Courtesy of @pivoine.ldn

Courtesy of @manucurist

At the top of the year, we predicted that fog blue would be one of 2026’s biggest nail color trends, and look, we were right. The pros we phoned say that this is the season we’ll see it most. “A moody blue feels relevant because we’re living in complicated times,” says Jin Soon Choi, a New York City-based nail artist and brand founder. “It doesn’t try too hard, yet it feels very cool in a stylish way.”

Miss Pop, a New York City-based nail artist, echoes this sentiment. “Powdery blue was arguably one of the most coveted shades of the ’90s, especially if you had the matching ring that came with the Hard Candy bottle,” she says. This year, Miss Pop says the nostalgic hue is back, “calmer and just as covetable.”

Choi sent her shade Sea Clay down the runway for the Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2026 show. It’s a medium-blue with a hint of gray, like an often-washed pair of jeans. We also like the Olive and June Nail Polish in Torrential (a similar color) for its creaminess.

For a hazier take on the trend, go for Manucurist Green Natural Nail Polish in Mist Grey, Los Angeles-based nail artist Sarah Chue’s recommendation for this trend. “It’s like a misty morning by the ocean,” she says.

Brick Red