Early spring in New York City is a total weather toss-up, so it’s not always easy for me to fully embrace the season’s biggest fashion trends until consistently warmer weather arrives. (transitional outfits are pretty much always in the picture until mid-May.) Spring nail color trends, however, are much less forecast-dependent and make welcoming in the revitalizing season ahead super easy.
The manicure looks you’re bound to see everywhere embrace the classic pastel colors that are synonymous with spring—think pale purples, playful yellows, and minty, muted greens—as well as creamy neutrals. Blue will also take center-stage, in a range of calming, seasonally appropriate hues to complement every style.
Perhaps even more exciting for those who hate to stray from their signature polish color? This season’s biggest nail trends also celebrate a variety of versatile finishes, like high-shine glosses and luxe, light-reflecting chrome accents. In other words, it’s time to take your top coat seriously.
To save you time skimming the salon’s polish wall, I reached out to leading nail pros to learn more about the best spring nail polish colors to try at your next manicure appointment and extensively researched the market for products that fit the bill. Keep scrolling to check out 20 high-quality polishes from editor- and expert-approved brands that embody spring’s buzziest nail trends.
Pearlescent Pinks and Creams
The viral influence of the soap nail trend shows no signs of slowing down. For those unfamiliar, soap nails generally refer to meticulously groomed nails, perfectly painted with an extremely glossy neutral polish. Heading into spring, celebrity manicurist and KISS Ambassador Gina Edwards expects to see more nail polish colors like marshmallow creams depicting the elegant, minimalist look.
“I love the marshmallow nails—it ties into a moonbeam, soapy trend that is still raging,” she says. In a similar vein, Edwards also expects pearlescent peaches and pinks and iridescent beiges to capture polish-lovers' attention. “Pearlescent nails will take over,” she says. “Adding a sheer pearl or iridescent can change the mood of the color to give it a new life.”
Le Mini Macaron’s polish bottles are the type you want to leave out on your bathroom counter for people to see. I love that this pearlescent option displays pretty purple and pink tones in its light-reflecting, shimmery finish.
Whether you don’t have time for your nails to try or you’re not much of an at-home manicurist, press-ons are here to save the day—and, of course, your mani. For acing the pearlescent look at home, Edwards suggests KISS Gel Fantasy Allure Press-Ons in Moonbeam. “These light beige, peachy, pearlescent nails are perfect for achieving the soapy nail look trend easily,” she says.
You can paint on Deborah Lippmann’s Gel Lab Pro Nail Color knowing the formula will supply a high-shine, soapy finish that rivals a professional gel mani while also catering to the health of your nails. Infused with ingredients like evening primrose, biotin, and green tea, the polish helps to maintain your nail’s moisture levels and support nail strength. What’s more, thanks to silk fibers, it helps give your nail bed a smooth appearance.
Take the marshmallow vibes semi-literally with two coats of a lacquer named after the sweet treat. Delivering a milky-peach hue with a sheer finish to your tips, this Essie formula will serve as a classic, creamy neutral you’ll turn to time and time again.
Into the Blues
Like florals, baby blue polish in the spring isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but experts predict the entire color family will steal the spotlight this season, so now’s the time to venture into the blue and meet your match. “I predict that blues will be at the forefront in many different ranges, from baby blues to greyish blues,” says Edwards. If you’re looking for something quintessentially spring, opt for sky blues or pastel hues. Want something a little more unexpected? Erica De Los Santos, a nail artist and the founder of Nail'd It Beauty Lounge in New Jersey, suggests a bold and statement-making blue with rich, royal blue tones.
Painting on this glossy, deep blue polish is like the equivalent of slipping on the perfect pair of dark-wash denim cutoffs. Slightly unexpected for spring (but still classic and versatile), it’s the perfect mix between royal blue and navy, and will look equally as chic on your fingers and your toes.
This opaque powder blue is a favorite of celebrity manicurist Lily Nguyen. The chip- and fade-resistant formula offers full-coverage and mirror-like shine in only one coat (though two is recommended for best results), thanks to its plush, flexible brush.
Short on time? Expedite your nail polish drying process without compromising your mani with Essie’s Expressie Lacquer, which dries in about a minute. While I’ve never timed the formula, I can vouch for the fact that it dries much quicker than the traditional polishes I’ve used. This slate-blue is a subtler take on the color trend and doubles as a neutral.
This plant-based polish is designed to even out nail ridges, leaving you with a silky-smooth canvas of high-impact color. The brush features a slim ribbed handle to give you better grip while painting—and hopefully helping you avoid smudges and smears.
Classic Pastels
“This spring, I’m seeing a strong demand for fresh, uplifting shades that embody the essence of spring,” says Nguyen, adding that classic pastel colors like yellow, pistachio green, and lilac are already in high-demand. “These shades reflect the energy of spring—light and playful! Pastels always have a strong presence in the spring, but this year, we’re seeing an emphasis on vibrant yet soft tones that make a statement.” If your winter manicure go-to is a deep mulberry or a glossy emerald green, try a delicate lavender or a muted minty green instead.
Nguyen recommends this “lively yellow” as a way to embrace a pastel color palette. Personally, I think yellow nail polish is like wearing sunshine on your fingertips—an instant mood boost. On top of its stunning opaque, high-shine color, the polish boasts a wide brush that helps eliminate streaks for a more even application.
