The Best Gel Nail Polish Shades for August

Even years after leaving school days behind, August still feels like a great moment to start over and refresh. The peak of summer heat meets the anticipation for cooler weather and fall favorites, and that makes this month a major transitional period. For your manicure, that means embracing key autumn shades while keeping color bright and sunny. From baked clay reds to syrupy browns and latte shades, these are the perfect shades to take you from summer to fall. Get standout color that’s as gorgeous in major heatwaves as it is in a cozy coffee house, with all the longevity and wear of your favorite gel.

1 / 10

Aprés Light & Shadow in Cold Coffee ($15)

Autumn neutrals are a favorite in the nail community, and everything from chai to iced coffee nails are proof that hot weather is no reason to stop!

• BUY NOW – $15

2 / 10

OPI GelColor in Virgoals ($21)

This sparkly orange is a sunset in a manicure that’s perfect for August. Celebrate Virgo season as soon as the month starts with this gorgeous shade.

• BUY NOW – $21

3 / 10

Nailboo Forever Glaze Gel Polish in Chai Maintenance ($13)

This pinky neutral is a gorgeous step towards warm clay and brown tones that dominate fall months, while still looking fresh and inviting for a summer day.

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4 / 10

Aprés Gel Couleur in Clay Fever ($15)

This red clay color is a fantastic late-summer neutral that gives major Southwest desert and open skies vibes.

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5 / 10

Nailboo Forever Glaze Gel Polish in Soda Glam ($13)

Give your August some serious sparkle with this reddish glitter gel polish. Undertones of purple help give this look a slightly moody edge that’s perfect for late summer.

• BUY NOW – $13

6 / 10

Olive & June Gel Polish in Field Day ($10)

Coral never looked so gorgeous! This high impact shade is dark denim’s best friend, making this a go-to choice for early autumn!

• BUY NOW – $10

7 / 10

OPI GelColor in Cajun Shrimp ($20)

Bright, fiery and undeniably perfect for hot weather, this viral shade is the perfect balance of red with coral undertones, putting a spring in your basic red mani.

• BUY NOW – $20

8 / 10

Le Mini Macaron Gel Polish in Sour Cherry ($13)

Moody, sexy and perfect for the intense summer heat, Sour Cherry also functions as an amazing transition shade to the reds and browns of fall.

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9 / 10

Londontown Gel Color in Lady Luck ($17)

This blood red polish is a sultry, darker look than a typical fire engine red, giving this look some depth and extra wearability.

• BUY NOW – $17

10 / 10

DND Colors in Fudgsicle ($10)

This almost-black is a deep brown that evokes chocolate syrup on a hot day or rich dark coffee as the weather cools.

• BUY NOW – $10