We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty 10 Pink Nail Polish Colors to Channel Your Inner Barbie Come on Barbie, let’s go get a mani. By Melanie Rud Published on July 31, 2023 Photo: Real Simple / Amelia Manley To say that anything and everything Barbie-related is having a major moment right now would be the understatement of the year. That includes Barbie-inspired beauty, with a variety of pink shades that are all the range when it comes to both makeup and nails. “Color theory suggests that pink is a nurturing, playful, and nostalgic color that brings people back to their childhoods. Given the popularity of Barbie and the nostalgia that comes with it, it’s no surprise that pink is the color of the summer,” says Mazz Hanna, a celebrity manicurist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood. And the great thing about Barbie nails? They really can be any shade of pink that your heart desires; there’s certainly no shortage to choose from and you can’t go wrong. “Because there are so many different shades and undertones associated with pink polish, it really is a color that looks great on anyone,” explains Hanna. “It's mostly about personal preference. When choosing a pink for yourself, find the one that makes you the most happy—that’s the right one.” In search of a little nail inspo? Check out 10 of our favorite pink polishes below. 01 of 10 Best Classic Pink Nail Polish: Chanel Le Vernis in Diva Buy on Chanel.com Hanna says this is a choice pick for anyone looking for a classic, bright pink. “The formula is brightly pigmented, dries quickly, and their new brush makes for a smooth application,” she says. 02 of 10 Best Pastel Pink Nail Polish: OPI Nail Lacquer in It’s A Girl Buy on Ulta Prefer pastel hues? This pale pink is the perfect pick, a creamy baby pink that’s extremely flattering on a wide variety of skin tones. 03 of 10 Best Neon Pink Nail Polish: Nails INC. Naked in Neon Nail Polish in Sun Street Passage Buy on Target “This is vibrant, girly, and gives beautiful coverage in as little as one coat,” says Hanna of another one of her top picks. It’s also equally beautiful painted on tips or toes. 04 of 10 Best Flamingo Pink Nail Polish: Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer in Pink Leopard Buy on Dior.com Not only is this hue perfectly pink and pretty, it also pulls double duty, enhanced with good-for-your tips ingredients. “It’s infused with peony and pistachio extracts to promote healthy nails,” says Hanna, who also loves the pigmented finish. 05 of 10 Best Metallic Pink Nail Polish: Londontown Pink Strawberry Buy on Londontownusa.com Make your pink mani or pedi feel even more Barbie-esque by opting for a polish with a sparkly or shimmery finish. This one fits the bill, a lighter pink with a multi-dimensional, metallic finish that adds a fun pop. 06 of 10 Best Magenta Pink Nail Polish: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in Sexy Back Buy on Bluemercury.com This vibrant fuschia is fun and quintessentially summer-y. Top tip: Use it with the brand’s accompanying gel base and top coat for a super long-lasting, extra shiny mani. 07 of 10 Best Sheer Pink Nail Polish: Essie Nail Polish in Mademoiselle Buy on Ulta If you’re not into bright colors, don’t stress—Barbie nails can totally be sheer pink. This is one of the most quintessential sheer options out there, totally ladylike (as the name suggests) with a true pink undertone that never comes across as too white or beige. 08 of 10 Best Drugstore Pink Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish in Satel-Lite Pink Buy on Ulta One of our favorite drugstore polishes, this has the added benefit of not needing a base coat (just apply the accompanying top coat after the color). There are lots of pinks to pick from, but don’t miss this more rosy hue, a great choice for those who tend to gravitate towards nude shades. 09 of 10 Best One-Step Pink Nail Polish: Orly Breathable Treatment + Color in Taffy to Be Here Buy on Ulta DIY-ers, this one’s for you. “If you are looking for a super simple one-step manicure, this is it,” says Hanna. “The formula includes a built-in base and topcoat and their genius brush makes it easy for novice painters.” The shade is also a nice cooler pink, with slightly purple undertones. 10 of 10 Best Quick Dry Pink Nail Polish: Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquer in Yoga Mama Buy on Dazzledry.com Hanna counts this as one of her favorite polish brands in general, lauding the quick dry time (just five minutes) and impressive staying power; she says it will last 10 days without chipping. There are several pretty pinks to pick from, but this lighter, bubblegum-hue has seriously strong Barbie vibes. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit