I like yellow nails, but it often looks brash against the yellow in my complexion. But, it is such a cool color and when I get on a nail color, I don’t stop until I find the perfect one. I’ve compiled a “guide” to yellow polishes. I’m trying my darnest to leave out those that come across as gold. Yellow is cheery, unexpected and works with pale to dark complexions.

Budget (Under $10): Manic Panic Claw Colors Nail Varnish in Electric Banana is a glow-under-blacklight neon yellow. It takes a few coats for full effect. It retails for just over $7. I’ve been very happy with Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in Lightening Creme. It is a pure, satin yellow. It dries quickly and looks great with just 2 coats. It retails for under $5. My only complaint is the super wide brush. But, I do love the color and the price. Sinful Colors Professional Nail Enamel has Let’s Meet. It’s a satin, pure yellow. It retails for under $2. I like the color but it takes a looong time to dry. Plan to paint your nails while watching your Netflix. I’ve given many satin finish yellows in this guide. If you are looking for a pure yellow shimmer, then try NYX Nail Polish in Roasted. This retails for under $5. It’s a yellow but with lots of pearl. Another shimmery yellow is Milani Nail Lacquer in Lemongello. This brand also retails for under $5. I can’t forget the neon yellow from Milani too, Total 80’s. It’s a fluorescent yellow (not pictured). OPI for Sephora has Cab Fare, a shimmering bright yellow. It retails for $9 (not pictured). OPI Nail Laquer in Need Sunglasses? is a cheery, bright, sunny yellow. It retails for about $8.

More Expensive: Hip, Usulu Airlines has a color in CAB that retails for $20. This is a satin finish bright yellow nail color. Good news, the brand Priti, toxic-free, has a pure satin yellow in Baby Toes Cactus. This retails for $12.50. There is also Devils Fig (not pictured). This is more of a neon yellow. Butter London Nail Lacquer has Cheeky Chops. This is a milky, satin banana Laffy Taffy shade. It retails for $14. Illmasqua Nail Varnish has a few yellow shades. Wayward is that bright “cab” yellow (not pictured). I love the shade Blow (pictured). This is a sweet, baby chick, pastel yellow. These varnishes retail for $14.

So, here’s a guide to get you on your way to canary yellow fingertips. If you know of any more, please sure. I’m always on the lookout for new brands and colors.

UPDATE: Post is older so some of these may not be available.