The first weekend of May was always the time my family opened our pool for the summer. Because I’ve associated these few days ahead with the beginning of summer, delusionally, even as an adult and amid 50-degree temperatures outside, I’m already yearning for hot days spent coated in sunscreen reading a good book. So when it came to choosing my first May nail color, my mind went straight to a teal-y blue shade reminiscent of lying poolside. Then I opened Instagram and promptly saw a few of my favorite nail accounts rocking the same bright-blue nail polish. Just then, the idea of “pool day nails” was born.
This dreamy aquamarine set of blue nail colors is the epitome of a warm day. They’re the color of clear ocean water, pools, and tropical skies. After a dreary winter, I wanna escape, and if the only way I’m feeling tropical right now is via my manicure, so be it. I know, I know, you’re itching to get to the salon now. But if you like to DIY, I’m sharing a few of my favorite shades to get this look below.
Our favorite “pool day” blue nail polishes:
Manucurist Nail Polish in Riviera
Essie Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Color in Word On The Street
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Crystal Nail Polish in Aquamarine Aura
China Glaze Nail Polish in UV Meant To Be
You’re not tied to one specific shade. Pool day nails can lean teal with green undertones or they can appear more cool-toned, like a sky blue or cyan. One thing they all have in common though? They’re bright. There’s no space for muted, subdued hues at the pool. And you can make it even more ocean-inspired if you want, with jelly and chrome finishes, designs, and pearly accents. Need some inspo? Keep scrolling.
Pool Day Nail Inspiration:
Aquamarine
Cyan
Electric Blue
Pool Day French
Sparkling Pool Water
Azure Shores
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing nail stories.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
