17 Best Yellow Nail Polish & Gel Polishes [2026]

Here are some of the best yellow nail polishes to try. If you’re hunting for the best yellow nail polishes, this list has everything from soft buttery tones to bold lemon shades. Yellow is one of those colors that can totally change the mood of your manicure.

It can feel happy, edgy, or cozy depending on the shade. I looked for yellow nail polishes that have smooth application, good coverage, and colors that really pop.

I’ve been painting my nails at home for years now, and yellow has always been one of those colors I use for when I want something that feels a little different. I’ve tried a bunch, and some were too streaky or too pale, but a few of them really surprised me in the best way.

And I also found some amazing Etsy sellers that have some handmade options to try! There’s also some fantastic gel polish options too. I hope you find one here that you’ll love as much as I do.

Let’s go through this list together so you can find your very favorite shade of yellow polish.

Best Yellow Nail Polishes

1. Buttercup by Londontown

I’m loving pale yellow nail polishes right now. It’s such a fresh and clean look. And it’s a good shade for spring and summer. Londontown’s pale yellow is vegan and is something you can be proud to wear.

To use this, start with a base coat. Once it has dried, apply 1-2 coats of the yellow lakur. Let the polish dry seal with a top coat. The secret to a long lasting manicure is to reapply a top coat every 3-4 days to lock in color.

2. Daisy Chain by Londontown

Daisy Chain is such a soft and cheerful yellow and it reminds me of warm weather and wildflowers. It’s not too bright, so it’s easy to wear but still stands out. This would be great for accent nails or paired with florals for a spring look.

3. Mango Yellow Nail Polish

Mango Yellow is a bright and sunny shade that instantly lifts your mood. It’s bold without being too much, perfect for summer vibes or fun nail art. I love how it adds a pop of color that feels fresh and playful.

With this yellow polish there are so many ways to make a yellow themed manicure. You can add glitter, dried flowers for nails, waterslide decals and so much much more.

4. Piggy Paint bae-Bee Bliss

Piggy Paint’s non-toxic yellow is great if you want a safe and cheerful color, especially for someone who has sensitive skin. It’s bright and happy, but gentle enough for everyday wear. I like that it’s easy to use and dries pretty quickly, too.

And for those days when you’re feeling extra bold, go for some green accent nails to really show off your fun vibe.

5. Lemon Zest by Spectrum Cosmetics

Welcome to the only sparkle yellow nail polish you will ever need! This beautiful glistening polish is made in small batches, so you know you’re getting a high-quality product.

The glittery effects catches the light in the most gorgeous way, you won’t be able to stop staring at your nails.

6. Sunshine Is For Flowers

When you hear the name Spectrum Cosmetics, you know you are going to see something totally unique and special. And Sunshine Is For Flowers is one of the best yellow nail polishes.

Vegan and handmade with love in small batches, this artisan quality nail polish is like no other. It goes on smooth and evenly with a beautiful shimmer that will have you excited to show off your yellow sparkle nails.

7. Yellow Gel Polish Kit

Canni yellow gel polish is opaque and glossy, just what you want for a standout look. You’ll need a UV or LED cure light for this kit, plus a good base coat and top coat to make it last. It’s a fun pick if you like doing gel nails at home with several colors.

8. Citron Jelly Cirque Colors

One of my favorite brands, Cirque Colors, has a jelly polish called Lemon Yellow that’s just so bright and fun. It has that sheer, juicy look that builds up beautifully in a few coats. I’ve used their polishes a bunch and this color will keep your nails very happy.

9. ILNP Lemon Cake

ILNP’s Lemon Cake is such a fun name, and the polish is just as sweet. It’s a soft yellow with a delicate shimmer that catches the light. This one’s great if you like subtle sparkle without going full glitter.

10. Neon Yellow by Duri

Neon Yellow by Duri is one of the best true neon yellows I’ve come across. It’s super bright, smooth to apply, and actually shows up like a neon without needing a white base. If you want that bold, electric look for summer, this one is a must.

11. Golden Dragon by Abomination Cosmetics

There’s something special about a handmade nail polish. Unlike mass produced options, each one is unique, crafted with love and care by an artisan. And when that nail polish is also vegan, it’s something we can all get behind.

12. Yellow Gold Topper

When you shop at this Etsy shop, you know you are getting some seriously amazing polishes. Here’s a gorgeous yellow gold nail polish topper that looks so good on light and dark bases.

This vegan nail polish is made with intense yellow shimmer that will change the color of any polish you apply it over.

13. OPI Keep Up Buttercup

Keep Up Buttercup by OPI is a beautiful sunshine yellow from one of the top selling nail polish brands out there. The formula goes on smooth and even, and it’s part of their long lasting line. If you’re just starting to explore yellow shades, this is a fun one to try.

14. Faded Yellow Nail Polish

There’s something about Essie yellow nail polish that makes you want to hit the beach or enjoy a backyard BBQ with friends and family. This muted shade is the perfect way to add a little sunshine to your day.

Essie is a budget friendly brand has a really great formula that glides on smoothly. And it dries very quickly, the first coat will be dried and ready for the second coat within about a minute.

15. Funshine Smoothie

Here’s a fun and bright holo yellow polish. This artisan nail polish is handmade with love, and it’s also bright, bold, and totally unique. Plus, it changes color when the light hits it and is so gorgeous. They have a video in their listing so you can see exactly what it looks like.

16. Chiffon By Pi Colors

Some of the best yellow nail polishes can be found on Etsy. This pale pastel yellow polish from PI Colors on Etsy has a soft white base and a smooth crème finish. It’s a subtle shade that still feels cheerful, and the handmade formula makes it even more special. If you like soft, dreamy pastels, this one’s a keeper.

Plus, their 10-free formula is gentle on your nails. Their artisan nail polish is made with love, so you can feel good about supporting this nail business.

17. Yellow Nail Polish Multichrome Shimmer

I found this yellow multichrome shimmer polish that shifts beautifully with hints of pink that catch the light just right. It’s one of those colors that looks different every time you move your hand. If you love unique polishes that feel a little magical, this one’s worth checking out.

The color is great for using alone or adding other elements onto like waterslide nail decals.

💛 Thanks for reading. I hope this helped you find a yellow nail polish you’re excited to try. Don’t forget to share this list with someone else who loves doing their nails too. I’ll be posting more color ideas soon, so check back if you’re always looking for new shades to try out.

Next check out the list of best purple nail polishes.