How different nail polish colours can improve your mood

You know what can actually help you when you’re in a crappy mood? Surrounding yourself with positive, happy colours.

I know, I know, it sounds a little ridiculous and silly. Possibly even a bit hippy-ish. But it’s true. Even science says so. See, different colours send different signals to your brain and it can completely change how you think and perceive things.

So next time you’re feeling a little down in the dumps or just a tad bit angry, why not try giving yourself a mood-lifting mani.

IF YOU’RE FEELING A LITTLE STRESSED

Work got you stressed out of your mind? Perhaps that maths exam has sent you into a bit of a frenzy? Then it sounds like you need a calming coat of blue on your digits. The colour encourages peacefulness and tranquility, so put on some Enya while you paint your nails and your anxiety will be a thing of the past.
Try:

Ulta3 Pro Salon Manicure in Sky Blue.
essie Nail Polish in Teeny Bikini.
Australis Nail Colour in Blue Tiger.
ModelCo Party Proof Nail Polish in What a Catch.

IF YOU’RE FEELING A BIT BLAH

Do you ever get those days where you feel a bit lethargic and just gross? Well, next time your energy levels sink lower than the Titanic, treat yourself to a green manicure. Not only does the hue help bring your mind peace, but it’s actually a refreshing and rejuvenating shade, too.
Try:

Rimmel London I Love Lasting Finish Nail Polish in Pear Drop.
essie Nail Polish in Turquoise & Caicos.
Sally Hansen Triple Shine in Dive in.
Chi Chi Salon Formula in So Out of Control.

IF YOU’RE FEELING A LITTLE SAD

A heavy heart is never good, so if you’re feeling a little sorry for yourself, then it’s time to put some pep in your step. Yellow – whether bright or pastel – will help you feel more optimistic and joyful while keeping any nervousness at bay.
Try:

Sea Siren Polish in Where’s My Sunnies.
OPI Nail Polish in I Just Can’t Copeacabana, $19.95, www.myer.com.au
Maybelline New York Colour Show Nail Colour in Fierce n Tangy.
Colour by TBN Polish in Hot For Yellow.

IF YOU’RE FEELING ANGRY

No one likes holding onto feelings of anger or resentment, so next time you find yourself storming into your room with a firing rage burning inside of you, take a seat and pull out your favourite pink polish. The shade helps encourage love, compassion, an open heart, and best of all, forgiveness.
Try:

Bourjois So Laque Glossy in Peach and Love.
Maybelline New York Colour Show in Chiffon Chic.
Revlon Nail Enamel in Fuchsia Fever.
Clinique A Different Nail Enamel for Sensitive Skins in Hi Sweetie.

IF YOU’RE FEELING NERVOUS OR SCARED

Red may be the colour of love and fiery passion, but it’s also the colour that’ll help you gather your inner strength and give you that extra bit of courage you may need (say, for a job interview).
Try:

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in All Fired Up.
Bourjois So Laque Ultra Shine in Rouge Casino.
Designer Brands Quick Dry Nail Polish in Bordeaux Red.
Max Factor Glossfinity in Burgundy Crush.

Do you ever pick a nail polish to suit your mood? What’s your favourite pick-me-up polish shade?

110 Member Comments

Sootyhere 20 May 2019 1:56 PM

Good to know.

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lena25 10 Dec 2017 9:41 PM

I've never really tried bright nail polish colours, but this is interesting!

Miss19 7 Dec 2017 9:43 PM

Maybe that's why I love blue so much, because I'm stressed all the time

Kimi Vee 8 Nov 2017 12:17 PM

ooh pretty

Ellie585 18 Nov 2016 8:41 PM

Bright colours always make me happy

Shop A Everyday 8 Sep 2016 7:51 PM

I know a good manicure always cheers me up

Shop A Everyday 5 Sep 2016 11:42 AM

I do have a green and a blue polish, I will use them

Yohanna 30 Apr 2016 12:12 PM

Never had bright yellow one! Now want =)

itslinda 5 Apr 2016 11:27 AM

great article

Myqqkimba 26 Mar 2015 5:49 AM

I am painting my nails blue tonight â™¥…

Yohanna 6 Mar 2015 12:44 PM

all mixed up together randomly applied! Just to have fun and rainbow in my day!

Alicia Webster 13 Jan 2015 11:03 AM

Love the essie Nail Polish above in Turquoise & Caicos. Every time that I wear nail polish it is to reflect whatever mood I happen to be in at the time. My favourite is OPI Lincoln Park After Dark, for when I am feeling like a "bad girl" :)

AndreaJW 13 Jan 2015 5:53 AM

I love all of those colours and would wear them whether or not i'm feeling that particular mood.

Peacock-Phoenix 13 Jan 2015 2:58 AM

I love bright colours, espcially on my nails! Having a great manicure always makes me feel good :)

Alice smile 9 Dec 2014 4:57 PM

Green nail polish makes me happy :)

Goldcat 9 Dec 2014 10:33 AM

I think I will have to get a neon yellow for happiness.

Shop A Everyday 18 Oct 2014 6:42 AM

Oh I so need to do a manicure today, my nails are a mess after spring cleaning yesterday

Petal 15 Oct 2014 1:26 PM

I have always believed in the healing power of colour. I decorate with colours that uplift me and I also wear those colours.

Joanne182 12 Oct 2014 9:07 AM

Thanks!

Growing old 12 Oct 2014 5:35 AM

No I've never chosen it for my mood however I have lived in a home once that was decorated with colours that helped mood, sleep etc and it does work. I may give this a go. I love red nails tho I woukdnt have associated it with being calming at all tho looking at my pretty red toes makes me happy!

moonbaby54 11 Oct 2014 2:47 AM

Nail polish in general is my pick me up. If I go out shopping and I feeling a little down, I always come home with a new nail polish. It took me a while to notice this trend, and I finished up with a LOT of nail polishes, But I think I have it under control, I now just come home and do my nails with a colour I already have. Cheaper but not quite as satisfying.

Belle88 11 Oct 2014 1:29 AM

I don't really choose a colour to suit my mood, but I do find I enjoy wearing pink and red shades more than other colours.

Ssajwani 10 Oct 2014 11:27 AM

lovely colours

beauty beginer 10 Oct 2014 10:03 AM

I totally agree, i have a back injury and it gets me down in the dumps but i did my nails one day and it made me feel brighter and happier so now i choose a different colour every week.

sega58 10 Oct 2014 1:04 AM

I'm feeling a bit angry with Revlon at the moment about their Colourstay Gel Envy polish. Maybe I should try some red polish.

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