"Regardless of whether you prefer to do your nails at home or have a standing nail appointment booked every two weeks like clockwork, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly rotating through the same handful of nail colors. Subtle neutrals à la the soap nail trend, a French tip here and there—sometimes, you’re in the mood for something totally fresh, and butter yellow nails are here to deliver.
because brunch should be low on cost, low on stress, and high on the things that actually matter: good food, good company, and a cute atmosphere
While they may sound daunting—after all, we spend most of our lives doing everything we can to avoid yellow nails—butter yellow nails are a small step away from neutral. The creamy, muted shade began taking off last spring by creeping into closets and home decor, and it’s now clear that butter yellow’s sunny aura gives enough of a dopamine boost to deserve a chance on our nails, too.
The best part about butter yellow nails? They don’t require pro-level technique to achieve—a couple of coats of a butter yellow polish (more on that below) is enough to give you the cheery effect they bring. Ready to plan your first summer manicure? These butter yellow nails are worthy of the title.
1. Light Butter Yellow Nails
We love this soft yellow shade as an alternative to a neutral. It’s subtle, dreamy, and perfect for the transition into summer.
2. Chrome Butter Yellow Nails
To give your butter yellow nails a little more oomph, ask your nail tech to finish them off with a coat of white chrome.
3. Bright Butter Yellow Nails
The shiny top coat over these butter yellow nails makes the shade stand out even more.
4. Warm Butter Yellow Nails
Although this shade is slightly richer than butter yellow, this set is simple, sunny, and totally eye-catching.
5. Butter Yellow Swirls
Give your butter yellow manicure an unexpected twist by adding espresso brown swirls.
6. Butter Yellow Flowers
If you want to dip your toe into the butter yellow trend without diving in just yet, opt for neutral floral nails with one or two butter yellow accent nails.
7. Limoncello Yellow Nails
Not afraid of a bright manicure? These neon-leaning yellow nails are calling your name.
8. Sunny Yellow Nails
With the help of painted sunshines, these yellow nails will help manifest blue skies (and lots of sunshine) ahead.
9. Butter Yellow Tips with Cherries
The only thing more suited for warm weather than butter yellow nails? Butter yellow nails with the addition of cheeky cherry designs. The red of the cherries will pop perfectly against the hint of yellow.
The Best Butter Yellow Nail Polish
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.