Though short nails are low maintenance and don't require frequent manicures, glamming them up for every occasion is a tough job. However, you can make your nails appear longer with the best nail colors for short nails. Nail length is a crucial factor in determining your overall nail look, but the color you put can make a difference. Playing with the right manicure nail colors can create illusions of longer nails to glam your itsy-bitsy nails. 

Sometimes it's better to go minimalistic with short and round nails. After all, it saves your time, effort, and energy while styling them. With these trendy nail colors, you can style your short nails with ease without heading to a nail salon every alternate week. Based on our first-hand experience after testing the products, we have shared some popular nail colors of 2023 for short nails that will give you a pro-like finish.

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  Best Gluten-free Formula

  LONDONTOWN Nail Polish Lakur

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This soft pink shade is ideal for all skin tones and all nail sizes. This chip-resistant nail paint lasts long without damaging your nail bed. The vegan formula is resin-free, phthalate-free, and paraben-free. This shatter-proof nail paint. You can easily get salon-like nails by sitting at home with LONDONTOWN's nail paint. The shatter-proof formula can be applied as a base coat as well as a top coat for that extra sheen. 

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Best Overall

ZOYA Nail Polish

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ZOYA offers a premium range of nail paint that looks extremely glamorous without damaging your skin or nails. The creme texture easily glides on your nails without clotting or clumping. This vibrant shade adds some spunk to your hands and perfectly suits short nails too. This plum-toned shade is versatile and looks beautiful in the summer as well as winter months. "Beautiful color and this nail polished lasted longer than other," penned an Amazon user.

3

Best Low-smell Polish

Gellen Gel Nail Polish Set

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Nothing can beat a classic nail polish set that includes vibrant to neutral nail colors. With 6 different shades, including neutral tones and glitter polishes, this gel nail color set will become your manicure staple. Containing no toxins, the formulas are safe to use, and you can wear them like any gel polish. They carry natural resin-made pigments that are skin friendly and keep irritation at bay. The colors can stay up to 14 days without chipping when you apply them properly.

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Best Hypoallergenic Formula

MODELONES COLORING LIFE Gel Nail Polish Set

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If you prefer cool and nude shades, this Modelones nail polish set is for you. Featuring 6 iconic nail polish shades, from pure white to nude brown – the collection is perfect for welcoming the winter season. The non-peel-off formula stays in place for 28+ days while providing optimum shininess. These pretty nail colors are formulated with healthy and toxin-free ingredients that are skin-friendly and won't damage your nail beds. So you can be assured about its safety. Besides, it dries quickly and evenly, leaving a high gloss effect behind with every application.

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Best Fragrance-free Formula

Beetles Nude Gel Polish

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Don't spoil your mood over a spilled polish. Get this Beetles Nude Gel nail color and appreciate your new stunning and long-lasting nail styles. Available in an elegant cream-tan shade, the pastel color is apt for everyday use or any grand event. The gel liquid is made without harsh toxins such as toluene, camphor, lead, paraben, formaldehyde, etc. Hence, it's safe to be used by everyone. What's more is that with a proper application (a base and top coat are needed), the polish stays intact for at least 3 weeks. Based on our observations, you have to cure the gel under a UV/LED lamp for 90 to 120 seconds. Sometimes, you may find the formula a bit thick, so keep it in warm water for 1 to 2 minutes and shake well before using it.

6

Most Luxe Formula

Essie expressie Nail Color

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Make a bold fashion statement with the Essie Expressie creme polish. The gray hue is great to wear to a winter concert, but you can use it anytime that you want. It is a one-step application color and shine formula that promises you the ultimate nail finish in just a minute. Apply 2 coats and cure it with Essie’s apricot cuticle oil to add nourishment – no base or top coat is required. The formula features an innovative angled brush for easy and smooth self-application without getting your hands messed up.

7

REVLON Nail Enamel

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Red is one of the most popular summer nail polish colors that can define your mood. This glossy, vibrant red nail color revives your dead nails and adds quick shine for ultra glamor. Crafted with advanced anti-fade technology, the color resists fading and chipping. The best part is that it goes on smooth like butter and doesn't form bubbles for a break-free application. Further, the lush blend includes an easy-to-glide brush that offers maximum coverage with every use.

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Most Moisturizing Formula

Orly Breathable Nail Color

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Infused with argan oil, vitamin B complex, and vitamin C, the Orly Breathable Nail Color is a holy grail for your nails. The blend offers a rich, lush pigment while keeping your shorter nails nourished and hydrated. It's formulated with advanced oxygen technology that allows the concoction to penetrate deep into the nail layers and moisturize the cells. In addition, it heals damaged nails and locks in hydration for a dewy look throughout the day. You don't need to spend hours on a perfect manicure, this nail color will be your nail stylist at home, and it will get the job done in no time.

9

Best Nail Color for Dark Skin Tones

wet n wild Nail Color

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Wet n Wild’s Nail Color lets you celebrate your true style and boldness. The purple hue prepares you for the most fabulous summer nail looks. Whether you are going for a summer event, casual meetings, or for work, pair this purple hue with your favorite dress, and you'll be ready to dazzle. The quick-drying nail color offers streak-free, even coverage with utmost accuracy. It includes an iconic flat brush that disperses the liquid evenly while the rounded bristle tip reaches the finest areas for precise application.

