Summer’s neon colours are hot fashion hues, and nails are no exception. But don’t retire that bottle of nude polish just yet because neutral shades are the perfect backdrop for putting neon colours on centre stage. Here are three ideas for updating today’s neon styles with Essie’s 2014 Neons collection.

Sugar Rush

You’ll Need:

Essie Topless and Barefoot; Too Taboo

1. Start with a thin layer of Essie base coat.
2. Apply two coats of Topless and Barefoot and allow nail to dry.
3. Using a nail art detailing brush, apply a thin line of Too Taboo around the entire nail.
4. Seal with a thin layer of Essie Top Coat.

Crossing the Lines

You’ll Need:

1. Essie Blanc; Serial Shopper; Chinchilly; No Place Like Chrome
2. Start with a thin layer of Essie Base Coat.
3. Apply two coats of Blanc and allow nail to dry.
4. Starting at the cuticle, fill in a third of the nail with Serial Shopper.
5. Fill in the middle third of the nail with Chinchily.
6. Using a nail art detailing or striping brush, apply two thin lines of No Place Like Chrome across the nail where the colours meet.
7. Finish with a thin layer of Essie Top Coat.

Colour Fetish

You’ll Need:

1. Essie Spin the Bottle; Vices Versa; I’m Addicted
2. Start with a thin layer of Essie Base Coat.
3. Apply two coats of Spin the Bottle and allow nail to dry.
4. Using one continuous brush stroke from left to right, apply Vices Versa on the top of each nail. Add a second coat to achieve full coverage.
5. Using the Essie brush or nail art detailing brush, apply a very thin line of I’m Addicted from left to right on the tip of each nail.
6. Seal with a thin layer of Essie Top Coat.

The new Essie Neons collection includes Too Taboo, Chills & Thrills, I’m Addicted, Vices Versa, Serial Shopping, and Sittin’ Pretty.

Images courtesy of Essie