We Can't Predict the Future, But We Can Tell You These Nail Colors Are *It*
There are so many things to love when we're transitioning from winter to spring. Warmer weather is one, of course. And that means a wardrobe refresh. It also means there are more opportunities to get outside without freezing your butt off so you can enjoy the fresh air and nature. Plus, I always look at spring (or the change of any season) as a fresh start.
There might be a lot of things you're looking to change this spring, but maybe you just want to change up something in your beauty routine. So why not start with a new nail polish color? It's a low-lift, impermanent way to switch things up.
To kick things off, I asked nail artists and manicurists for their favorite nail polishes of the moment and the colors that are trending hard right now. Take a look at their picks below, plus some editor favorites.
1. CND Shellac Gel Polish in Among the Marigolds
"It's a gorgeous yellow shade," celebrity and editorial manicurist Mimi D says. "To me, it's the perfect transitional color. In March, we're still experiencing that 'in-between' weather. Not quite hot and not quite cold. Among the marigolds is a trendy shade because it's just bright enough where it welcomes you into the warmer weather, but it also suits the colder weather because the yellow will pop against a dark-colored sweater or coat."
2. Orly Nail Lacquer in Artist's Garden
"Greens, which started trending in 2020, continue to dominate into 2022. But instead of slime green that's been popular, the greens we'll see are warmer and more grounded," says Brittany Boyce, celebrity nail artist and founder of Nails of LA. She recommends Orly's Artist's Garden for this trend.
3. Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color in Naked
"I always love a good nude like my Naked shade. It is a timeless, sheer, clean, bare beige and a contrast to the nail art," says Deborah Lippmann, celebrity manicurist and founder of her eponymous brand.
4. Red Carpet Manicure Fortify & Protect LED Gel Nail Polish in Forever a Classic
"[It's] such a perfect name for a shade like this because this muted pink shade can almost act as a neutral or nude color. Think dusty rose but a lighter version," Mimi D says.
5. Cirque Colors Nail Polish in Morningtide
"This polish checks two trend boxes: jelly and periwinkle. It's buildable and squishy, which is so fun for spring. It's also a great base for cloud nail art!" says Nina Park, nail artist and CEO of Scratch Nail Wraps.
6. Orly Nail Lacquer in Provence at Dusk
"Pantone listed a blue-toned lilac as the color of 2022," Boyce says. "It's not the deep royal purple or a sheer wash of pastel purple, but a rich, pigmented lilac shade." She recommends Orly's Provence at Dusk, which is a creamy and pretty lilac.
7. Deborah Lippmann Simply Irresistible Gel Lab Pro Nail Color Set
Along with nude hues, Lippmann says she has been loving mauve and pink shades this month since they are the perfect shades to transition into spring. "I launched my Simply Irresistible set to include nude and pink colors for every skin tone," she explains. "Plus, they're buildable, so you're able to put more color until you feel like you're blossoming. I think nudes will have a moment this spring—even though they are a timeless shade that you can wear all year long!"
8. OPI Nail Lacquer in Things I've Seen in Aber-green
"It's a moody green that's a great alternative to a stark black," Park says.
9. Orly Nail Lacquer in Oh Snap
"While most spring colors tend to be more muted, neon is really popular this spring," Boyce says. "Megan Fox sported a bright neon orange recently, while Olivia Rodrigo sported a bright-yellow neon for the Billboard Awards. I think people are really excited to go out, and they feel that electricity in the air."
10. Smith & Cult Nail Lacquer in Peaceful Paranoia
Park recommends oping for an ethereal and shiny polish like this one by Smith & Cult that's "metallic and chic."
11. Orly Nail Lacquer in Bleu Iris
Both Mimi D and Park recommend this pastel hue. "[It] is such a beautiful spring blue," Mimi D says. "It's likely to trend all year because it's so close to the color of the year: Very Peri. If you're into nail art, this shade will work really well as the base for a robin's egg nail art."
12. Undn Laqr Nail Polish in Vertigo
Boyce also recommends this lilac shade—it's a bit darker than your traditional pastel.
13. Orly Nail Lacquer in Danse With Me
"Pinks will have a moment this spring, and Danse With Me is a silky opaque pink that's not too bright and not too neutral," Park says.
14. China Glaze Nail Polish in Show 'em Who's Blossom
"This is my favorite neutral green—it wears easily because it leans khaki!" Park says.
15. Orly Nail Lacquer in Bird of Paradise
Here's another neon suggestion from Boyce—it's a fiery orange-red that works well for summer too.
16. Orly Nail Lacquer in Rage
"This polish has a cult following because it complements all skin tones and has a beautiful metallic rose-gold finish that'll catch your eye and go with any outfit," Park says.
17. Olive and June Nail Polish in You're Invited
This sweet lilac goes with just about any spring outfit.
18. Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer in Desir
If you want to venture outside of neutrals and pastels this month, try this raspberry-red hue.
19. Static Nails Liquid Glass Nail Polish in Pistachio
This nail polish is a daydreamy blue-green that looks unique.
20. JinSoon Nail Lacquer in Aero
21. Essie Gel Couture 2-Step Longwear Nail Polish in Dress Call
Essie's pretty purple goes on like a gel manicure—it delivers shine and has staying power.
22. Nails Inc. 73% Plant Power Nail Polish in Planet Perfect
How can you not look down at your nails and smile when you're wearing this lemon yellow?
23. Base Coat Breathable & Halal Nail Polish in Sage
For those who prefer darker shades, try this teal-esque hue, which is darker than most teals but still bright.
24. Emilie Heathe Nail Artist Nail Polish in Emma
25. Olive and June Nail Polish in Start Small
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated. Next, This Is Already the Coolest Nail Trend of 2022
Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.
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