This will be the most popular nail polish color in 2021

According to experts, you can expect to see this nail varnish shade *everywhere* this year

woman with multicolor nails
(Image credit: Martin Novak via Getty Images)

It's no secret that bright colours can seriously boost our mood and that painting your nails a bright, happy colour is a failsafe way to lift your spirits. And considering that many of us are unable to make it to a salon any time soon, there's no better time to get practising your DIY mani.

Experts predict that yellow shades will be huge in the world of nails this year, following the announcement that "Illuminating" yellow is one of Pantone's 2021 Colors of the Year. Considering that 2020 was less-than-cheerful, the sunny shade couldn't be a more appropriate color to help keep our spirits up.

“Pantone’s announced its colours of the year 2021 are ‘Illuminating Yellow’ and ‘Ultimate Grey’, describing them as ‘practical and rock-solid, but at the same time warming and optimistic'", says Mavala nail expert Lynn Gray.

"Grey is a shade that will look amazing on fair skin, as its coolness will  contrast well with paler skin, and yellow always looks incredible on darker skin tones. Mixing and matching is a fun way to wear both trends together."

With this in mind, shop a few of our favorite yellow nail polish picks on the market right now.

The Best Yellow Nail Polish To Buy Now

Essie Nail Polish in Sunny Business, $9, Ulta
$9 at Ulta Beauty

Essie Nail Polish in Sunny Business, $9, Ulta

If you're a fan of pastel nail shades, this creamy yellow is the perfect buttery choice. Understated enough to go with everything, it's still a great mood-boosting option.

Mavala Lemon Drop Nail Polish, £5.50, Lookfantastic
£5.50 at LOOKFANTASTIC UK

Mavala Lemon Drop Nail Polish, £5.50, Lookfantastic

A classic sunny yellow, Mavala's iconic little bottles of polish are easy on the nails and the bank balance. 

OPI Nail Lacquer in Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet, $10.50 (£7.95), Ulta
$10.50 at Ulta Beauty

OPI Nail Lacquer in Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet, $10.50 (£7.95), Ulta

If brights are more your bag, on the other hand this ultra bright OPI option is seriously cheering. You definitely won't get lost in the dark with this one!

Barry M Hi Vis Nail Paint in Yellow Flash, $5.40 (£3.99), Lookfantastic
$5.40 at lookfantastic

Barry M Hi Vis Nail Paint in Yellow Flash, $5.40 (£3.99), Lookfantastic

Bold enough to try neon? Look no further than go-to nail polish brand Barry M for a fluro manicure. 

Will you be giving this nail polish shade a whirl in 2021?

Lucy Abbersteen

Lucy is a beauty journalist who has written for titles including Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, OK!, woman&home and Women's Health, as well as regularly contributing to My Imperfect Life. Her work covers everything from skin and haircare tips to trying and testing the latest beauty launches, and interviewing celebrities and experts. A certified dog person, her other interests include mental wellbeing, books, piña coladas and not getting caught in the rain.