If you're anything like me and constantly checking Instagram for the latest and greatest nail trends, you'll appreciate what I'm about to share with you. Whether I need inspiration ahead of my next salon appointment, a new colourway to try out, or a fun way to embrace the latest nail trends or attempt a seasonally-inspired manicure, my trusty 'nail inspo' folder helps me to keep it all in one place.
I've always loved wearing pastel hues and lately I've noticed more and more pastel nail art designs popping up on my social media feeds—confirmed on my latest salon visit, where nail artist Ashleigh Bamber told me that pastels are amongst her top requests from clients this year. "Pastel shades are actually surprisingly versatile and suit all skin tones," she tells me. "I also think that people see pastels as a 'safe' way to experiment with colour when they don't want to wear anything too bold and bright."
From pastel French tips to pastel aura nails, keep scrolling for the very best pastel nail ideas from my saved folder, plus product recommendations to help you achieve each look.
11 Chic Pastel Nail Ideas to Try This Year
1. Pastel French Tips
Everyone loves a classic French tip, but if you want to mix things up, a pastel tip is a great alternative to plain white. The subtle hint of colour is a fun way to brighten up your nails for spring or summer or to match an outfit, but still looks super chic.
Get the look:
The most perfect baby blue.
French tips are notoriously hard to perfect—this handy stamp makes the process effortless.
2. Pastel Block Colour
It might seem obvious, but if you're into simple and minimal nail designs, or are simply after something that's easy to DIY at home, a block colour pastel design should not be overlooked. From baby pink and sky blue to peachy hues and mint greens, there are unlimited possibilities (quite literally) at your fingertips.
Get the look:
Orange pastel hues look great with a tan.
Possibly the most famous pastel nail polish of all time.
3. Wavy Shapes
Minimal nail art designs which see fun shapes set against a neutral background (usually using BIAB or builder gel) are majorly on trend right now. We love the use of contrasting colours in this wavy design.
Get the look:
MyLee's builder gels come in a range of shades to suit all skin tones.
Sometimes yellow pastels can look sickly, but we're obsessed with this muted green-toned shade.
4. Blank Space
Like the above, this design makes use of blank space and a natural-looking background to make the colourful shapes stand out. I'll fully admit this is not an easy design and might require a professional nail tech, so this is probably one to add to your own inspo folder ahead of your next manicure appointment.
Get the look:
Not too bold but equally not too washed out, this is the perfect pastel pink.
This fine-tipped brush will help you to achieve a wavy nail art design.
5. Ombré Gradient
Another eye-catching ombré nail art design—this one using the same three colours throughout. The seamless fade between each shade is so ethereal.
Get the look:
Lilacism is another much-loved pastel classic from Essie.
Mint green nails are fresh, fun, and perfect for summer.
6. Pastel Multicolour
We love a good simple design that's still fun and eye-catching. Paint your nails the (pastel) colours of the rainbow on each hand.
Get the look:
Sephora's affordable nail polish come in a wide range of shades, and the packaging looks so cute on your dressing table.
Want to experiment with at-home gels? Look no further.
7. Pastel Aura
I don't know about you, but aura nails are all over my Instagram feed at the moment. The design looks super pretty when pastel shades are used—you can try it at home using the same sponge blotting technique used in ombré designs, but in salon your nail tech will probably use an airbrush tool.
Get the look:
This dreamy purple is perfect for an aura nail art design.
Use a pop of coral for the bright central colour in this design.
8. Pastel Doodles
With the right nail brush (a small, thin tip and short bristles) you'll find that a design like this is surprisingly easy to recreate. The pastels looks especially chic when set against a matte background.
Get the look:
Matte nails made easy.
This kit contains lots of brushes to give this look a go.
9. Pink Gradient
If you're after a subtle way to wear colour, choose your favourite shade and try a gradient design ranging from pretty pastels through to muted brights.
Get the look:
& Other Stories nail polish offerings are staples in my stash.
This sheer pastel pink will be one of the most versatile shades in your kit.
10. Pastel Florals
Before you hit me with a Devil Wears Prada quote, just look at how cute this little floral design looks in a pastel colour theme...
Get the look:
Use a dotting tool to create simple flower designs.
This lilac and baby blue are a match made in heaven.
11. Geometric Shapes
For a modern and on-trend design, experiment with geometric shapes, straight lines, and clashing colours.
Get the look:
If painting your own designs feels daunting, sticker sets like this one make things a whole lot easier.
This set has all the colours you need.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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