“I can count the amount of times I’ve painted my nails on about two (unpolished) fingers. As a fashion student, I too worried about stabbing my cuticles with an overlock machine to bother with manicures. This laissez-faire approach stuck, and I like how it makes my rings and bracelets look. It’s like not wearing makeup with a really great outfit.”  – Liz Guber, associate fashion editor

“I love Essie Viva Antigua! The name was inspired by the island I grew up in, Antigua, and the colour takes me back to summer days spent in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.” – Kiera Spronk, editorial assistant

Essie Viva Antigua! ($9.99), at drug stores and mass-market retailers.

“Summer manicures should be fun, youthful and carefree. This glitter polish from Smith & Cult is like a flirty little wink on my fingertips.” – Mary Jane Peters, editorial assistant

Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Shattered Souls ($23.50), at net-a-porter.com.

“I don’t want to say Holy Grail, but…seriously, red nail polish lovers, this truly is the perfect pillar box, blue-toned red that makes you feel like a fancy lady from the 50s with just one coat.” – Sarah Laing, culture editor

Burberry Nail Polish in Military Red ($23), at sephora.com.

“I switch up my nail polish alllll the time, so I can’t pick a fave. And I never look at the names because I like to name them myself!” – Brittany Eccles, art director

“Two things happen when summer rolls around: I wish for it to be over quickly and the plum colour I usually wear on my lips migrates to my fingertips. I don’t stray from almond-shaped nails and two coats of O.P.I.’s Lincoln Park After Dark. It’s my way of keeping a fall staple colour alive.” – Erika David, editorial assistant

O.P.I. Lincoln Park After Dark ($13), at thebay.com.

Ciaté London Goal Digger ($10.50), at sephora.ca.

“I don’t get pedicures very often, but when I got one earlier this summer, I picked a polish to match the bright turquoise waters of the mountain lakes in my home province of Alberta where I can’t wait to go hiking.” – Christina Reynolds, executive editor

CND Vinylux Aqua-intance ($11.71), at Trade Secrets, Chatters and salons across Canada.

“Red polish always reminds me of the classic Parisian beauty ethos, so I was sure to wear this orange-red hue on a recent visit there.” – Danielle Campbell, designer

Chanel Espadrilles ($38.13), at Chanel counters. 

“My nails are about the size of Chiclets. Sigh. The only good thing about this #dnafail is that I can wear dark polish year round! Take that, stiletto nails.” – Carli Whitwell, health and beauty editor

Nars Nail Polish in Night Flight ($25), at sephora.com.