Summer might be officially over, but that doesn’t mean that we’ve hit our new zero-dark-toning best-before-date. No, the color payoff is as steep as ever, and some people just can’t pull off a sun-kissed pucker without going a bit too bright or harsh. Because don’t we all want a show-stopping pedicure at the end of Summer? Don’t we all want our tootsies looking so damn radiant that we can’t keep track of how many times we tried to take it off? Seriously.

As a graduate of the color phase with my nails, I know how difficult it can be to find a shoe that can handle the more intense shades; everyone I know is in love with the jewel tones in glitter, but they don’t exactly work with every shade. And, obviously, in the heat of Summer, I’m all about the radiant tones that can exude just the right amount of moisture without being painful, which are just the things that define a summer manicure. So, for you, I’ve rounded up your Summer nail polish essentials that will make any sun-kissed toe look just as good as the one at the beach. Just be sure to use a strong base coat, like French manicure expert Rosemary Retzlaff recommends, to combat heat and keep from peeling. And as a bonus, I’ve rounded up six special summer shades in the shots below to help you navigate your nail lineup on a budget (and keep things looking fresh year-round).