Every year the Pantone Color Institute, the premier trend forecaster in color, picks a winning shade to give its top honor, and companies around the world take notice. Their selections influence product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home furnishings, and, yes, beauty. This year, they named two different hues color of the year. The first, dubbed "Illuminating," is described as a cheerful yellow. Pantone's Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman said the color is meant to "give us resilience and hope." She explained, "We need to feel encouraged and uplifted."

Simply put, this shade will make you smile. Which is why we think it's the perfect nail color. Beauty professionals concur, too. Marian Newman, author of The Complete Nail Technician book, told Vogue, "For once, I'm in agreement with Pantone's color of the year." She mused that the bright yellow is a "beautiful, sunny and hopeful color that we all need to brighten up our lives." And you don't have to choose a blinding marigold to try the trend. Pick a mellow mustard or a subdued butter-inspired shade. Basically, any sunny hue will do! Here's to better days ahead!