Ready to up the ante with your mani this spring? If so, lose the rhinestones, tacky nail stickers and clumps of glitter and dare to bare with creamy pastels, earth tones and stunning neutrals. A more modern, simplistic approach to nails has just emerged on the trend radar this year, and whether you are looking for a new spring shade to buy or a fresh art design to try, we’ve got you covered. Discover the power of subtle stripes, colorful French manicures and minimalist accents that will have your nails looking anything but boring.
Double Trouble
So you can’t decide on what color to paint your nails? No worries—break the rules and incorporate both shades! By using nail striping tape, you can master a flawless line on each nail that divides two complementary springtime polishes. Your indecisiveness just became a chic new mani masterpiece.
Try: Essie Nail Lacquer, French Affair | China Glaze Nail Lacquer, Son of a Peach | BMC Mix Neon Color Nail Striping Tape
White & Subtle Stripes
Never underestimate the simplicity and sophistication of white nail polish. Here’s a trick: apply a base coat and work three light coats of white onto your nails so it doesn’t get clumpy or leave streaks. Remember to let each coat dry completely before applying the next coat. A pearly white with a glossy finish is the key to achieving a faultless, snow-white manicure that is all the rage this season. You can even sneak in a stripy accent nail by adding silver striping tape.
Try: China Glaze Nail Lacquer, White Out
Seeing Spots
Creamy nude shades are showing up everywhere this spring. From delicate ivory tones to deeper mocha hues, a coat or two of a neutral polish that complements your skin tone is just what you need to give your nails a pop of color this springtime. To add a bit of fun, open up a bobby pin and dip one of its ends in a navy blue polish to add a few accent polka dots to your freshly painted nails.
Try: Essie, Coconuts and Cocktails | O.P.I. Nail Lacquer, Roadhouse Blues
Going Geo
Geometric nail designs seemed to have taken over in the world of nail art. Trendy triangles and gold lines give this nail design an elegant and stylish look, while still throwing an edgy yet relaxed pattern into the mix. A geometric shape can easily be created with some striping tape, a steady hand and a brief geometry lesson!
Try: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear, White On | O.P.I. Nail Lacquer, Black Onyx | Maybelline Color Show, Bold Gold
Fancy French
Recently, nail gurus and artists have been putting a creative and colorful spin on this classic manicure favorite! Simply swapping out a traditional nude nail and white tip for a bubbly blue and metallic gold gives this look an instant, eye-catching makeover. Embrace the fancy French trend and start mixing and matching your most beloved nail colors to recreate your own original look.
Try: Essie Nail Lacquer, Find Me an Oasis | Essie Nail Lacquer, Penny Talk
Life’s a Peach
Usher in spring by painting your nails a flirty pastel peach. What’s great about this color is that it is flattering for any skin tone, plus this bright shade will leave you feeling nothing but cheerful every time you take a peek at your nails.
Try: Essie Nail Lacquer, Resort Fling