Feels Like Spring Every Day With These Pastel Nail Polishes
Whether you want garden-matching nails or are looking for a winter pick-me-up, pastel nails are always in. And there's no better way to add a pop of color to your life than with your manicure.
Here are some of the best pastel nail colors to help you get that spring-inspired manicure of your dreams.
1. JINsoon Love Nail Polish – Sophisticated, Vivacious Pink
This vibrant pastel pink is Chris Rigg’s go-to paint color for street art. The double patented quick dry formula delivers a smooth application while creating a lasting manicure with bold, brilliant color and an ultimate high gloss chip-free finish.
2. J.Hannah Nailpolish – Patina
This lovely pastel green radiates all things spring. The shade is light and soft, perfect for adding a subtle pop of color to your nails. J.Hannah creates polishes that consider the gracefulness of hands and the role of subtle color as an element in one’s wardrobe, making her polishes thoughtful and versatile. Plus, all products are non-toxic, cruelty-free, and made in the USA.
3. Zoya Nail Polish – Palmer
Zoya in Palmer is a brilliant blush pink with a creamy finish. This shade is perfect if you want to rock pastel pink nails to a more formal occasion (say, an interview), as this muted pastel pink goes with every outfit and screams sophistication.
4. Sundays Non-Toxic Nail Polish #44
This delicate pastel mint green has slight blue undertones for a soothing and refreshing manicure. Savor the last few days of winter and transition into spring with this versatile everyday shade. Plus, the glossy finish gives you luxurious-looking nails in just a few coats.
5. Sundays Non-Toxic Nail Polish #34
This light eggshell turquoise shade will instantly brighten your day. The formula is long-lasting and offers a “just out of the salon” finished look.
6. Pacifica Plant Magic Polish – Blue Moon
Believe in magic! Plant Magic Polish is an innovative, 16-free, bio-sourced formula that delivers rich, vibrant colors. The polish isn't just clean — it’s long-lasting without the aid of a top coat. This baby blue shade evokes fresh-feeling nights and clear-blue-sky days, so you can enjoy spring vibes all year.
7. Pacifica Plant Magic Polish – Minty Green
Refresh your nails with this pretty pastel green shade, perfect for creating pastel easter nail designs or just embracing spring more generally. Plus, this formula is clean, vegan, and cruelty-free.
8. butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer – English Lavender
Take a trip to the English gardens with this delicate soft lilac nail lacquer. From glamorous looks to weekend brunch, enjoy a posh and polished look for every occasion. Bonus: This nail lacquer helps promote brighter, stronger, healthier-looking nails.
9. Sally Hansen GOOD. KIND. PURE. POLISH – Sun-tastic
Get some sunshine with this pastel yellow nail polish. This is Sally Hansen's first plant-based, 16-free, 100% vegan nail polish, meaning you’ll enjoy a beautiful nail color that you can feel good about purchasing.
10. Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish – Bardot
Like the iconic actress, the Bardot shade allures even the coldest hearts. This youthful pastel pink is perfect for creating an elevated neutral nail look. The long-lasting formula means this classic pink color is sticking with you through thick and thin.
FAQ
How do you apply pastel opaque nail polish?
Applying pastel nail polish is just like using any other nail polish. First, file your nails to the desired shape and length. Then, buff your nails and trim your cuticles. Once prep is complete, take the nail polish brush and wipe it on the edge of the bottle to remove excess polish. Carefully apply the polish to your nails, ensuring that each coat is even and covers your entire nail. Drop the polish into the middle of your nail and use the brush to push it back toward the cuticle. Then, pull the paint evenly across your nail. Add a clear top coat — either matte or shiny — and let your manicure dry. As a finishing touch, apply your favorite hand lotion and cuticle oil.
Some nail looks, like pastel gel nails or acrylic nails, may have a more complex application process than classic polish. With practice, these can be done at home, but we recommend first learning the best technique from your favorite nail technician.
How do you make sheer pastel nail polish look good?
Sheer nail polish allows you to create a beautiful nail base for intricate designs. But because it’s so thin, it’s intimidating to use. The main worry with clear nail polish is uneven application. To avoid this, make sure you wipe excess polish from the brush. Then, apply a thin layer of polish that dries completely before applying another 1–2 layers.
How do you wear pastel nail polish?
Any way you can think of! Pastel colors give you so many options for nail art. Either wear the stand-out colors on their own or use them as the perfect base for all your favorite pastel nail ideas. You could put a different pastel color on each nail to create a rainbow or set a baby blue base and create small pastel flowers on top. If you want something a bit more abstract, make swirls with two or more colors for a very unique pastel nail design that’s sure to gain you compliments.
These are just a few examples of the many fabulous nail art designs you can create with pastel colors. Look to Flip to discover endless colors you’ll love and designs pastel-polish-loving creators like yourself are trying out.