10

Best Red Pigment

GAOY UV Gel Nail Polish

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It doesn’t matter whether you have long or short nails, some colors are ideal for all nail lengths, like classic cherry reds. This luscious red nail lacquer by GAOY provides you with the most beautiful nails that you'll fall in love with. The natural nail color polish contains no toxins and passes standard safety tests. Our analysis of the product shows that the formula requires UV curing and application of base and top coat for maximum color longevity. The color can stay for up to 28+ days if applied on prepared nails.

11

Best Pastel Pigment

Sally Hansen Color Therapy

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If you like subtle shades that look stunning while being colorful, try this pastel nail color by Sally Hansen. The soothing ocean hue energizes your mood and aligns with every outfit. Featuring the goodness of argan oil, the blend offers instant moisturization and restores nail health. It has a color therapy patented formula that delivers optimum color and coverage with just 2 strokes. Applying a top coat on the nail color extends its longevity and provides a glossy shine.

When it comes to styling short nails, nothing comes in handy other than the best nail colors for short nails. We hope that you have found our recommendations for these nail colors useful. Let's jump into our user guide to get some more insights about choosing and applying nail colors.

Here are some points to check while shopping for your next best color for short nails. 

Ingredients 

The most popular nail colors are known for their rich and safe ingredients. Choose polishes made with natural and safe ingredients like argan oil, vitamins, etc. Not only do they ensure color longevity, but increase the nails' natural moisture and hydration. Also, they repair cells and ensure overall nail health. Avoid harsh chemical-based formulas, including alcohol, parabens, sulfates, animal-derived ingredients, etc. 

Sensitivity 

If your skin is too sensitive, you can pick hypoallergenic options. These are no or less reactive formulas and reduce the chances of causing allergic signs. Also, if you are sensitive to fragrance, make sure you choose a low-odor or smell-free option. 

Skin Tone 

Skin tone can affect the overall appearance of your nail art. If you have a light or fair skin tone, vibrant and deep hues may suit you. Those with dark tones can apply light and nude nail paints, while a blend of warm and cool shades looks great on medium tones. 

Color 

You can never go wrong with the polish’s nail color. Although you can wear any color depending on your mood; if you want to get the most out of your nail polish, try wearing it based on the surrounding vibes. For instance, you can choose subtle and less vibrant shades for workplaces. Bright colors like red, purple, and pink nail polish, would be great for casual get-togethers, while glitter shades or dark hot reds are the perfect choices for date nights or parties. 

Finish 

Gel and creme polishes are available with different finishes. A glossy finish is perfect to keep your short nails shiny throughout the day. Choose sheer finish colors for work as your nails are more prone to stress such formulas don't strip off easily. Glittery or shimmery finish colors are ideal for night catchups or parties. 

Staying Time 

Some formulas offer high longevity of up to several weeks. So if you want your color to stay in place safely, choose a durable pick that provides ultimate color longevity. It should be chip resistant and non-fading. However, if you like playing with colors very often, choose nail paints that are easily removable.

There are multiple ways to make illusions of long nails. Here are some tips and tricks you can try. 

Wipe Off the Cuticles

Cuticle buildup says a lot about your nail health. Excess buildup accumulation can make your nails look short, while its removal delivers instant long nail looks. According to Geraldine Holford, a celebrity manicurist, using a mild cuticle remover is a great option that can help push cuticles back in place with minimum effort. Once done, clean the nails with a washcloth. 

Make Almond Shapes 

Almond shape for short nails is on the trend. Creating a slightly pointed nail tip can significantly alter the complete look. Almond and oval shape tips are recommended to add an extra length factor. However, square nail shape tips are avoided as they don't add much definition. 

Pick Nudes 

Typically, a darker color shows the original nail length. Contrastingly, light and nude colors elongate your nails. Creating a contrasting effect between your skin tone and nail color can do wonders. This can create long nail effects.  

Contour 

Though light shades are known for their elongation effects, dark colors have their own charm when it comes to contouring. Perfectly contoured short nails always look longer. 

Go for a French Manicure 

French nail manicures feature naturally colored white tips and can be made with gel or acrylic nail polishes. They look clean and make nails appear elongated. 

Try Nail Art 

Sweet, simple, and short nail designs can instantly make your nails appear longer. You can try painting a fine vertical stripe in the middle of your nail and splash some creative embellishments on the tip and nail plate. This will give an optical illusion of increased length. Besides, there are a variety of nail art designs you can try according to your mood.

Styling short nails is possible with the best colors for short nails. These short nail colors make your manicure worthwhile and won't disappoint you. Since it's difficult to find nail polish for short nails that cater to your specific needs, the above-mentioned products are meant to deliver the desired results. These are free from harsh chemicals and are gentle on the skin, leveling up your manicure routine. Also, they are easy to use and feature additional characteristics, including non-fading tendency, chip resistance, high longevity, etc., to exceed your expectations. However, when it's about choosing the right pick, you can check for factors like ingredients, color, sheerness, etc., to make your purchase worthwhile.