish in Go Ginza [34] ($8, originally $9)
Mood-Boosting Hue: Red Nail Polish
Red nail polish is so much of a classic, it's easy to want to layer it on to feel a sense of normalcy in your new day-to-day. It's also close to yellow and orange on the colour wheel, so applying it as your next manicure can have a positive impact on your mood.
OPI Nail Lacquer Nail Polish in I Stop For Red [35] ($9)
JINsoon Colour Field Collection Nail Lacquer in Pop Orange [36] ($18)