8 Nail-Polish Colors That Are Like Happiness in a Bottle

Yellow — particularly a soft-meets-sunny blend of yellow and orange — is the perfect dose of happy that's more than a "niche, one-season trend," says Rita Remark, manicurist and global lead educator for Essie. "I love that this shade is trending because it means yellow is now a nail color that has staying power. It's more approachable and less of a risk. A color 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)

SinfulColors Professional Nail Polish in Shoot & Swishhh ($5)

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," says Logan. This cool-toned color in particular can be especially effective in promoting rest and relaxation, bringing out your best ideas and intuitive thinking.

Zoya Nail Lacquer in Saint ($14)

OPI Infinite Shine in So You Sea What I See ($14)

Research has proven time and again pink's psychological impact on people for years (the color has even been used in prison cells, 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 ($15)

Essie Nail Polish in Fiji ($9)

The "gray space" nail trend is a form of self-care in and of itself. "Grays are making a mark because they're a contemporary color but also cozy, soothing, and serene," says Essie celebrity manicurist Michelle Saunders. "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 'gray space' theme we can give ourselves a gentle reminder of this."

Sephora Collection Color Hit Mini Nail Polish in Winter Spirit Crème ($5)

Essie Soda Pop Nail Polish, Go With the Flowy ($9)

Right there next to yellow on the color wheel, orange is a warm nail-polish hue that can boost your energy and optimism. "From poppy red to vivid peach, orange undertones signal that [warm weather] is here," says Eleanor Langston, 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 ($5)

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in Sun Kissed ($4)

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.

Zoya Althea Nail Polish ($12)

Essie Nail Polish in On the Roadie ($10)

Any shade of purple — from lilac to amethyst to lavender — can help spark creativity, which makes this the perfect nail-polish color 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 ($7)

Essie Nail Polish in Go Ginza ($8)

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 color wheel, so applying it as your next manicure can have a positive impact on your mood.

OPI Nail Lacquer in ¡Viva OPI! ($9)

Jinsoon Color Field Collection Nail Lacquer in Pop Orange ($18)