Spring nail colors are mostly cute pastels, but this month we’re going to take the saturation up a notch. Think brighter, happier hues that feel like a personal expression of the sunny days ahead. These shades pack a little more punch than the traditionally muted hues for spring. Let’s just say we were heavily inspired by the enchanting sorbet nail trend.
Therefore, I use sunny yellow instead of butter yellow. Rather than pastel blue, I’m aiming for a denim-inspired color. For all you ballet pink lovers out there, why not spice up your mood with the pretty raspberry shade? We also took notes from the 2026 Oscars red carpet, where milky pearls and melted metallic gold nail polishes stole the show. Find your favorite nail colors and ideas and try them out now.
raspberry nails
We’re always drawn to pale pinks, but there’s something definitely invigorating about turning up the saturation. Raspberry Pink is a juicy berry-toned shade that’s both playful and chic. It’s a bold change from typical pastel colors, but it’s still a familiar shade. This is basically the nail color equivalent of energizing the protagonist.
Essie
Fuel Your Life Gel Couture Manicure
Now 27% off
Olive & June Manicure for Prom
OPI Nail Lacquer Aurora Berry Alice
denim blue nails
We love pale blue, but if you want a change of pace, try denim blue instead. Rather than a specific shade, consider a full spectrum of cool, effortless, but slightly whimsical blues inspired by your favorite jeans.
For something bold (but not too bright), OPI’s It’s in Your Jean hits that sweet spot. Essie’s Ripple Reflect is your go-to medium wash. Easy, versatile, and always cute. If you’re looking for a twist, ILNP’s low rise gives you a faded denim look with a subtle holographic shine that catches the light just right.
Infinite brilliance in OPI jeans
Essie
ripple reflect nail polish
ILNP Cosmetics Co., Ltd.
Clely manicure low rise
sunny yellow nails
April is the perfect time to brighten up your look with a manicure. We’re obsessed with sunny yellow. Think of it as a brighter color, with a buttery yellow twist of Italian lemon. Think of this shade as the ultimate cozy color, hitting the sweet spot between soft and vibrant. You can also pair it with raspberry pink nails to create a delicious sorbet-like mani.
OPI Gel Color Sunny Bunny Semi-Sheer Soft Warm Yellow Cream
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish 768 Sunbrella
Sally Hansen’s Insta Dry Manicure “Does Not Come Cute”
pearly pink nails
This spring is all about pastel pinks and pearl finishes, so we’re combining the two. This soft, light-catching shade perfectly combines femininity and fun with a delicate iridescent glow. OPI’s Not So Bora Bora-ing Pink delivers a warm pop of Barbiecore. Essie’s FrostYourself has a bronzer-inspired finish, but if you prefer a barely-there pink with a hint of shimmer, then Birthday Girl is for you.
OPI gel color, pink that doesn’t look like Bora Bora
40% off now
Essie
gel couture nail polish frost your self
Essie
Birthday girl’s manicure (iridescent sheer pink)
pistachio milk nails
While sage nails gave off a soft, rustic vibe in March, April calls for something a little brighter. Enter pistachio. Already everywhere from lattes to your favorite desserts, this creamy light green hue adds a much-needed pop to your manicure. It’s refreshing and playful, perfect for spring.
OPI Infinite Shine in Oh Baby!
Essie
Turquoise and Caicos Islands manicure
Manucurist Green Quick Dry Nail Polish (Pistachio)
mother of pearl nails
Hollandria Carsen’s nails at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar After Party.
Mother-of-pearl nails, or pearly milky nails, were one of the most popular manicures at the 2026 Oscars. Stars like Teyana Taylor, Kate Hudson, and Olandria Kazen (pictured above) have all sported classy nail looks on the red carpet, and we’ll be doing the same…at the office, and maybe at Trader Joe’s. Subtle iridescence gives milky nails a multicolored dimension, especially sparkling in the sun.
london town
LaCour Manicure in Milk Bath
dream
Manicure in 020 Puree Pearl
Essie
Pass the Fit Check Expressie Manicure
Now 14% off
liquid gold nails
Audrey Nuna’s nails at the 2026 Oscars ceremony.
Thanks to you K-POP Demon Hunter And with gold nails at the 2026 Oscars (i.e., see Audrey Noona’s statement manicure above), we’re swapping silver chrome for gold. Perhaps we are entering the era of the Midas touch. For a liquid mirror gold effect, use OPI’s Powder Chrome. But if you prefer something simpler, try Sally Hansen’s Foil Polish as a champagne-gold shade and Essie’s Metallic Glaze Nail Polish as a shimmer topper.
Sally Hansen Color Foil Manicure Gold Standard
25% off now
Essie
Gel couture metallic glaze nail polish, crushed gold
OPI Chrome Powder Mermaid for Me Blue Gold
tangerine orange nails
What juicy color can’t you stop thinking about this month? Mandarin nails. From punchy electric orange (Sally Hansen Insta Dori Electric Fields Nail Polish, 352 Peach Flare) to fiery coral-leaning tones (OPI Nail Polish, Shrimp Cocktail), this vibrant shade is sure to turn heads. It’s bold and playful, and it’s the kind of color that really makes a statement with nail polish. We’re especially into shimmery finishes, like Olive & June’s Honk If You Love My Mani, for extra dimension and shine.
Sally Hansen Insta-Dry Electric Feel Nail Polish 352 Peach Flare
25% off now
olive & june
Long Lasting Polish (Honku) If You Love My Mani
OPI OPIcons Spring Nail Lacquer Collection Shrimp Cocktail
Anvita Reddy (she) is a commercial editor at Hearst Magazines. She contributes commerce content across Hearst’s portfolio, including Elle, Harper’s Baazar, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, County Living, Cosmopolitan, and House Beautiful. She has over four years of experience in commerce and writes in-depth first-person product reviews, trend and pick summaries, and deal and sale coverage. Previously, she was an assistant editor at PS Shopping, covering beauty, home & kitchen, fashion, technology, travel, wellness, and lifestyle. In her free time, you can find her watching everything from reality shows to classic sitcom reruns, trying out trendy beauty products, honing her cooking skills, working out, and traveling.
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