April is here, our trench coats are out, and so too is a whole host of spring-leaning beauty trends. This transitional period before the dresses and sandals officially take over our wardrobe can feel hard to navigate fashion-wise, but when it comes to beauty it's the perfect moment to try something new or opt for an effective yet simple seasonal change like switching up your nail colour.
Chic nail art has undoubtedly reigned supreme over the past few years, but if you are looking for a key colour (or base for nail art) to try as your April nail selection, there are plenty of bold options to choose from. From cool blue and gentle lilac shades to deep browns and high-shine glitters that glisten in different lights, there are so many pretty nail colours to choose from ahead of your April manicure appointment.
Scroll on to discover the five nail colours you're sure to see everywhere this month, as well as the products you can shop now to help get the look at home.
1. Cool Blues
What better way to (hopefully) ring in a month filled with bright, sunny blue skies than a classic baby blue polish? This shade looks amazing on any skin tone and can be worn in a variety of ways making it perfect for under floral nail art or as all over colour. For best results finish with a gel top coat for an at-home mani that rivals salons.
Cool blue makes the best base for 3D designs. Think florals for spring that actually are groundbreaking.
Get the look:
If clear skies are your nail inspiration this April, the aptly named Santorini from cult nail brand Nailberry has you covered.
If you're going to do light blue, you might as well go all out with a calming shade like this, right?
2. Deep Browns
Bright pastels might be the go-to for most of us looking for April nail colours, however if you find yourself feeling stuck somewhere between bold yellows and trends like the lip oil manicure, then maybe a deep brown is about to become your go-to.
With celebrity nail connoisseurs also choosing to pick up the brown brush and with seemingly endless nail art options (cc: the art deco-inspired look above) it looks like deep chocolate hues are here to stay.
Get the look:
Keeping things earthy doesn't have to stop at choosing a warm brown nail lacquer thanks to this vegan option from Nails Inc. It's my current favourite nail kit staple.
For a tonal take on the April nail colour trend, try opting for a brown hues gradient.
3. Chunky Glitters (in any shade)
Nothing says next-level luxe manicure than a set of high-shine glittery nails. This April why not try a chunky glitter as a way to elevate your standard manicure. The finish colour sits comfortably between a nude manicure and the all-over glitters beloved for their ability to create the illusion of multicoloured hues thanks to how they bounce the light.
My personal favourite this month? Window-like manicures, with almost individualised glitter flecks that look as though they were placed one at a time.
Get the look:
This colour is enough to make anyone want to party and as it's my birthday month - a moment of silence for all Aries - Sign me up.
More of a one-colour mani person but don't want to miss out on the glittery fun? Don't worry, OPI's golden offering has you covered.
4. Marigold Yellow
Yellow can often feel like the most unapproachable of the nail polish colours due to its boldness. Nevertheless, this April, yellow in all its hues is finally having its long overdue moment in the sun. Pun intended.
If you are usually a nude and muted tone nail lover, don't let initial assumptions about the colour sway you, as thanks to a mix of minimalist and subdued shades of yellow it is actually one of the most versatile colour options out there. Want a Mini Egg-inspired mani? Try a yellow base. Pastel pink is not quite your colour? Pastel yellow is where it's at.
Get the look:
This shade just screams spring.
A classic canary yellow is always a good idea.
5. Lilac
I know what you're thinking, more pastels for spring? But hear me out. Forget mint greens and pastel pinks, as this chic lilac shade is a fresh take on your usual spring hues for 2024. It seems that nail artists agree as I've been seeing the colour all over social media.
If you don't want to go for a full-on lilac manicure, why not opt for a more subtle lilac French tip?
Get the look:
Chanel can do no wrong when it comes to spring nail polishes.
For a real statement, opt for this Nails Inc shade.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
-
I'm Bored of Red Christmas Nails—I'm Trying This Expensive-Looking French Manicure InsteadSparkle all the way.
-
Experts Say These Chic Nail Colours Look Even More Stylish on Your ToesHello, party feet!
-
From Elegant Colours to Glossy Details, These 7 Nail Trends Are About to Dominate 2025Watch this space.
-
It's Official—This Elevated Winter Nail Trend Is Dethroning the Glazed ManicureIf you're wearing it, I know you're chic.
-
10 Editors on Their 2025 Beauty Vision BoardsSelect your vibe.
-
Christmas Nails Can Be a Little Tacky, But These 13 Festive Manicures Are Elegant and Very ChicNo post-salon regret here.
-
The Elegant Nail Colour I Rely On to Make At-Home Manicures Look More ExpensiveOne for the minimalists.
-
The Glowdown: Nicola Coughlan Shares the Beauty Secrets We All Want to KnowYou won't want to miss this.
