If the mere prospect of pastel nails brings you out in hives, you’re not alone. Popular with some, for others, pastel colors will always be synonymous with Easter and hated bridesmaid dresses. Still, it is possible to sport pastel nail color without feeling like your six-year-old self. Unlike more traditional pastels, modern iterations can actually be fun—especially when paired with square or squoval nail shapes or a sharp almond edge to offset their softness. And, while they’re not just for spring, there’s something about the warmer air that ignites an urge to replace deep burgundy shades with colors that are lighter and brighter.
What are pastel nail colors?
Any light color with a creamy softness to it (think lilac, baby pink and powder blue) is a pastel. Some will be sheer, others more opaque. The linking factor is a light, almost milky quality that sets them apart from vivid neons and vampy dark shades typically associated winter nail colors. These soft shades are perfect for occasions like bridal or baby showers.
How can you make pastel nails modern?
“Pastel nails feel effortlessly modern and luxe when the shape is sleek and the finish is flawless,” celebrity manicurist Michelle Class explains. “A soft almond or a short squoval (square-oval) shape keeps them elegant, while a high-shine finish or pearlised-glazed effect will make them feel fresh.”
How to pick the right pastel for you?
Look at your skin’s undertone, says Class. “Cool tones suit lilacs, baby blues, and aquamarines, while warm tones glow with peaches, pinks, and buttery yellows. Try not to think of pastels as just a color choice, it’s a way of elevating the everyday nude nail, and the perfect choice as we head into spring.”