I always admire pastel green polish from afar, but I never take the plunge. This year, that all changes, thanks to this recommendation from De Los Santos. She describes Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Nail Color in Mint Refresh as “a soft yet refreshing pastel green that embodies the fresh start of spring,” and I couldn’t agree more. Plant-based and 100 percent vegan, the bottle also features a brush with 100 percent plant-based bristles.
With an appropriately on-theme name, this pale pink polish screams springtime. The creamy, highly pigmented formula has a beautiful glossy finish and will look good with just about anything in your closet.
Immortelle is a slightly moodier take on the lavender polish that pops up everywhere come spring. I’m a huge fan of Chanel’s oversized brush, which makes a smooth, mess-free application a little easier (and, in my opinion, faster).
Glazed Glosses
Can nail polish be too glossy? I’d argue the answer is a resounding no—and Nguyen predicts a super high-shine, glazed finish that resembles that of a gel manicure will be celebrated well through spring. “When it comes to the final touch, I’m all about a super glossy finish,” adds De Los Santos. “As a nail girl, matte nails have never been my favorite—I find that over time, they tend to look worn down, losing their fresh, polished appeal. But a glossy look? It never gets old. It always looks sleek, fresh, and timeless, making any manicure feel brand new day after day.”
While most nail polishes are formulated to deliver shine, a quality top coat can majorly enhance the overall effect. Ahead, check out some of my favorites.
Essie’s Stay Longer Top Coat helps keep your mani looking fresh for longer by protecting against chipping for up to a week. Within that seven-day span, it also helps enhance and maintain glossy shine.
It may be the last step, but top coat is certainly not the least. This 15-free version from Olive and June is designed to give your nails the delectable cushion and plumpness of a gel, along with that covetable glossiness. It also keeps your polished look intact for up to 10 days.
I’m a huge fan of this top coat from Orly. Not only does it give my nails a stunning glossy finish, but it also gives my nails a little cushion and dries incredibly fast—a major convenience for someone like me who has no patience for waiting for nail polish to dry fully.
Sally Hansen’s iconic Miracle Gel Nail Polish essentially performs like a salon gel, but doesn’t require curing under a UV lamp. It gets rave reviews, with customers praising the formula for being easy to apply and remove, delivering on that high-shine promise, and offering durability to their manicures.
Chromatic Finishes and Accents
Every expert I interviewed for this article anticipates that chrome-like finishes in some capacity will reign this spring. De Los Santos believes isolated chrome styles, where colored chrome polish is incorporated into nail designs as an accent rather than covering the nail, will pick up steam. “Instead of full-on chrome looks, I anticipate subtler yet impactful placements—like chrome tips, abstract accents, or layered details for a modern touch.”
Want some subtle sparkle in your chromatic finish? Whether you’re just painting an accent nail for an isolated look or want a full-on gilded mani, reach for Good as Gold—a rich color that De Los Santos describes as “a metallic gold that adds a luxe touch.”
A rose gold hue brings a romantic vibe to chrome nail looks. Wear it on its own or use it as the subtle accent for a reverse French manicure. Zoya’s Nail Lacquer in Beth is a 10-free formula that features the finest specks of gold.
Try two burgeoning spring nail looks at once with this aqua holographic nail polish. This light-reflecting, eye-catching blue is the perfect (albeit, bold) choice for trying some of the year’s biggest nail art trends.
Infused with ingredients like moisturizing argan oil, vitamin B5, and vitamin C, Orly’s Breathable Treatment is meant to treat your tips to some TLC while delivering high-impact lilac chrome color. Bonus: It features a grippy handle to help you create a cleaner, salon-like mani.
Meet the Experts
Gina Edwards is a renowned celebrity manicurist based in New York City, known for her exceptional nail artistry and beauty expertise. As a dedicated KISS Nails and imPRESS Beauty Brand Ambassador, Gina has built an impressive portfolio working with some of the world’s most iconic figures. She has led nail teams at top fashion shows for designers such as Calvin Klein, Rebecca Minkoff, Alice + Olivia, and Burberry, solidifying her place as one of the industry's top professionals.
Lily Nguyen is a celebrity nail artist and the creative force behind Labo Beauté’s signature aesthetic. With a career spanning high fashion, film, and editorial, her work has been featured in Vogue China, Adidas campaigns, and numerous films and reality TV shows.
Erica De Los Santos is a New York and New Jersey-based freelance nail artist and founder of Nail'd It Beauty Lounge. She is a skilled and passionate nail artist specializing in gel, Gel-X, Acrylic, hard gel, and dip techniques, with a reputation for precision and creativity. With years of experience in the industry, she has built a career offering high-quality manicures that blend artistry with durability. Her expertise has taken her beyond the salon, working on editorial shoots for elite magazines like L'Officiel, and assisting on brand campaigns including Fenty, ULTA Beauty, as well as leading for Express. She's also assisted backstage at fashion shows including Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Helmut Lang, and New York Fashion Week, where she thrives in the fast-paced, high-energy environment of backstage beauty.
Why Trust Marie Claire
Victoria Moorhouse is a freelance beauty writer and editor with over 12 years of experience reporting on the beauty industry and testing skincare, haircare, makeup, and nail care. She was previously a Senior Beauty Editor at InStyle.com and a Beauty Content Director at Vox Media. Her beauty and wellness-focused writing can be found on Allure, Byrdie, TZR, Harper’s Bazaar, and more.
When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a Marie Claire writer, editor, or contributor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.
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