This is why pastels work so well in spring

There are some things that can be guaranteed to happen when spring rolls around:

1) You’ll start becoming more conscious of applying sunscreen every time you head outdoors.
2) You’ll break out your flirty, floral dresses and casual denim jacket.
3) You’ll swap out your dark and moody winter polishes for creamy and colourful pastels. 

And while pastel nail polishes are certainly very pretty to look at, there’s a reason they come back every season. Well, more than one actually, and here are just a few: 

#1 / They’re the perfect segue into summer brights

You’ve probably spent your winter alternating between deep plums, navies, and greys, and chances are once the frivolity of summer sets in, you’ll be all about bold and bright pinks, reds and oranges, making the mixture of muted tones and vibrant colours of pastel nail polishes an excellent way to transition between the two. 

Swap your charcoal for barely-there blue, like Say It With Polish in Light Blue, plum for soft lilac (try OPI Infinite Shine in In Pursuit Of Purple), and deep burgundy for light pink, like Marc Jacobs Enamoured Hi-Shine Nail Polish in Peep. 

#2 / They work as well for the office as they do weekend play

Bold, vibrant colours and dark, edgy hues may not always be work-appropriate, and on the flipside, barely-there nudes might not be what you’d like from your off-duty weekend manicure. The soft, creamy finish of pastels mean that any colour is automatically toned down, while still giving your mani some personality. 

For something soft and girly, try Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Pink Crush, and for a subtle pop of colour, a creamy mint like Nail Lab Nail Lacquer in Ethan or a soft coral like Ulta3 Nail Colour in Hot Sand will work a treat.

#3 / You can still make a statement with your nail colour

Despite the softer finish, pastels can still help you make a statement with your manicure, especially if you pick brighter colours with more intensity.

Try SCOUT Cosmetics Breathable Nail Polish in All Star for a bright pop of colour, ModelCo Nail Polish in What’s Up Buttercup? for a warm finish, or Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Crush on Blue for something a little bold.

#4 / They suit everyone

Yep, from the fairest of fair skin tones to the darkest, there are so many pastel shades that suit all skin tones. 

While most pastels will suit any skin tone, if you’re looking for a specific pastel hue that’ll enhance yours, those with fair skin can try Butter London 10-in-1 Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer in Brill!, medium skin tones can try CND VINYLUX in Cake Pop and those with more tanned and darker skin tones should experiment with the fun and vibrant Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Cut The Mullet.

Image photography by: Edward Urrutia